The South East Solas Centre looks back on a great 2011!

The journey of the Solas Centre began almost four years ago. What started as an ambitious project to provide the best level of cancer services to the people of the South East is now a reality.


Back in 2008, the South East Cancer Foundation outlined the need to expand support services to cancer patients in the region. Each year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2000 people are diagnosed with cancer. In 2011 alone cancer support was provided to 500 patients from the South East Cancer Foundation’s small house in Sealy Terrace in Earlscourt and subsequently from the new Solas Centre. The Solas Centre anticipates that it will be able to provide support to 1,000 patients in 2012.

2011 proved to be a very busy and productive year for the South Eastern Cancer Foundation.

In January, while the Solas Centre was nearing completion the final touches to make it a state of the art facility were being put in place.

February was all about fit-out. Everything from phone systems and furniture, massage couches and art rooms were fitted in the South East Cancer Foundations soon to be new home. There were green areas to be landscaped and new volunteers to be recruited and trained. February 28^th was moving day as the centre relocated to its new home from Sealy Close – a truly momentous and emotional day for all who had given so much of their time and energies.

By early March the new Centre was already experiencing a huge increase in people using their services. The Centre, along with Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Nicky Fewer Memorial Sailing Scholarship Fund, was a grateful beneficiary of proceeds from Cllr. Mary Roche’s Mayors Ball.

In April, the Centre having opened just six weeks earlier was providing support to more than double the number of clients availing of their services. By the end of the month 60 new clients had visited the Solas Centre.

On May 14th, the Solas Centre officially opened its doors to fundraisers and volunteers. All those who had given so generously of their time and assistance were invited to see and experience the new facilities that were at the disposal of cancer patients and their families.

Iain Munro, SECF Chairman, said “The Solas Centre would not be here if it wasn’t for the generosity and good will of the people of the south east. Since April 2008, we have been campaigning to build and fund state of the art cancer support centre that offers excellent services to cancer patients and their families. Frankly, none of this would have been achieved if it wasn’t for the groundswell of support and kindness from the people of Waterford and the South East.”

June brought some much anticipated sunshine and the Solas Centre’s first newsletter. Distributed to over 3,000 fundraisers and supporters of the Centre, the publication highlighted the experience of three people who were in some way affected by cancer. The stories were recalled by Joe Simpson, who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2008, Brian Fanning with testicular cancer in 2007 and June Earl, who cared for her father Jimmy McGrath (R.I.P.), who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer four years ago.

In July, Republic of Ireland and Wolves star Stephen Hunt dropped in to the Solas Centre to launch the South East Run for Life. With sponsorship cards available from the Solas Centre, Sam McCauley stores and AIB branches throughout the region to encourage 1,000 runners, joggers and walkers to take part, Stephen was delighted to announce details of the event. “It is great to be involved with such a good cause that helps so many people through out the South East”, Stephen said. It was also an excuse to have a kick about with Adam O’Neill, a nephew of a Solas Centre patient.

The Hogs were out in force in August for the “Boobs ‘n’ Balls” Bike Trip. Conceived and organised by Waterford Harley Davidson and encompassing Celtic Thunder HOG, Harley Davidson Club of Ireland and the Freewheelers MC, the “Boobs ‘n’ Balls Trip raised a staggering €23,145 for the Solas Centre. A convey of hundreds of motorcycles left Athlone for Waterford and the public support was phenomenal! There was also some much publicised encouragement from Today FM’s Phil Cawley, former Irish rugby hooker Shane Byrne, travel writer and actor Charley Boorman and stunt riding sensation Mattie Griffin.

September was another busy month for fundraising. The fantastic Roanmore GAA Blitz took place during the month followed closely by the Vintage Tractor Rally and the Mooncoin Vintage Club Family Day – three wonderful, fun-filled and entertaining fundraising initiatives!

The sun shone in October and so did the 1,708 runners, joggers and walkers who took part in the South East Run for Life! The increased numbers that participated, the increased money raised for the South East Cancer Foundation and the all new Fun for Life event at the People’s Park in Waterford City on Sunday, October 16^th made the fourth Run for Life its best ever.

The amount raised also exceeded all projections and eclipsed previous year’s totals. With over €264,000 for The Solas Centre this amazing event was an even bigger success than ever imagined.

In November things moved up a gear as the Carrick on Suir Motor Rally Sprint got pulses racing! That month also saw the launch of the Autumn Art programme, in association with Waterford Healing Arts Trust, for people affected by cancer. Under the tutelage of artist Philip Cullen, this therapeutic programme continues to provide participants with the opportunity to explore their creative sides! The workshops include colour mixing, magical landscape creation, patterns on canvas and “the mystery bag”, which involves feeling textured objects in a bag and describing what emotions the object evokes.

December sees The Solas Centre continually expanding its counselling and therapy services. Along with new programmes for groups including stress management and yoga, a new support programme for men were also introduced.

For more information about the cancer support services at the Solas Centre call 051 304604, visit www.solascentre.ie or check out the Facebook page Solas Centre – South Eastern Cancer Foundation.

TechCloud technology gets business going!

HCS Business Solutions, an innovative IT services provider, has been a long time advocate of cloud solutions for businesses in the South East. Over the last three years developments in the IT sector have been gradually moving towards “the cloud”.

With many facets and benefits to SME’s cloud computing effectively has a simple purpose; it allows end users to leverage the Internet for application use, data storage and other tools. Not only that but cloud options are more cost effective, there is no need for on site backup and no more costs associated with managing IT infrastructure.

HCS Business Solutions has developed a new range of IT services, called TechCloud. By delivering this range of services via the cloud computing delivery model, TechCloud will give businesses access to a public or private “cloud” that will ensure a remote, reliable and transparent IT service resulting in greater uptime and more business stability.

According to Neil Phelan, Director of HCS Business Solutions, the cloud is invariably the way forward for businesses of all sizes. “Cloud computing is set to make all businesses re-evaluate their current IT services.”

“The benefits of cloud computing are manifold. Not only does cloud computing reduce productivity costs by eliminating the need for hardware, servers and upgrades, maintenance costs are also eliminated as all cloud services are outsourced to external servers.”

“While the economic climate remains fragile, particularly for small businesses, any service that helps to reduce costs, increase competitiveness and provide greater data security is a very welcome addition to the IT landscape.”

Mr. Phelan added that cloud computing also opens up new opportunities for new and small business enterprises with limited access to resources. With cloud computing businesses can be run with just a few computers and internet capability.

The TechCloud Cloud Services portfolio includes a wide range of product services such as; Office 365 which gives greater access to email, calendar and contacts from virtually anywhere at any time; SharePoint Online and Lync Online, which brings interactions with colleagues and customers to a new level. Another service is Online Data Backup and Email security, which provides email security, content control, business continuity and encryption.

TechCloud Security also protects servers, desktops and laptops ensuring a secure IT network.

Mr. Phelan added that most companies and consumers are already using some form of cloud technologies and may not consider themselves as being cloud users. Services such as Online Backup and Remote Email Filtering are cloud based technologies that are being utilised already by many companies that are now beginning to reap the benefit of the cloud!

For further information about HCS Business Solutions TechCloud services or to avail of a free Cloud Computing assessment, log onto www.hcs.ie or call 051 595200

Home Instead Senior Care urges family and friends to help seniors through the cold weather

The Christmas period allows us to spend more time with our family and friends. With more free time available to us over the holiday season, Home Instead Senior Care is advising family and friends to keep an eye out for tell tale signs that our elderly parents or relatives need more help.

Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care, Waterford said “Over the holiday season we tend to spend more time with our parents, grandparents or senior relatives so it is a good opportunity to make sure that are looking after themselves properly, have sufficient food and heat and are safe in their homes.”

Ms. Connolly advised that there are warning signs to look out for that signal an ageing parent or relative needs more help at home.

· Do they seem to be eating well or is food spoiling in the fridge?

· Have they stopped doing daily grooming rituals like taking a shower or fixing their hair?

· Are they taking the right medications in the right doses at the right times?

· Does their car have new scratches or dents?

· Is mail or newspapers piling up without being read?

· Are they using furniture, towel bars or shower curtains to pull themselves up to stand?

“If you are visiting a senior relative during the Christmas holidays be aware of things that may be changing for your senior relatives. Be ready to spot the signs, have those tough conversations and help them get the support they need to remain happy and safe in their own home as long as possible.” Ms. Connolly added.

Home Instead Senior Care provides services to seniors in their own homes and is approved by the HSE. Its caregivers help clients maintain their independence by assisting them with activities of daily living such as meal preparation, laundry, shopping, light housekeeping, driving and incidental transportation.

To find out more about Home Instead Senior Care call 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie

A nationwide event founded in Waterford, the 14th Waterford Rotary Christmas Memorial Tree is launched

An idea conceived in Waterford has now raised over €1 Million for charities in Ireland.

In 1998 the first Christmas Memorial Tree appeal was established by the Rotary Club of Waterford to help raise funds for the development of a 20 bed Hospice facility on the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital. To date the initiative has raised nearly €400,000 towards this worthy cause.

Following the success of the Waterford initiative, in 2002 the Rotary Club of Cork & Bishopstown became the second club to establish a Christmas Memorial Tree appeal. They were closely followed by the Cork Douglas and Clonmel Rotary clubs and then subsequently by Tralee and Wicklow. Since then the number of clubs across the island adopting the Christmas Memorial Tree format has steadily risen. In 2010 the number of clubs adopting the Christmas Memorial Tree appeal topped 25!

And now the initiative has taken an international development with the Rotary club of Cirencester in Gloucestershire in England launching its first memorial tree this year. Waterford’s Mike Kelliher assisted the English club with their plans.

This year EBS Waterford is the sponsor of the Memorial Tree Appeal. As well as raising much needed funds in Waterford for the Hospice Foundation, the Memorial Tree Appeal provides people with a means of remembering their loved ones in a dignified and meaningful manner. Indeed over the years the Christmas Memorial Tree Appeal has become synonymous with the celebration of Christmas in Waterford and enjoys widespread support from the public.

Ms. Kathleen Fitzgerald President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said, “The Rotary Club of Waterford is so proud to be the founder of this excellent initiative that has done so much good over so many years. In saying that it is the generosity of the public that makes it such a success.”

Martin O'Hare, Manager, EBS Waterford said; “EBS Waterford is delighted to support the Rotary’s Christmas Memorial Tree and to contribute to this worthy cause. The success of the Christmas Memorial Tree in Waterford and beyond is testament to the excellent work undertaken by Rotary Club volunteers.”

The launch took place at 1pm on Thursday December 8^th at John Robert’s Square in Waterford City. With carols from Waterford Youth Gospel Choir, the Memorial Tree Appeal was officially launched by His Worship the Mayor Cllr. Pat Hayes.

Waterford and the country have changed significantly since the inception of the Christmas Memorial Tree in 1998. However, despite the fact purse strings are tighter now than they have been in years the Rotary Club of Waterford is confident it can continue to raise money for Waterford Hospice through the Memorial Christmas Tree for many years to come.

Jobseekers will travel abroad to find work….but plan to return

Hartley People Recruitment and Training recently conducted a survey amongst its candidates across the South East region to uncover their views on future jobs prospects. The survey revealed that the majority of respondents are prepared to travel abroad to find work, whilst those unwilling to do so are staying in Ireland mainly due to family and financial commitments.

The results of the survey revealed that almost 6 out of every 10 respondents are prepared to relocate outside of Ireland for the right role, whilst the remainder do not feel that relocation is a viable option for them. Of the respondents that indicated they would relocate, improved job and career prospects, salary incentives and better tax conditions were cited as the primary reasons for relocation.

The country of choice for these respondents is Australia / New Zealand (30%), 20% are prepared to travel anywhere to find work, 19% cited the UK as their country of choice, followed closely by the USA with 14%.

According to Roisin Hartley, Director of Hartley People, the survey was carried out to get a true “on the ground” picture of jobseekers views. “Initially when we analysed the results it did paint a pretty bleak picture about the ‘brain drain effect’ as so many are prepared to travel abroad to gain employment or to enhance their careers”.

“The trend indicates that those who are unable to relocate due to commitments, both family and financial, are slightly older than those who are prepared to travel abroad” said Ms. Hartley.

Ms. Hartley added, “However, on the flip side, it is reassuring that 60% intend to return home within three years. The fact that these jobseekers plan to return home re-skilled, up-skilled and prepared to contribute to the Irish economy may be a key factor in driving future growth in Ireland.”

“We must remain focused on job creation in this country. Ireland has a smart, well educated population, primed and ready to work. Over half of the respondents in our survey are graduates and although many plan to leave, crucially, they intend to return. There are jobs abroad for those who are prepared to travel, so the government needs to remain focused on job creation ensuring this talented and skilled workforce return and assist in rebuilding the Irish economy” said Ms. Hartley.

Hartley People Recruitment Agency is celebrating their 10^th Anniversary this year having been established in 2001 by Roisin Hartley and Fergal Hartley. Today, the Hartley People Group has grown to expand its portfolio of services to training, consultancy, outplacement, HR support and most recently international recruitment.

Waterford City Enterprise Board – recognising local excellence

Three local businesses received accolades from Waterford City Enterprise Board last week as they picked up Best Business Awards at a reception in the Mayors Office.

The three companies, South Eastern Tyre Recycling Centre, DessertFirst and Marla.ie were presented with specially commissioned Irish Handmade Glass Trophies and the overall winner, Marla.ie, received a Waterford Crystal Perpetual Trophy.

The premise of the awards is to recognise excellence in SME’s and the

Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Pat Hayes along with Chairperson of Waterford City Enterprise Board, Bertie Rogers, praised the innovative ideas and dedication of the winners, adding that they have done so much to contribute to the local economy.

South East Tyre Recycling Centre Ltd. was a recipient of the Best Business Award. Established 18 months ago by Brian Bambury, the company recycles old and end of life tyres which are then converted into rubber chips for equine use. The rubber chips are used by horse trainers to improve racing performance and reduce training injuries. Although Brian was out of the country and unable to collect his award in person, he did comment that he was delighted with the award and the assistance he and his company has received from Waterford City Enterprise Board.

Another recipient of the Best Business Award was Margaret Fleming’s Dessert First. Ferrybank woman Margaret Fleming established the dessert and baked goods business in March 2010. In those short 18 months Margaret has gone from producing everything in her own kitchen to employing five full time and two part-time employees.

The winner of the Best Overall Business Enterprise Award was visual communications agency Márla.ie. Established in 2004, Sheila Gallogly joined Marla.ie in 2006 and has grown the company to service an expansive list of national clients including Neven Maguire, Superquinn, Sunshine Juice and The Irish Exporters amongst others.

According to Ciaran Cullen, Acting CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board, the annual awards recognise innovation, dedication and commitment to building a successful enterprise. He added “Waterford City Enterprise Board is privileged to work with a host of start up and established businesses that have the focus and vision to generate ideas, to grow their business, to create jobs and to contribute to the local economy.”

Waterford Enterprise Board was established in October 1993 by the then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and to provide direct grant-support to new and existing enterprises and promote entrepreneurship. Through a wide range of programmes including clinics, courses, enterprise development assistance and funding Waterford City Enterprise Board has assisted 24 start ups this year alone.

Solas Centre expands support services to cancer patients in the South East

The Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service, is expanding its portfolio of services to cancer patients and their families in the South East.

Whilst the journey for the Solas Centre began in 2008, in 2010 support was provided to 250 patients from the South Eastern Cancer Foundation’s small house in Earlscourt. With 2,000 people diagnosed with cancer across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny, the state-of-the-art Solas Centre provided support for over 500 cancer patients in 2011 and anticipates that it will be able to provide support services, such as counselling, relaxation therapies and group support services to over 1,000 people affected by cancer in 2012.

According to Iain Munro, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, every effort is being made to ensure that the best cancer support services are provided across the region.

“Cancer affects us all and with more and more people being diagnosed with cancer each year, we are working hard to ensure the Solas Centre has a range of the best possible support services for cancer patients and their families.”

“We couldn’t have done this without the phenomenal generosity of the people of Waterford and the South East. The monies raised from a host of events such as the South East Run For Life, the Boobs ‘n’ Balls Bike Ride, the Vintage Tractor rally and so many more group and individual donations will allow us to provide further services that will enable cancer patients to receive the optimum support”, Mr. Munro added.

One such initiative recently launched is the Centre’s Art programme for people affected by cancer. This therapeutic programme, under the tutelage of artist Philip Cullen, provides participants with the opportunity to explore their creative sides. With a focus on nature, people, textures, landscapes and colour the programme aims to create an evocative and relaxed atmosphere that heightens the senses.

The Solas Centre has also expanded its counselling and therapy services and has introduced new programmes for groups including stress management, yoga, and a new support programme for men.

The philosophy of the Solas Centre is manifold; to provide cancer patients and their families with a safe place to talk things over and to help them cope with living with cancer. It also will work closely with the hospitals of the region in promoting and supporting patient-focused, cutting-edge cancer research and continues not only to educate people about cancer prevention, but also to change our mindset around cancer.

For more information about the cancer support services at the Solas Centre call 051 304604, visit www.solascentre.ie or check out the Facebook page Solas Centre – South Eastern Cancer Foundation.