LETTERKENNY Youth and Family Service recently held a pamper morning to highlight the importance of Social Prescribing Day.
Social prescribing recognises that health is heavily determined by factors such as poverty, isolation and loneliness.
It offers GPs and other health professionals a means of referring people to a range of non-clinical community supports which can have significant benefits on overall health and wellbeing.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Tiarna Diamond, Social Prescriber at Letterkenny Youth and Family Service, said she felt there was an interest in an event like this from talking to some of the local women.
“Women wanted to get their hair and nails done so we thought a pamper morning would be a nice way to bring people together.
“Our pamper morning turned out busier than we thought and we had loads of nice volunteers helping us,” she said.
Speaking about the successful pamper morning, Patsy Ferry, admin and support at the Youth and Family Service, said when they put out the word they didn’t expect people to turn up.
“The pamper morning came as a result of Tiarna being approached by a lady who said she had nowhere to go, never got pampered and is on her own without family.
“It is great to see so many ladies coming out and all the people pampering are volunteers, which is fantastic. We are really appreciative of them coming along and giving their time,” she said.
Among those getting the star treatment was Letterkenny woman Teresa Hunter. Said she was absolutely delighted with the event.
“I got my eyebrows, make-up, hair and nails done. I really enjoyed the pamper session and the girls were great. I have never been pampered before and it was fantastic.
“The fun was incredible, it would be lovely if something like this could happen regularly,” she said.
Letterkenny Youth and Family Service is a voluntary community managed service for children, young people and families of Donegal.
It offers a wide range of services weekly to promote general and personal development by providing opportunities to develop physical, mental, educational and social needs through the medium of learning experiences, programmes and projects.
On Monday mornings the organisation holds a Parents Plus course for parents parenting children with ADHD. This is a specialised course that last eight weeks.
On Tuesday Ukrainian ladies gather to knit. It is a group for Ukrainians only so there is no need for an interpreter.
On Wednesday mornings there is a beading group which is also attended by Ukrainian ladies.
As well as that Manager Garry Glennon holds an ‘It’s My Chance’ programme on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings for teenagers and young people who don’t engage in school or who are unemployed.
On Thursday mornings a knitting group is held and on Friday mornings a walking group gathers who can then choose from a short, medium or long walk.
With tea and chat with every session, it is a great service to avail of.
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/Lyfscommunityproject/
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere