Portlaoise Meals on Wheels means more than a full tummy

A KNOCK on the door from a Portlaoise meals on wheels volunteer can mean far more than a dinner being delivered for someone living alone in Portlaoise. It can also bring a friendly face, a little bit of company and a check to make sure everything is okay.

For Teresa McCloskey, each delivery recalls her late mother who encouraged her to bring meals on wheels back. Unfortunately, she passed away before she could see it happen but would, no doubt, be very proud of Teresa’s achievements.

Before the formal AGM and gathering in Portlaoise Parish Centre on Thursday 5 November, the co-ordinator spoke to the Laois Nationalist and recalled the three-and-a-half-years’ effort behind those all-important visits.

Teresa said: “We launched in April and now we really need volunteers to help us to grow and to expand, not only around Portlaoise but into surrounding rural areas, too. My late parents Jim and Teresa used to get the meals before the previous service stopped and I approached the public health nurse to find out who was taking over but I learned that nobody was. This meant that people living alone, some without family, would be left without cooked meals, so I asked what I could do.

“This started my three-and-a-half-year journey, which included many phone calls, lots of research and many meetings. We formed a committee a year-and-a-half-ago, which was backed by local TDs, councillors, Laois Volunteer Centre and Connect Laois. Connect Laois secured Leprino Foods funding for a co-ordinator’s position. I moved from chairperson to co-ordinator so that I could carry the work forward.” Teresa’s mam’s encouragement stayed with her through the setbacks and she spoke to the gathering about how proud her mother would be to see the service up and running again. She thanked her family, particularly her children, for their patience and support.

Thirty clients receive meal deliveries and referrals are coming in steadily. Teresa said that she wants more delivery days and enough volunteers to reach beyond the town. Continuing, she said: “I am hoping to be able to offer to deliver seven meals a week to our clients. I want to get to a point where I don’t have to put anyone on a waiting list or refuse anybody. I have high hopes for meals on wheels and with the way things are going now, I don’t doubt that we’re going to get there at some point soon.” At the AGM, chairperson Marie Christie set out plans for sustainable growth from what is currently around 60 meals a week across three routes around the town. Portlaoise Meals on Wheels is planning a fourth route shortly.

Marie said: “Clients pay towards their meals with a HSE subsidy and the affordability is crucial. People must not order fewer meals or stop using the service simply because they cannot afford to use it. Edel Connolly of The Hare’s Corner restaurant in Mountmellick prepares the meals. She supplied the previous service and was delighted to return in September. Customer satisfaction has gone sky-high and the menu includes vegetarian options. Chilled meals are heated at home, with Tuesday and Thursday deliveries providing up to four dinners weekly.” Tracey Noonan, national development officer for Ireland’s National Meals on Wheels Network acknowledged the struggle to get this far. She said: “There have been many ups and many downs, steps taken forward, more steps taken back, but then forward again. The network offers training and advice, advocates and lobbies on HSE funding and helps recruit volunteers.” Treasurer Gerry Grealish reported a healthy balance, speaking of income that comes from clients, fundraising, grants and donations. He said that the only account is with People First Credit Union and that withdrawals and transfers need two signatories. He said: “For me it’s important to be transparent. Integrity and good governance underpin the work, with accurate records of all transactions and receipts kept digitally and in hard copy.” Thanks were extended to Connect Laois, the HSE, Laois Volunteer Centre, Laois Co Council and public health nurses. Teresa acknowledged Tracey, Portarlington Meals on Wheels and fellow providers for guidance, manager of Portlaoise Parish Centre Declan Kelly for meeting space and Link-Up publicity. Machua Printers, Hughes’s chemist, Doheny’s Expert Electrical, Kelly Lou Cakes, collection and coffee morning supporters and former committee members were also recognised.

Attendees included Laois TD Brian Stanley, along with committee members, Laois Co Council cathaoirleach Catherine Fitzgerald and Cllr Tommy Mulligan, Emer Boyle from Laois Volunteers, Aoife Whelan from HSE ISL at St Fintan’s campus and Connect Laois CEO Caroline Lydon and board member Cllr Marie Touhy, who could not attend, was thanked for her support of the project from the beginning.

People seeking meals can ask their public health nurse or GP for a referral. Help is welcome in administration, volunteer co-ordination, fundraising and governance, as well as deliveries. The appeal is for a minimum of only two hours a month. More volunteers would mean more neighbours reached without overstretching those already giving their time.

To volunteer or enquire about making donations, find Portlaoise Meals on Wheels on Facebook, phone 087 4218520 or email portlaoisemealsonwheels@gmail.com.