Ten years of getting people back on the road to recovery
At the Involvement Centre's 10 year anniversary (back l/r) Nicola Nolan support facilitator, Miriam Ryan peer educator, David Dwyer Involvement Centre co-ordinator, Clare Fitzpatrick recovery co-ordinator, Niall Ryan Involvement Centre co-ordinator, Steve Monk, Roland Doyle, Martha Clarke recovery education facilitator, (seated l/r) Joan Delaney, Marian Farrell, Pauline Doran and Claire Moore Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
THE Involvement Centre, based in the grounds of St Dympna’s Hospital in Carlow town, recently celebrated its tenth birthday.
The centre is a peer-led group, where people who are going through a tough time can come and find a sympathetic ear and good, solid advice.
“Sometimes talking to someone is better than the medicine cabinet,” said Niall Ryan, a co-ordinator with the centre.
“The centre is open to people who are experiencing mental health challenges, where they can drop in, have a cuppa and a chat.
"You get to make friends with people who are going through similar experiences. When they feel better, they’ll be able to move on, get back to work and into their own communities.”
Clare Fitzpatrick, recovery co-ordinator with South East Care Mental Health Services, was there when the centre opened a decade ago.
“This is a safe space, where people can be themselves. People will come when they have a crisis in their lives and sometimes they’ll stay on as volunteers. It’s all about getting the person back on the road to recovery. Our volunteers are trained to give advice about getting access to the supports available,” said Clare.
There are workshops, too, for people to take part in, with a film club on Tuesdays, crochet classes on Thursdays and a writers’ group on Friday. Workshops to help with recovery are also available.
The Involvement Centre is free and is available to anyone who wishes to drop in, from Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm.
