Congratulations to the Health & Wellbeing category finalists:
Ability Equine Assisted Therapy - Meath
Ability Equine Assisted Therapy provide therapeutic horse-riding lessons for children and adults of all abilities in an inclusive environment. Through Good Causes funding it enabled this group to run a series of summer camps for children with many different levels of needs. The camps were tailored towards the needs of the children and allowed each individual child to have the best possible experience.
Cian’s Kennels CLG - Longford
Cian’s Kennels is a charitable organisation which allows children who are in hospital for extended periods to have access to their family pets. The charity was created in memory of Cian Neary who sadly passed away after being diagnosed with hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma. During his treatment at the Children's Hospital in Crumlin, the Neary family set about placing Cian's beloved dog, Cooper, in a nearby kennel which allowed the two to meet every single day. Time spent with Cooper, exercising & training him became the highlight of Cian's days at home in between hospital stays and treatments. Through Good Causes funding Cian's Kennels now provides kenneling, veterinary checks, transport, and other expenses so that no costs arise for the families involved. Their services support the emotional wellbeing of children with life-limiting and serious illnesses.
Laois Domestic Abuse Service - Laois
LDAS (Laois Domestic Abuse Service) is the only dedicated domestic violence support service in Co. Laois for women and children subjected to domestic abuse and coercive control. Through Good Causes funding, LDAS provides services such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, to help women and children recover from traumatic events in their lives. It stops difficult memories causing so much distress by helping the brain to reprocess them properly.
Strandhill Community Park - Sligo
Strandhill Community Park is owned and run by the local community who aim to make the playground more inclusive to children with additional needs. The funding received through Good Causes enabled the group to purchase a disability swing seat which empowers the children who use the facilities and to feel comfortable and welcome. Strandhill Community Park believe that when children can play alongside each other, this educates their peers on disability and reduces stigma.
Wicklow Rapid Response - Wicklow
Wicklow Rapid Response is a voluntary charity who provide a high-level, pre-hospital critical care service and who work in partnership and support the existing emergency Services. Good Causes funding allowed the WRR to complete their fundraising to purchase a critical care ventilator and contributed towards the fundraising for the loan on their new rapid response vehicle.