Church collection proves a success for KMHA

KERRY Mental Health Association (KMHA) Castleisland District Branch members wish to thank the community for its contribution to their recent annual church gate collection.

The collection raised €1,395. The branch covers Castleisland, Cordal, Scartaglin, Knocknagoshel, Ballymacelligot and Clogher, Currow and Currans.

The branch also raises funds through its charity shop, Second Chance, which is located at 105 Main Street in Castleisland.

The shop was opened in 2012 and is a great success. The generosity of the community in the locality is greatly appreciated by the branch members and shop management.

Worn out items that can’t be sold such as clothes, shoes, bags, curtains and more are recycled.

“Second Chance is the only charity shop in Castleisland that directly supports local activity for the town and district,” said spokesperson Joan Brosnan.

“All of our funds support local projects in the Castleisland and district area. Our branch was opened in 2001 and is run completely by volunteers. We support the Shanowen Day Place Centre in Castleisland having provided a bus for transport, ongoing funding for outings, therapies, etcetera.

“Major funding is also given to the Castleisland Community Garden. This project is most welcome in the community and provides a great social role in bringing the community together.

“We also support mental health services in the community along with individuals when they are identified to us.

“Each branch of KMHA raises funds in their own locality and all funds are managed by the local volunteers and available to be used within the community.

“The main base for KMHA is Ross Products in Killarney, an Approved Housing Body providing housing to people who are being supported by HSE Mental Health Services.

“These houses are spread across our communities in Kerry and are both supported and non-supported. Our books are audited annually,” Ms Brosnan concluded.

More information can be found in the KMHA website: www.kerymnentalhealth.com.

Photo by John Reidy. Betty Riordan, Joan Brosnan, Annette O’Connor, Mary Fitzgerald, Tara Howarth, Kathleen Kennedy, Maria Nolan, Peggy Reidy, Síle Kerley, and Mary Howarth.