COLLABORATIVE PROJECT HAS FOUND INSTANT FAVOUR AT CHILDCARE CENTRE
STAFF and tots at Liscarroll Community Childcare recently took delivery of a very special piece of equipment courtesy of Kanturk Men’s Shed Group.
The ‘Buddy Bench’ now has pride of place in the playground and already is a favourite meeting place for the children.
“We are delighted to be part of the Little Buddies Programme in association with Buddy Bench Ireland and Kanturk Men’s Shed. Building emotional well-being in preschool children is very important and forms a cornerstone of our curriculum here in Liscarroll Community Childcare” Manager Tina Hayes told The Corkman.
Buddy Bench Ireland is a positive mental health programme which promotes emotional resilience in children and the Little Buddies Programme helps to encourage inclusion through empathy, kindness, friendship, and compassion.
“We were delighted to work with our local Men’s Shed who designed and produced the Buddy Bench, and this partnership encourages inclusion within the community” Tina added.
Philip Dineen of Kanturk Men’s Shed Group explained to The Corkman how Tina Hayes contacted him about making a Buddy Bench. He brought the project to the attention of his fellow members and the group immediately got to work and enjoyed constructing the colourful and sturdy Bench.
Kanturk Men’s Shed Group get togeter every Tuesday night from 7pm - 9pm in the Edel Quinn Hall. “We welcome new members and it’s not all about making stuff ” Philip Dineen explained, “call in for a cuppa or a game of cards, and it’s not only for retired men, anyone from 18 to 100 with a bit of time on their hands is very welcome,” Philip said.
There are lots of exciting things coming up at the Men’s Shed Group - they are involved with the Tidy Towns, the Forthcoming Arts Festival, and are undertaking a fundraising walk for Pieta House in May, as well as designing and making all kinds of wonderful things like the Buddy Bench.