RAPHOE NOTES
Family Resource Centre
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMME 
One of the new buzz phrases frequently being used now is “back in the day” and of course you need to be of a certain age to remember “back in the day.”
In 1999 Raphoe Family Resource Centre, then Raphoe Youth & Community Project started its afterschool programme in Moffatt’s just around the corner from where we are now based with Evean Bogle, our Youth Worker at the time diligently leading out on the programme.
This year sees the 15th anniversary of that particular programme and many of the first participants have long since moved onto bigger and better things with some now having children of their own.
Indeed, some of those children now attend our after schools and it is very heartening to witness that generational link with the past continuing.
As with all of the programmes and activities delivered by the Family Resource Centre the support of volunteers is crucial to maintaining continuity and 15 years later the success of the current afterschool programme is due in the main to the support of a dedicated pool of volunteers led by our Youth Worker, Diane Hetherington.
On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the afterschool programme it is right and proper to recognise and acknowledge those current volunteers- Patricia Tinney, Rhonda Strain, Diane Gibson, Charlotte Whyte, Lucy Gibbons, Annmarie Doran-Roulstone, Melissa Laird and Olive Strain.
We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Jack Mc Gettigan, a student at Deele College who is undertaking the Gaisce President’s Silver Award Community Involvement with the afterschool programme.
We look forward to presenting these volunteers and others with their well- deserved certificates at our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night in the autumn.
Something Special Group
The Something Special Group are meeting in the Raphoe FRC on Tuesday 11th March at 7.30-9.00pm.
International Women’s Day
The Family Resource Centre would like to invite you to it’s International Women’s Day Celebration on Friday 7th March from 10.30am-12.30pm.
The theme of this year’s event is Women Inspiring Change and we will be exhibiting photos and art work of women in that role.
We are delighted that local schools are participating in the celebration this year again, and this year the local branch library will be displaying books on women inspiring change in different aspects of life, and our thanks to branch librarian Peadar Molloy for his support.
The event is free and light refreshments are available.
Everyone welcome.
DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVES
The Family Resource Centre is delighted to announce that it is working with Dementia Aware Donegal (DAD) to deliver two local initiatives to raise awareness of dementia and to reduce the isolation of those living with dementia and their family carers.
For quite some time now the FRC has been hosting well attended healthy walks on a Thursday morning.
The length of the walks is determined by the mobility of those taking part and of course by the weather!
It is now proposed to include people living with dementia in selected walks that provide an opportunity to visit places of interest in and around Raphoe that could invoke memories and encourage conversation.
The second initiative will be a morning of inclusive indoor sports such as bocce, curling, ball coordination, badminton and archery.
The initiatives further aim to provide respite for the family carers.
For both initiatives to be successful the FRC is recruiting ‘dementia friends’ who will undertake dementia awareness training and who will lead both initiatives.
Four ‘friends’ have already recently participated in training in Ballyshannon, and it is anticipated that others will be recruited and trained over the next few weeks.
The Family Resource Centre would like to sincerely thank Alastair Mc Kinney, Chairperson of the Alzheimer’s Society in Donegal for his kind support in the development of the two initiatives, and Joe Porter, one of our initial Walking Leaders for his work in mapping out the walks.
A.S.I.S.T.
Raphoe Family Resource Centre is hosting the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (A.S.IS.T.) on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July 2014 from 9.00am-4.30pm both days and we are now taking names of anyone interested in this informative training.
A.S.I.S. T. is a training course developed for both members of the public and professionals, and aims to enhance people’s skills to intervene until either the immediate risk of suicide is reduced or additional support or resources can be found.
The emphasis of the two-day workshop, which is free, is on suicide first aid, on helping a person at risk to stay safe and seek further help. To book a place please contact us on 074 9145796/087 3641503 or email raphoefrc@eircom.net
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2014
The Raphoe Family Resource Centre is Celebrating International Women’s Day 2014 at the Resource Centre on March 7th 2014 from
10.30am to 12.30pm. It is set to be an inspiring, thought provoking day with talks from incredible people and an exhibition of work carried out by local schools and art groups. For further information please contact 074 9145796. Tea/ coffee and light refreshments will be served, Everyone Welcome.
2 in 2 u Campaign
Does your boyfriend get jealous when you spend time with your friends?
Does he always phone or text when you’re out without him?
Do you avoid disagreeing with him in case he loses his temper?
If you have answered yes to any of the above, please think about taking a Relationship Health check at 2in2u.ie
BECAUSE IF SOMETHING FEELS WRONG, IT PROBABLY IS.
And remember, if anything about your relationship ever makes you feel anxious or worried, please call the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, 10am-10pm, 7 days a week.
RAPHOE 5K
Raphoe 5k in association with Lifford Athletic Club will take place on Tuesday evening 15th July so don’t forget to pencil in the date!
The race, which is now into its 4th year, and which is part of Donegal Co. Athletics Board’s Grand Prix Series has been incredibly successful thanks to the large number of entrants not only from the Raphoe area but from the surrounding towns of Lifford, Convoy, Castlefin, St.Johnston, Aghyaran as well as runners from Ballybofey, Letterkenny, Strabane and Derry.
Brendan O’Donnell, Lifford Athletic Club has been of tremendous support to the Family Resource Centre in the organising and running of this fundraising event and we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Brendan for that support.
LAGAN PRIMARY CARE TEAM
Youth Conference on Young People’s Health & Well-being
Would you like the opportunity to take part in an exciting programme aimed at 16-22 year olds?
Be part of a local initiative to help identify the issues that have an impact on mental health in young people aged between 16-22. The programme will consist of workshops followed by a half day conference, meal and night of music in The Inishowen Gateway Hotel Buncrana on Friday 23rd may 2014.
Workshops will be held in:
St Johnston & Carrigans Resource Centre- Thursday 6th March from 7.30-9pm
(old play Group)
Newtowncunningham –To Be Agreed
For further information contact Deborah at St Johnston & Carrigans Family Resource Centre 074 9148551 or Melanie at Raphoe Family Resource Centre on 074 9145796.
RAPHOE WOMEN’S GROUP SWITCH & DITCH EVENING
The Raphoe women’s group are giving you the opportunity to bring along your unwanted clothes, accessories or those unwanted xmas pressies that you want to switch for others’ unwanted good clothing/items (no bra or undies)
Held at the Raphoe Family Resource centre on the 10th March 2014 8.00pm sharp! Admission 2 euro per person. So for a night to meet up with friends, enjoy some nibbles and leave with a new outfit, It really is a night not to be missed!!!!
LITTLE SMILES WITH BIG DREAMS
Little Smiles with Big Dreams is a parent and toddler group that meets every Wednesday morning at 10.30am –12 noon in the Family Resource Centre. Anyone who is in care of a child where it is an aunt / uncle/ childminder or grandparent is welcome. The kiddies can get involved in Messy play, free play, story time and music time where the adult can enjoy a cuppa tea and meet other adults. Parent and Toddler are a great way to enhance your little one confidence and meet others their age. A light lunch is provided and a small cost of 50 cent per family.
HEALTHY WALKS
If you are in and around Raphoe and would like to keep fit, join us on our Healthy walk every Thursday morning at 10.30 a.m. The group meets in Raphoe Family Resource Centre. Everyone Welcome.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS:
Do you know that Raphoe Family Resource Centre is available for children’s birthday parties and special occasions? To find out more please contact the Centre on 074 9145796.
WEEKLY EMPLOYMENT LIST
Raphoe Family Resource Centre receives an updated weekly employment list and if you are interested in receiving this list through e-mail or print-out please contact 074 9145796 or call into the Centre for more details.
RAPHOE TIDY TOWNS COMMUNITY APPEAL 2014
Raphoe will be entered in this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition therefore the Tidy Towns wish to request your help again please for this year. You can help our town by improvements with the following:
Painting your Property
Tidying up your Gardens
Cleaning of boundary walls/cutting hedges
Removal of Weeds
Removal of Graffiti
Putting out window boxes or hanging baskets in May/early June
Keeping your property litter free.
Recycling
Last year the Town got very good comments and won a second Silver Medal which was a great result for all concerned. If you can help us this year again we will be delighted. We wish to take this opportunity on behalf of all in Raphoe Tidy Towns Ltd, to thank you for all your help kindness and support over past years. Judging this year will be as usual sometime in June, July or early August. Further information from the Tidy Towns office on 9145692. Thank You.
PARENTS PLUS PROGRAMME
Parents Plus Programme 6-12YRS OLDS
Springboard Family Support Project are running an eight week A practical & positive guide to parenting children
Topics include: Being a responsive parent, Encouraging and supporting children, Promoting children’s language and development, Helping children concentrate and learn, Building co- operation in young children, Managing tantrums, misbehaviour and problems.
This programme will commence March 2014 (Date to be confirmed)
Wednesday Mornings from 10am – 12noon programme is free of charge
(Childcare & Travel can also be provided) To book a place on our programme
Contact Springboard office on 074 9173918
COUNSELLING SERVICE:
The service which is free and confidential is by appointment only by telephoning 086 3601718.
Little Explorers Parent & Toddler Group
Parent and Toddler Group is an activity which allows Parents / guardians to attend a session which looks at different activities to promote learning and fun for children aged 0-4 years. Children will avail of a variety of activities which support their physical, social and emotional development as well as promoting their language development.
Parent and Toddler also give parent / guardians the opportunity to socialize and meet up in a warm caring stimulating environment. The activities on offer at Little Explorers are: Arts & Crafts, Physical Play, Circle and Rhyme Time & Information sessions for parents. Parents are provided with a healthy snack!!!! The Parent and toddler session runs every Tuesday morning from 11.00am – 12.30pm. Why not come along and have some fun!!!
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDUGORJE
Pilgrimage to Medugorje 10th Sept. 2014. Early Booking Offers €150 off if paid in full by 12th Dec. 2013 €100 off if paid in full by 3rd Feb 2014 €50 off if deposit €200 paid by 3rd Feb. 2014. For bookings contact Kathleen at 074-9121641 or 086-3721962.
RAPHOE BADMINTON CLUB
Raphoe Badminton Club’s Annual Badminton Tournament commences on Thursday 27th February in the Recreation Hall with usual events run. Finals will played on Friday 14th March. For further details contact Joe Magee 074 9145451 after 7.00 p.m. Sammy Magee 074 9145444 or check out the Raphoe Badminton Club page on Facebook.
Annual Irish Night
The Annual Irish night will be held in the Carnone Hall on Friday 14th March. Music by The 3 Rivers Ceili Band. Dancing from 9pm to 12 midnight, proceeds for the Galway Cancer Bus.
Auction Sale
Donoughmore church Liscooley are holding an auction on Saturday 15th March at 1.00pm. items include cattle, sheep, silage, straw, hay, meal, coal, briquettes, and logs etc. Cake stall, bric-a-brac and teas, all are welcome.
Spring Sale Auction
Spring sale auction will be held in the Carnone Hall on Wednesday 19th March commencing at 7.30pm usual stall and Teas available.
Raphoe Boxing Club
Everyone at the Raphoe boxing club would like to convey a very special thanks to Councillor Frank McBrearty for all the excellent work he is doing for the club behind the scenes as it is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club, thank you Frank.
It was a very busy weekend for the local boxing club with 6 boxers in action on Friday night. At the Twin-Towns tournament in Jackson’s Hotel under age boxers Corey Brolly and Arron McDaid turned in a very good performances against Tommy McMenamin and Daniel Lynch respectively and Liam McMonagle turned in a veterans display of ringcraft when he outpointed Michael Maughan of Drogheda B.C Co. Louth. In action at St. Patrick’s Hall in Strabane were Oran Divine, Denis Lafferty and Danny Duggan. Oran Devine turned in a very good performance only to lose out on points to Tagh McSorley (two castles) Danny Duggan had a convincing win over Conor O’Donnell (Carrick more) and Denis Lafferty outpointed Ronan McGrinder (Lisnafinn) and Denis also received the boxer of the night award.
Please note that all notes should be placed in the box provided in Raphoe Post Office by a Thursday before 4.00 p.m.
Or alternatively can be dropped into Raphoe Family Resource Centre or e-mailed to raphoefrc@eircom.net every Thursday to meet the print deadline.