Craoibhín Ballina launches Lend A Hand programme in north Mayo

The Craoibhín Ballina community and social centre has set up a Lend A Hand programme in the north Mayo area as part of its support to the local community.

The initiative was officially launched on October 12 last at the Craoibhín Centre on Cathedral Road, Ballina.

The new programme is designed to offer support with carrying out minor household repairs and odd jobs to those who may need extra assistance in the north Mayo area.

Run under the auspices of Moy Valley Resources and with inclusion as a core value, Craoibhín is open to any adult who experiences social isolation, loneliness or who would like to make a friend in the community.

The Lend A Hand programme extends Craoibhín’s involvement in the north Mayo community and complements many of group’s existing projects and regular activities.

Emma Donoghue, manager of Craoibhín Ballina, said: “A lot of the people we support experience loneliness, social isolation, physical limitations and financial deprivation. As a result, many people who avail of our services are unable to keep on top of maintenance tasks in their homes, so we decided to try and help out with the new Lend a Hand programme.”

At the launch, David Dwane, chairperson of the board of Moy Valley Resources, said that the principal activities of Moy Valley Resources, as a community development organisation, are to provide services in the areas of social inclusion and economic development for the region.

“Craoibhín Ballina aligns perfectly with our objectives” he added. “Since Craoibhín was set up by Moy Valley Resources 15 years ago, the project has gone from strength to strength under the management of Emma Donoghue and the Craoibhín Ballina committee, and with the financial support of Pobal.”

Mr. Dwane paid tribute to the staff in Craoibhín Ballina and also thanked the volunteers at the centre and Archers of Ballina for their sponsorship of tools for the Lend a Hand programme. He paid tribute to the work of Moy Valley Resources CEO, Annette Maughan, who is also chair of the Craoibhín Ballina committee, and to Emma Donoghue for their invaluable contribution in getting this new initiative off the ground, which included the purchase of a dedicated van.

The launch was compered by Denise Swanick of the Craoibhín Ballina committee, who spoke of how positively she had been impacted by the centre since she joined the committee.

Other speakers at the launch included the cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District, Councillor Seamus Weir, Pat O'Brien, vice-chair of the Craoibhín Ballina committee, Tracey Glacken, president of Ballina Chamber of Commerce, and Jacqueline Kinsella, Community Employment Scheme supervisor at Moy Valley Resources.

Craoibhín Ballina’s dedicated Lend a Hand van has been funded by the HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme.

The type of jobs which the Lend A Hand programme can help out with includes the fitting of light bulbs and light fittings, the fitting and service of smoke alarms, the fitting of carbon monoxide alarms, the hanging of pictures and curtain poles, and the checking of window fittings for safety. Craoibhín Ballina can help with other small household maintenance tasks.

To carry out the work of the programme, Craoibhín Ballina is looking for volunteers to donate a couple of hours each week. This is an ideal volunteering opportunity for retired tradespeople, for those who are competent at DIY, or for other persons who are happy to assist with this programme, who have spare time and who would like to make a difference in someone’s life. The Mayo Volunteer Centre are coordinating the recruitment of volunteers who wish to take part in this initiative with Craoibhín Ballina.

Emma Donoghue would like to express her sincere appreciation to the staff of Craoibhín Ballina: Fidelma Gaughan, Cathriona Lynn, Gabriella Marsh, Jennifer Mayock, Sheena Foody, Emer Connolly, Mary Enright, George Ryder, Gerry Browne and Shane McGrath. She invites any business that is interested in sponsoring the Lend A Hand programme to contact the Craoibhín Ballina centre. To get in touch with Craoibhín Ballina centre, Cathedral Road, Ballina, contact (087) 2785365 or craoibhinballina@gmail.com.