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Connecting with Family Carers Conference- 4th September 2008 - UCC Cork
A one day International Conference will be held on Thursday 4th of September at UCC Cork from 10.30am - 4.30pm. This conference aims to bring attention to family carers, their experiences of caring, the issues they identify as priorities and accessibility to support services.
Presentations will draw on Irish and European perspectives on caring.
There is no fee for participation. We request that you indicate your interest by registering to facilitate catering arrangements:
Contact: Jacqui - 021-4205131
Email: jacquior@ucc.ie
Click Here to download Conference Programme.
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Training Unit - Adult Education Tutors - Vacancies
We wish to extend our part-time external tutor database to provide nationwide training coverage and are seeking a range of enthusiastic and qualified professionals to deliver a series of training modules, including:
For further details CLICK HERE.
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Carers Garden Party - Aras an Uachtarain
8th July 2008
On Tuesday 8th of July President McAleese hosted a Garden Party at Aras an Uachtarain to mark the work of carers throughout the island of Ireland. Over 120 carers from The Carers Association, Caring for Carers, Care Alliance and Carers NI met for lunch then travelled together to the Aras.
Carers Teresa Sammon, Hannah Keogh, Dr. McAleese, President McAleese, Marie Delaney and Mary Masterson.
There they were all personally greeted by President and Dr. Martin McAleese and had an opportunity to have their photo taken.
Music and Singing and Riverdancers entertained everyone present and carers were blessed with a glorious day of sunshine and laughter.
Wexford Carers with Centre Manager, Marian Mahon at the Aras.
Speaking to more than 350 carers, the President said,
"Only in recent years have we looked much more closely at the phenomenal work undertaken by carers, the relentless pressures they bear around the clock, the personal sacrifices they make, giving up work in some cases or trying to hold down a job and care simultaneously, making do with less income and so less choice, because of the illness of a spouse or family member, living sometimes very isolated and lonely lives through having very little time off to get a break or socialise."
Carer of the Year Margaret Curran, Dr. McAleese, President McAleese and Carmel Cunniffe
President McAleese continued,
"Events like last month’s National Carers’ Week have done much to raise our awareness of what life is like for carers. We salute your love, kindness, compassion and courage and we look forward with your help to creating an island of Ireland where those burdens are more evenly spread, more easily shared."
"Today’s garden party is about saying thank you for all you do and for the powerful witnesses you are to love that is more than words or sentiment but is lived in the ups and downs, the pressures and strains of everyday lives that confront much more difficulties than most other people. Those for whom you care are very blessed by your dedication to their wellbeing."
Teresa and Martin Cuddy, Portlaoise pictured with President McAleese and Dr. McAleese. ________________________
Listening to Carers Report Launched
- 30th June 2008
On Monday 30th of June the Listening to Carers Report was launched by Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin. The launch took place at The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire at 11am.
Speaking at the launch The Carers Association CEO, Enda Egan said the report reinforced anecdotal evidence that family care in the home was no longer sustainable and increased payments and supports were urgently needed.
Frank Goodwin, Chairperson, Minister Mary Hanafin and Enda Egan, CEO, The Carers Association pictured at the launch.
The report is the result of a nationwide Carer Consultation exercise that took place during October and November 2007. The consultation was led by The Carers Association in partnership with the other main carer organisations, Caring for Carers Ireland and Care Alliance Ireland. Part funding for the Consultation was provided by the Equality Authority as part of its activities for 2007's European Year of Equal Opportunities for All.
Senator Mark Daly, Minister Mary Hanafin, Theresa Hulme, Family Carer and Catherine Cox, Communications Manager, The Carers Association.
The Consultation was intended to provide an up-to-date perspective on the experiences and concerns of carers across the country. It presents some timely insights into what issues need to be prioritised in the forthcoming National Carers Strategy.
Niall Crowley, Equality Authority, An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Joyce and Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin.
Carers from Tipperary pictured with Minister Hanafin, Richie Molloy, Clonmel Centre Manager, Renee O'Rourke, Board Member and Steffani McDonagh, Limerick Centre Manager.
View Press Release Here
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National Carers Week - 9th - 15th June 2008
Fair City's Bella and Suzanne Doyle (actors Jim Bartley and Sarah McDowell) on Monday 9th of June in Buswells Hotel joined Care Alliance Ireland and 13 Regional and National Carers organisations, to launch this years National Carers Week, which ran from June 9th-15th.
Sarah McDowell and Jim Bartley pictured at the launch of Carers Week 2008
The aim of the week was to highlight the contribution of the 161,000 family carers in Ireland and to call on government for more support services for carers. Dozens of local events took place nationwide.
Jean Day, Chair, Care Alliance Ireland, speaking at the launch, had two wishes for family carers; A doubling of home help provision; and that all family carers can have a break from their caring, knowing that their loved one is being cared for by someone who is trained to do so.
Jean Day, Chair, Care Alliance and Frank Goodwin, Chairperson, The Carers Association pictured at the launch of Carers Week 2008
Frank Goodwin from The Carers Association, spoke about how 2008 is an important year for family carers, in light of the upcoming National Family Carers Strategy and is confident that the government will make provision for its implementation in Budget 2009.
Fair City's Bella and Suzanne Doyle pictured on set supporting Carers Week.
The Carers Association Carers Week Events
All our 16 centres across the country held various events to celebrate Carers Week. Some highlights:
Clonmel Carers Day - 5th June
Kilkenny Carers enjoying lunch in Clonmel
Renee O'Rourke, Board Member pictured with family carers Des Kelly and Pat Kelly.
Social evening 11th June - Roselawn Inn in Castleknock for Blanchardstown Centre
On Wednesday 11th June we held a social evening in the Roselawn Inn in Castleknock. A great range of music was provided by Martin Kavanagh, (staff), Larry & family Carer Joe Heffron on the fiddle.
A large group of family Carers, friends & family enjoyed the music & song. There was lots of spot prizes & a great evening was rounded off with a sing-song.
Carers from Blanchardstown Centre enjoying music night
Rathgar Centre - Carers Week
Carers week was a great success in Rathgar. The most popular activities were Bio-Energy Healing and the Beauty Pamper Day.
For the beauty day (Friday 13th June) there was 33 Carers in attendance. Every Carer who attended had a beauty treatment (facial, head massage, reflexology).
Limerick Centre - Carers Week
As part of carer week celebrations Grandparents Day at Queen of Peace School, Janesboro, Limerick was organized by Marie Hourigan (Parent & Respite Worker for the Carers Association), Michael Ryan (Principal) and Eamon O Connell (Teacher 6th Class). They were supported by 6th class pupils, parent classes, the Parents Association, teachers and staff.
Grandparents (and parents) were welcomed into the school hall where art work was on display. Tea, Coffee and sandwiches were served. Then 6th class sang a couple of songs and recited poems. Two girls did some Irish dancing and played the violin. Then a raffle was held with prizes donated by the Carers Association, local businesses etc. The raffle raised €620 for the Carers Association which we are very grateful as it will go towards respite hours for local carers.
Kilkenny Centre - Carers Week
The Kilkenny Centre held a coffee morning and flower arranging class in the Resource Centre on 12th June.
Geraldine Molloy and Laoise Ryan at Flower Making Class
That afternoon a Barbecue was held in IWA Centre in Kilkenny, in partnership with Carers Association. Over sixty people attended. The gathering was addressed by Minister John Mc Guinness TD-FF, by Mary White TD-Green Party, and by the Lord Mayor of Kilkenny, and family carer, Marie Fitzpatrick KCC, Michael Doyle Regional Director IWA.
All speakers commented on the importance of family carers and how important it was for groups to work together. Also in attendance were, Andrew Mc Guinness KCC-FF and Malcolm Noonan KCC.
Mullingar Centre - Carers Week
While she will always be known as 'Biddy from Glenroe', Westmeath actress Mary McEvoy was also a family carer and shared her experiences at the launch of the Care in the Home course in Mullingar during Carers Week. Speaking at the launch, Ms. McEvoy told of her own experience as a family carers and commended the work that carers do. She applauded the carers present and called for recognition for carers.
Waterford Centre - Carers Week
A great week was had by all with a great line up of events throughout the week including Accuppressure Massage, Reiki, Reflexology and
our very own Mystic Rosie reading the cards.
Mayor of Waterford Cllr Mary O'Halloran pictured with staff and carers on the opening day of the Waterford Centre Carers Week
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Brussels - 11th June 2008
On 11th June, a group of over 40 Munster carers and staff from the Carers Association and other caring organisations travelled to Brussels during National Carers Week 2008 at the invitation of Kathy Sinnott, MEP.
Renee O'Rourke, Board Member, MEP Kathy Sinnott, Lillian Canniffe, Family Carer, Georgina Jeffries and Mary McDonnell, Family Carer pictured in Brussels.
On 12th June, the group visited the European Parliament and viewed the Hemicycle from the Public Gallery. They then attended a meeting of the European Parliament Special Interest Group on Carers at which they had the opportunity to raise the issues that carers face in their day to day lives. Carers also took the opportunity to speak about the National Carers Strategy currently being developed for family carers and the requirement for a Needs Assessment for carers to be included in this strategy.
Carers pictured in Brussels with Cork Centre Manager Peter Cox
The group then travelled to Leuven, home of the famous “Irish College” and afterwards attended mass at Fr. Damiens Church.
Kathy Sinnott met the group for dinner at Leuven that evening.
The following day, 13th June 4 designate members of the group attended a mental health Conference.The rest of the group had day for sightseeing.
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Carers Visit Aras an Uachtarain and meet with President McAleese - 8th May 2008
On Thursday 8th of May 50 Carers travelled from all over the country to Dublin as part of The Carers Association's 21st Anniversary celebrations. The Carers Association were joined by members of Care Alliance, Caring for Carers and Carers Northern Ireland on the day. Following a lunch at The Gresham Hotel, the group were taken by bus to the Aras.
Carers from Cork and West Cork pictured with President McAleese.
President McAleese addresses the group
President McAleese met with each person individually and invited everyone to enjoy some afternoon tea with her, following this the President commended carers on their dedication and tireless work for their loved ones. A tour of the Aras completed a very special day out for family Carers.
Carers from Dublin including Blanchardstown Centre Manger Jacqueline Millman pictured with President McAleese.
President McAleese speaking with Enda Egan, CEO and Frank Goodwin, Chairperson, The Carers Association
Male Carers: Neil Larkin, Pat Kelly, Morris OConnor, President McAleese, James Kelly, Richie Molloy (Clonmel Centre) and Tom Tunny.
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