New family resource centre opens in Letterkenny

Cara House Family Resource Centre entered a new era on Friday with the official opening of the new state-of-the-art complex at Pearse Road, Letterkenny.

It was initially set up to establish, promote and operate a socially inclusive family resource centre to act as a focus and catalyst for community development in Letterkenny and surrounding areas.

It also aims to provide support and educational services for the local community enabling the development of new skills and improving the quality of life for individuals and their community.

The official opening was the culmination of huge efforts since the idea was first mooted back in 2004 and firmly establishes the complex as one of the key outlets for such services in this area.

MC for the occasion, board member Andrew McNulty said they gathered at the venue with their hearts full of hope and enthusiasm as they celebrated the official opening of the new centre

"This momentous occasion is a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of those facing disadvantage, social exclusion and the many challenges that life will throw their way."

He said Cara House was not just another building, it was a symbol of unity, compassion and the enduring spirit of community.

"In a world that often seems fast-paced and disconnected, Cara House stands as a testament to the unwavering support we provide to those who need it most. The name Cara, which means friend in Irish, encapsulates the essence of this place. It embodied the idea that in times of hardship, we can find solace and strength in the friendship and support of those around us. This centre is a beacon of hope, a haven, a place where individuals and families can find the helping hand they need to upskill or just navigate some of life's challenges."

He added at the core of Cara House are the remarkable individuals who make it all possible, dedicated and compassionate staff.

"They are the unsung heroes working tirelessly day in and day out to assist, uplift and empower our community. Their commitment and unwavering dedication to the people they serve are what make Cara House shine so brightly. Cara House is more than just bricks and mortar, it's a promise, a promise to the community at large here in Letterkenny and surrounds that they are not alone, that there is a community that cares and there is a place they can find the support they need to thrive," he said.

Board chairperson., Joe Boland thanked everyone for coming along and making the day so special and paid a particular tribute to founder Susan McCauley and her never-ending endeavours to develop the facility into what it is today.

Mr Boland paid tribute to all the management staff he had worked with over his seven years at the facility and praised the support from the architects, builders and building owners, Paul Byrne and Angus Hunter who supported all their ideas and suggestions in developing Cara House.

He paid tribute to Tusla, Pobal, Leader, Donegal ETB, HSE's Older People Services, Donegal County Council and others who had supported them from day one and manager Martina McGinty and the staff at the facility itself who he said worked way beyond what they were supposed to do.

"It's not just a job to them, it's a vocation and they do buy into the ethos of Cara House and only for that it would not be what it is today," he said.

At the official opening of the new Cara House Family Resource Centre in Letterkenny were (l-r) Joe McHugh TD, Liam Ward Donegal County Council deputy CEO, Cllr Ciaran Brogan, Martina McGinty, manager, Susan McCauley former manager and founder, cathaoirleach Donegal Co Council, Cllr Martin Harley, Cllr Donal Kelly and mayor of Letterkenny Cllr Kevin Bradley Photo: Thomas Gallagher

Manager Martina McGinty said Letterkenny had evolved and changed in so many ways since the opening of Cara House back in 2008.

"The population has increased, we have welcomed new communities into our town, the cost of living crisis has had a huge impact on many individuals and families living in Letterkenny and the surrounding areas, Covid-19 has impacted on so many people's physical and mental health and as a result, the demand on our services has increased so having state-of-the-art premises allows us to provide support and services and social outlet for more children, families and individuals in our community."

She added they were delighted their children's centre was full to capacity with 100 children attending each day with a waiting list. Their Active Age Centre had been inundated with queries every day since they opened, the majority of their adult education courses were fully booked and their men’s and women’s groups were growing thanks to the premises.

Ms McGinty also thanked the local councillors and in particular Cllr Ciaran Brogan for their help and support as well as their boards of directors, past and present, their current staff, volunteers and Cara House founder, Susan McCauley for her determination and persistence to make her vision a reality.

Board member Louise Chirwa delivered an emotional and heartfelt contribution as she outlined her journey from coming to Letterkenny where she knew no one to finding friends and a role in local society thanks to support and encouragement from Cara House and all involved there.

She also revealed how the facility became a lifeline for her while awaiting neurosurgery and how the support she received proved vital. She was asked to join the management committee in 2019 and this helped her realise she had much to offer.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin Harley said Cara House and its work fitted in nicely with the theme he chose for his year in office, the improvement of mental health services for men. He spoke of the vital role Cara House had to play particularly at a time when people had to cope with tragedy and challenges.

He said for him personally the lockdown and isolation helped him realise how important it was for people to be able to avail of services that helped them cope.

"I lost my daughter nine years ago and I kept myself busy to block it out but lockdown meant no bar to run or no council meetings and you had too much time to think about things. When lockdown came everything started to come home and a difficult couple of years," he said.

Cllr Harley added he was very impressed at the huge number of services run at the Cara House complex covering a wide range of interests and activities and wished everyone associated with it.

The journey to the official opening was expertly outlined by the lady described as the inspiration, vision and shining example of what can be achieved when passion, empathy and determination come together, Susan McCauley.

Ms McCauley said she was glad to see so many people who were part of the journey with them that day. She thanked her family for their support from the very start and the many volunteers particularly Rose McElaney and Colette Ward who supported the development of the facility over the years.

She outlined how when she retired from teaching at 52 she had time on her hand and realised through her work with the Mental Health Association that there were many services needed.

"In those days it wasn't appropriate to talk about mental health, it was almost taboo and I think Cara House was instrumental in getting rid of that."

She described how people who came into the original Cara House building at the Market Square in Letterkenny for activities met people who had mental health difficulties and suddenly realised these were normal people.

"A lot of people thought people with mental illnesses were not normal people but they are. Most of us have more mental health needs than we realise," she said.

Ms McCauley also spoke of the many characters she had met along the way and how listening was probably the best way of understanding what people want and need.

"We also had fun and enjoyment and great times doing what we did and I have very fond memories of all the characters we met along the way."

She thanked the community for embracing the concept of Cara House and for believing in what they were doing and supporting its development ever since.

She appealed to the agencies to continue to support their family resource centre adding extra staff were always needed to help them provide the courses and services on offer.

The opening was attended by local TD Joe McHugh, Mayor of Letterkenny Cllr Kevin Bradley, Cllr Ciaran Brogan, Cllr Donal Kelly, cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin Harley, the council's deputy CEO, Liam Ward, staff and service users past and present and representatives of many other agencies in the area. Music for the occasion was provided by Seamus MacGabhann (fiddle) and Hughie Boyle (accordion) with post-opening refreshments served up by Anna from the Blue Stack Shack in Donegal Town