Demand for Meals on Wheels service is increasing in Offaly
‘There are many people in Offaly who are living in very difficult circumstances’
Róisín Lennon, Chief Executive Officer of Offaly Local Development Company, told a recent Offaly County Council meeting that the demand for the Meals on Wheels service in Offaly is increasing.
The service is operated by Community Kitchens working in Kilcormac, Shinrone and Ballycumber Community Centres and offers hot dinners for €7 to hundreds of people every day.
Ms Lennon spoke about the problem of people living in rural areas who are suffering from isolation “The service gets food to the people who need it the most. There are many people in Offaly who are living in very difficult circumstances. When you see these people living in such difficult circumstances it is a real eye opener. Some of them have nobody calling to them for days, weeks, on end; not even the postman.”
The CEO added that the Lunch Clubs are also a very important service. “They get people out of their homes and bring them together in enjoyable, light-hearted gatherings.” She said Lunch Clubs are popular with people, often attracting 30 to 40 people. She said the Meals on Wheels and Lunch Club services are a very welcome addition to the lives of many in Offaly. “These services are not just for older people. They are for people who can't get out of their house for one reason or another. Some of these people don't even have smartphones and, in a way, society is leaving them behind.”
Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy told the meeting that the group Birr Men Together is doing very well and has over 20 members.
Cllr Fergus McDonnell pointed out that we live in a very rich country but wealth often cannot protect you from being vulnerable in life. He added that it is “dreadful” that the Community Services Programme (CSP) “isn't adequately funded.” The CSP is a government initiative that provides co-funding to not-for-profit social enterprises and community businesses. It helps these organizations hire managers and staff to deliver vital local services. Cllr McDonnell added that it is unfortunately not uncommon for volunteers in social enterprises and community businesses to “suffer burnout and leave.”