DEPAUL NEWS I am delighted to reflect on a rewarding, busy and opportunity rich period for Depaul Ireland I am delighted to reflect on a rewarding, busy and opportunity rich period for Depaul Ireland I am delighted to reflect on a rewarding, busy and opportunity rich period for Depaul Ireland I am delighted to reflect on a rewarding, busy and opportunity rich period for Depaul Ireland where the difference of our work is becoming even more noticeable. Service user where the difference of our work is becoming even more noticeable. Service user where the difference of our work is becoming even more noticeable. Service user where the difference of our work is becoming even more noticeable. Service user engagement in social and therapeutic activities continues to increase providing a creative engagement in social and therapeutic activities continues to increase providing a creative engagement in social and therapeutic activities continues to increase providing a creative engagement in social and therapeutic activities continues to increase providing a creative way to engage people in a more informed setting. As an organisation, we have enjoyed way to engage people in a more informed setting. As an organisation, we have enjoyed way to engage people in a more informed setting. As an organisation, we have enjoyed way to engage people in a more informed setting. As an organisation, we have enjoyed unprecedented promotion of our work in the public through a CD with long time supporter unprecedented promotion of our work in the public through a CD with long time supporter unprecedented promotion of our work in the public through a CD with long time supporter unprecedented promotion of our work in the public through a CD with long time supporter Duke Special, which has helped to raise awareness of the situation of homeless people. We Duke Special, which has helped to raise awareness of the situation of homeless people. We Duke Special, which has helped to raise awareness of the situation of homeless people. We Duke Special, which has helped to raise awareness of the situation of homeless people. We will strive to continue this work and keep you updated on our progress. will strive to continue this work and keep you updated on our progress. will strive to continue this work and keep you updated on our progress. will strive to continue this work and keep you updated on our progress. Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO Depaul Ireland Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO Depaul Ireland Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO Depaul Ireland Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO Depaul Ireland FAME AND FORTUNE COME KNOCKING Depaul service users have had a busy few months! In December a coffee morning took place in Stella Maris that raised £744.50 to support the work of Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. They provide services for children in the later stages of life. “We just wanted to help the sick children, they need the money more than we need it” said Derek Byrne a service users of Stella Maris at the cheque presentation. Two hundred miles away, men and women in Sundial House, who attend weekly art classes, got the great news that their prints were chosen to go on sale nationally alongside a Duke Special CD. What great achievements for all involved. Acclaimed Belfast singer song writer Duke Special recently recorded a commemorative CD of Ruby Murray tracks. When he decided to record the CD he wanted to link the recordings with an organisation whose service users lives reflect the struggles that Ruby lived with: "I decided to work with Depaul Ireland, an incredible organisation who reach out to some of the most vulnerable homeless people in Ireland, North and South," he said. Ruby Murray was incredibly talented and still holds the top space for the most singles in the top twenty at one time. Sadly, like some of our service users, her life was overshadowed by her dependency on alcohol. NEW DUKE SPECIAL CD IN SUPPORT OF DEPAUL “The way in which Duke Special is remembering Ruby seems to celebrate her life in a way that ensures her fantastic story is not overshadowed by her struggle with alcohol misuse, we aim to do this for those we support” Kerry Antony, Depaul Ireland CEO said of this special offering. Stella Maris service users , Sr. Nuala and a representative of the hospice are pictured at the cheque presentation (above). Service users Greg, Thomas , Janet and Peter pictured with Ria and Nicki from Fundraising and their signed copies of Ruby and the Duke. Volume 4 | Issue 1| March 2011
Transcript
DEPAUL NEWS
I am delighted to reflect on a rewarding, busy and opportunity rich period for Depaul Ireland I am delighted to reflect on a rewarding, busy and opportunity rich period for Depaul Ireland I am delighted to reflect on a rewarding, busy and opportunity rich period for Depaul Ireland I am delighted to reflect on a rewarding, busy and opportunity rich period for Depaul Ireland where the difference of our work is becoming even more noticeable. Service user where the difference of our work is becoming even more noticeable. Service user where the difference of our work is becoming even more noticeable. Service user where the difference of our work is becoming even more noticeable. Service user engagement in social and therapeutic activities continues to increase providing a creative engagement in social and therapeutic activities continues to increase providing a creative engagement in social and therapeutic activities continues to increase providing a creative engagement in social and therapeutic activities continues to increase providing a creative way to engage people in a more informed setting. As an organisation, we have enjoyed way to engage people in a more informed setting. As an organisation, we have enjoyed way to engage people in a more informed setting. As an organisation, we have enjoyed way to engage people in a more informed setting. As an organisation, we have enjoyed unprecedented promotion of our work in the public through a CD with long time supporter unprecedented promotion of our work in the public through a CD with long time supporter unprecedented promotion of our work in the public through a CD with long time supporter unprecedented promotion of our work in the public through a CD with long time supporter Duke Special, which has helped to raise awareness of the situation of homeless people. We Duke Special, which has helped to raise awareness of the situation of homeless people. We Duke Special, which has helped to raise awareness of the situation of homeless people. We Duke Special, which has helped to raise awareness of the situation of homeless people. We will strive to continue this work and keep you updated on our progress. will strive to continue this work and keep you updated on our progress. will strive to continue this work and keep you updated on our progress. will strive to continue this work and keep you updated on our progress. Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO Depaul IrelandKerry Anthony MBE, CEO Depaul IrelandKerry Anthony MBE, CEO Depaul IrelandKerry Anthony MBE, CEO Depaul Ireland
FAME AND FORTUNE COME KNOCKING
Depaul service users have had a busy few months! In December a coffee morning took place in Stella Maris that raised £744.50 to support the work of Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. They provide services for children in the later stages of life. “We just wanted to help the sick children, they need the money more than we need it” said Derek Byrne a service users of Stella Maris at the cheque presentation. Two hundred miles away, men and women in Sundial House, who attend weekly art classes, got the great news that their prints were chosen to go on sale nationally alongside a Duke Special CD. What great achievements for all involved.
Acclaimed Belfast singer song writer Duke Special recently recorded a commemorative CD of Ruby Murray tracks. When he decided to record the CD he wanted to link the recordings with an organisation whose service users
lives reflect the struggles that Ruby lived with: "I decided to work with Depaul Ireland, an incredible organisation who reach out to some of the most vulnerable homeless people in Ireland, North and South," he said. Ruby Murray was incredibly talented and still holds the top space for the most singles in the top twenty at one time. Sadly, like some of our service users, her life was overshadowed by her dependency on alcohol.
NEW DUKE SPECIAL CD IN SUPPORT OF DEPAUL
“The way in which Duke Special is remembering Ruby seems to celebrate her life in a way that ensures her fantastic story is not overshadowed by her struggle with alcohol misuse, we aim to do this for those we support” Kerry Antony, Depaul Ireland CEO said of this special offering.
Stella Maris service users , Sr. Nuala and a representative of the hospice are pictured at the cheque presentation (above).
Service users Greg, Thomas , Janet and Peter pictured with Ria and Nicki from Fundraising and their signed copies of Ruby and the Duke.
We are always grateful to our supporters, who continue to be generous to Depaul with their time and money. This month we would like to highlight Paul Douglas and Chadwicks for a matched gift in kind of €578 and all of those who contributed to the Voice of the City event. Without their support the event simply would not have taken place. Thank you! If you would like to donate towards our work please visit our website www.depaulireland.org.
VOICE OF THE CITY
FUND
-
RAISING
NEWS
BACK ON YOUR FEET
The evenings are getting longer and the flowers are pushing there way through the softening Spring soil. It’s that time of year again to get Back on Your Feet!
Back on Your Feet was launched on March 6th, the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, by our Tus Nua project for women leaving prison. It invites people of all ages, and fitness, to join Depaul Ireland to walk, jog or run to support our work.
This year, women in Tus Nua have taken on the challenge of completing the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon— so why not join them? It takes place on June 6th in Dublin and registration is now open.
Several marathons, of varying lengths, triathlons and walks are offered across the country every year that fall into the aims of our Back on Your Feet campaign.
Full support including sponsorship pack and t-shirt will be provided to everyone who joins our Back on Your Feet team. For more information and a list of events see www.depaulireland.org or contact [email protected].
Depaul International Patron Sir Trevor McDonald hosted a fantastic night of music and performance in the special surroundings of Belfast City Hall on March 26th . We styled this fundraiser as an old school variety show and aimed for it to be the quirky, fresh and brilliant alternative to the traditional charity ball. As well as a great opportunity to raise money towards our work it was also a celebration of the successes of our service users in finding their ‘voice’ with the help of Depaul. The night was a huge success thanks to all the amazing performers, the volunteers, all of our sponsors and those who attended. Pictures and other information from the event will be available shortly on www.depaulireland.org . Thanks to everyone who attended on the night!
Service users, staff and volunteers from Tus Nua pictured at
the launch
Page 3 DEPAUL NEWS Volume 4 | Issue 1| March 2011
SERVICE
S
NEWS
Words from our service users… “Our brokenness is a terrible thing. We have been lonely our whole lives. In here we can knock on each others doors. We are well looked after each day. This is our home. It feels like we are wanted and we belong. - Liam, Stella Maris
HEALTH PROMOTION THROUGH ART Queens medical students promoted positive mental health by running a series of stress busting sessions in Castlehill, Dungannon. After researching the popular local artist Terry Bradley they used his artwork to inspire service users to express themselves creatively. In the Cloverhill Family Project the students took a similarly creative spin for their Swine Flu workshop which included magic tricks, a dramatic re-enactment of the swine flu virus, Q&A games and even homemade piggy’s for the kids! A huge thanks to Queens students Carla Ann Brennan, Andrea Dickson, Yi Wern Lim and Jennifer Spence. Examples of the colourful work created are pictured right.
WOMEN’S GROUP As part of our Life Skills Programme, a Women’s Group is held every Monday in Sundial House. It provides a safe and welcoming space for women with a history of homelessness and addiction to talk openly about their lives and loves, learn how to use make up, apply skin cream properly, engage in relaxation medita-tion, form friendships and build their self esteem and ability to cope with life. To celebrate Valentines Day, the women produced hand made chocolates which were distributed as a Valentine treat to staff, who enjoyed them!
EARTH HOUR
The lights went out across Depaul’s Dublin projects on March 26th, in synch with the rest of the world, to promote the importance of energy saving and environmental protection. Millions of people participated across 128 countries and Depaul is delighted to have played a role in such a meaningful global event.
EUROPEAN YEAR OF VOLUNTEERING
2011 is European Year of Volunteering and Depaul Volunteer
Programme will be using it to promote the valuable role
volunteers play in all Depaul projects. Already, EVS volunteers
in Belfast have met with current Drive Ahead programme
trainees to encourage them to consider the benefits of
volunteering, as an opportunity to gain experience, both at
home and abroad. In Dublin, EVS volunteers Agathe and
Daniela helped the volunteer body Volunteering Ireland to
How long have you worked for Depaul? How long have you worked for Depaul? How long have you worked for Depaul? How long have you worked for Depaul? I
have worked for Depaul for 7months .
What did you do before Depaul? What did you do before Depaul? What did you do before Depaul? What did you do before Depaul? Before I
worked for Depaul I volunteered for 2yrs in
a children’s club.
Why is the Child Support Worker role important? Why is the Child Support Worker role important? Why is the Child Support Worker role important? Why is the Child Support Worker role important? There are so
many children in the world who miss out on their emotional needs
being met because their parents don’t know how to love , care
and even play with them. I work alongside those parents and help
them with positive play sessions ,healthy eating ,structure and
routine and many other issues that they may have.
What do you enjoy most in your job? What do you enjoy most in your job? What do you enjoy most in your job? What do you enjoy most in your job? I enjoy my job because it
helps me to meet a different variety of people from all walks of life.
I enjoy being able to help parents give their children security and a
warm safe place to live.
Challenges in your role? Challenges in your role? Challenges in your role? Challenges in your role? The challenges in my role are when I see a
child’s needs not being met.
Best thing that could happen in Depaul? Best thing that could happen in Depaul? Best thing that could happen in Depaul? Best thing that could happen in Depaul? Enough funding for 2
fulltime Child development workers across the 2 family projects,
as I thinks it’s needed greatly.
Witter - TheTheTheThe 140 character interview 140 character interview 140 character interview 140 character interview
A UNUNUNUN Independent expert on Human Rights and Extreme Poverty visited Sundial House on January 10th as part of a five day fact finding tour to Ireland. Ms. Magdalena Sepúlved has a remit to analyse the Governments efforts and challenges to alleviate poverty. Her visit to Sundial helped her collect first hand experiences of people experiencing the worst forms of poverty. She will use this to critique the efforts of the Government to support this group. She was accompanied on her visit by Kerry Anthony, CEO and Barbara Corcoran, Project Group Manager Sundial House.
Heavy hangs on my troubled heart,
From the burdens of my sorrow,
Heavy looms a sleepless night,
A prelude of tomorrow,
Misfortune strikes unrelenting!
What future for me in pretending,
What smoothes me from the grief I
know?
What gives me strength to undergo?
As korma strikes, she strikes low,
This is the life I’ve come to know.
When help was needed, none was
given,
I turned my gaze towards the
heaven,
Dear God, please show me a sign,
Restore my faith in human kind,
In my darkest hour of despair,
You alone focused my glassy store,
You showed me some people care,
Thank you for being you and there,
Your kindness helps relieve my pain,
Gives me the strength to fight again,
I have nothing left, yet all to gain,
In your darkest hour call my name.
Sean (Dog). Castlehill Sean (Dog). Castlehill Sean (Dog). Castlehill Sean (Dog). Castlehill
MY DARKEST HOUR
DEPAUL IMPRESSES LORD
MAYOR
Lord Mayor of Dungannon, Cllr Michelle O’ Neil visited our Castlehill project on February 11th. It was an important opportunity for Depaul to raise its profile in the town. Michelle happily answered questions from service users and presented a framed photo, as a gesture of kindness, to be displayed in the project. (picture left)
