Within our branch we are very lucky with our fantastic
members. Many of our members hold various positions within the Irish Irish Red
Cross.
One special member Marie McSweeney was recently honoured at
the national Volunteer awards in Dublin owing her caring and unique
contribution to the Irish Red Cross. Marie, has been a stalwart of
Ballinora/Ballincollig Irish Red Cross for many years. With countless hours
dedicated to Irish Red Cross at various levels Marie was recently announced
nationally as the Health and Social Care Volunteer of the year. This award was
presented to Marie for her outstanding time, dedication and commitment to the Irish
Red Cross Movement.
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| Marie McSweeney with members of the Cork Area at the recen awards ceremony which took place in Dublin |
As the Cork Area Health and Social Care officer, Marie has
been involved in various initiatives on a local and national level. Marie
trained as one of the first skin camouflage practitioners in the Irish Irish
Red Cross and continues to provide this service which is an exemplary example
and has also been used as a blue print for others. Marie is also a founding
member and co-ordinator of the local CFR group in the Ballinora area. Massive
credit is due to Marie as these endeavours have made a huge difference in the
lives of so many people across Ireland.
Following a talk on the 16th of June which Marie
gave to the Ladies of the Active retirement group in Turners Cross, Marie
promoted the work of the Irish Irish Red Cross Health and Social care
activities across so many branches.
The Health and social care services that are provided by the
Irish Red Cross include the following:
- The Therapeutic hand care service which Marie describes as ‘unique to the Irish Red Cross as Volunteers are trained to give hand massage and manicures to clients in the Day care centres, nursing homes and community hospitals’. While this is a service provided by the team, Marie also promotes this as ‘a wonderful way for communicating with all ages especially the elderly’. This works in a two way system – massage of hands and talking to the people. Marie proudly states ‘time spent with the clients/patients can often be the most valuable aspect of the service.’
- The Health and social care team also provide a skin camouflage service which is the application of special cover creams to improve the appearance of scarring and other disfiguring skin conditions. Clinics are held on a monthly basis and all details are available from Irish Red Cross HQ and local practitioners.
While these are the two main services that this team
provide, Marie McSweeney also promotes the carer of the year award, is involved
in senior citizens outings, assists with the resilience fund to help in times
of flooding and will be involved in the assistance to migrants coming to
Ireland. Alongside these national initiatives, on a local level Marie plays a
massive role in Ballinora/Ballincollig branch of the Irish Irish Red Cross
while training on a weekly basis and providing cover at duties in such a
professional manner.
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| Marie McSweeney receiving her award from the Health and Social care volunteer of the year |
Ballinora/Ballincollig Irish Red Cross are very proud to
have Marie as a member of our branch. She is a credit to herself, her family
and the Irish Red Cross while being a role model to many within the
organisation. Marie captures the true essence of being a Irish Red Cross
Volunteer – whatever is required – attend a duty, do a church gate collection,
assist in training, Marie has obliged willingly, professionally and ensures
everyone is cared for. For her manner, commitment and determination
Ballinora/Ballincollig Irish Red Cross are more than proud and privileged to
have Marie as a member of our branch. Her motivation and selfless devotion to
all her activities as health and social care officer is motivated purely by her caring nature to
help others.
Well done and Congratulations to Marie on being award the
health and social care volunteer of the year, we wish you all the best in your
future endeavours.
