Newsletter December 2010

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DEPAUL NEWS

Volume 3 | Issue 4| December 2010

2010 has been a busy year for Depaul with many achievements organisationally and among our service users. We celebrated 5 years in Northern Ireland and in Dublin we dealt with the many challenges that proposed reconfiguration of services presented for the organisation. We face 2011 realising that further challenges remain but with an optimism that we can continue to deliver the best possible services to homeless people in Ireland. I would like to wish all staff, service users, volunteers and supporters a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year. Kerry Anthony, CEO Depaul Ireland CELEBRATING LIFE During Homelessness Awareness Week Depaul Ireland hosted a 'Celebration of Life' service to celebrate life and work in the homeless sector. At the ceremony, service users, staff, volunteers and supporters of Depaul Ireland joined together to celebrate the lives of those who have died and been born into the services over the past year. The ceremony took place in the presence of The Right Honourable, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Patrick Convery. Music was performed by St. Patricks College choir with a reflection by Professor Denis Maloney. During 2010 Depaul in Northern Ireland has so far worked with 532 service users.

BE AN ANGEL... Service users in Depaul projects worked hard this winter to mould individual angels for Depaul to use at the Fitzwilliam Square Christmas market. A space was created there for the public to paint and decorate their own angels (far right) in return for a small donation to Depaul. Hundreds of people joined in this creative festive fun and aswell as getting their own angel they also learned about Depaul, and our work with homeless people.

DEPAUL TO WORK IN NORTH WEST On March 31st 2011 Depaul will enter into a new partnership to provide services in the North West of the country. Through an amalgamation with an existing organisation in Derry – Foyle Haven – Depaul will work with street drinkers by continuing the existing day service offered to this client group. Foyle Haven sought to partner with a larger organisation and were drawn to Depaul by our professionalism & experience with a similar client group. Foyle Haven currently works with on average 30 people per day.


FUNDRAISING NEWS NEW CD TO SUPPORT DEPAUL

AVIVA PAINT IT RED IN SUNDIAL

Long-time Depaul Ireland supporter Duke Special is set to release a Ruby Murray commemorative CD early next year in support of our work. The CD will include a set of notecards, designed by service users in Sundial House. The pack will be available nationwide.

Six generous and enthusiastic volunteers from AVIVA managed to revitalise the Sundial House dining room in one day. It’s now in perfect shape for Christmas! Thank you.

SWIM 21

CABARET EXTRAORDINAIRE

21 volunteers became Team Depaul and swam 21 miles between them. The endeavour was to raise funds towards the work of Depaul and what a success it was. A total of €3,655 was raised. Thanks to all involved.

Depaul were one of only four groups to have been chosen by the Lord Mayor himself to host an event in City Hall in 2010. On March 26th the hall will become alive with a cabaret show to include some high profile Northern Ireland artists. It is expected to be a truly fantastic night with a medley of talent from the music, theatre, magic and literary world filling the stage with unmissable acts. Tickets will go on sale in January.

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING We are delighted to mention that community fundraising is on the increase with a number of very successful events organised for Depaul. From Golf classics, to 21 mile swims (above), music nights, music stores, markets, brewery’s and quizzes our supporters have all angles covered! The College of Anesthetists Golf Classic totalled a whopping €6,000 raised during their event at Milltown Golf Club in September while 21 people, encouraged along by Depaul volunteer Michael Dunne, swam 21 miles and donated an amazing €3,655. Depaul Trustee, Paul White and his band held a gig, Tower Records celebrated their 17th birthday in support of Depaul and Price Water House Cooper raised €3,214 at their annual quiz while the Ember Team Vincentians on Mission raised another €1,000. Hilden Brewery in Belfast has supported us for the third year running. We are very grateful to all involved and to our volunteers who support Depaul led events. Page 2

DEPAUL

NEWS

Volume 3 | Issue 4| December 2010


DEPAUL NEWS HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY DEPAUL NI! In October Depaul Northern Ireland marked its fifth year of providing essential services to homeless people. In this time, seven hundred and ninety six homeless people were supported by Depaul in its Belfast and Dungannon projects. Depaul CEO Kerry Anthony acknowledged the amazing contribution all staff made to Depaul's work during this time. She also mentioned Depaul's place as part of a bigger, global organisation working internationally to end homelessness and provide high quality professional services where need is greatest. Brian O' Kane from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive said Depaul had done tremendous work in five years and hoped we would continue to respond where need is greatest in the next five. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Depaul staff above and art work created by service user

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY International Volunteer Day was celebrated in Belfast with an event at the Radisson Blu hotel. Depaul EVS volunteers were invited, along with the Volunteer Coordinator, to a celebratory day where volunteer expectations and plans for European Year of the Volunteer 2011 were discussed. A workshop on Irish history was also on offer for those interested in learning more about their host nation. Depaul currently hosts 8 EVS volunteers from across Europe who volunteer full time for 9-12 months in a Depaul project. The scheme is highly competitive with hundreds of young people from across Europe applying for the 8 coveted positions. EVS volunteers add an extra dimension to services through social activities, international events, language classes, cultural exchange and companionship. Thanks to all Depaul volunteers, EVS, part-time and full time.! Page 3

DEPAUL NEWS

Volume 3 | Issue 4| December 2010


Witter - The 140 character interview How long have you worked for Depaul? Six years What did you do before Depaul? I initially studied business and management and worked in hotels in Boston, Brussels and Scotland, in a variety of roles. In 2000, back in Ireland, I studied Law to assist my understanding and opportunities in Human Resources; I have now worked in this profession for over 12 years. Why is the HR role important? HR like Finance is a support function there to offer clarity, guidance and direction. In organisations like Depaul where a high value is put on people management HR has a pivotal role in ensuring equality, fair process, opportunity and development. What do you enjoy most in your job? The variety, the pace and the people I work with. Challenges in your role? The fact that no two days are the same. HR is very much guided by policy procedure and legislation but applying these principles to individual situations and being mindful of the impact these decisions have on the personal lives of people can be challenging. Best thing that could happen in Depaul? That despite the challenges we face in relation to reconfiguration and economic challenges that the strength, integrity and professionalism of our staff teams as rooted in Vincentian values will continue to guide us in providing what is needed, when it is needed to those who need it. NEWS ROUND UP

HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK Depaul Castlehill took a very active role in Dungannon during Homelessness Awareness Week NI. A cardboard box was erected in the town square and manned regularly by staff who spoke to locals about our service and the issue of homelessness (right). It was hoped to dispel the common stereotypes people hold about homeless people. They also held an open day at the service, which was very well attended.

HOMELESSNESS & THE RECESSION

PRESENTS FOR ALL The wonderful Noreen Fahy, along with her friends, bought a huge range of essential items and gifted them to all our service users in Dublin. This is Noreen’s fourth year to organise this mammoth task and all in Depaul are very grateful.

Depaul were invited to take part in a public discussion on Homelessness and the recession . Kerry Anthony addressed a large crowd in Buswells Hotel where a heated debate ensued. She spoke about her belief that the true impact of the recession on the homeless figures would not be seen for at least six months, when peoples safety nets and supports become exhausted. The talk was held on November 19th 2010.

Belfast Office/ 38 University Street, Belfast +44 28 90 20 2245 /T depaul@depaulireland.org /E Company Registration No. N1054106 Charity Registration No. XR87991

Dublin Office/ 18 Nicholas Street, Dublin 8 +353 1 4537110 /T depaul@depaulireland.org/E Company Registration No. 357 828 Charity Registration No. CHY 14753


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