The Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) has around 6,000 members and over 440 guilds across the Country, where members cook, travel, craft and socialise.
The aim of the ICA is to provide a welcoming and fun organisation which offers support, friendship, personal development, education and lifelong learning.
Their members learn new skills, participate in local charity initiatives and get involved in their local communities. And they continue to build on 110 years legacy of nurturing the Irish language and culture.
At a recent ICA Federation meeting in The Hub in Rosslare Harbour, the ICA handed over cheques to RehabCare Wexford, the Community Hospital New Ross and St John’s Community Hospital in Enniscorthy.
A cheque for €1,221.50 was presented to the Community Hospital, New Ross at the ICA Federation meeting in The Hub, Rosslare Harbour on Monday evening. (l to r)- Helen Furlong (Sports Officer, Wexford Federation ICA), Mary Nolan (Federation Treasurer), Breda Cahill (ICA Federation President), Seamus Kennedy (Chairman, New Ross Community Hospital), Mary Darcy (National President ICA), and Lillian Mahon (Federation Secretary). Photo: Jim Campbell
RehabCare Wexford supports people with a disability to enhance their independence and develop the skills they need to live the lives they choose, who develop a unique person-centred plan for each individual who attends our service.
Their staff then put measures in place to make sure they reach their individual goals. This could involve joining advocacy committees, learning independent living skills, taking part in nutritional and physical exercise programmes, increasing confidence around independent travel, taking day trips to learn about local or national heritage, or gaining employment.
“We are so grateful for the generous support of the ICA” said spokesperson Ciara Heffernan. “In this instance, they went above and beyond to host a coffee morning, on a day of disruptive weather.
“They offered a warm welcome and ensured the day was a success. People from our service are supported to be at the heart of their community in their everyday lives, and in turn, we truly treasure our partnerships and collaborations with organisations across Wexford.
The challenges that charity face in Wexford are the same as those faced by the disability service across the country. Service providers are struggling to cope with increasing costs, rising inflation and staff retention.
“Looking ahead, the group attending RehabCare Wexford is highly advocacy-oriented, and are continuously focused on highlighting the barriers that people with disabilities face in society, particularly in relation to accessibility on footpaths and roads for people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues” she added.
Several members of the Wexford service, alongside staff, will attend the Rehab Group Advocacy Conference in Dublin in March, joining with people who attend RehabCare disability services from across Ireland.