Thank you to our volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of Irish society and provide valuable support to thousands of community and charitable organisations. As we head into National Volunteers Week (21^st – 27^th September), Ballyphehane Community Association would like to thank our fantastic volunteering team for all their support and hard work.

Over the past thirty years we have been very fortunate to have hundreds of individuals from our local community supporting us in several ways.

Deliver our Meals on Wheels service to older adults in our local area
Help out at our weekly Bingo sessions
Organise seasonal events e.g. Halloween and Christmas parties

In addition, we have numerous organisations that use our community centre and a lot of those rely on volunteers to carry out their activities. Without their contribution, these organisations would not be able to function.

There is no denying that volunteers play a very important role with our Association and it is interesting to understand why they do it.

Give something back to our local community
Meet new people with similar interests
Make a difference
Gain valuable training and experience which may lead to paid employment
Make use of special interests and talents
Be an active citizen

While our community centre is currently closed to the public due to Covid-19 restrictions, we still value the support we receive from our volunteers. They are a vital link in our services and carry out their activities to a very high level of professionalism. To all our volunteer, a huge thank you for all your support, kindness and enthusiasm.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering opportunities with us

Covid-19 preparations for our centre

As organisations prepare to open up for business under Covid-19 restrictions, it is important we ensure that we have the strategies, policies, and procedures in place to protect our employees, customers, and operations during this pandemic.

Over the past four months we have been following the Return to Work Safely Protocol, which was designed to support employers and employees to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. It is a very valuable guideline for businesses and organisations.

In order to ensure our community centre is a safe environment for our employees and service users, below are the measures implemented by our team.

Reviewed all our health and safety plans, and safety statements to reflect Covid-19 protocols.
Conducted ‘Return to Work’ re-induction for all our employees prior to their return to the work-place.
All employees completed Covid-19 training course, which outlined all the protocols to be followed.
Implemented a comprehensive cleaning routine and social distancing policy to safeguard our employees and third-party suppliers.
Implemented an emergency response procedure and set up an isolation area, should there be a suspected case in the centre.
Introduced new signage promoting social distancing and hand sanitation.

We will continue to communicate with our customers and community partners on further developments over the coming months.

Meals on Wheels go Electric

Ballyphehane Community Association, in partnership with First South Credit Union and Kearys Nissan, has announced the launch of its Meals on Wheels service going electric and the installation of an electric vehicle charge point.

Enabling the electrification of transport is a key part of Ballyphehane Community Association’s sustainability strategy. The Association wanted a sustainable, cost effective and environmentally friendly option to the diesel van currently being used for the Meals on Wheels service.

After considerable research, Ballyphehane Community Association chose the Nissan eNV200 van. It provides 4.2m³ of load space, up to 742kg carrying capacity and a realistic driving range of 250km from the 40kwh battery. Together with low maintenance and running costs the eNV200 provides Ballyphehane Community Association with the perfect sustainable solution and a greatly reduced cost of ownership.

The installation of an EV charging post at the Ballyphehane Community Centre will allow electric vehicles to be fully charged from zero to 100% in 7 hours on average. There are also cost benefits for the Association. On standard rate electricity the Nissan ENV200 van can be fully charged for less than €7 and approximately half this cost on night rate electricity.

Carmel Forde, Chairperson, Ballyphehane Community Association: “At Ballyphehane Community Association we recognise the importance of supporting the Government’s Climate Action Plan, even in a small way. The electrification of transport is a key element of our Sustainability Strategy and our partnership with First South Credit Union and Kearys Nissan reaffirms our commitment to this. We also recognise a growing number of individuals in our community are using electric vehicles. We want to support them with convenience-based charging. This was made possible through funding from First South Credit Union and Kearys.”

George Cantwell, CEO, South First Credit Union: “First South Credit Union is delighted to be associated with the Ballyphehane Community Association Meals on Wheels E-Project. Meals on Wheels provide an unheralded and invaluable community service managed and run by hard working staff and volunteers. We wish Ballyphehane Community Association and the team continued success in the future.”

Walter Brennan, Head of Sales, Kearys Nissan: “Kearys Nissan is delighted to be involved with Ballyphehane Community Association, support them with their sustainability project and guide them through the purchase of a new 100% electric Nissan eNV200 40kwh van. We are also donating €1,000 towards the installation cost of their charging unit and sustainability initiative. We are proud to be associated with our local community and the great work that Ballyphehane Community Association does within the area”.

Happy St. Valentine’s Day

Today is Valentine’s Day and typically it is a time for us to show those we love how much they mean to us. Some are showered with red roses, teddy bears and romantic dinners, whereas others may do it a little different.

We have researched traditions from around the world to do with romance and love, and some certainly are very interesting.

In Ghana, February 14^th is celebrated as the “National Chocolate Day”.
Wales celebrates its day of love on January 25^th, which is called the “day of San Dwynwen”. On the day, lovers exchange unique and beautifully handcrafted wooden spoons to each other.
Estonia celebrates friendship day known as “Sobrapaev”. This amazing festival includes everyone, from couples to singles.
Legend has it that St. Brigid and St. Patrick made a deal where women could propose to their reluctant beaux on 29^th February. So why not propose this year ladies?
Japan does it quite differently on February 14^th. Women buy gifts and chocolates for their male companions or lovers. Men can’t return gifts until March 14^th, which is called the “White Day”.
In South Africa, on February 14^th, women pin the names of their love interest on their shirtsleeves, allowing men to learn the identity of their secret admirers.

Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Spotlight on Ballyphehane Men’s Shed

This month we are shining the spotlight on one of our community partners, the Ballyphehane Men’s shed, which is located on the grounds of our centre. The Ballyphehane Men’s Shed is a home from home for many men that offers social support, a sense of purpose and belonging.

A primary objective of the Men’s Shed is to enhance the wellbeing of men in our local community, in a holistic manner encompassing physical, mental, social and spiritual health.

The main focus of its weekly activities is around finding meaning and purpose, where a friend is always there. On a more practical note, members engage in a variety of activities including making and repair of small furniture, making flower boxes, planter boxes, and bird boxes.

Speaking on the important role the Men’s Shed plays in the community John Kelleher, Treasurer, commented “Our shed is a dedicated and welcoming meeting place, where men of all ages come together to talk and connect with others to share information and skills in a safe and friendly environment. It fosters a culture of active participation in hobbies, crafts and creativity”.

There is no doubt that the Ballyphehane Men’s Shed encourages and supports all the members, enabling each individual to take responsibility and ownership for their projects and possibilities. It provides a valuable service to the community and we are delighted to support it.

For more information on the Ballyphehane Men’s Shed contact John Kelleher today.

Happy Christmas to all our customers

Christmas is fast-approaching, and it won’t be long before the turkey is roasting in the oven and presents are being opened on Christmas Day. The holiday season offers us a special opportunity to extend our personal thanks to our customers, community partners and our friends, and our very best wishes for the future.

We feel honoured to have been of service to our customers over the past year. It has been our engagement with you that has made going to work each day such a rewarding experience. We have met such a variety of individuals coming into the centre, made new friends with our Meals on Wheels service, and welcomed new colleagues to our growing team.

We appreciate your continued business this year and wish you a wonderful holiday season. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2020.

Will you play your part with Movember?

Today is the start of Movember, an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. Globally, men die on average six years earlier than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable. Which means that it doesn’t have to be that.

Movember, an international organisation, is taking on men’s health globally. It unites

unite experts from around the world to collaborate on projects that will fundamentally change the way men in need are treated and supported.

Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

Ballyphehane Community Association is proud to support this cause and encourage active discussion around men’s health with our service users and community partners. It is important that we all are aware of the challenges, be there if a friend or family member needs to talk, or to raise funds to continue the research and provision of support.

If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with Movember, visit the organisation’s website today.

Simple steps to look after your mental health

October 10^th is World Mental Health day and at Ballyphehane Community Association we are very aware of the important role our mental health plays on our daily lives. Positive mental health contributes to your overall wellbeing and is experienced when you can realise your own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to your community.

According to Mental Health Ireland and the New Economics Foundation, there are several actions we can take on a daily basis to help maintain and improve our mental health.

Connect

Make time each day to connect with the people around you; with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. By staying connected and nurturing these relationships we feel happier and more secure, giving us a better sense of purpose.

Be Active

Look for ways to be active every day. Discover a physical activity you enjoy which suits your lifestyle and level of mobility and fitness. Research has shown being physically active can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Take Notice

Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Catch sight of the beautiful. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment whether you are walking to work, eating lunch, or talking to friends.

Keep Learning

Try something new or rediscover an old interest. Setting yourself a new challenge and learning a new skill will increase your confidence which can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Give

Giving to others is good for you even if it is a simple thank you. Volunteer your time or join a community group. See yourself and your happiness linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and create connectedness with the people around you.

Health & Wellbeing plays an important role with our teams and local community. If you would like to learn more about our Health & Wellbeing services, contact us today.

Ballyphehane Community Centre celebrates 50th anniversary

Celebrations were held recently in Ballyphehane Community Centre to mark the centre’s fiftieth anniversary, with a large crowd turning out for the event. From humble beginnings fifty years ago Ballyphehane Community Centre has grown to become an integral part of the community for all age groups.

Set up in 1969, the community centre had the remit to operate a community centre for the benefit of the Ballyphehane community and to provide:

• Recreational facilities for the elderly, youth, handicapped and disadvantaged

• Training courses

• Cultural activities

• Meeting rooms for local charitable organisations

Employing a staff of 15, with a volunteer staff of approx. 35, the community centre now offers a wide and diverse service. This include Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care, Bingo, Café, gym, and meeting room facilities. Over 500 people visit the centre on a weekly basis and up to 50 meals are delivered daily in the Ballyphehane and Turners Cross areas.

Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, Deputy Lord Mayor, spoke about the close community ties between Ballyphehane and Togher, and the importance of communities working together. He said “It’s a wonderful community centre with fantastic activities for the young and old. There has been a close collaboration between Ballyphehane and Togher, most prominently felt when Ballyphehane Meals on Wheels assisted the Togher Meals on Wheels service during a period of difficulty’.

Ballyphehane Community Association has played an important role in the local community, supporting a variety of groups including Togher Meals on Wheels, Ballyphehane Togher CDP, Kilreen Celtic, Fr Matthew Basketball, Ballyphehane GAA, Cork Filipino Basketball, Footdreams School of Dance, Forroige, Irish Dancing, Ballyphehane Men’s Shed, Muintir Na Tire, Munster Senior League, Network Bowls, and Rebel Wheeler Basketball.

Chairperson of Ballyphehane Community Centre Carmel Forde commented “I would like to thank all for their hard work in making tonight happen, particularly Mary Casey and the community centre staff. In addition, I would like to acknowledge the Meals on Wheels service down through the years and the current Ballyphehane Community Association team. This would not be possible without the great work of the volunteers, who provide an invaluable support to the operations of the community centre. This is a fantastic centre and we are very proud of it.”

Tom O’Driscoll, ex Ballyphehane Community Association chairperson, spoke about the work conducted by the current and past Ballyphehane Community Associations, and praised their efforts in marking the night. Bob Barry, Meals on Wheels volunteer, recounted the days of starting the Meals on Wheels service over fifty years ago, and how it has transformed and improved to the present day.