BARNARDOS SHOPS CALL FOR UNWANTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Barnardos children’s charity is calling on the public to donate any unwanted Christmas gifts to their shops. Whether it’s a jumper a size too small, perfume you already have or a book you’ve already read, it can be donated to one of Barnardos shops and will be greatly welcomed by staff. Every cent generated from a donated item will go towards the charity’s work with children and families across Ireland in 2023. Barnardos has seven shops around the country, one of which is located in Clondalkin and is accepting donations. If you wish to donate any unwanted gifts this year, you can find your nearest shop and opening hours on www.barnardos.ie. Bernadette Harrington, Barnardos Shops Manager said ‘As the Cost of Living crisis continues and significantly impacts the vulnerable children and families we support, we need your help more than ever. If you have received a gift that was too small, too big or just not right we will gladly find a home for it in our shop. The funds brought in from each donated item will go directly towards our work with just under 17,000 children and families in communities across the country, ensuring our work can continue to support those who need it. Because childhood lasts a lifetime.’ waiting over a year for an appointment with CAMHS

Teachta Ward said “We have seen a dramatic rise is waiting lists for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) since this government was formed in late June of 2020. “July figures in 2020 showed 2112 children were waiting on an appointment with CAMHS.

“A response I received from the HSE showing the latest figures in November 2022 had 3,937 young people waiting on services. “That is a whopping 86% increase in the number of children waiting on an appointment for mental health treatment since Minister Mary Butler took office.

“What is really concerning is the rise in the number of children waiting over a year for a CAMHS appointment.

“This has gone from 216 children in June 2020 to 579 children waiting over a year for vital mental health treatment. An increase of

168%. “It is vital that children get the care they need when they need it and where they need it. Early intervention is key, so Children have the best chance to reach their developmental milestones. “Children are being denied the opportunity to reach their full potential under this Government.

“In this Governments time, we have seen CAMHS inpatient capacity reduced to 70% with 11 critical inpatient beds remaining closed in Linn Dara. “The Maskey report was published on the failure of care in South Kerry CAMHS where 240 children received risky care from their doctor and proof of significant harm was found for 46 of these children. “This prompted a national audit into CAMHS services by both the HSE and the Mental Health Commission, which are due to be published early this year. “The Mental Health Commission has already escalated concerns to the

HSE before their report is launched, and yet the Minister is in the dark over the nature of these concerns. “I have called for the reappointment of a National Director for Mental Health since I became the Sinn Féin spokesperson so there can be more accountability within the HSE and an open line of communication with the Minister. “This role could be crucial in tackling the issues that will be highlighted in the audits into CAMHS. “Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services needs urgent action by the Minister and her Government.”