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WEATHERING THE STORM
IRD Duhallow Supporting Communities & Those Isolated to Link Into Supports
In the aftermath of a month filled with extremely heavy snowfall followed quickly by Storm Éowyn everyone is glad to be facing into February with hopefully improved weather conditions and a longer stretch to the evenings. However, in the aftermath of these extremities it was clear to see across all rural communities how many people were very isolated and left for days without power and water which created
significant challenges for daily life. We saw volunteers come together to help reach those most in need in these times. IRD Duhallow established a localised response centre in the James O’Keeffe Institute working as part of the Cork County Council and the Community Response Forum and Local Coordination group which consisted of the principal response agencies co ordinating supports across the region.
Tackling Rural Isolation & Social Exclusion
Now it is a time to reflect on what we can do in advance of future weather situations to tackle such rural isolation. When it comes to rural areas neighbours are great to check in on each other. However, there are many people who keep to themselves and are more isolated than others, many of whom are not originally from the area. Also for our farming community that suffered significant damage and loss, be it fodder, sheds machines and it is now hitting home both financially and emotionally. The IRD Duhallow Rural Community Health Worker is here to help seport everyone throughout tand provide a safe space to talk about this This can make a significant difference. For those who are more isolated, those who have no family support nearby there are many supports that they can avail of from IRD Duhallow which will help them to feel more connected. We urge you to encourage those in need to consider the following initiatives.
The Duhallow Meals on Wheels Service runs Monday to Friday delivering meals to people’s homes with many taking an extra chilled meal on a Friday for use over the weekend. For as little as €9.50 a meal and desert is delivered straight to their door. Our delivery drivers have a great relationship built up over the years with their clients and for many it might be the only person they see of a day. Meals can be booked on a long term or short term basis with many people availing of the service just when they are convalescing or recuperating. This vital service operated throughout the snow and storm in January thanks to the great help of local volunteers offering their tractors and 4-wheel drives to ensure meals were delivered to the remotest of areas.
Similarly, the Duhallow Community Laundry operates Monday to Friday in Newmarket offering a great service to individuals and family carers. In the aftermath of the storm, families without power were also accommodated and will be continued to be accomodated. For a very reasonable cost, a collection and delivery service ensures that clients have freshly laundered clothes and linen weekly. This service really makes a difference in the lives of carers and those living on their own as it takes the burden off them.
Warmer Homes Scheme: If you our your neighbours home was built and occupied before 2011 then home insulation grants are available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to assist in upgrading homes in an affordable manner. Works include attic and cavity wall insulation. To further support those over 65 yrs of age we deliver the Senior Alert Scheme in Cork and Kerry which enables people to continue to live securely in their own homes by providing them with a personally monitors alarm and pendant.
Get Active: We are now coming into the Spring and this is a great time to get outdoors to experience the great walks developed in Duhallow and to socialise with more people. The Duhallow region has some amazing walks on our door step and IRD Duhallow operates monthly guided walks of different gradients across the region.
We also run a very popular weekly Walk and Social Club on a Monday and Wednesday in the Island Wood Newmarket followed by a well-earned cup of tea and a chat in the James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket. This is a great way to meet people while also looking after your health. There is a choice of 2 walks to cater for those with varying time and ability.
For those who like to read why not come and meet like minded individuals at our Reading for the Brain book club which meets weekly in Newmarket. Again, it’s a great way to meet more people and widen your circle with great friendships having developed already in the group.
For those who are caring for a loved one in Duhallow it can be a very isolating role. The Duhallow Carers meets on the first Thursday evening of every month in Newmarket and is a established supportive environment to meet those in a similar situation to oneself.
Duhallow also boasts 18 Actively Retired groups across the region so why not reach out to one of those in your community and take part in all the fabulous events and trips they run throughout the year. Again it a great way to fill your week and meet others with many groups having members from 50 years and upwards.
This Discover Duhallow Magazine features a gig guide of events in every issue with something on for all interests through the region. We are very fortunate to have such active communities running these events and they welcome everyone to attend.
For information on all of the above supports please contact us on 029-60633 or duhallow@ irdduhallow.com
Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has this week launched the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme to provide essential support for those who continue to be impacted by Storm Éowyn. There are three stages to this support.
Stage 1: Immediate Humanitarian Support for those without power and/or water
• This is available to people who need immediate humanitarian support. Payments are not income tested and are generally for essential food and clothing based on the immediate need of impacted individuals.
Stages 2 and 3: Humanitarian Supports
• Stage 2 support generally involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items after a severe weather event.
• Stage 3 is to identify the longer-term financial support required to make a person’s accommodation habitable, and includes funding for plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.
Stages 2 and 3 humanitarian supports are subject to income limits: €50,000 for a single person; €90,000 for a couple and €15,000 per dependent child.
For further information on this please contact your local Community Welfare Service
Phoneline: 0818 60 70 80
Newmarket Branch Office: 029-22110
Macroom Branch Office: 026-20900
Email: has@welfare.ie
