County Mayor's Diary
By Cllr Gillian Coughlan.
Working as a local representative has given me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.
As we learn and grow, our needs and priorities change, and at Cork County Council, we try to ensure that all residents can connect with their local environs and with one another, no matter what stage they are at in life.
In Ireland, we have a growing elderly population. Most of our elderly neighbours wish to remain living in their own homes and communities. As many will know, this can present challenges. In response, Cork County Council has adopted the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme.
This initiative puts the elderly resident at the centre of considerations regarding their housing, helping older people to continue living in their homes or in one more suited to their needs. Our local coordinator will carry out individual assessments, provide information on adapting a person’s existing home and details of the relevant grants available to support these adaptations.
We are one of the first local authorities to participate in this programme which will make a real difference to the lives of people living in communities across Cork county.
The Council’s Library and Arts Service has recently released a wonderful collection of short stories, poems and recipes that can be read by, or read to, people with dementia. The book titled ‘Come Sit Awhile’ is a heart-warming initiative that responds to research showing that reading poems and stories can have a positive effect on people with dementia, as does the act of evoking memories through reminiscence. I joined author, Alice Taylor, for the launch of the book which will be available to borrow from libraries across Cork county.
I hope it will summon happy memories for all who take the time to read it. ‘Come Sit Awhile’ is a great example of how reading and writing can make a positive impact in our lives, and our Library Services promote this for all ages. Libraries throughout the county have been delivering the annual Children’s Book Festival this month. This festival is an absolute treat, celebrating reading and writing in schools and at home.
A blended approach of online and in-person events has been planned this year to ensure that pupils and teachers from 51 schools will have an opportunity to meet, and be inspired by, an excellent range of writers and illustrators.
From youth to old age, as individuals we are constantly changing. Change and uncertainty has inspired the ‘Fragile Island’ exhibition by visual artist Catherine Weld which will be on display at Library Headquarters Gallery on Carrigrohane Road from Friday 29 October.
The exhibition will feature 30 paintings and drawings inspired by the artists daily walks in the rural landscape of West Cork and will run for four weeks. I hope that visitors to the library will take the time to stop, reflect and enjoy Catherine’s work.