Equality and Social Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Equality and Social Inclusion

Duhallow Carers

Joan Cashman led a Colour Me Beautiful seminar with members of the Duhallow Carers Group through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Ability participants enjoying ‘ chair yoga ’ . IRD Duhallow has received funding from Cork Sports Partnership for physical activities to benefit this group. Member of the Duhallow Carers Group, Nora O’Halloran and her son Dan enjoying the sunshine

Nicole Ferris preparing a laptop for loan to a college student. IRD Duhallow purchased a number of laptops which were lent to individuals who may have not had access to their own computers.

Our last Dormant Accounts programme 2018-2020 played a vital role for carers over the last 18 months allowing them to access accredited and non-accredited courses, various workshops and talks while also being able to network with other carers through our regular meetings. This programme was a great introduction for many carers to access information and upskill. Dormant Accounts programme 2018-2020 allowed us the opportunity to meet with a large number of carers and get an understanding for the challenges they face on a daily basis. For many carers it was the opportunity to network with other carers and access even the simplest of workshops which sometimes gives them more than undertaking a more intensive generic accredited course.

Since the start of the COVID 19 crisis the lives of carers have, like all other families, been turned upside down. Since the lock down began to lift we have been able to hold our group meetings again and this has a lifeline for all the carers where they have been able to meet each other and take time for themselves. Even during the lockdown our Whatsapp group for the carers helped them through the difficult days also. If COVID 19 has shown us anything it is how important such networks and supports are to help look after the carers wellbeing and tackle isolation and loneliness.

In the light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Family and Voluntary Carers have faced a particularly challenging time and the peer support among carers in a non-judgemental therapeutic space cannot be underestimated. As part of National Carers Week, IRD Duhallow was delighted to launch the Duhallow carers Dormant Accounts Programme 2021-2022, which has a particular focus on improving employment and self-employment opportunities for carers. An array of training opportunities were delivered including bespoke Personal Development focusing on self-awareness, self-esteem and self-efficacy as well as career planning advice and supports in relation to CV and Interview preparation. Other workshops advertised on our website, social media channels, newsletter and Discover Duhallow magazine included yoga, mindfulness and art therapy as well as talks and seminars on how to build resilience, stress and time management.