By Pat Brosnan
Palliative Care
A nationwide campaign to highlight how palliative care can improve the quality of life of any person with an incurable illness has been announced. The campaign, Making the most of Life, will take place during the first ever Palliative Care Week from October 6th to 11th. It is an all island campaign and is being co-ordinated by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC). The AIIHPC care director, Paddy Blaney, said “a palliative care approach looks at much more than medical needs. It seeks to care for all aspects of the person, mind, body and spiritual and also supports their family, friends and carers both during the illness and afterwards”. For the very best outcomes palliative care starts as early as possible and is suitable for a number of years, not just the days or weeks at the end of life. It enables people to enjoy a better quality of life and when faced with an incurable illness it is a great comfort for families, extended family and friends to have special time. The campaign is supported by the Department of Health, HSE and providers of hospice and palliative care across the country as well as all health agencies in Northern Ireland. Many information events will take place across the country during Palliative Care Week as well as newspaper, radio and online adverts. More information can be found at www.palliativecareweek.com
Hundreds of Job-focussed Course Places Still Available
As the new higher education academic year is almost upon us, jobseekers are being encouraged to follow the free “up-skilling route” back into employment with springboard.
The government-backed initiative managed by the Higher Education Authority provides the skills and qualifications for roles currently in demand in growth sectors of the economy. These range from information and communications technology (ICT), enterprise skills linked to trading internationally, manufacturing, international financial services and business start-up skills. All courses lead to qualifications in areas where there are skills needed. Applicants can apply for remaining places in Institutes of Technology, Universities and private Colleges. Anyone with a previous employment history who is currently out of work can view available courses on the Springboard website www.springboardcourses.ie and get one-to-one support on the dedicated Springboard helpline 1800 303 523. The Department of Social Protection or the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) can also help with information.
Limerick Garda Launch Inaugural Youth Awards 2014
Limerick Gardaí in association with Garveys SuperValu, Newcastle West and Corbally, Limerick have launched the inaugural Limerick Garda Youth Awards for 2014. An Garda Síochána recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community in Limerick and awards will be considered for nominated young people who, by their presence, make their communities a better place to live in. There will be nine awards, four overall award winners, one award winner from each of the four Garda districts within the Limerick division; Bruff, Newcastle West, Henry Street and Roxboro Road and one special achievement award for a young person or group of young people who have defied the odds or overcome difficult circumstances and whose commitment deserves recognition. The inaugural Limerick Garda Youth Awards for 2014 in association with Garveys SuperValu will be presented at a gala dinner in the Woodlands House Hotel on Thursday, November 27th 2014. The nomination process is open to everyone so if you know of a young person who is committed to making a difference to their community, please put them forward, as every nominee will receive a certificate even if they do not win an award. This way, all nominees are recognised for their efforts and the certificate is a very valuable item to have on a young person’s CV into the future. The closing date for receipt of nominations is Friday, 24th October.
Rules for the Competition
- Awards are confined to young people who are not more than 19 years and not less than 14 years on 1st September 2014.
- Nominees must be living within the Limerick Garda Division.
- Awards are confined to individuals with the exception of the special achievement award which is open to a group of young people.
- Any member of the public, including family members or relatives may nominate anyone whom they feel deserves an award.
- Forms must be signed by nominator and co-nominator.
- Judges decision is final.
Application forms are now available at all local Garda Stations and in the SuperValu and Centra Stores in Newcastle West and Corbally. The application is also available to download online at www.garda.ie and www.garveygroup.ie. Further details can also be got form the Juvenile Liaison Office, Mayorstone Garda Station Limerick 061-456986.
Comhaltas Concert
The Comhaltas Tour of Ireland concert will be hosted by CCE Teampall an Ghleanntáin at Halla Inse Bháin on Wednesday, October 22nd and it is expected that there will be a big demand for tickets which go on sale this week. Included in the talented line-up of artists which are drawn from Dublin, Clare, Mayo, Limerick, Sligo, Armagh, Cork, Kerry and Cavan are Natasha Sheehy, (musician) Abbeyfeale, John Harnett (dancer) Tournafulla and John Collins (storyteller), Newcastle West. Enquiries 069-84039 or 087-9654451.
GOAL Jersey Day
GOAL Jersey Day will take place on Friday, 3rd October. All schools, colleges and companies are asked to wear their favourite sports jersey on this day and make a contribution to GOAL’s work in the developing world. This has proved a very popular event in the past and raises much needed funds for the great work Goal is doing with some of the most vulnerable people in the world. To sign up email [email protected] or call 01-2809779. For further information visit www.jerseyday.org.
Paint it Pink
The Irish Cancer Society has launched its new Breast Cancer Campaign “Paint it Pink” calling on men and women throughout Ireland to come together this October in the fight against breast cancer. You can organise something big or small to “Paint it Pink” on Friday, October 3rd and raise money for the society.