‘Hope & Soul’ opens in Dromore; Family Fun Day at St Nicholas, Belfast; Number of children taken into care doubles; Call for all foster carers to be vetted
‘Hope & Soul’ opens in Dromore
Award winning Dromore charity, Via Wings, has opened a charity shop with a difference.
Hope & Soul, which is located at 33 Market Square in the town, will be selling more than just the usual bric–a–brac. It’s a community venture, second–hand store with key pieces of barely worn, stylish clothing, vintage jewellery, as well as some locally made necklaces, along with some upcycled furniture and fittings.
Upstairs is a coffee bar called the Olive Branch and a soft play area known as Carol’s Corner, both dedicated to two sorely missed ladies who were special to the project and its founders.
The Olive Branch serves top–notch cappuccinos, lattes and espressos (or tea if you prefer), which you can enjoy with a homemade scone or cupcake. Hope & Soul and the Olive Branch are staffed entirely by volunteers. All profits are ploughed back into the mother charity, Via Wings, to continue their work of showing God’s love in a caring, practical and non–judgmental way.
Since 2009, Via Wings has undertaken several ambitious projects, including the Dare2Care essentials bag scheme for families in need, the House of Hope, providing a place for young mums to find support, build self–esteem through counselling and courses that are both practical and educational. Several of the young women have gone onto further and higher education as well as employment.
And earlier this year they launched the Yorkie Club, a men’s group which is seen as a chance for the guys to find friendship and inspiration.
Hope & Soul extends the charity’s mission into the heart of the town. According to Centre Manager Sue Johnston, “Hope & Soul allows us to build a sustainable income for the charity, while providing practical work experience for some of our end users.”
The premises have received a one–off makeover by volunteers and supporters of Via Wings. The look is ‘shabby chic’ with an eclectic mix of bright wallpaper leftovers, donated furniture that has been repainted and a counter built from odds and ends.
“We’re not aiming to compete against other charity shops and cafes but to help towards the regeneration of the town,” says Sue. “And, as the coffee bar will be open one evening a week, it will provide a place for young people to meet.”
Family Fun Day at St Nicholas, Belfast
A Family Fun Day will be held at St Nicholas Parish Church Belfast, on Saturday July 28 from 11am–4pm.
You are invited to join in the fun and events which will include games, face painting, a bouncy castle, a Teddy Bear Picnic and a scavenger hunt. There will also be a mini–Olympics, for which you need your own wellies, parachuting games and parachuting teddies!
The young and young at heart are welcome, as are Teddies of every size and description. Events take place at the parish halls in Cadogan Park and further information is available from the Rev Elizabeth Hanna, email hannamanor15@btinternet.com or Rachel Simpson, email dreamasimpson@hotmail.com or telephone 028 9066 7753.
Number of children taken into care doubles
The number of children taken into the care of the Health Service Executive by court order more than doubled last year, according to the annual report of the Courts Service. It revealed that a total of 2,287 minors were placed under the supervision of the HSE by the courts in 2011 compared to just 1,046 in the previous year — an increase of 119%.
Care orders are sought by the HSE when they believe they are dealing with children who are at risk or in need of care.
A spokesperson for the Courts Service said there was no obvious explanation for the large increase in the number of care orders issued by the courts in 2011.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/number-of-children-taken-into-care-doubles-201087.html
Call for all foster carers to be vetted
The Irish Foster Care Association has demanded immediate action to have all foster carers properly vetted. The call came after the Irish Examiner revealed that some foster children are being placed with guardians with criminal records and alcohol and drug problems.
It then emerged yesterday that a man charged with possessing drugs worth €830,000 is a foster parent.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/call-for-all-foster-carers-to-be-vetted-201091.html