Dilemmas in Care: ‘Inspiring’ to hear views people have

The organisers of an event in Castlepollard looking at ways to combat social isolation say it was “very inspiring” to hear people’s views.

Around 50 people attended the event in Castle Varagh Hotel on October 19, which was organised by the local support group Dilemmas in Care, as well as representatives from local community groups and national bodies.

Attendees were broken up into groups and asked to discuss a series of questions relating to social isolation, during a facilitated talk overseen by Gary Blanchfield from Alone.

“The facilitated conversation went very well and people seemed to really enjoy the evening. It was inspiring to see everyone come together as a group.

“People were asked to give their views on a number of topics, including what causes loneliness and what can be done about it,” organiser Jeroen Holtkamp told the Westmeath Examiner.

Mr Holtkamp said that he his colleagues in Dilemmas in Care are grateful for the support they received from groups and individuals, including Alone, the National Learning Network, Mental Health Ireland, the Mullingar Mental Health Association, the HSE, the Ballinalack community and the Tidy Towns committee. He also thanked the hotel and its staff.

Dilemmas in Care was founded to help people going through a hard time to connect with others. It meets on the second Monday of the month in the sacristy of St Michael’s Church.