MEETING, HEALTH CENTRE, Ballingarry , Thursday 7th Feb 2002
Present : Dr J Curtin, Margaret Webster , Teresa Hennessy, Sr Patricia Wall, Sally Ivers, Tony Claydon
Diary Date : next meeting Tuesday 26th Feb, 8.00 – 9.30 p.m. , Health Centre, Ballingarry
1.Drug awareness
Guest Speaker : Sinead O Mahony, Drug Education Officer.
Covers South Tipp facilitating education on drug awareness ( includes alcohol tobacco ) .
General discussion on what information / help is already available.
Schools have an education programme available. Sinaed is working already with Killeaule school.
Drug awareness seminar for parents
An example at Cappawhite is 1.5 – 2 hours each Tuesday for 8 weeks.
Includes all adults ( not just parents )
Suggestion is that we start with public meeting. At the public meeting the next steps can be agreed. Thursday 21st March. 7.30 – 9.00 p.m. Publicity need .( Teresa / Sr Patricia / TC )
Start the follow-up meetings w/c 08/04 possibly suing the Health Centre.
Could do something similar once per year
Ex addicts suggested as speakers / role models.
Survey information is available
2. Funding for Clare cashman work ( keep fit etc )
Sally proposed that the BHCP grant stays with Clare ( i.e. the money is NOT paid back ) to allow for ongoing programme . Full agreement . Sally will get receipts from Clare for our records.
3.Young People Dancing Exercise Programme
Clare has choreographer and classes will start in the Community Hall. Sally will find out how much funding is required. In principle, full support is agreed.
Could be 5.00 – 6.00 p.m.
Sally will come back to the next meeting with the details.
4. Healthy Eating (National School)
Idea of a healthy eating lunch. Have reusable lunch boxes ….we give them the boxes with the first healthy lunch free. Then follow up with spot checks if they are still in use with Healthy Food.
A reward for the best performance.
Teresa suggested involvement of Susan Higgins, Regional Nutritionist ( health promotion ) .
Teresa will cost out 200 boxes ( with BHCP logo ) . Teresa will organize for Susan to meet Sally
Funding for the boxes may be regional and local funds used for the contents.
Leaflet with healthy eating advice to be included.
This could be ready to go straight after Easter.
This project will be managed by Sally. The logistics (talking to the teachers / date / contents
etc ) will be planned and communicated by Sally.
5. Funding
When will we get the 2002 funds into the account? There is a regional Meeting 20/02 and Sr Patricia will enquire then regarding the timing.
6. Secondary School
SPHE training program for teacher is ongoing . SEHB will give preference to Ballingarry Teachers.
Healthy food / leaflets into the school tuck shop. Introduce healthy food and get rid of crisps etc.
Sally to discuss with Susan. (Maybe later in the year to start)
7. Senior Citizens
Exercise programme for senior citizens ( gentle mobility ) . Niamh Murphy lectures on this subject and will train people on behalf of SEHB to act as trainers . The people to be trained could be the
Senior Citizen Committee members. Action : Teresa to progress before next meeting.
NEXT MEETING : Tuesday 26th Feb , 8.00 – 9.30 p.m.
VENUE : BALLINGARRY HEALTH CENTRE
Agenda will include planning for Healthy Eating Week and feedback from Regional Meetin

11TH January 2002
MINUTES OF COMBINED MEETING :
BALLINGARRY HEALTHY COMMUNITY PROJECT/ COMMUNITY COUNCIL & AGM COMMUNITY ALERT
THURSDAY 10TH JAN , 2002, CONVENT SCHOOL , BALLINGARRY

Diary Date : Thursday 21st February , 8.00 p.m. , Venue ?
Combined Meeting ( the last combined one ! ) of Community Council &
Ballingarry Healthy Community Project.
Present: Tony Claydon, Sr Patricia Wall, Dick Vaughan, Bill Martin, Susan Meagher, Pat Walton,
Kathleen Brennan , Charles Ruttle, Annie heaphy , Margaret Webster , Eileen Fennelly ,
Nicolas Lannigan, Dr John Curtin , Kathleen Kelly, Sean Dunne, Mick Fitzgerald.
Alice Goldsboro, Teresa Hennessy , Padraig Collins Tomas Fitzgerald.
Fr Breen
( Community Alert )
Anna O’Dwyer Hon Sec., Garda Jim Quinlan
Sgt Sean Sherlock , Crime Prevention Officer , Margaret Quinn ( Muintir Na Tir ) and Bernadette Leahy ( Task Alarm )

Apologies: Fergus Murray, Sally Ivers, Barbara Fryday, John Walshe, Supt Pat Finlay,
Sr Patricia welcome all members to this ( one off ! ) combined meeting of the three groups. Sr Patricia chaired the full proceedings.

The first part of the meeting covers actions / follow ups from the meeting 13/12/2001 ( ref . the minutes from this meeting ). The second part of the meeting is the AGM of Community Alert.
1. Follow up from Item 4 last minutes. (See Report below next Item)
List ( as sent in to TC ) on the agenda.
Lisnamrock points will be progressed by Susan ( need to get the land taken by the original owners ; Council have agreed to this ). Action Susan
Next meeting 21st Feb we will have council representatives present. We can go through the items one by one. Executive engineer + one of the planners. TC will send a list to Susan to pass on to the Council prior to the meeting ( this list will be as per the agenda for 10/01 , see attached ).
Village signs need to be added to the list.
Discussion on the various items.
Mining Museum will remain a possible project for the future. Seen as an excellent idea ( possibly in the Commons )
2 . Item 2 from last minutes: Bus Shelters
Bus shelters have been given OK by the engineer. Need the OK from the people living adjacent to the Commons site. Annie will progress. Susan will also look at an alternative Commons site.
Bus shelter near the school will be OK. The one in Ballingarry will be near the Eircom Building. Bill will talk to Martin Hanrahan . When feedback to TC is complete he will progress planning permission ( guidance from Susan ).
Design will be as per Bus Shelters in Kilsheelan
3. Smoking Cessation Group .
This has restarted tonight ( Teresa Hennessy ). Item in parish Newsletter.
4. AGM Community Alert
Bill Martin introduced this section . Community alert set up 11 years ago.
Now affiliated to the Community Council.
Sgt Sean Sherlock , Crime Prevention Officer, Margaret Quinn ( Muintir Na Tir ) Bernadette Leahy ( Task Community Care ) .
4.1 Report from Anna O’Dwyer. ( secretary of Community Alert ).
4.2 Treasurer report given by Bill. £24,845 spent over the last six years . Euro 5000.00 in the bank.
We want more people who need alarms to have alarms.
115 people ( additional ) identified for alarms . Some have phone monitors. 60 have nothing . Through the Community Council we can progress. Annual alarm monitoring fee of £52 could be funded.
Odd jobs ( see previous Community Council minutes ) is another area needing progress.
4.3 Garda Jim Quinlan.
Stress on the importance of Community Alert for old people - health & safety.
Any unusual person / car number should be reported ( to the Garda Station ).
Every elderly person should have an alarm installed.
4.4 Sair. Sean Sherlock . Crime Prevention Officer
Covers all the county . Message is ‘ protect your own homes ‘ .Stressed the partnership of Community Alert. Be a good neighbour. Be alert .
Video Presentation: ‘ Stop Thief!’ .
Don’t be careless. 1 in 3 crimes in this country is a burglary.
Locks/ lights/alarms.
Question was asked for Garda to comment on school key holders called out in the middle of the night. Gardai prefer the key holder system ( called by the burglar alarm company ) but will still respond ( could be as long as 30 minutes ) in the event of no key holder turning out. This clearly is an ongoing issue.
4.5 Margaret Quinn – Muintir Na Tíre
Development Officer responsible for Community Alert . Advice / guidance etc Detailed the role of Muintir Na Tir in Community Alert.
Example of why the elderly should all have a pendant/alarm.
People should always wear the pendant !
They need to accept the pendant can only be of benefit.
Last year a lot of Muintir Na Tir time was spent ( at Day Centres ) explaining the Euro to elderly people .
4.6 Bernadette Leahy - Task Community Care
Pendant / Alarm demo.
Form to be completed with address / health / doctor / contact numbers / key holders / etc
System is monitored centrally ( Dublin ) 24 hours per day.
If no key holders are contactable then the central control calls the Garda.
Emphasis on correct use ! Wear the pendant. Up to 6 buttons can be linked to each house / unit.
Also audible warning device demo .
4.7 Election of Community Alert Officers
Bill Martin – Chairman ( proposed Susan / seconded Alice )
Anna O’Dwyer – Secretary ( Peggy / Alice )
John Walsh – Treasurer ( Dick / Peggy )
Peggy Meagher – Asst Treasurer
PRO – via the Community Council
The President of Community Alert was Fr Morris , R.I.P. , ( with Rev Barbara Fryday ) and Fr Breen will now take on this role . Tribute made to the late Fr Morris and to Albert Cooke community alert committee members.

Evaluation of Community Health Day at Ballingarry

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

An estimated 200 people attended the Community Health Day organised as part of the Ballingarry Healthy Community Project on Thursday 22nd Nov. 2001 in the Community Centre from 2 – 8 pm. Health Checks available on the day included blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and carbon monoxide testing. A Dietician measured height, weight and body mass index and nutritional advice was given.
Information on quitting smoking was available and Nicorette also had a stand. Citizens Information and Money Advice and Budgeting Service were also present as was the local Civil Defence team. Drug Awareness Officers, Adult Literacy and VHI also had information stands. Healthy food options such as sandwiches, fruit juices and scones were provided. Demonstrations and mini treatments of massage, Reiki, Shiatsu and Reflexology were also on offer by local therapists.
Winners of the Health Quiz completed on the day were:-
1. Marie Meagher, Prospect, Drangan, Thurles
2. Carmel Mc Grath, The Park, Ballingarry
3. Eleanor Fennelly, Ballingarry, Thurlea
4. Bridie Lawlor, Clashduff, Ballingarry
5. Mary O’Connell, Ballingarry Village, Thurles
All winners will receive a cookbook, t-shirt and £20 book voucher.
All information and services were provided free of charge to those who attended. The overall feedback was very positive. Of those who completed an evaluation form (no. =35) over 80% thought the day was excellent, the remainder rated it as good. Most of those who attended availed of the main health checks with over 150 getting their cholesterol tested and almost as many, their blood pressure. All those who completed the evaluation said that they would attend a similar event in the future. Additional comments made included: -
Very friendly and helpful staff
More stuff for children please
Like to see more stuff for young people
Great day – going home a new woman!
Very informative
Relaxing and informative
Excellent – great idea
Very good, interesting
Very good day
Happy with everything – couldn’t improve
Very good for overweight
Very good X 5
Well done to all who helped run the day
Wonderful experience
Very informative – learned a lot
Excellent
Very good for our health information
Great
Of great benefit to all
Very pleased with all services especially the massage and the reflexologist
Very helpful and informative staff – need a better queuing system
Would be more convenient starting in the morning earlier 11 – 6 pm
Well organized staff at all stands – very helpful
Enjoyable, relaxing, good to find tests proved satisfactory, easy way of having checks done

Observations –
Not everyone who came registered at the desk on the way in so final nos. are an estimate based on the no. of cholesterol strips used etc. Some of those who arrived near 8 pm could not be seen because the hall had to be vacated at 8 pnm for Yoga. This was a pity as many who arrived at this time were men and it would have been good to be able to do their checks also as they are usually less likely to get these done than their female counterparts. The large numbers of those who attended was due to good advertising by the local Steering Committee by distributing posters, highlighting the event in the parish newsletter and local papers and advertising on Tipp FM. Overall people who attended were happy with the day and perhaps this could become an annual event with something provided for children and extended hours of operation.

_______________________________
Teresa Hennessy
Health Promotion Officer

BALLINGARRY HEALTHY COMMUNITY REPORT 15th.NOV. 2001
Launch of the needs Survey in Community Centre
Presented byMairéad Fennessy,& Fergus Murray Report by Tony Claydon,

PUBLIC MEETING 15TH NOVEMBER 2001
The purpose of this public meeting was to formally present the Needs Assessment Survey , present what the local committee has already accomplished , what is planned and also allow for full discussion / ideas from the floor.
It was also an opportunity to introduce the new Community Council and suggest how the various items may be progressed in the short , medium and long term.
The evening was chaired by Sr Patricia Wall , Chairperson of the local committee of The Ballingarry Healthy Community Project and also Chairperson of the Community Council .

Meeting Notes :

1. Needs Assessment Survey
This part of the meeting comprised a presentation by Mairead Fennessy from the South Eastern Health Board ( SEHB ). A précis handout was made available to all present and a full copy of the report is available from committee members.
The survey showed that there was a good appreciation of the wide definition of the word ‘ health ‘. It is key that people feel that they are part of the community and are involved.
It is important to recognize that this is only the first phase of an ongoing process. We are establishing a foundation for continuous activity.
2. Local Group
The second part of the meeting was a presentation by Fergus Murray which set out what the local group has achieved so far and what are we currently doing or planning in the short term ( building on the identified areas from the Needs Assessment survey )
The content of this presentation follows
3. Group discussions
Those present split into small groups top consider the ideas presented and come up with additional suggestions.
This list follows
The final part of the meeting was an introduction to the Community Council. It was explained that the Healthy Community Project will be under the umbrella of the Community Council.
Some of the projects will be driven by the Healthy Community and some via the community Council.
The allocation of accountability will be made at the Community Council Meeting on December 13th.

Initiatives proposed by the Local Steering Committee Timeframe
1. Course in Family Communications and Self Esteem (long term aim of the course is drug abuse prevention among adolescents through improved family communication)– ongoing in Killenaule at the moment with 2 people attending from Ballingarry.
2. Establish once per term visit to all primary schools on all aspects of health – one more visit to happen before Christmas.
3. Skills for Change training – 2 day training course for health professionals, community workers, youth workers and those with opportunities to work with others on a one-to-one basis exploring healthy lifestyles. To be run before end of Dec. 2001
4. Keep Fit – happening at the moment through Clare Cashman, supported with funds from this project.
5. Basic cookery – planned for near future – see Clare Cashman
6. Smoking Cessation course – 6 week programme to commence mid Jan. 2002 – March 2002
7. Community Health Day – 22nd Nov. 2 – 8 pm
Longer term or ongoing initiatives:-
8. Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE) course – Meeting has already happened between Beatrice Barry Murphy, Health Promotion Officer for Post Primary Schools, some teachers interested in attending the 180hr training programme for this course Sept. 2002- May 2003. Support from Beatrice to the school will be ongoing.
9. Use of status of healthy community to campaign for footpaths, water and other large expenditure.

Initiatives not yet followed up: -
10. Support for primary teachers for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)
11. Utilisation of school bus for transport to courses (outside of school start / stop times)
12. MABS visit needed once per week
Key Findings – by category
Service provision
- Access too health / social services
- Need for more locally based services
- Access to information about services no. 7
- Services for older people, childcare
Physical and Built Environment
- Concerns about water quality
- Need for safe walking areas no. 9
- Road safety
- Radio mast emissions
Lifestyles and Health Damaging Behaviours
- Concerns about alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse nos. 1,3&6
- Worries about young people and the above nos. 1&8
- Good diet nos. 5& 7
- Exercise (particularly among young girls) no. 4
- Access to certain leisure facilities (gym, pool)
Mental Health
- Rural isolation especially among older people no. 11
- Hindered by lack of adequate public transport no. 11
- Financial worries, employment added to stress
Inadequate public transport
- Restricts access to services, facilities and employment no 9 ?
Unemployment
- Financial impact on people/ community
- Psychological impact on community
- Generations of families experienced unemployment, emigration
Issues relating to specific groups
– Young people, lone parents, older people
- Support for parenting and life-skills nos. 1,2,8,&10
- Building confidence and self-esteem
Concerns about level of community involvement, participation & volunteerism
Social exclusion - literacy problems

FEEDBACK FROM GROUPS
PUBLIC MEETING – 15TH NOVEMBER
The following list was collated from suggestions made at the meeting . These will be added to the list of things to do , as appropriate
Priority was allocated as per comments from the floor.
Priority
Bus shelters for Students/passengers in Ballingarry Village , The Commons and where there is a need
Transport to connect to services ( existing ? )
Footpaths around the whole village
Restore bus route to kilkenny via the Commons (at least on some days)
Mother and toddler group
Encouraging neighbourliness . Become proactive using thew Community alert network
Self Esteem .
Others
Signposting ( particularly village signs )
Extended use of Mass radio
( e.g. involve young people – programmes /news )
Define isolation as just ‘ isolation ‘ not rural isolation
Fire hydrants permanently blocked
Drugs. Involve parents ( via school groups )
Road safety . Use of seat belts. Excessive speed.
Water quality
Access to services -> transport to health services ( e.g. in Kilkenny )
Healthy snacks for homework club
Link existing health services with specific groups e.g. young mothers.
Gym / keep fit ( e.g. athletics / work outs for girls )
Fire engine required ( this is approved and funding is available – use our influence )
Garda station needs upgrading
End of Report

Minutes of Committee Meeting , Thursday 11th October , 2001

This meeting essentially had only two agenda items ; a discussion of the budget / SEHB response to our letter , and secondly the Needs Assessment launch.

1. Budget

The Committee had all received copies of the budget spend plus the accompanying letter from
Biddy O’Neill , SEHB.

The following points summarize the discussion:

* The £35K budget was between the two communities ( Hacketstown and Ballingarry ) . The local Ballingarry committee had no control or say in the allocation of the spend
of £17.5 K .

* This was spent on fixed costs ( e.g. salary costs ) relating to the Needs Assessment Survey, Quit Smoking Group , Healthy Eating Week etc and disposable such as
banners , flowers and balloons etc.

* A further £5K was made directly available to the local group ( from the Dept of Health &
Children ) . So far contributions have been made towards the Parish Radio and a
Keep Fit Programme.

* We have raised awareness with the SEHB and the Steering Group about our concerns over the budget allocation/ spend and , to date , we have received certain assurances regarding additional funds for next year ( e.g. some from SEHB, other sources ( Tipp CC ) , we can make a case for specific local initiatives and personnel will be available from the SEHB based on local priorities )

The Committee are still concerned that the local community may not see the £17.5 spend as effective use of funds and we are not entirely happy with the arrangement with the SEHB but we will continue to work to try and change things.

It was agreed that TC should write to Biddy O’Neill expressing the concerns of the local committee. This letter will be circulated via e-mail for comment before sending.

2. Needs Assessment Survey

At the meeting on 13th Sept the Committee agreed a list of items to send to Mairead Fennessy regarding changes / additions to the Needs Assessment Survey.

This list was sent immediately ( i.e. on 13th , after the meeting ) by e-mail.

At the time of this meeting ( 11/10 ) no response , or indeed an acknowledgement had been received.

However , it was agreed that we should have a meeting on 1st November , to discuss how the Survey should be presented to the wider community ( on the assumption that our list had been
incorporated ). The plan , at this stage, is to have a Public Meeting Launch on 15th November.

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