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The Mill Family Resource Centre: Now open for business
IT'S only been open a few weeks, but already The Mill Family Resource Centre in Urlingford is becoming a hive of activity.
Last Thursday, for example, a group of young men were there for their twice-weekly gatherings, in which they work on various art projects, socialise and even enjoy a cooked breakfast. In fact, their art is one of the first things a visitor notices when approaching the centre which is located off the town’s Main Street: The group has already created a series of spray-painted murals in the space behind the resource centre.
Some of the volunteers are also there for the morning, as is receptionist Wendy Quinlan, and of course the project co-ordinator, Sue Cox, who is having a busy summer working to put together the many and varied activities that will be coming up in the autumn.
For starters, she is concentrating on letting people know that the family resource centre is open for business and that it is there for the community of Urlingford and the surrounding areas.
After focussing on their art, this group of men will move on to woodworking and then FETAC courses. The centre will also be hosting coffee mornings and information mornings, as well as visits from MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) and the Citizens Information Centre. There will be a focus on back-to-education and back-to-training initiatives, plus courses on computers, health care, beauty and skin, and eventually a garden project
“There is so much potential,” said Ms Cox.
The centre’s computer room is up and ready to hold classes for elderly people, lone parents and people who are unemployed – and it is already in demand for September. An office space will be available to rent out for things such as speech therapy or counselling, and there are nine volunteers who will be working with three youth groups – for ages 10-12, 12-14 and 15-18 – as they work on art and craft, drama and dancing.
On Tuesday of last week, The Mill hosted an Age Friendly initiative, and since its opening the centre has been helping local people with social welfare rights and information, assisting them with CVs and helping them fill out official forms rather than having to travel into Kilkenny for assistance.
“Basically we are here to support and service the community, and there is a great demand for this centre from the people of the area,” said Ms Cox. “Right now we’re getting people in so they feel relaxed. It’s a very informal setting.” It’s a very positive one too.
The Mill Family Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and can be contacted on 056 8838466.
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Weather for Kilkenny
Saturday 04 February 2012
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