The door is always open at Second Chance

The Second Chance Charity Shop on Main Street, Castleisland is dedicated to increasing awareness of mental health issues and promoting positive mental health for everyone.

Originally the brainchild of two local ladies, second chance has now become an established presence on Castleisland’s Main Street and, is in its fourth successful year of trading.

All the money raised by the shop goes directly into funds for the Castleisland and District Branch of the Kerry Mental Health Association.

The money is then used to fund locally based community projects as well as helping individuals where a need has been recognized.

Some of the projects to have received financial help include: Castleisland Community Garden; Castleisland Tidy Towns Committee; KDYS and Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club.

The shop benefits from the invaluable support and commitment of a group of volunteers who give freely of their time in a positive manner.

This helps to create a warm, genuine atmosphere which reflects the ideals of the Kerry Mental Health Association.

“As mental health applies to us all, our door is always open for people to come in to have a chat, sit down have a coffee or tea with a volunteer,” said volunteer spokesperson and local artist, Kate Shanahan.

“Often just talking to someone can make our problems lessen, to know there is someone to listen can make a huge difference.

“In October when Mental Health week will be taking place we will be having a range of courses for mental health wellbeing in which we will be encouraging people to take part.

“Knowledge of mental health gives empowerment to everyone from minding your mental health to maintaining mental health wellbeing.

“We are grateful for any donations of cash or sale-able goods and all our profits go directly back into the community,” said Kate.

The volunteers will be delighted to take any of the following donations of: Clean clothes for men, women and children; Clean fabrics; Paired Shoes; Books; CDs DVDs and Video Games; Mobile Phones; Jewellery; good accessories and broken items of gold and silver.

Photo by John Reidy Members of the voluntary group which run the Second Chance Charity Shop at Upper Main Street, Castleisland. Included are: Kathleen Kennendy (front) with from left: Bernie Hogan, Ita Prendiville, Tara Howarth, Joan Walsh, Bridget O’Flynn, Gina McElligott, Helen Griffin and Kate Shanahan.