Lend a Hand initiative is launched in Ballina

Craoibhín Ballina has set up a new programme called Lend A Hand where a key worker will be accompanied by volunteers from the Mayo Volunteer Centre to assist people with physical limitations. A grant from the National Lottery has allowed the charity to purchase a van.

Founded in 2008 by Moy Valley IRD, Craoibhín Ballina services the Ballina area, with a base on Cathedral Road. Part-funded by Pobal, as well as donations from the community, it is governed by a voluntary board of management and its ethos is to promote social inclusion to all adults in a happy, safe and welcoming environment in order to reduce isolation and loneliness in the elderly.

Emma Donoghue is in charge of Craoibhín Ballina says the Lend A Hand programme will have widespread benefits.

“This is for the benefit of the community. It gives a sense of self-worth and positive mental health to the recipient of the service as well as those who are providing it.”

Tools have been donated by Archers in order to assist with the initiative, and Ms Donoghue credits the “strong framework” of the project.

The services provided will not “impinge on local tradespeople”, but instead will help with smaller jobs that people who are physically limited would not be able to do such as changing lightbulbs or mowing the lawn. It will primarily focus on the aging community of the Ballina district, and those who have physical or cognitive limitations.

Ms Donoghue also thinks it will give the volunteers a great sense of “giving back to the community”.

It is hoped to develop the scheme for other areas outside of Ballina and Ms Donoghue says the current initiative has the potential to be a “pilot project” which could be rolled out in other parts of the county and country.