Minister Simon Harris visits Community Care
The Minister for Health Simon Harris visited Carnew Community Care Centre after officially opening the Back Alley playground.
Secretary for Carnew Community Care Pat Brennan said they spent the time showing Minister Harris the facilities and outlining what they need in order for the centre to stay open.
‘We got our message across,’ said Pat. ‘We asked Minister Harris to help us secure some additional funding for the up-keep of the centre.’
Carnew Community Cares budget has been cut throughout the years by the HSE. ‘We want to see certain parts of it restored,’ said Pat. ‘We can’t even get enough trainees and would like to be able to employ permanent staff.’
Parts of the building are not fit for purpose anymore. Pat said they have 28 shelter houses and the day centre.
‘It is a model centre for delivery of services for elderly people,’ said Pat. ‘Our residents and visitors are well able to live independently, we just lack in funding and staff.’
The Centres major fundraiser is the pop-up shops where volunteers try sell items. ‘This is a major source of funding for us,’ added Pat.
Minister Harris walked around with Pat Brennan, Chairman of Carnew Community Care Cllr Pat Doran, and nurse Sr Josephine. They showed him the houses and discussed the services they provide such as arts and crafts, physio, hairdressing, bingo, and laundry.