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“there is something you must always remember:
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
---Christopher Robin to Pooh (A.A.Milne)

Go to Irish Origins - Trace your origins online

Being a Nurse Means ...

You will never be bored.
You will always be frustrated.
You will be surrounded by challenges.
So much to do and so little time.
You will carry immense responsibility
and very little authority.
You will step into people’s lives
and you will make a difference.
Some will bless you.
Some will curse you.
You will see people at their worst -
and at their best.
You will never cease to be amazed
at people’s capacity for love, courage, and endurance.
You will see life begin - and end.
You will experience resounding triumphs and devastating failures.
You will cry a lot.
You will laugh a lot.
You will know what it is to be human and to be humane.

By Melodie Chenevert, RN

CALLS FOR ACTION

We can all help each other in a number of ways: some are very easy and take very little time, and others are more challenging. What can you do? Or do you have a family member or good friend who may be able to step in and take up the cause?

I. Tell the world, "I Care."

One of the most helpful things you can do for yourself and your fellow Carers is simple: Be counted! If the Government, news media, and general public realised how many of us there really were, we may well have more respite care and other support resources to lean on.

So how can you be counted as a Carer?

  • sign up for our mailing list, and receive our free monthly newsletter through the post.
  • apply for the Carer's Allowance or the Respite Care Grant. Even if you think you won't get anything, please apply.. The more applications received, the more carers show on the Government's radar. And it's just possible you could get it; see our Resource List for more information about the many benefits Carer's Allowance can provide you.
  • visit our website, and return often... then tell your family and friends to do the same! Our website statistics can be part of grant applications and letters to TDs and newspaper editors.
  • e-mail us about anything you like. The more feedback we receive, the better we can serve you and all our regional carers.
  • come to meetings whenever you can make it. Don't forget that we can help with transportation and respite care if you need it!
  • join the Carer's Association of Ireland and other groups that can speak up for you in Government: almost all these organisations are free, and glad to hear from new members. Plus, they can pass on valuable information that could make a real difference for you.

Because so many Carers in Ireland are invisible to policy makers, we aren't getting as much support as we need, especially in rural areas like ours. But if the Council and the Government knew our real numbers, including everyone who's taken Granny into their home now that she's unable to live alone, or everyone now raising a disabled child, or whose partner has been diagnosed with something life-changing or worse... we all might get better support from the Powers-That-Be.

So what do you need to help your family? ... is it more accessible public transportation or training in health issues, specific equipment for your home to make your caring easier, or a much-needed mental-health break away from it all, to recharge and rest?

We can all help each other. Standing up and saying, "I Care" is a vital first step.

II. Volunteer!

Thanks to a recent grant from the Community Foundation for Ireland, we can provide transportation and care cover for members who want to attend meetings and events... but we need drivers and respite-carers! Expenses are covered, and family members are welcome to apply. Contact us or Community Connections for more information.

III. Marathons and 10Ks

These are great fun, and a wonderful opportunity for fundraising and spreading the word about your favourite cause. If you would like to step up to the challenge (or if you can volunteer your partner or children!), check the links below for popular Irish walks, runs, and marathons. Contact us and we'll set you up with a team, t-shirts, and sponsor cards.

...there are plenty more out there, bigger and smaller, closer to home and all over the world. If marathons and "fun runs" are your hobby, write or visit to let us know all about it! Watch this space for photos and more information.

IV. Letters to the Editor

Whether you write to local newspapers or national ones, pick up your pen regularly to let your Editors know your concerns, gripes, and insights. While very few letters make the cut and get printed, all are read: sending a letter in does nobody any harm, and you just may be giving the newspaper a great idea for a future article.

To better your chances of getting into print, stick to one clear point, keep it brief, re-check your spelling and grammar, and provide your contact details. Letters to our local papers have a far greater chance of getting through than one to the Sunday Times, for instance.

Want to give it a try? Here are links to some of our local publications:

Thank you for your interest and support!
If you take up the challenge on any of the above, let us know!