Charity initiative inspired by St Brigid is launched

A new charitable initiative, Naomh Bríd’s, has been launched in Cork city. The group, which describes itself as “a group united by faith and experience”, are currently looking for new premises in Cork city centre.

The group said it hopes the new premises will “provide a welcoming space where people can find solace and support, be cared for, and begin their journey back to stability”.

The centre intends to offer food, access to showers and clean clothing, “guidance and practical assistance”, education and employment support, family support groups, addiction support, help with administration and form-filling, “support for those bereaved by loved ones in addiction and suffering from mental health issues”, and help connecting those in need with “relevant organisations”.

It also said it will host recovery meetings for those experiencing addiction, as well as “providing healing and joy through music, poetry, drama, reading and prayer”.

Volunteers who support Naomh Brid’s will be “comprehensively trained to work with vulnerable adults, and will be drawn from organisations throughout Cork,” the group said.

The group said that it also needs a warehouse for sorting and storage.

The initiative was launched at an event in Cork City Hall by Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy and Lady Mayoress Karen Brennan. It was hosted by Catríona Twomey of Cork Penny Dinners.

Naomh Bríd’s has received the blessing of two bishops of Cork, Bishop Fintan Gavin, and Bishop Paul Colton.

It takes inspiration from St Brigid, and seeks to “celebrate her humility and compassion towards the poor, the sick, the elderly, and all who struggle”.

“Like St Brigid herself, whose patronage extended to poets and nuns, fugitives and farmers, those who came together at City Hall to support this badly needed initiative dedicate their time and talents to supporting people from all walks of life, shining a light into many of the darker corners of our communities,” said a spokesperson.

Chair of Naomh Bríd’s, Father Con O’Doherty, welcomed women and men from across Cork’s voluntary and community sector, including Mary Crilly, Sexual Violence Centre; Olive Morris, Women’s Aid; Jennifer Dowler, Dogs for the Disabled; Catherine Mahon Buckley, CADA; Kate Durrant, SVP; Tracy Collins, Recovery Team; Siobhan Heffernan-O’Regan, Red Cross; Ann Marie Crean, CA; Aine O’Loughlin, IABA; Valerie Kirby, Blarney GAA Healthy Club; author Maureen O’Flynn; Caroline Hays; Maureen O’Flynn; and representatives from the Good Shepherd Services, Cork Suicide Awareness, Irish United Nations Veterans Association, the Cobh Group, Solace Cafe, Second Glance, and the High Hopes Choir.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.