The good people behind Conna Social and Daycare Centre threw open their doors on Monday morning, inviting people in to see the services they offer.

Operated by Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly, it's a fine example of community working together. The first of the 20 houses on the site, tucked away from the road beside the church, were opened in 2003. The Daycare Centre folowed two years later.

Monday's information open morning was an opportunity for them to raise awareness of the services available at the centre three days per week and offered by the HSE's Daycare Service and the Alzheimer's Society. Evelyn O'Kane, a public health nurse with the HSE, talked about their services for older people on Tuesdays at the centre and invited people to come along and see for themselves. They could take part in activities and choose to stay for some or all of the day, there was no pressure, she explained.

People had different ideas about what daycare involved and think it's not for them so the best way to see is to visit. It was about older people meeting with their age group in a supportive, social setting and enjoying activities together such as bingo and cards. The centre is equpped to provide hairdressing services, and has an activity room, prayer room and history room. Meals provided in their large dining room are all home cooked, visitors were told.

Amy Murphy, North Cork Manager of the Alzheimers Society, spoke about the services they offer at the centre two days a week. Wednesdays are dementia-specific days while Fridays are for the elderly. Brendan Scahill from the HSE's community work department was also in attendance. He spoke of the warm and inviting environment that has been created there and pointed out that all the facilities were created by voluntary effort.                        

Also on hand to on Monday to answer queries, explain their services, give a tour of the facility and help out generally, were husband and wife team Ger and Mary O'Mahony. Mary is manager of the centre and Ger is deeply involved with its activities.

All who attended enjoyed a full breakfast, there was a raffle and entertainment was even laid on in the form of Waterford comedy act 'Bachelors in Trouble' which made for a lively start to the Monday morning for the 100 plus people who visited.

"We have capacity for extra people to attend and so we are looking for extra people to avail of our daycare services," Michael Joyce, chairman of the Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly committee explained. Transport is provided to the centre, if needed.

The voluntary effort which drives the centre includes those who gave their time to prepare the centre for Monday's open morning and who cooked and served breakast to visitors.

Anyone who'd like more information about the daycare centre and its services can contact Mary on 058-59822.

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