IRD Duhallow Progress Jun 21/22.qxp_Layout 1 21/07/2022 12:53 Page 33
IRD DUHALLOW | PROGRESS REPORT
2020 - 2021
Duhallow Carers IRD Duhallow established the Duhallow Carers Support Group in 2006 and since then has provided a range of supports for family carers throughout the region. In the past 16 years we have successfully delivered 3 Dormant Accounts Training Programmes to Members of the Duhallow Carers network Family Carers across Duhallow. We celebrating Mum’s Coffee Morning in the have over 150 carers on our James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket. database. Our group meets on the first Thursday of every month and we have a regular cohort of 35 carers who attend these meetings with many others availing of the various information seminars, workshops and events that we facilitate. This year we established a new sub group of the Duhallow Carers which provides supports to a specific group of carers for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Dormant Accounts 2021-2022 In time for Carers Week in June 2021, IRD Duhallow was delighted to launch the Duhallow Carers Dormant Accounts Programme 2021-2022, which had a particular focus on improving employment and selfKieran Butler of Future Careers with some employment opportunities for carers. of our participants of the Personal The Personal Development and Development and Careers Programme. Careers skills course delivered earlier this year, focussed on and sought to assist with particular challenges faced by Family and Voluntary Carers including emotional and social impacts of their roles and often very little time for wellbeing and self-care. Five themed workshops introduced career management concepts and activities and served as a catalyst to self-exploration, practical tips on job hunt supported by reflective Journals provided for each participant and pointers on effective reflective practice. Attendees at the MS Office Essentials course, learning practical computer skills in the computer lab of the James O’Keeffe Institute.
The MS Office Essentials course for Family and Voluntary Carers was also very well attended and provided important employment skills for learners, to assist with the acquirement of paid employment. IRD Duhallow was delighted to offer a wide array of training courses and workshops, both accredited and nonaccredited offerings including a seminar on how to advocate on behalf or you child at school provided by Inclusion Ireland and a very interesting session on the Assisted Decision Making Act followed by an information article in the Discover Duhallow Magazine. Further training A lovely treat for very deserving mums! Kristina of Croi Beauty Newmarket highlights included Art therapy for providing beautiful manicures for our Carers, Patient Moving Handling, QQI Family and Voluntary Carers during Level 5 Intellectual Disabilities, Forest Mother’s Day celebration in the James Bathing and many more. O’Keeffe Institute.
Kerry Walker, Forest School Leader and Forest Therapy Practitioner Mentor and Trainer of Nature Hub leading the Carers group in a Forest Bathing workshop. Forest Bathing means to ‘immerse oneself in the atmosphere of the forest’ offering a truly relaxing experience.
The Duhallow Carers network provides a safe environment and space for those looking after a loved one to get together to share experiences, skills and knowledge on their journey as Carers. Whether it is an elderly relative, a person is looking after, a neighbour or child with special needs- Family and Voluntary Carers in Duhallow are wholeheartedly invited to attend meetings on the first Thursday of every month in the James O'Keeffe Institute, Newmarket. Alongside much needed peer support, IRD Duhallow was delighted to continue to offer training to those looking after loved ones, always with the view of helping Carers to be better equipped and understood, in particular in the light of the global COVID-19 pandemic which put activities on hold for a very long time.
One of the highlights funded through the Dormant Accounts fund was a Mother's Day coffee morning for Carers in Duhallow. The coffee morning took place on “Always a great evening when we get together!” Members of the Duhallow Carers Network enjoying a great chat and the 28th of March 2022 catch up during their monthly meeting. and was well attended and enjoyed by all. Alongside delicious treats served by Duhallow Community Food Services, all Carers in attendance were delighted to take home a pampering surprise bag with little treats to sweeten their day. IRD Duhallow was delighted to have Kristina from Croi Beauty, Newmarket treating attendees to a manicure. A wonderful morning full of chatter, laughter and of course, delicious sweet and savoury food was the perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day.
Represented by Breda Buckley, long established member of the Duhallow Carers Network, the group was delighted to have the opportunity to directly discuss Carers related issues with Minister Norma Foley TD during her visit to Newmarket in 2021.
HSE National Lottery Grant for Carers IRD Duhallow was delighted to secure funding for Family and Voluntary Carers through the HSE National Lottery fund. Funding allowed IRD Duhallow to deliver training and events to improve the quality of life of those looking after a loved one. Offerings included a First Aid course, a course on mindfulness and wellbeing through Feng Shui.
Duhallow Carers group member Breda Buckley speaking with Minister Norma Foley TD
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