Northern Notes

By Debbie Orme Notes

Dearbháile Hutchinson, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Labour Market Partnership Officer; Vera Boyd, Kevin Doherty and Sylvia Sampson from Platinum Care; the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace; Liam Hinphey, Age Friendly Coordinator; Kelly Croskery from Platinum Care; Annette Deighan, Causeway Chamber of Commerce; Marc McGerty, Labour Market Partnership Manager and Chloe Stewart, Labour Market Partnership Administration Officer

Employment event for over-50s just the job

Anyone over the age of 50 is only too aware of how much ‘ageism’ there can be when it comes to applying for jobs, so it was great to hear about a recent innovative event that was held across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

The event brought together local employers, who gathered together to explore opportunities to recruit people over the age of 50 to their business.

The event was part of a series organised by the Labour Market Partnership in collaboration with Age Friendly Causeway to celebrate Positive Ageing Month in October and was part funded by the Department for Communities through their Labour Market Partnership Programme. ‘Age should not be a barrier to employment opportunities,’ said Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey. ‘Our over-50s have a wealth of knowledge and life experiences which they can bring to any organisation. ‘In marking Active Ageing Month, I am delighted that my Department’s Labour Market Partnership Initiative is focusing on our older workers who are a substantial asset to our community. ‘We know that when people find engaging work, it helps with self-esteem and they live fuller lives. Local employers will also benefit widely from the contribution that older workers can make.’

Attendees heard from a range of speakers, including local businesses, on the advantages of employing those aged 50+. ‘Demographically, our population is getting older and the impact of this will be an older customer base as well as older employees,’ added Causeway Coast and Glens Labour Market Partnership Manager, Marc McGerty. ‘This provides an opportunity for local businesses.

At The Irish Blue Cross, our resources are stretched to the very limit. We have never seen such a demand for our vital work. We are trying to keep offering our services for all the sick pets who need us.

At The Irish Blue Cross, our resources are stretched to the very limit. We have never seen such a demand for our vital work. We are trying to keep offering our services for all the sick pets who need us. That is why we need you. Help us keep our essential veterinary services operational. And save the lives of pets. We give the very best care to thousands of pets each year. Given the cost-of-living crisis, more and more families will need our low-cost pet healthcare. Pets are close to your heart. And ours. Please help support our vital work. What keeps us going is you. Your support means the world to us and the pets we help. Pets are amazing. They offer companionship, encourage exercise, promote responsibility and help with mental health issues. A lot of them are also very cute. The Irish Blue Cross is here for the pets that are there for you. Since 1945 we have been offering low cost veterinary support to the people who need it most. Today we operate a network of ten mobile veterinary clinics across Dublin, as well as our Pet Hospital in Inchicore.

Thousands of animals need our help. So we need yours. Each year we get thousands of visits to our clinics from families who would not otherwise be able to afford veterinary care. We never turn them away, because our mission is to help everyone who needs our services. Some of our services: We promote responsible pet ownership through neutering, microchipping, and vaccination programs. We also provide free talks to schools and youth groups on request. Our horse ambulance service is on standby at race meetings and big equestrian events in Ireland.

Up to

15,000 visitations

a year from sick & injured animals Our Mobile Clinics Travel over

12,000km per year

through 10 Dublin Locations

We appreciate your donation, however much you can give. Online If you decide to go online, you can make a once-off, or a regular monthly donation securely at www.bluecross.ie/donate and you can read more about the pets we help! Cheque/postal order Or if you prefer, you can send a cheque or postal order to; The Irish Blue Cross, 15A Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Tyrconnell Road, Dublin 8, D08 EY92. Phone You can also call one of our team on 01-416 3032 or 01-471 3622 to make donation over the phone. Bank Transfer/Branch Deposit Pop into your local bank to make a donation with the POD following details: The Irish Blue Cross Bank Name: Bank of Ireland Sort Code: 90-02-87 BIC: BOFIIE2D VIVA A/C No.: 35396877 IBAN: IE07 BOFI 9002 8735 3968 77 Have you Considered Leaving a Legacy? Remembering The Irish Blue Cross in The Irish your will is a kind and generous gesture. It costs you nothing in your lifetime but your kindness makes a difference Blue Cross horse ambulance forever. Once loved ones are looked service provides after in your will, consider how else you can help. Let your love for pets live on as part of your legacy, and help 500 plus safeguard the future of The Irish Blue Cross. To find out service daysmore, speak in strictest confidence with Paul at The Irish Blue Cross, on (01) 4163032 or email legacy@bluecross.ie. per year

That is why we need you. Help us keep our essential veterinary services operational. And save the lives of pets. We give the very best care to thousands of pets each year. Given the cost-of-living crisis, more and more families will need our low-cost pet healthcare. Pets are close to your heart. And ours. Please help support our vital work. What keeps us going is you. Your support means the world to us and the pets we help. Pets are amazing. They offer companionship, encourage exercise, promote responsibility and help with mental health issues. A lot of them are also very cute. The Irish Blue Cross is here for the pets that are there for you. Since 1945 we have been offering low cost veterinary support to the people who need it most. Today we operate a network of ten mobile veterinary PEBBLES clinics across Dublin, as well as our Pet Hospital in Inchicore. Scan Here to support our life saving work POPPY & DAISY VOLUNTEER RAY WITH A PATIENT

Each year we get thousands of visits to our clinics from families who would not otherwise be able to afford veterinary care. We never turn them away, because our mission is to help everyone who needs our services. Some of our services: We promote responsible pet ownership through neutering, microchipping, and vaccination programs. We also provide free talks to schools and youth groups on request. Our horse ambulance service is on standby at race meetings and big equestrian events in Ireland.

Up to

15,000 visitations

a year from sick & injured animals Our Mobile Clinics Travel over

12,000km per year

through 10 Dublin Locations

POD VIVA

The Irish Blue Cross horse ambulance service provides 500 plus service days per year

TYSON

Tyson’s Tale

Tyson had a large piece of thick rubber lodged in his intestine, causing a total blockage. This was a life-threatening

TYSON emergency. Tyson was brought to our pet hospital at Inchicore, where our veterinary team gave Tyson’s Talehim an X-ray and a scan. They Tyson had a large piece of thick rubber lodged in his intestine, identified that Tyson needed urgent surgery, and thanks to causing a total blockage. our vets’ expertise and care, the This was a life-threatening operation was a success. emergency. Tyson was brought to our pet hospital at Inchicore, Tyson’s life was saved. where our veterinary team gave him an X-ray and a scan. They Our vets and nurses gave Tyson identified that Tyson needed all the aftercare he needed – urgent surgery, and thanks to including the occasional belly our vets’ expertise and care, the operation was a success. Tyson’s life was saved. rub, making his tail wag with happiness! Our vets and nurses gave Tyson all the aftercare he needed – “The Irish Blue Cross is a fantastic resource, they have including the occasional belly been so good to Tyson, with rub, making his tail wag with his multiple surgeries and happiness!endless visits. We can always

“The Irish Blue Cross is a count on The Irish Blue Cross fantastic resource, they have and we know Tyson is in been so good to Tyson, with his multiple surgeries and endless visits. We can always great hands with them. We appreciate all the staff so count on The Irish Blue Cross much, from the vets to the and we know Tyson is in great hands with them. We appreciate all the staff so drivers of the mobile clinics.” – Tyson’s owner.

much, from the vets to the drivers of the mobile clinics.” Thankfully, we at The Irish Blue – Tyson’s owner.Cross were there for Tyson and Thankfully, we at The Irish Blue his owner when they needed us.Cross were there for Tyson and his owner when they needed us.

www.bluecross.ie | Ph: 01-471 3622 or 01-416 3032 | E: fundraising@bluecross.ie The Irish Blue Cross Registered Charity No: 20203128 | CHY: 22274 CLG No: 637671 www.bluecross.ie | Ph: 01-471 3622 or 01-416 3032 | E: fundraising@bluecross.ie www.bluecross.ie | Ph: 01-471 3622 or 01-416 3032 | E: fundraising@bluecross.ie The Irish Blue Cross Registered Charity No: 20203128 | CHY: 22274 CLG No: 637671The Irish Blue Cross Registered Charity No: 20203128 | CHY: 22274 CLG No: 637671

Northern Notes Strabane cleans up in restaurant awards

Maryna Chambers from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Marc McGerty, Labour Market Partnership Manager, speaking at the event for employers held during Positive Ageing Month.

‘Staff aged over 50 have excellent life skills which transfer directly into the workplace, and they can offer greater expertise, knowledge, and abilities which they have built up from years of experience. As well as this, they are typically more reliable, flexible, and committed with studies demonstrating lower levels of short-term absenteeism.’

One of the employers, who took part in the event, was Sylvia Sampson from Platinum Care.

‘At Platinum Care,’ she said, ‘we have found that employing people who are 50 plus has really helped us to retain a very capable, reliable, and caring workforce which adds value to the business and increases the quality of the services that we provide.’

For more information on the Age Friendly Programme and Positive Ageing Month visit

https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/agefriendly/positive-ageing-month

From left, Michael Kelly, Strabane BID Vice-Chair; John McGowan, The Farmers Home; Dara Guram, Tusk Restaurant; and Kevin Clarke, Oysters Restaurant.

Strabane restaurants cleaned up at the recent Irish Restaurant Awards, with three local businesses winning four top awards.

Oysters Restaurant, Patrick Street, scooped two awards under the Tyrone category for Best Customer Service and Caroline Clarke from the business won Best Restaurant Manager.Tusk, Castle Street, won the Best World Cuisine and The Farmers Home, Railway Street, picked up an award for Pub of the Year. Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID, said he was delighted that Strabane's hospitality sector is getting the recognition it deserves.

‘We have some excellent places to eat in Strabane,’ he said, ‘and it is brilliant to see them getting the recognition they deserve. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the amazing cuisine and incredible talent we have on our doorstep, not to mention the passionate and marvellous staff who go above and beyond when it comes to customer service.’

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Sandra Duffy, said this was a fantastic achievement for the Strabane restaurants. ‘Well done to the three local businesses who had great success at the recent Irish Restaurant Awards in Cavan,’ she said. ‘It's been a tough few years for businesses following the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly for bars and restaurants, so it is lovely to share some good news and celebrate these brilliant businesses who are obviously going from strength to strength. Congratulations to everyone involved.’ ‘It is always a real honour to be recognised by the prestigious Restaurant Association of Ireland,’ added Kevin Clarke, Owner of Oysters Restaurant. ‘Our aim at Oysters, first and foremost, is to offer our clientele a memorable dining experience which is only possible through the diligent efforts of the team that support us. And finally, a huge thank you to the customers who nominate us for these awards. Their validation of what we do is always our driving force.’ Tusk was also keen to acknowledge the hard work of their team and the support of their customers. ‘The support from our customers has been phenomenal,’ said manager, Dara Guram, ‘and this, in turn, has had a positive impact on our team who strive to make the restaurant the best it can possibly be. This award wouldn't be possible without them.’ ‘It's a fantastic achievement for Strabane,’ said John McGowan, Owner of The Farmers Home. ‘To walk away with four awards between us is testament to the quality offered here locally. The Farmers Home has a quality team who give their all to the pub and it's great to see them getting the recognition for their efforts.’

Discover and rediscover the National Collection with a Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland membership.

Image © National Gallery of Ireland.

Image © National Gallery of Ireland.

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), 'Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt', 1647. Photo © National Gallery of Ireland.

Join the Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland to unlock a year of iconic art, and unlimited visits to paid exhibitions. Membership of the Gallery is a great way to support the Arts.

Exhibitions – Get free unlimited entry

Our current exhibition Turner: The Sun is God which runs until 6 February is organised in cooperation with Tate and proudly supported by Grant Thornton, Turner Exhibitions Partner. The Gallery would like to thank the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for their ongoing support.

A wealth of benefits for Friends

In 2023 a dynamic programme of events and activities for Friends will run alongside our exhibitions. This will include exclusive access to digital content, an exciting events programme including talks and tours at the Gallery and beyond, and access to ‘Friends Fortnight’, a two-week celebration of Friends which takes place during the month of February.

Members will gain new insights with access to exclusive lectures, tours and events (including some virtual via ZOOM), sharing knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories about Gallery exhibitions and projects. You will also receive access to an archive of videos, art history talks and lecture series on YouTube, and a weekly e-newsletter sharing new events and Gallery news exclusively for Friends. Friends get discounts on education courses and events and a 10% discount in the Gallery shop and café, plus a copy of each issue of The Gallery magazine.

Supporting the National Collection

Not only does Membership offer lots of great benefits, but every purchase supports the Gallery’s work. Thanks to the generous support of Friends, a 16th century work by Venetian artist Palma il Vecchio (pictured) that has been in the Gallery stores for many years is currently undergoing treatment by our Head of Conservation Simone Mancini. Friends were also recently able to support the purchase of a new microscope to aid the conservation and care of the Collection. Friends have previously supported acquisitions, exhibitions and displays, and recently the publication accompanying the recent exhibition Jack B Yeats: Painting and Memory.

What our Friends say

“I have really enjoyed visits to, and lectures provided by, the Gallery in this last year. You provide a lot of value to your Friends and Patrons” - Mary

“It was very enjoyable to visit behind-thescenes, and view artworks that are rarely seen. The event was very well organised with excellent communication.” – Diana “Visits to the Print Room and interaction with Curators is always interesting and informative. I don’t think you can improve on that. Venue and catering were excellent.” – Eamonn

A message from the Friends Team

We are very grateful for the support of our Friends. Membership of Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland offers the chance to be even closer to the Gallery. We are delighted to be offering both online and onsite events to inspire art lovers from all over the country to join our community. Friends will be able to explore a year of unmissable exhibitions for free, experience exclusive talks and events and enjoy special discounts whilst supporting the National Gallery of Ireland’s work. Your Art. Your Gallery. Join us. Sinéad Morrin – Friends Manager

Give the gift of art

All types of memberships are available as a gift for the art lover in your life.

Give friends and family endless enjoyment, and a year of inspirational art with a Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland gift Membership. Every purchase supports the National Gallery and the lucky recipient will enjoy a range of fantastic benefits available to Friends throughout the year. For more information please visit www. nationalgallery.ie/friends, or call the Friends desk on +353 (01) 661 9877.

Happy Carers Make Happy Customers

Founded by in 2018, InisCare (an Approved Provider of Home Support Services to the HSE) was founded from a simple belief, that happy carers make happy customers. The concept for InisCare began through the combination of three beliefs:

• Everyone is entitled to live independently at home;

• People live happier and healthier lives at home, in their own community; and

• All members of the care team must properly supported and valued to best support our customers.

Trust, Happiness, Energy, Empowerment and Quality represent our core values, which underpin everything we do. Our nurse-led Senior Management team supports a highly qualified and experienced team that oversees the delivery of home care services throughout North and South Dublin.

Today we are proud that InisCare is now one of the largest and most renowned homecare providers in Dublin. Having our employees and our customers at the core of everything we do, we can empower our customers to continue living happily at home.

Our Vision

For every person to have the choice to continue living in their own home, in their own community, among their family and friends

Mission

To be relied upon to provide the health care, personal care and day-to-day support that people need to continue living happily at home.

Culture

Our culture is Supportive, Open, Professional, Reliable and friendly

Our Services

Our care team covers all areas such as Personal care, Palliative, Respite, Dementia, Disability Care and Domestic services

Our Locations

We have 5 offices across Dublin: Glasnevin, Santry, Swords, Dundrum, and Dun Laoghaire. Each office is supported by a Branch manager, Co-ordinators, Supervisors , Team leads, Rapid responders and the Care Team.

Quality and Clinical Governance

The essence of quality in our business is driven by our commitment to Clinical Governance and overseen by our nurseled Senior Management Team.

Our Commitment to Quality

InisCare holds monthly Clinical Governance meetings between our Managing Director and our Quality Assurance team, to make sure we are always improving how we deliver our services. During these meetings we review a range of quality metrics which include:

• Operational metrics. • Staffing compliance. • Service delivery. • Customer Feedback.

We agree communication plans regarding any policy changes or learnings from the review of internal logs.

Exceptional Customers Feedback

We do a customer/client survey every year, below are the results of our 2022 survey. • Staff are Friendly and Approachable 96% • The care team are always present with me 94% • I am very happy with the service 94% • The support from InisCare has improved my quality of life 92% • I am happy with current care team 92% • I would strongly recommend InisCare 90%

Ann and Caiomhe

I have been with InisCare for 4 years and would be lost without them, Caoimhe comes to me regularly and I really enjoy her company and how she supports me. We get on very well and she will support me with anything I need.

Caiomhe is a Health Care Worker in InisCare for 2 years. I would recommend InisCare to anyone looking for Homecare.

Mary and Leanne

My name is Mary and I live in Swords. I have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. I have been a client of InisCare since January 2019. I would consider myself to be a friendly, outgoing lady and enjoy the visits/company from my carers. I receive visits twice daily from the carers. I would say I have a very good rapport with all staff, especially Leanne who is my main carer and I see on a regular basis. Having the carers call daily has been a great addition to my life and Leanne, my Health Care Assistant, brightens up my day.

Tell me about yourself?

I'm an 83-year-old single gentleman originally from "the rebel county" Co. Cork. I grew up on a farm and I moved to Dublin in 1968 and worked as a civil servant until I retired. I still attend AGM's and keep in contact with some of my old workmates. I'm a big sports fan and I go to GAA and football matches every week. When I was younger one of my big passions was travel. One of my proudest achievements is how well travelled I am, I have been to 116 countries in my lifetime, I loved to travel and view arts. I have also been to a few celebrity funerals including Michael Jackson's and Ronald Reagan's.

Was it difficult for you to accept homecare?

I wouldn't say it was difficult as such but there definitely was an adjustment period. Having lived a very solitary life since I stopped travelling it was very different for me. I am very appreciative of all the help and support I receive from Paula, and she always puts a smile on my face. It's nice knowing I can still live independently and enjoy having some free time to myself on the weekends.

How has having a carer changed your life?

I'm still a very independent man but the companionship has been an amazing support for me. Having travelled so much in my younger years, I was always accustomed to having company, but being more stationary now that's not so much the case so the visits from Paula are a nice way to break up my day. A really big change that having a carer in my life has brought is I now eat home cooked meals! I never ate home cooked food, I always ate from restaurants and the local deli counters. My cooker was more like a piece of furniture but that has changed now and I really do enjoy my home cooked meals.

In your lifetime is there anything you would have liked to have done differently?

I am very happy with how I lived my life as a whole. If I could go back and change one thing it would have been to visit every state in the USA. I visited around half the states and would have liked to visit the rest. I was a big fan of the southern states.

Steven Brady

"I have been working with InisCare for several years as a Health Care Assistant. Starting a new job is always nerve-wracking. The office team has always made me feel like an important part of the company."

"I decided to apply for the role of Health Care Supervisor. When I found out I got the role I was over the moon. The hardest part was leaving my clients and moving into a more senior position. The training and support I received from the office made me a confident supervisor. With my disability I never thought I would be in line for a promotion, InisCare has been an amazing support to me and has pushed me to continue with my education."

Being a Health Care Worker in my community was always my dream job. Now that I am a supervisor I can train, mentor, and support our Health Care Assistants. I feel that my experience can help Health care workers to achieve their goals in their

Mark Murnane

I am 36 years old and I am working for InisCare almost two years now, before that I was working for a different care company for seven years. When I got the opportunity to work for InisCare, I didn't think twice about applying for an InisCare Health Care Assistant position. I knew my career opportunity with InisCare would grow and sincerely I can say in two years now I have been promoted to a supervisor position for new office based (Dun Laoghaire area).

In the last two years I have learned so much and have received a fantastic training program from InisCare. I have to say I don’t regret leaving my previous job. I’m fully profoundly deaf. I was told many times I will never reach a management position, but InisCare proved them wrong. In just a couple of years the InisCare team helped me build my confidence and helped me with training for a management position. Thank you

InisCare is a fast growing care company in Dublin. We are not just providing the best care service for our clients, but we are making sure that our team are well trained to deliver our high standard of service. InisCare has a fantastic training program in place and great opportunities for everybody in our team. Our nurse led senior management team makes sure that the company’s standards are followed and improved when necessary. We are here to help, support and care for you. If there is anything that InisCare can support you with we invite you to visit our website www.iniscare.ie or contact your local office below. Contact us on: Dundrum 01 6169747 - Santry 01 9026920 - Swords 01 9026950 - Glasnevin 01 834 3840.

Calling all budding sculptors!

Belfast City Council is seeking an artist to design statues of Mary Ann McCracken and Winifred Carney. McCracken was an abolitionist, social reformer and activist who fought for the rights of women and championed Belfast’s poor, while Carney was a suffragist, trade unionist and Irish independence activist.

The appointed artist will be required to design and produce permanent, life-size or larger figurative sculptures which will be installed in the grounds of Belfast City Hall. ‘Mary Ann McCracken and Winifred Carney are key figures in Belfast’s history,’ said Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Christina Black, ‘so it is fitting that they will be permanently remembered through statues alongside other notable figures from the city’s past in the front lawn areas of City Hall. ‘The decision to commission these statues is part of a process which began in 2012 to help reflect the history, heritage and diversity of the city and its people. The procurement of the artist is a twostage process, with initial expressions of interest due by 11 November 2022. The final designs and locations of both statues will require planning permission before they are installed. It is anticipated that they will be in place by 2024. Artists interested in finding out more should visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/

cityhallstatues

Belfast City Hall in which grounds the sculptures will be installed

Wonderful winter woolly initiative

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has once again partnered with South West Age Partnership for the ‘Winter Woolly’ rally!

The competition is aimed at encouraging residents to get knitting with a prize for the most cheerful winter woolly. Items can include, knee blankets, hats, scarves or gloves and entries can be knit or crocheted. When the competition has closed, each adult ‘Winter Woolly’ item that has been entered will be gift wrapped and donated to an older person living within the community.

Anyone who can’t knit or crochet shouldn’t despair! They can still help to improve and brighten an older person’s winter, by sending in a hat, scarf or pair of gloves to the address below. Donations can be left to SWAP Office, Omagh; or Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Connect Centres at 16 High Street, Omagh or County Buildings, 16 East Bridge Street, Enniskillen.

The closing date for submission of completed entries is Friday 18 November 2022. Winners will be announced on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on Friday 2 December 2022 with a prize of oil stamps. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will not be responsible for the cost of the materials used and entries cannot be returned.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, helps launch this year’s Winter Woolly rally!