PROGRAMME: TÚS

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A Meals on Wheels service has been provided for the community of Balbriggan since 1976, covering Balrothery, Balscadden and Man O’War. The service is for people who are unable to cook for themselves. A voluntary contribution can be paid but only if the recipient can afford it.

Funding from HSE is provided for the part-time co-ordinator and a portion of the cost of the meals. The remaining funds have to be raised through various fund raising activities. Fingal Leader Partnership has assisted the Meals on Wheels Program by providing a Kitchen assistant and two handymen under the TÚS back to work initiative. The two handymen worked throughout 2016 to renovate the premises   and have completely restored the roof by resealing all the roof area and carrying out a paint job that has completely restored the integrity of the roof. They then set about repainting the exterior of the building and have enhanced the appearance of the building much to the appreciation of the Meals on wheels board and the team of volunteers and guests who use the building on a daily basis. During the year on the TÚS program the two participants Michael and Ioan worked tirelessly to improve the appearance and integrity of what is a very old building.

The traditional Meals on Wheels service has expanded with the opening of the Dinner Club. The ‘Dinner Club’ is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The club is for those who are unable to cook, but able to get about and would like the company of others. The service can transport people from their home to the club. Fingal Leader Partnership as again stepped up to the plate by providing a TÚS participant who will assist with the dinner club activities and ensure the people who attend the club get the most from their time at the centre.

Fingal Leader Partnership also facilitated the linking of the Flexibus service which is provided under the Local Link program to Balbriggan Meals on Wheels. Balbriggan Meals on Wheels provided a parking space for the bus at the rear of their premises and are currently working to promote the bus service in the area.  Flexibus provides a door to door bus service which can bring an individual to a doctor or hospital appointment or provide transport for groups or individuals for outings.  The drivers are TÚS participants  and they receive training to assist people who may need help with boarding the bus or require wheelchair access to the bus. Fingal Leader Partnership has provided two drivers under the TÚS back to work program  operating out of the meals on wheels centre in Balbriggan. The Flexibus is providing transport for members of the dinner club bringing them to and from the centre. The service also provides the normal hospital and other appointments services from this base and will be expanding to cover other clubs and services in the area in the coming months.

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