County Mayor's Diary Cllr Gillian Coughlan
Where is the time going? 168 - that is the total number of hours that you have available in a 7 day week.
No matter what you do, you cannot get any more time than that. Mind you there are weeks when I would like to double the hours just to fit everything in. Technology they said, will make our lives easier. I’d love to know who they are?
Don’t get me wrong I love technology. I couldn’t possibly navigate the county without Google maps, and I love being able to watch a television programme on demand.
However, the pace of change and the moving of most services to online is not without its challenges which is why I was thrilled to be involved with the launch of Cork County Council’s Library Service pilot TECHSTEPS programme which will be held at its Age Friendly branch in Fermoy. The library staff have received special training to ensure that participants experience a positive relationship with technology. It is a basic introduction to technology for older people and topics covered will include how to use a tablet, how to send an email, how to make video calls and how to search the internet.
I recently spent an evening at a special recognition event honouring the volunteers who assisted during Covid-19 pandemic.
I was humbled to hear how quickly communities, groups and individual volunteers came together in March of 2020. They ensured that the most vulnerable and those in need received support despite the risk posed by the virus.
The volunteers we recognised provided a most critical role on the ground in every town and village in county Cork.
They queued outside supermarkets picking up the weekly shopping for neighbours, they delivered food parcels, fuel and meals-on-wheels, and became a vital lifeline for those who were cocooning or living alone.
It was a privilege and honour to raise the flag at Cork Council for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia which aims to coordinate international events to raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide. Just a little reminder, I am hosting the prestigious Midsummer Charity Ball on 10 June in aid of Breakthrough Cancer Research, West Cork Women Against Violence Project and the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Appeal for Cork County.
It will be a great networking opportunity and superb social event.
I am especially keen that representatives from business, tourism and culture from all around the county will come out in support of the night and above all else that it raises much needed funds for the three very deserving charities which are close to my heart and really do help save lives.