Category: Uncategorised

Chief Social Worker NI Aine Morrison visits Creggan

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Thank you Aine Morrison Chief Social worker for NI coming to Creggan to hear about our services, our impact, the role of early intervention in family support & the wider debate with our community partners on issues around cancer, addiction, education & sport

Community Food Initiative Cooking Masterclass

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Caolan serves up a Cookery Masterclass to all at Old Library Trust, Creggan

A full house was seated early for Wednesday night’s Cookery Masterclass with Caolan McCourt of @notoriousstreet food fame in Creggan’s Old Library Trust, where the packed attendance was given cooking tips, advice on using fresh and simple ingredients, and the chance to sample some of the finest dishes in the north-west!

The affable local chef demonstrated how to make his amazing beef birria tacos, which incidentally included mixing Guinness (yes Guinness!), tomato ketchup and lime juice into the marinade – something that shouldn’t work but incredibly the finished product was superb.

The event, organised by Julie White at the Old Library Trust in Creggan in conjunction with Safefood, saw a mixed audience asking questions of chef McCourt on cooking, preparation and best markets to source produce.

Caolan also took time to talk on his personal journey in life dealing ADHD, his passion for cooking, the importance of family and how his career has developed over the years.

Old Library Trust staff members and Caolan’s wife and niece, Chloe and Erin made sure everyone was treated to the tasty and delicious birria tacos, chicken tacos, and wings during the night’s proceedngs.

Speaking during the event, OLT’s Project Manager Sabrina Lynch said she was delighted with the turnout on the night and how everyone appeared to enjoy not only the experience but being able to taste some superbly prepared food.

‘Hopefully, this is something we can build on going forward such was tonight’s success.’

One of those in attendance, local teacher and owner of @outforeats.com Christopher Martin praised the local chef and said the Masterclass was a top-notch experience.

‘Caolán’s cooking masterclass at the OLT was fantastic tonight. A humble Derry fella with a passion for food, he wowed us with his beef birria tacos. The marinade – featuring 17 easily bought store ingredients, including Guinness and ketchup—shouldn’t work, but it absolutely does. Unreal! Caolán’s approachable style and expert tips made the session both fun and inspiring. A top-notch experience!’

While two others in attendance, Linda Morgan and Dolores O’Donnell described it as ‘food heaven!’.

Linda added: ‘A heartfelt thanks to Caolan, Zoe and Erin, from Notorious for a fabulous cookery lesson and demonstration, and best of all sampling, it was food heaven! Who knew 17 ingredients, to make a sauce including Guinness, tomato sauce and lime juice could result in a super sauce, it tasted absolutely divine.

Dolores concluded: ‘Caolan not only taught us how to chop and prep fruit and veg, he sourced supermarket buys, so we could recreate economically all the dishes at home.  A charming, funny, imaginative knowledgeable chef, and he was prepared to share his talent with all of us in attendance. A great night!’

Creggan Artists Exhibition

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Local artists and tenants the Creggan Neighbourhood Artists completed an amazing exhibition as part of the Summer Gasyard Wall Feile. This exhibition moved from Bull Park to their home at the healthy living centre on Central Drive and is available to see any time of the week.

One Stop Shop for Dementia Information Day

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Successful DEEDS ‘One Stop Shop for Dementia Information Day’ at Foyleside on Friday

World Alzheimer’s Month sees three events this September

DEEDS marked World Alzheimer’s Month on Friday with their second annual ‘One Stop Shop for Dementia Information Day’ at Foyleside Shopping Centre.

 The other events include a documentary film about dementia, and a special lighting up of the Guildhall in the DEEDS colour purple.

Friday’s event was held to raise awareness to the services that are available in the Derry and Strabane area and included WHSCT Memory Service, DEEDS, Age and Dementia Friendly Derry and Strabane District Council, the Alzheimer’s Society, Praxis Floating Support, Carers Support WHSCT, GP Social Worker Service, Falls Prevention, the CARE Project, and Millennium Forum’s Access Programme for Dementia.

The Deputy Mayor, Darren Guy attended Friday’s event and hailed the success of such information days across the Council area. The Deputy said he was delighted to be asked to come along and support such a worthwhile campaign at Foyleside that raises awareness during World Alzheimer’s Month.

‘Great credit to all at the Old Library Trust for coming up with an event like this and following on in the great success of last year. Members of the public, when passing, were able to speak to some of the experts in the field and get information making them aware of the services that are available in the north-west to help them in coping with dementia among their family.

‘A lot of families are impacted by Alzheimer’s and it’s important that people become aware of the fantastic support that is out there from organisations such as DEEDS. They provide a listening ear and signpost people to the services and information that they will need.

‘If you are concerned about a loved one, it’s imperative that you attend events such as today to find out more about dementia and get guidance on support for the road ahead. Superb work by George, Sinead and all the staff at Old Library Trust.’

Speaking after Friday’s ‘One Stop Shop’, the Old Library Trust’s Sinead Devine (DEEDS Co-ordinator) called for anyone out there who either may be worried about their own memory or about a loved one or who are looking after someone with dementia to come along to such events.

‘We have had tremendous support from many organisations this year again, in helping to mark World Alzheimer’s Month and we were delighted to have our Deputy Mayor, Darren Guy open proceedings. Last year, the council passed a unanimous motion to support dementia awareness training for council staff and this has been followed up in April with 20 councillors trained and new training due to take place in October and December so it great to see Darren highlighting the One Stop Shop for Dementia Information.’

‘People got an opportunity to talk to experienced staff and ask questions pertinent to their own personal situation. We said to those who attended – maybe you have noticed a loved one with memory issues; or have a loved one with a recent diagnosis and need to know what support is out there. Maybe you are caring for someone with dementia and need support for yourself. We can support and guide you and Friday was an ideal opportunity to see the services  available to you and your loved one.’ concluded Sinead.

On Tuesday 17th September in partnership with Foyle Film Festival, there is a sold-out screening of “Don’t Forget to Remember” – a documentary film by Ross Killeen. The film follows the artist Asbestos as he learns to cope with his mother’s fading memories.

“While the memories are fragile, the essence of their bond remains steadfast.” In collaboration with Asbestos, the film opens an honest conversation about the delicate nature of memory. Through the artist creating a piece of artwork, we establish that even though Alzheimer’s brings difficult elements, we can never truly lose a loved one if we hold on to our collective memories.

Finally, on Saturday 21st September, the Guildhall clock will be lit up in purple to mark World Alzheimer’s Day itself.

For further information, please contact The DEEDS Team on 02871 373870 during working hours, Monday-Friday.

Health Equity Conference

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The first Health Equity Network event in Belfast, Northern Ireland was full of fruitful discussion, debate, speakers and participatory group sessions.

The Old Library trust was represented with the project Director George McGowan attending.

Health equity is a priority for us all.

Ladies Netball is back

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 Ladies Netball

Want to get back into sport, we are running a Netball programme, no experience needed.

Learn and play, have fun and throwback to our old school days.

If interested please contact Julie on 028 71373870 or message OLT for more information.