Categories: News

Louth Business Awards

At the annual Louth Business Awards, Dundalk Credit Union was honoured and privileged to receive a Special Award for ‘Outstanding Community Impact’ in recognition of the significant and ongoing role it has played in the community over the last 50 years.

A leader in our community, Dundalk Credit Union continues to foster and to build community strength and sustainability at a local and regional level through its Community Partnerships; its generosity towards so many voluntary and charitable organisations, and the invaluable support it provides to a range of worthwhile cultural, community & economic projects, contributes immensely to the well-being of the community and local economy.

Accepting the award Paddy Donnelly, Chairman of Dundalk Credit Union, said “This award is a fitting tribute to the vision, creativity and imagination of the founders of Dundalk Credit Union 50 years ago, and the unstinting efforts of successive Boards of Directors and staff over the years since. We place great importance on giving back to our community because we believe that by doing so, we build a stronger, more sustainable community. It’s what we have always done and what we will continue to do in the future.”

SNAP – SPECIAL NEEDS ACTIVE PARENTS

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

S.N.A.P. – Special Needs Active Parents’ vision for the future is to be a positive family focused group, recognised nationally for providing and ensuring better services, support, activities and information in the pursuit of happy children and supported families.

Having a child with special needs can, initially, be a frightening and lonely space. S.N.A.P. offer support for each other as they are all families with children who have special needs. Their promise is simple “We don’t have all the answers, but we may be able to help and WE CAN offer support. Together we are stronger!”

S.N.A.P. was initially set up after a group of parents enquired about organising swimming lessons for children with Special Needs back in June 2004. The H.S.E. funded two swimming programmes and they proved extremely popular and successful. From this beginning, the parents recognised the need and strength of coming together regularly to explore new ideas and begin to fundraise to finance their ideas. S.N.A.P.is now a thriving, vibrant and proactive support group that has grown steadily over the last 15 years.

Activities have fun as their focus, Lego Club, Music Therapy, Speech & Drama, Multi Activity Summer Holiday Camps, Cinema Visits being just a sample of what S.N.A.P. offer. The SNA group SNAIL is a tremendous partner of S.N.A.P., organising and supervising many outings throughout the year.

Fiona Thornton, spokesperson for S.N.A.P. said “we recognise the need to include and care for the brothers and sisters of children with special needs, offering one to one supports and workshops. Unintentionally, siblings can feel left behind at times as caring for a child with special needs takes up all the parents’ resources and energy. With the support of Dundalk Credit Union, we can put these ideas into practice this year.”

Billy Doyle, CEO, Dundalk Credit Union added “Dundalk Credit Union are delighted to S.N.A.P. extend their fantastic supports and services to include and involve family members. At Dundalk Credit Union, we work hard to listen to and offer what our members need and we recognise that in S.N.A.P too. We wish the parents, children and their siblings every happiness for the coming year. Together, we are indeed stronger.”

Contact S.N.A.P.

If you would like to contact S.N.A.P about any of their supports and upcoming events, email info@snapireland.net. Follow S.N.A.P. on Facebook for regular updates.

S.N.A.P.’s Annual Fundraising Table Quiz takes place Friday, 12^th April in The Lisdoo, your support is much appreciated.

Dundalk Youth Centre

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

Dundalk Youth Centre is located in the heart of our town, looking after our young people. The vision of Dundalk Youth Centre is to create a supportive social space where young people in our community are welcomed and valued. Dundalk Youth Centre has a full range of facilities dedicated to helping young people work, relax and play in a safe and supervised environment.

The Youth Centre has a vibrant and welcoming Youth Café, a wide range of creative workshops, training and leadership development courses, a long-established Peer Education Drugs Awareness Programme, and dedicated performance, mediation and art spaces. Not confined to the four walls, a well-tended and inviting garden is a much used and fun space when the Irish weather lets the sunshine through.

Dundalk Youth Centre also offers professional counselling, information support services and creative therapies that can help young people deal with such things as loss and addiction.

Kevin Moran, spokesperson for Dundalk Youth Centre said “With the support of Dundalk Credit Union, we can continue our work with Dundalk’s young people by extending the opening hours of our Youth Café. It is important that we offer somewhere that feels safe and secure, a place to express, just to be and find their voice.”

Paddy Donnelly, Chairman, Dundalk Credit Union added “The staff and volunteers at Dundalk’s Youth Centre don’t just work in the community, they work tirelessly for our community, making a real difference to the everyday lives and opportunities of our young people. At Dundalk Credit Union the dedication and focus of the staff and volunteers to providing a holistic approach to youth development was obvious. We are delighted to support the continued great work of Dundalk’s Youth Centre.”

Contact Dundalk Youth Centre

If you would like to contact Dundalk Youth Centre about any of their supports and upcoming events, call 042 9329532 or email info@dundalkyouthcentre.ie.

Dundalk Womens Aid

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

Women’s Aid Dundalk is an organisation which supports women and children who are/have experienced domestic violence. Refuge accommodation and support is available to women and their children on a round the clock basis, offering a listening ear, non-judgemental advice and assistance where and when it is needed and wanted.

Ann Larkin, Women’s Aid Dundalk said “Women’s Aid Dundalk seeks to work towards the elimination of violence against women and their children in their own homes. Such violence occurs due to women’s unequal position in society, and is a violation of women’s human rights”

The staff run awareness and support groups within our community, programmes include “This is Me” and “The Power to Change”. Their secondary school awareness workshop “Expect Respect”, is successfully helping young people to think about the relationships in their lives, the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship and if necessary, the help that is available to them while “Safe Hands” is a programme for primary schools.

Additional services include, 24 Hour Helpline, 1-2-1 Support Sessions, Outreach Clinics, Supported Housing, Advocacy & Accompaniment, Drop in Court Clinic, Awareness Raising and Training.

“The Playroom Project” is a full time community crèche and also provides Child Support, Play Therapy, Life Story Work and 1-2-1 Direct Work with young people.

“No. 11 Accessible”, is Women’s Aid Dundalk’s Charity Shop, which sells pre-owned (& loved) women’s, and children’s clothes, toys and equipment. While an important social enterprise element to the organisation, the charity shop also provides information on the domestic violence support services available to women and children in the community.

The not for profit organisation relies heavily on its wider community to support its much-needed work and supports.

Bernadette Farrell, Vice-Chairperson, Dundalk Credit Union added “When we were reviewing our Community Support recipients for this year, we knew instantly that Women’s Aid Dundalk were champions of our community in Dundalk. They work tirelessly and without judgment to support those in crisis. We wish the staff and service users every good wish for the future.”

Contact Women’s Aid Dundalk

For more information on Women’s Aid Dundalk visit www.womensaiddundalk.net or contact the 24-hour helpline on 042-9333244 or on their Facebook page.

Turas Counselling Services Ltd.

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

Founded in 2005, Turas Counselling Services Ltd, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, provides a range of supports to individuals within our community who are experiencing problematic substance use including a recently launched 20 week Structured Day Programme for recovering alcohol and drug users, Community Based Alcohol Detox, Counselling Service, Outreach Support, Family Support and Women for Sobriety Groups.

Turas Counselling has a skilled, accredited and experienced team, including trained counsellors, facilitators and outreach workers who support the delivery of a range of services to Dundalk and its wider community.

Through the provision of psychological, emotional and practical supports, Turas hopes to provide a bridge to reconnect service users to a substance free lifestyle. The centre has provided supports and therapy to many within our community since it opened its doors in 2005.

Speaking about their most recent addition, the 20-week Structured day programme, Nicki Jordan, Manager “The staff are highly experienced in working with addiction and this programme will create a space for people to build up vital life skills such as self-reflection and awareness, assertiveness, stress management and also give them the confidence to link into community supports in terms of employment and education.

It is through building up resilience and self-confidence that people begin to realise their own worth and make different choices, leading to improvements in their life.’

Billy Doyle, CEO, Dundalk Credit Union added “At Dundalk Credit Union our purpose is to build a stronger, more sustainable community, and we believe passionately in people. The commitment and expertise of the team at Turas ensures that those most fragile and in need within our community get the supports and assistance they require to rebuild a healthy lifestyle. We are delighted to support the continued great work of Turas Counselling.”

Contact Turas Counselling

If you would like to contact Turas Counselling telephone 042 93 38221 / 042 93 38224 or email info@turascounselling.ie

ST PATRICK’S PARISH SOUP KITCHEN

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

St. Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen was opened twenty years ago by Fr. Gerry Tremer, the then Administrator of St. Patrick’s Parish. A homeless man had been found dead on the street in Dundalk and this shocked the whole community. St. Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen was opened as a direct response to this tragedy; a means of support to those in need and for Dundalk’s homeless. Today you will find a dedicated team of volunteers providing a warm meal, a kind word and a feeling of welcome from the front door, 7 days a week.

St. Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen is opened Monday to Saturday 7pm-8pm and Sunday 4pm-5pm. People come for different reasons, some for a hot meal, some for shelter and some for conversation, this might be their only company all day or perhaps all week. People can also let one of the team know if they need fresh clothes or bedding and a voucher is quietly organised for them to use at The Dundalk Simon Shop. St. Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen goes way beyond just a meal, it is a helping hand, a listening ear and a social hub.

Rose Bailey, a stalwart team member for over 15 years, says of St. Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen “we all say here, ‘there for the grace of God go I’ and it is so true. Year on year, our number of users has grown and the demand remains high. When it began almost 20 years ago, we gave out 20 food parcels a week, today sees a minimum of 150 parcels each week. The support of Dundalk Credit Union and its Community Support Fund means that we have a working budget for the year ahead, something that allows us to plan with some certainty. They also have supported us at key times during the year, for example Christmas’s St Patrick’s Cathedral Marbhna Requiem which gave us funds to make Christmas special for a lot of people.”

With the loss of Authentic Foods to Dundalk, St Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen are actively looking for a business to supply or indeed sponsor frozen meals, a staple of the weekly food parcel. Rose Bailey says “we rely heavily on the goodwill of Dundalk and its people. The team welcomes food donations; items in constant demand include pasta, pasta sauce, tea, sugar and rice pudding.”

Katie Bailey, St John of God’s Dundalk Hub, brings Finola, Conor, Jimmy and Michael every Friday to help out. These volunteers are much treasured and much needed. Anyone who feels they could spare a few hours every week is welcome and can contact Rose directly at the number below. It is essential for safety and security that every volunteer is Garda vetted.

Pictured – Back row L 2 R Mary, Jimmy, Katie Bailey, Megan Hughes, Front row Niall, Rose Bailey, Conor & Finola

Billy Doyle, CEO, Dundalk Credit Union added “At Dundalk Credit Union, we believe in giving you our best, so you can be your best; putting people first can change peoples’ lives. That sentiment of care and compassion resonated with us about St Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen and the work of their team. We are honoured to support the continued and much needed work of St Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen.”

Dundalk Credit Union held an Easter Egg Appeal this year for local business businesses and individuals to donate Easter Eggs, ensuring every child in Dundalk received an egg at Easter. One of the beneficiaries of the drive was St. Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen.

If you are thinking of fundraising on behalf of St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, please contact Rose or a member ahead of the event. This gives time to promote your event of their Facebook Page and get the word out to Dundalk and its wider community to support your event.

Contact St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen

If you would like to contact St Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen telephone 042 9334648, 086 3718194 or email stpatricksparishdundalk@gmail.com.

SOSAD Dundalk

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

SOSAD Ireland – Save Our Sons and Daughters is a suicide prevention and bereavement support charity founded in 2006 by Peter Moroney and the Moroney family after the loss of their son to suicide. SOSAD Dundalk began in Dundalk in October 2010, moving to its office on Jocelyn Street Dundalk in 2014. The team offer free counselling, 24-hour helpline and bereavement supports to those dealing with suicide and its impact. SOSAD Dundalk provides a much-needed support within our community to champion their ethos “There is Always Hope, Don’t Cope Alone.”

SOSAD offers free counselling for anyone affected by or experiencing anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts, and bereavement. Trained volunteers are on call for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for anyone who may be in distress and in need of professional help and support.

Hattie Billingham, coordinator for SOSAD Dundalk said “With the support of Dundalk Credit Union, we can continue our work with those feeling lost or coping with loss through suicide. We rely heavily on the goodwill and generosity of the people of Dundalk and its community. Dundalk Credit Union’s support allows us to work side by side with those deeply affected by Mental Health problems. If anyone is planning to fundraise on behalf of SOSAD, please contact the team who will help publicise and promote the event too. We thank all those who continue to champion SOSAD and fundraise on our behalf.”

Lorraine Moran, Director, Dundalk Credit Union added “SOSAD Dundalk provides an invaluable support for Dundalk and its community. They listen without judgement; they act with compassion. Dundalk Credit Union ‘s Community Support Fund allows the good work of all at SOSAD to continue to be there when they are most needed, supporting our friends, our families, our community.”

Pictured Louth County Council who recently fundraised on behalf of SOSAD

If you would like to contact SOSAD Dundalk about any of their supports and upcoming events, call

042-9327311 or email sosaddundalk@gmail.com.

Pictured Ciara Solan, SOSAD with Stewart Agnew, Dundalk Credit Union

Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

The Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project was first established in 1991. Two derelict unused houses were provided by Dundalk Town Council and were renovated by the people of Cox’s Demesne and its community. The idea for the project grew out of a vision to provide somewhere, within the community, where young people who were excluded from all mainstream programmes, projects and clubs would be welcomed, learn new skills and be given new opportunities. It became known locally as ‘The House’.

The mission of The House is to benefit the community and to enable the personal, social and educational development of young people in Cox’s Demesne through the delivery of education programmes and services which will help to encourage self-development and to be involved in their community’s development.

Over the years since 1991 the project has grown and developed. A previous extension to the premises was built in 1996 and the building is now equivalent to four houses. While the project would still have a priority for young people at risk, they also offer a general youth service to the community. The House deliver a wide variety of programmes and projects with 250 children & young people availing of their services, such as:

 

• An After-School Service (6-12yrs)
• Alternative Education Project in Partnership with Ó Fiaich College (13-16yrs)
• High Voltage Garda Youth Diversion Project (11-17yrs)
• Gaining Ground Probation Project (16-18yrs)
• North Dundalk Family Support Hub
• North Louth Teen Parent Support Programme

 

The House has an excellent voluntary management committee of very dedicated people, a super staff team with the interests of the young people always to the fore, young people who inspire & encourage every day and a supportive community.

 

Clodagh O’Mahony, Manager at Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project said “The House is an open welcoming place where young people can grow and prosper & always feel at home. We believe in each young person and their potential and do everything we can to enable their development. Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund allows us to continue with our refurbishment programme that increases our capacity to reach out and work, in partnership, with our community.”

Upcoming Events

Every year The House coordinates the Redeemer Summer Youth Project which takes place for 3 weeks in July with up to 350 children and young people taking part. It is a very popular project & The House rely solely on fundraising & registration fees around this event.

Billy Doyle, CEO, Dundalk Credit Union added “Dundalk Credit Union was founded by our community of members, they are our cornerstone, the foundation for all growth and development for us. We see the same community ethos reflected by the team at The House. When you listen to your community and work for your community, the effect and impact is so positive and enabling for everyone. Dundalk Credit Union wish all the staff and volunteers at Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project every success into the future.”

Contact Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project Dundalk

If you would like to contact the team at Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project about any of their supports and upcoming events, call 042 – 933 0432 or email thehouse@coxsycp.ie

Dundalk Simon Community
An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

Dundalk Simon is a non-profit, registered charitable organisation located in Dundalk. They provide safe, supportive shelter and services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The reach of Dundalk Simon includes Louth, Monaghan and Cavan.

Dundalk Simon was founded on January 31st 1973, beginning with a soup run. In September 1973, a small two room premises on Francis Street was opened as a Friendship Centre, providing an evening meal and a social space for Dundalk’s homeless.

Now over 40 years later, Dundalk Simon has expanded its services to include a 30 Bed Hostel, 5 long-term beds and 12 transitional homes.

Their Day Centre in Seatown houses all administrative staff and offers a comprehensive Activities Programme includes gardening, furniture restoration and art classes. Service users can also avail of a hot meal, watch TV, use a computer or just socialise. An important element of The Day Centre is the provision of an aftercare base for people who have left the service or those vulnerable in our community who may be lonely and in need of company.

Yvonne Carr, Dundalk Simon said “At Dundalk Simon we need to nurture the health and wellbeing of our service users just as much as dealing with the immediate issues that homelessness presents. With the help of the Dundalk Credit Union we can invest in items like starter packs for tenants moving from emergency accommodation to transition housing, all working towards successful independence for those in our care.”

Dundalk Simon Community is part subsidised by state funding. The Simon Shop on Yorke Street is the biggest source of income for Dundalk Simon Community after state funding. The shop is opened throughout the week, staffed by a team of volunteers and community workers. All monies raised from the shop go directly to help service users.

Dundalk Simon relies heavily on fundraising and the goodwill of our community. Upcoming fundraising events include Dundalk Simon Community’s Quiz Night in the Century Bar at 8pm on Friday, 17^th May. Table of four is €40, music, prizes and a raffle on the night. The Annual Church Gate Collection, which is a huge fundraising event nationally, takes place across all churches in Louth on Saturday, 8^th June and Sunday, 9^th June 2019.

Tom D’Arcy, Director, Dundalk Credit Union said “Our Brand Manifesto includes the line ‘We care about you and what’s best for you’, we see that mirrored by the staff and volunteers at Dundalk Simon Community. Homelessness is a nationwide issue and with the support of Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk Simon Community is helping someone move up, from a temporary bed to more independent living.”

Contact Dundalk Simon

If you would like to speak to anyone about any of the services provided by Dundalk Simon Community, please phone 042 933 9583.

St Vincent de Paul – Dundalk

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

This month marks the 175th year of service of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Ireland.

President Higgins, at their recent Annual Convention in Dublin, praised the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul which he described as “an exceptional network of solidarity with poorer people across Ireland.”

Dundalk’s Society of St Vincent de Paul has had a presence in the town for almost all of those 175 years. Today they have upwards of 100 volunteers working behind the scenes with compassion and sensitivity to respond to those seeking their help.

A team of volunteers offer direct, personal assistance that is non-judgemental and based on the need of the individual or family. Supports can include friendship and advice, help with money issues, information about other services that might be of help, advocating with other support organisations and also negotiating with organisations where monies may be owed.

In addition, they provide a wide range of services for vulnerable people through Dundalk’s SVP shops on Clanbrassil Street, Jocelyn Street and Castletown Road, local offices, shops, resource centres, social housing, daycare and holiday schemes amongst other things.

SVP Daycare services support older people to continue to live independently in their own homes and communities, with a range of social and health supports. Services include cooked meals, social and recreational activities, self-care services such as showering and laundry facilities.

Kevin Mulligan, Area President, Dundalk says of the commitment of their volunteers “In some cases volunteers have been with the Society for much of their lives, and in many cases, at great personal sacrifice, for at times they ignore the infirmity the comes with age, and at times sickness, to attend their weekly meetings so that they can undertake the necessary visitations. The volunteers respond to these demands with great compassion, dedication and trust. They are ordinary people, doing extraordinary things.”

Billy Doyle, CEO, Dundalk Credit Union added “At Dundalk Credit Union we recognise the continuing and compassionate work of Dundalk’s Society of St Vincent de Paul. An established and trusted friend of Dundalk and its wider community, we feel a shared ethos of working hard for our community and what it needs.”