We spoke to Mícheál Ó’Máirtín, former principal of Gaelscoil Osraí who was in Lanzarote. He spoke of good humour and common sense. John Nolan of the Carlow Association spoke to us of the situation in London and the increasing safeguards being put in place.
Councillor Maria Dollard, a long time advocate for people with disabilities and a tireless campaigner for those with Autism spoke to us of the particular challenges for them and also offered advice as regards the benefits of routine and appropriate disclosure to and for all children in the current situation.
Noel Sherry of The Good Shepherd Centre in Kilkenny joined us to talk about the issues arising for people in housing difficulty. He outlined the supports in place and advised that people act immediately if their housing situation changes. He said that all calls to the centre at (056) 772 2566 will be answered and while this line could be busy, people are advised to leave a message.
Councillor John Cassin spoke to us about an announcement as regards temporary accomodation for the Carlow Women’s Refuge, an important interim step while the campaign continues for proper resources and facilities.
Councillor Joe Malone, a former member of the Defence Forces spoke about the recent announcements as regards mobilisation. He stressed that the current situation is an increase in preparedness and in line with the situations that would apply in cases of severe weather and while the phrase used is “support to civil society” there was no escalation involved.
With increased stress a consequence of recent events, Angela Hayes of Teach Tom assured people that their services to people in distress were in place and available by phone at (056) 779 6592, vis their social media presence and website, while their walk in service/café has been affected as regards the government instruction on space and social distancing.
Other services available include:
Seniorline
Freephone 1800 80 45 91
Lines are open every day 10am to 10pm
and
The Samaritans at 116 123 free from any phone.
