Enterprising Opportunities for Waterford Tourism

On Wednesday June 20th, Waterford City Enterprise Board launched its ‘Tourism Opportunities’ programme. 

The programme is designed to encourage Waterford City businesses not currently engaged with visitors to the City to add a tourist element to their income stream. 

 Waterford City Manager Mr. Michael Walsh spoke about what Waterford City Council is doing to encourage tourists to visit Waterford. Tara Kerry of Failte Ireland spoke on the type of tourists visiting the city and what activities they are looking for, while Dr. Pat Walsh of RIKON explained how businesses can evolve and change to encompass a tourist element. Finally Ciaran Cullen Waterford City Enterprise CEO outlined how the Enterprise Board can help those interested in pursuing the programme.

Mr. Cullen explained that the Waterford City Enterprise Board can offer grant aid for website development, design and marketing and how they can also provide training and one to one mentoring. “The programme is intended to be as flexible as possible so it can assist individuals, businesses or groups intent on creating a packaged offer."

"The purpose of this evening’s launch is to explain our programme and ask those interested to take the next step and sign up for further idea development workshops with a view toward creating an effective and profitable tourism offering.”

Those that couldn’t attend the event and are interested in participating in the programme can phone Celia at the Waterford City Enterprise Board on 051-852883.

Home Instead Senior Care highlights World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day takes place on Friday, June 15^th.  Every year this international initiative raises public awareness about elder abuse in its many forms; physical, sexual, psychological, financial, discriminatory and neglect.

Awareness of elder abuse has risen in the last year with a 9% increase in the number of alleged elder abuse cases received by the HSE last year.  In 2011, 2,302 cases of elder abuse were reported to the HSE, the largest number of cases in any year since the service began in 2007.

The increase in reported cases has been welcomed by age support groups, including Home Instead Senior Care, which believes that there is more awareness of the problem of elder abuse, which heretofore had been widely under-reported.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Senior Care, Waterford, these figures indicate that there is a broader awareness of elder abuse than ever before.

“Whilst elder abuse remains a horrific and very real issue, the HSE findings are to be welcomed as it shows a marked increase in the number of cases being reported.  As health care professionals, it is our duty to ensure that families of seniors and the wider community come forward to report instances of abuse that they are aware of.”

According to the HSE report, after self neglect, psychological abuse was the most common type of abuse reported, accounting for more than one in three cases.  This was followed by financial abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation and pressure in connection with wills, property and inheritance. Two thirds of alleged victims in 2011 were women and there was a higher referral rate among the over-80s. 

Ms. Connolly added "If you suspect an ageing family member, neighbour or friend is the victim of abuse, there are certain steps you can take and we would encourage all to do the following;

·        Listen to seniors and their caregivers to make sure they are being cared for appropriately. 

·        Report suspected elder abuse to your local HSE office or An Garda Siochana.

·        Visit ageing loved ones as often as possible so the older person sees you as someone they could trust and talk to about any difficulties they may have.

Home Instead Senior Care advises anybody who is concerned that an elderly person in the community is at risk of abuse to contact the HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850 or the Waterford Home Instead office directly on 051 333966.

Home Instead Senior Care was established in Ireland in 2005 to bring practical, cost effective and above all, kind and compassionate non-medical care to elderly and disabled people who wish to remain living in their own homes.

For more information on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15^th, call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie

Home Instead “Book Reading” raises money for Waterford Hospice

Home Instead Senior Care recently hosted an evening with Imelda  Butler, author of “Be Not Afraid…..I go before You”, a compilation of short stories of love and loss written by partners, parents, children, siblings and friends who have been bereaved.

The evening, held in the Book Centre, was the brainchild of Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care, which will donate €2 to Waterford Hospice Movement for every copy of the book purchased in May and June.

“Be Not Afraid…I go before you” was inspired by the loss of Imelda’s husband, John, and intended as a healing resource for those who have been bereaved. 

According to Danette Connolly, “The purpose of the evening was to focus on a wonderful Irish publication which brings understanding, healing, hope and insight to the reader who is bereaved as they acknowledge and reflect upon other stories from similar circumstances, and at the same time raise funds for such a worthy cause as the Waterford Hospice movement.”

  

“Everyone, at some time in their lives, will be affected by the loss of a loved one.  This book is a real consolation for any of us who have found ourselves in this situation.  Contributors to the book recount their very emotive and personal experiences and gives assurance to the reader that they are not alone.”

Danette added “We chose to support the Waterford Hospice Movement with donations from the sale of the book going to such a worthy cause.  The Hospice provides invaluable care, dignity and respect to patients with life limiting illnesses.”  

The evening was attended by a large number of guests and was addressed by Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Hilary Quinlan.  There was also a talk by Imelda Butler and Ronan Flood, who contributed to the book.

Danette acknowledged the very generous help from local businesses in supporting the event, in particular The Book Centre, John Roberts Square and Mary Grimes Catering.

To find out more about the services provided by  Home Instead Senior Care call Danette Connolly on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie

Martini Cowboy to headline at 18th Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival

Headline stealer Jack Grace and his band make a welcome return to Europe’s largest free bluegrass festival, the 18^th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival which takes place in Dunmore East from August 23^rd to 26^th.

This will be the 18^th year in which fans of bluegrass, country, rhythm, roots, new grass and blues descend on the picturesque fishing village to enjoy free music events played throughout the village’s pubs and hotels.

Mick Daly, Festival Founder and Organiser, was delighted that the King of Bluegrass, Jack Grace, is to return to headline the August Festival.  “We are thrilled that Jack is back!  He is undoubtedly one of the world’s most renowned bluegrass artists and is a firm favourite at the Dunmore Festival.”

Jack’s style of music has been described by Time Out New York as “gritty down home country as it should be.”  Having played with a host of music legends such as Doc Watson, Junior Brown, Norah Jones and Wayne Hancock, the legend Jerry Lee Lewis said of him “He’s like that Cash kid, but good!”

Mick Daly added “The Jack Grace Band brings a unique New York Urban style to bluegrass and is definitely not to be missed, particularly as it will be literally on our doorstep this summer.”

Another endorsement of the long running festival is the continued support of Guinness.  The company recently confirmed that it will continue to sponsor the festival in 2012.  According to Mick Daly, “Having such long standing and loyal supporters as Guinness is a huge vote of confidence in the Bluegrass Festival and what we have achieved so far.”

The full line up for the 18^th Guinness International Dunmore East Festival will be announced in June. It is expected that local hostelries will play host to over 50 free gigs throughout the festival weekend with local, national and international bands playing a variety of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music.

For more information about the 18^th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford visit www.discoverdunmore.com

New South Eastern Cancer Foundation Chairman to develop cancer support services

South Eastern Cancer Foundation (SECF) Solas Centre, the cancer support charity dedicated to supporting cancer patients in the South East has appointed Dr. Brian Creedon as Chairman of the Board of the SECF.

A native of Cork, Dr. Creedon has, to date, enjoyed a highly distinguished medical career and brings valuable experience to the SECF Board.

Dr. Creedon works as a Consultant Palliative Medicine Physician at Waterford Regional Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.  He is currently the Regional Lead for Palliative Medicine, Vice – Chair of the Irish Association of Palliative Medicine, and Vice – Chair of the Irish Palliative Medicine Consultants Association.  With a strong track record in clinical research, Dr. Creedon has a special interest in organisation of health services, in particular ensuring patient centred care and equity of access to services.

Commenting on his appointment Dr. Creedon said “I am delighted to be joining the Board of the South Eastern Cancer Foundation as Chairman.  With over 2,000 people diagnosed with cancer across the south eastern region the goal of the SECF is to provide those affected by cancer with a wide range of cancer support services.”

“It is important to acknowledge the support and hard work of others, including the people of the South East, who have ensured the success of the Solas Centre. In particular the previous chair, Iain Munro, must be acknowledged for his role in commissioning the Solas centre.”

“It will be an honour for me to ensure the development of the highest quality support services for those affected by cancer in the South East.”

“The work at the SECF Solas Centre is invaluable and we will strive to ensure that the services in the South East are not only as good as those in other regions but surpass them.”

He added, “In order to develop and progress the regions cancer services, we are intent on rolling out a series of health and education initiatives, client programmes, art programmes, support groups, and counselling for cancer patients and their families over the coming months.  We will also focus on nurturing partnerships with national and international institutions in order to ensure our clients have access to latest treatments.”

Iain Munro, who formerly held the position of Chairman since 2006, welcomed Dr. Creedon to the role. He said the addition of such an experienced individual will help drive the operation and develop a higher level of services to those affected by cancer.

“Dr. Creedon’s leadership will ensure that SECF Solas Centre has both renewed commitment to, and be more innovative in, serving the needs of people affected by cancer in the South East in the next few years.”

“These are very exciting, albeit challenging times, for the SECF.  However the recent addition of such experienced and highly capable board members will assure the future of the Foundation and its dedication to those with cancer.”

Another appointee to the Board of the SECF is Maeve Cronin, a Waterford born Certified Management Accountant with over 30 years experience in the industry including Waterford Crystal and Keltech Engineering. 

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.

All sleeves rolled up to Support Rotary and Ronald Mc Donald House

The 4^th Annual Rotary Waterford Fun Cycle in aid of Ronald Mc Donald house at  Crumlin Hospital  , a home for parents of Sick Children saw its largest turnout with 145 Cyclists of all ages.  

David Breen , event organiser , said while the weather was kind to us , the continued success of the event is down to support from the Cyclists and Mc Donalds Waterford.  

Comeragh Cycling club , Ronald Mc Donald , Richie Hayes , Mayor Pat Hayes, Local Motor Cycle Club, Order of Malta and  An Garda Siochana all joined in to make the event a huge success from a participation and organisational perspective.

Celebrate Creativity and the Arts with Waterford’s Bealtaine Festival

May belongs to the Bealtaine festival and this year’s Bealtaine celebrates creativity as we age (over 50’s).

Waterford City Library Service has compiled a jam packed programme of art, dance, digital photography, writing, Spanish, cookery and gardening workshops.  This year, the Bealtaine Festival in the Library Service was launched during WIT New Music Week where enthusiastic singers attended “Everyone Can Sing” workshops.

Michael Connolly of Home Instead Senior Care, which provides home care for Waterford seniors, has welcomed the return of the popular festival and the work of Waterford City Library Service.

Mr. Connolly commented “It is wonderful to see such a diverse and interesting schedule put together specifically for seniors.  One is never too old to learn new skills and enjoy new experiences and that is why it is important to celebrate the marriage of age and creativity.  Age is a state of mind and by pursuing an active lifestyle and availing of the opportunities to learn new skills the mind is kept as inquiring and vibrant as ever.”

“The Waterford City Library Service’s Bealtaine line up has something for everyone.  I would urge all seniors and their families and friends to call into the Library, sign up for a workshop, enjoy the host of events and talks and keep active.”

“Free copies of the Home Instead Senior Care Pensioners Handbook will also be available. This is an invaluable free resource for seniors, their families and caregivers. The handbook provides practical information and advice on issues such as home care and allowances and entitlements. It also boasts a directory of older person's organisations and other useful contacts.”

Jane Cantwell, City Librarian with Waterford City Library added “The Bealtaine Festival is a true celebration of creativity for the young at heart.  From May 1^st to May 31^st Waterford City Library Service has compiled a programme of events that offers seniors, in particular, the opportunity to learn new skills, discover new talents, try something different and generally enjoy themselves.”

“The theme this year is “what kind of old you want to be?”.  And what better way to celebrate growth and creativity than to get involved in some of the many activities taking place, including art classes, beginner and advanced photography workshops, dance, singing, cookery and even Spanish classes.”

According to Age & Opportunity, which coordinates the festival, an estimated 57,000 people now take part in the Bealtaine festival, making it one of Ireland’s biggest arts festivals.

So, if you are over 50 and are still asking yourself “What kind of old do I want to be?” you can find out more about the selection of free workshops and talks at this year’s Bealtaine Festival.

For further information about the Bealtaine Festival and programme of events, contact Waterford Central Library 051 849975; Ardkeen Library 051 849755 or Brown’s Road Library 051 849845 or visit the Library website at www.waterfordcity.ie/library

To pick up a free copy of the Home Instead Senior Care Pensioners Handbook, just call into any branch of your local library in May or log onto www.homeinstead.ie