The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Iveragh Mental Health make sizeable donation to Cahersiveen Social Services
CAHERSIVEEN Social Services recently received a welcome boost to its coffers in time for Christmas. Iveragh Mental Health presented them with a cheque for €30,000 to help furnish five new houses in the community, which will add to their existing housing stock of 22. The latter houses have already helped change the lives of elderly returning emigrants by reinvigorating their sense of community, while the new stock of houses will be presented to elderly people within the community and to people with mild intellectual disabilities.
Iveragh Mental Health have also assisted Cahersiveen Social Services with the purchase of a new bus, which is used by people with disabilities and the elderly. This is a prime of example of two excellent organisations coming together to achieve a greater good for their community.
Paul O’Donoghue is Chairperson of Cahersiveen Social Services and he welcomed the donation which will go back into helping those most vulnerable in the community.
“It’s one of the biggest donations we’ve ever received. Our services offer a broad range of supports to people. We also like to reach out and work with other groups. We have a great relationship with Iveragh Mental Health, who do tremendous work. They have always been very helpful to us,” Paul said.
He also asserts that the timing of the donation couldn’t be better as the new houses will need refurbishing. It is hoped the extra five houses will be finished by Christmas. In addition, Cahersiveen Social Services provide meals on wheels from its day-care centre and therapeutic services.
“We try to encourage independent living where we can and residents of these new homes will be able to avail of these services as they are right next to the complex,” said Paul.
Paul wishes to thank members of Iveragh Mental Health: Chairman Christy O’Connell, and committee members, Jackie O’Sullivan, Debbie Coffey, Fiona de Buis, Maryanne O’Connor and Kathleen Sugrue.