Ballina Carers hold successful Open Day, by Catriona Lowther
By Catriona Lowther, Secretary, Ballina Carers’ Support Group
Ballina Carers Support Group were both proud and privileged to work alongside the Ballina 2023 committee to host an Open Information and Family Fun Fay in the Jackie Clarke Collection on Saturday, September 30th.
Although the weather wasn’t kind to us, we had a fantastic turn out of various support services, groups and therapies. Several of the different organisations in attendance weren’t aware of each other, so along with we carers and the general public, the professionals themselves gained a lot of new information and contacts.
The sharing of information was the main objective of the event, and we are delighted to say that we achieved this.
The team at the Jackie Clarke Collection were amazing in everything they did for us, from allowing us to use their beautiful grounds to keeping everyone topped up with teas, coffees and various refreshments. Also, thanks to Tommy and Alfie who kept us entertained through music and song, and also DJ Chris Lawlor who so generously gave us his time. We are also very grateful to Ballina Costume Company who ran arts and crafts for our younger guests.
A huge thank you to each and everyone who gave of their time to share their information. That is what made the day. Also to our amazing group members who volunteered their time to talk to attendees and the various group and spread the message about what we do as a group, and helped out with our younger guests.
We were particularly delighted with the attendance of our local representatives. Cllrs Mark Duffy and Annie May Reape have been great supporters of our group. It was also great to meet our local TDs, Deputy Dara Calleary and Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh. The four of them spent a lot of time chatting to our members, the people who had come with information and with other attendees, which also included our community guard Michael Kelly.
Finally, a massive thank you to Ballina 2023. Without your funding and support, particularly with publicising our event, we would never have been able to do this.
Finally, a massive thank you to Ballina 2023. Without your funding and support, particularly with publicising our event, we would never have been able to do this.