EARLIER STARTS OR ‘MEETINGS ON THE MOVE’ BEING CONSIDERED BY YOUGHAL COMMUNITY ALERT.

By Christy Parker

Youghal & District Community Alert group is considering options that might boost attendances at its monthly meetings. Amongst the measures being contemplated are switching to morning or afternoon meetings instead of  the present 7.45 pm  and with increased accent on providing a community information service and regular guest speakers. Meetings may convene in bar or function rooms, with accompanying refreshments. This would replicate November’s meeting, which was held in the Nook bar on a midweek morning and attracted some new faces and favourable observations. On the downside, it is known that some people were not comfortable with attending a pub (let alone in the morning to hear warnings on drug abuse!).

Another alternative would see the group remain in situ at Cumann na Daoine but times during the day or evening to facilitate those attending other events to proceed to the Community Alert meeting thereafter. A further innovation being considered is to rotate meetings in various residential centres in co-operation with various community committees and where there would be particular emphasis on issues within that community or estate, etc. One argument however against change is that fluctuating meeting times is probably not for the best.

The issue was raised at December’s meeting by Chairman Des Davis, before a handful of regulars who have emerged as the group’s core and driving force. The poor attendances can be interpreted in several ways, not all of which are negative. The absence of serious crime (at the risk of tempting fate) probably dilutes interest, while the media coverage perhaps provides many people with sufficient information on developments.

Equally, it was observed at December’s meeting, elderly people in particular are reluctant to travel at night due to the cold and darkness and the cost and requirement of public transport. “Besides, without tea and scones, it’s very hard to get anyone to come out at night anyway!”, noted one man at December’s meeting.

Having existed, albeit relatively dormant, for many years through the efforts of founder Moss Lynch, the Y&DCA was effectively re-launched three years ago following a ‘Halloween nightmare’ of vandalism and criminality on the main streets. The circumstances saw the early meetings well attended. In later times, quality has surpassed quantity, enabling the group to bring indelible improvement to the community. This is reflected particularly in the acquisition and installation of over 100 socially monitored alarms along with formation of the highly valued Care and Repair service and the Community Bus initiative which were offshoots of the local Community Alert movement.

Yet, as the chairman stressed, larger attendances such as convenes at community alert meetings in other jurisdictions, remains an ambition. The matter will be discussed further at January’s meeting.

Earlier, December’s meeting saw Mossie Murphy circulate his treasurer’s report, which showed current assets at €1,759.45.

Crime Statistics

Community Garda Peter Queally then provided crime statistics covering the period October to December. These were as follows: Thefts: 7; Assaults: 2, including one serious incident that coincided with the burning of a hearse and a couple of burglaries, all of which were perpetrated by the same people on one particular night. Arrests had been made and court proceedings were anticipated;

Drugs: 9 for possession (own use) and 2 for sale and supply;

Criminal Damage: 6, some of which involved stones and eggs being thrown on Halloween night. The garda pinpointed an increase in antisocial behaviour in the town, particularly in the vicinity of the College Gardens and Adoration Chapel but also on the main street. He said ASBOs had been issued and more would follow, along with whatever measures the gardaí deemed necessary to problem including, in due course, court proceedings. In response to an inquiry from the floor, he clarified that ASBOs can also be served on adults;

Theft/MPV (breaking into and stealing from private vehicles) 2: Garda Queally stressed that goods and valuables should be concealed form view at all times to discourage this common and simple crime;

Drunk Driving: 3; Domestic Incidents (violence in the home): 5, which were referred to the HSE; Burglaries: 3; Underage Drinking: 1; Public Order Offences: 7.

The chairman Des Davis welcomed evidence that an increasing amount of people appear to be availing of services that assist in treatment for drug problems. He added however, that prevention being better than cure, the community at large should not cease to consider ways to dissuade people, particularly the young, from falling into the trap of drug taking in the first place.

Alarms

Garda Queally said there had been about 30 socially monitored alarms installed over the past year, at a grant-aided cost of €6,600. Currently, the group owed about €600 to alarm installation company TASK, in lieu of different alarm pendants and watches, re-installation of alarms handed back, etc. It was agreed to pay this forthwith.

From the floor it was mooted that people in rural areas be prioritised for future alarm installations as several people in town had changed their minds about retaining the devices. A reluctance to pay the €60 annual maintenance fee was cited as a prime reason for this. However it was decided that any discrimination in the installation of alarms would be a mistake in practice.

Garda Queally said uptake on smoke alarms remained low. Simultaneously, it was noted, individuals who had applied for smoke alarms were experiencing delays in acquiring them because there needed to be about ten or so applications made before Cork County Council would provide them. Garda Queally said the delay was also due to the county council’s failure to return some application forms that had been forwarded to the wrong department.

Carbon monoxide

Community Alert Treasurer Michael Beecher drew attention to the issue of carbon monoxide alarms. He said they were available for €29 in hardware shops. He stressed the inherent danger of (odourless) carbon monoxide emissions in particular at Christmas, where extra electrical could prompt sudden energy surges. The group agreed to consider the possibility of subsidising such alarms for those who could not afford them. This will be considered more fully at January’s meeting along while the possibility that currently available smoke alarms also monitor carbon monoxide is also to be investigated.

Attention then turned to a house in the town that has become available for rent, as a voice from the floor asked whether a plea from the group could be made to the landlord that the incoming resident/s would be of good character. The issue was raised on foot of a death having occurred in the premises previously and consider distress having been incurred subsequently by a neighbour who was mourning the passing of close relative at the time. Another contributor suggested the “residents’ network” make recommendation. Garda Queally said he would recommend that the gardaí follow up the issue and this was agreed.

The next Community Alert meeting will be held in Cuman na Daoine on Tuesday January 3rd at 7.45 pm

end

COMMUNITY ALERT MEETING HEARS GIVEN SAFETY IN THE HOME ADVICE. – By Christy Parker

Christy Parker concludes his review of November’s Youghal and District Community Alert meeting.

Amongst the speakers at November’s Youghal and District Community Alert meeting, which convened as a morning session at the Nook bar, was Diarmuid Cronin, Southern Garda Region, (Counties Kerry Cork), Development Officer.

Mr. Cronin delivered a brief but highly informative talk on the nature and need for Community Alert in communities, with particular emphasis on safety amongst the elderly. “Community Alert goes back 25 years and is an east Cork/Churchtown South development (co-founded by Youghal strand resident Moss Lynch),” he began. “It is a partnership between An Garda, local communities and Munitir na Tíre and is sanctioned by the Department of Justice.”

The speaker said there are about 200 groups active in the region, each with its own distinctive character, depending on the number and general profile of its membership. “There is a huge diversity and every organisation is a reflection on of the members’ ambitions and interests,” he explained. “My role is simply to assist in whatever way needed,” he added.

Most vulnerable

Mr. Cronin proceeded that “one of hardest tasks for any Community Alert group is researching and defining who is vulnerable and what makes them so. From my experience, I think those most vulnerable are those who have withdrawn into themselves and so live with very few friends or perhaps no friends at all. This is far more common than you can ever imagine,” he observed, warning that “there are many people in your community now who do not have a network of people around them and so have nobody contacting them on a reasonably regular basis. If something goes wrong, such as a fall an accident, nobody knows.”

Underlining the point, the official described an incidence in east Cork in recent months whereby an elderly woman had spent 15 days on the floor of her kitchen before being discovered. “She had been an active, out-and-about sort of person but didn’t have close friends or neighbours. We can’t imagine the horror of what she endured during that time,” he said.

Personal alarms

Such terrible occurrences have contributed to the awareness and installation of hundreds of thousands of centrally monitored personal alarm systems throughout Ireland, the meeting heard. The appliances are free of charge, other than a small yearly maintenance fee. Application forms are available from the garda station (or from Community Garda Peter Queally in Youghal) and installation is performed through Community Alert personnel.

The alarms system enables the wearer to press a panic button on a wristband or pendant, which quickly brings a response from someone in the monitoring station. Mr Cronin outlined how the user’s personal and medical details are instantly activated on a screen in the monitoring station, when the button is pressed, alongside a series of numbers (family, friends, local gardaí, etc.) to contact for assistance. “If they cannot hear the wearer or if the situation demands it, they immediately summon help,” he said.

The speaker stressed strongly the importance of those acquiring such availing of the service to wear or carry the ‘panic button’ apparatus at all times and “not hang it off the dressier Sacred Heart picture where it will be useless if needed.”

The official also reassured that accidental activation of the button was part and parcel of the system and “in no way inconvenienced the monitoring station personal at all. In fact they are quite glad to find that the button is working perfectly and will usually advise people to test it out regularly to reassure themselves. They get up to 70,000 such accidental alerts per year,” he added.

About 100 such alarms systems have been installed in Youghal in the past two years, both for people living alone and with partners or family. The only stipulation is that the applicant must be 65 years of age or over.

Responding to the floor, Mr. Croinin illustrated further the vital role played by socially monitored alarms in protecting the elderly. “Three Christmases ago a man in Kerry was burning rubbish on a bonfire when he fell into it,” he commenced. “He pressed the button and the alarm alerted the monitors. He pressed it repeatedly for five minutes and every time someone in the station responded, meaning he had three different people actively summoning help form three different sources for him. They knew it was very serious and so three individuals and the local gardaí dashed to his aid. He was very seriously burned, spent months in hospital but is hale and hearty now and still tending his garden. The device saved him.”

Fires

The recollection diverted the focus to fire risk in general. Mr. Cronin said Community Alert programmes had seen the death rate through fire in Cork fall from the highest in Ireland to the lowest in six years. The statistic behind the decrease is that 90% of people who die in fires die unnecessarily, he revealed.

Amongst various information sheets on personal and home security that were available through Mr. Cronin, the following offers timely advice pertaining particularly to stove fires in the season of cheer and home fires burning: i) Children are particularly susceptible to serious burns from a stove so place a safeguard round the apparatus; ii) never use lighter fuel, diesel or kerosene to light a fire; iii) clean your chimney a least once yearly and inspect it monthly for soot or creosote accumulation; iv) be absolutely certain that your stove is properly vented; v) clean the stove or fireplace frequently; vi)  Use ash or oak firewood preferably as they burn hottest and for longer; vii) keep firewood covered, off the ground and not touching any building as air circulation dries it better.

In the event of sustaining burns, it is advisable to: i) cool the area immediately by soaking it in cold water; ii) avoid using ice as it can further damage the skin; iii) never use creams or oils in the immediate aftermath but instead apply a hydro gel type dressing or a smooth, cool damp cloth; iv) do not pop burn blisters as that leaves the area prone to infection; v) if a burn is serious go straight to a hospital; vi) do not try to remove clothing stuck to the skin by a burn as this may peel off skin or tissue; vii) if burned around the eyes or mouth or have trouble opening them remain still as possible and await medical help; viii) if possible elevate the burned area so that it is higher than your heart, but if the neck is burned lies prone until medical assistance arrives.

Home Safety Check List

The attendance was also provided with a Safety Checklist to reduce the risk of fall in the home. Amongst the recommendations are:

All rooms: i)No loose carpeting or rugs with non-slip backing; ii) dispose of mat edges that can cause trips; iii) remove furniture from traffic areas; iv) tape wires to walls; v) ensure all lights are working.

Stairs and Inclines: i) remove items from steps; ii) ensure room for easy movement at top and bottom of stairs; iii) no loose carpeting or upturned edges; iv) handrails securely attached and at appropriate height; v) proper lighting and switches at either end of stairs; v) handrail on inner wall along with bannister.

Bathroom:  i) Properly mounted grab bars near tub, shower and toilet; ii) non-slip surfaces in tub and shower; iii) nightlights in rooms; iv) non-slip maths ad rugs; shower/tub bench or seat.

Bedroom: i) Bedside table with non-tip lamp and room for eye glasses; ii) clear access between bedroom and bathroom; iii) comfortable sturdy chair to aid dressing; iv) emergency Bulkhead light in case of electricity cut outs.

Kitchen: i) Items reachable without a stool; ii) sturdy high stool for use during food preparation; iii) flooring free of cracks or upturned edges.

Individual: i) Socially monitored alarm working ok and familiar with use; ii) someone to check on individual daily; iii) schedule annual medical check-up; iv) discuss medications with physician to determine effects on balance; v) establish light exercise routine.

The next Community Alert meeting is on Tuesday December 6th in Cumann na Daoine at 7.45 pm.

National Senior Help Line number is 1850 440 444

The freezing weather conditions failed to halt January’s Youghal and District Community Alert meeting on. Jack Dempsey welcomed the attendance on his inaugural occasion as chairman. By Christy Parker Email: news@youghalonline.com

The first item brought an administrative clarification whereby discretion was afforded to the committee to use their discretion to spend up to €100 of the group’s finances on relevant goods or services should ever it be deemed necessary. Expenditure over that amount would require seeking authorisation from a general meeting.

Emphasis on elderly

January’s gathering focused strongly on protection for the elderly. Garda Sergeant John Sharkey drew attention to distributed leaflets that advertised a Senior Help Line. He described this new, national-based service as “manned by elderly people for elderly people.”

The help line puts callers in touch with their peers and may be considered particularly helpful for those living alone, seeking advice or a friendly chat or generally desiring social contact. It runs 365 days a year from 10am to 4pm and from 7pm to 10pm. The number is 1850 440 444 and cost the same as a local call. “We’re keen to have the number distributed directly to as many elderly people as possible in the Youghal area or to their families, neighbours and friends who may do so,” stressed the sergeant.

Sergeant Sharkey also reminded the attendance that some high visibility vests remained available for the general public and can be acquired from the garda station. The remaining goods are predominantly large sized but were described as tight fitting nonetheless, especially when worn over jackets, etc.

Maintaining the emphasis on the elderly, the sergeant said all Garda authorities were anxious that contact between gardai and senior citizens be sustained, especially as inclement weather can cause severe difficulties. He pointed out that recently appointed Community Garda Peter Queally was in the process of compiling a list of names and phone numbers of elderly people in the area. However data protection laws forbade many community organisations from divulging this information and he asked that information on any elderly person who might be considered in need of a garda visit, whether for a chat or more practical assistance, be forwarded to the gardai or Garda Queally personally.

The icy weather may have departed but then again it may well return. The sergeant delivered some motoring advice in respect of icy conditions, including checking road conditions in advance of travelling either by consulting the garda website or from the station. Driving in low gears was also advocated as was, basically, driving slowly.

Crime figures

Crime figures since the previous month’s meeting were reflected low, probably influenced by the adverse weather. The statistics as given by sergeant Sharkey read as:

Thefts: (6); Lidl’s (1) Tesco’s (2) private residences Store Street (2), private residence in Walter Raleigh vicinity (1)

Minor Assaults (3); Tesco’s (2), Nealon’s Quay (1)

Criminal Damage (9); Duncoran, Seafield Estate, South Abbey, Gort Aoibhinn, Blackwater Heights, Magner’s Hill, Harbour View, Tallow Road, and Carlton Village.

Drink Driving (3); Cork Hill, Millfield Abbey and North Cross Lane.

Burglary (2): Timeless Jewellers; Kilcoran Road (elderly person)

Drug Arrests (4); Claycastle, North Main Street, Tallow Street and at Youghal garda station (non resident presumably!)

Opportunism

The chairman illustrated how the cold weather presented criminals with opportunity. He said drivers sometimes tend to leave engines running but unattended momentarily, by way of heating their cars. Thieves were regularly taking advantage of this lapse to steal the vehicles. “It may be unlikely to happen around here but its as well to be aware of it,” he advised.

Mr. Dempsey then inquired whether updated personal alarms or the funding for same, were yet available. He said the devices in mind were “similar to a watch” and worked on the same principal as those worn round one’s neck. Sergeant Sharkey said funding, as reported by Michael Ahern TD at a previous meeting, was expected to be reintroduced in the last budget, but seemingly was not. A local TD up the country was calling for it to be restored following a recent attack on an elderly person in their vicinity, he added.

On the beat

The chairman commended the gardai for their increased presence on the street. He recalled seeing two gardai walking on Tallow Street and happening on a traffic congestion situation that ere quickly able to alleviate. “I’ve even seen a garda on patrol near St Raphael’s!,” he said, suitably impressed. He added, “It’s very reassuring to see the uniform on the streets.” His sentiments were echoed from the floor, with one speaker equally delighted that a garda had “actually walked” through his estate recently. “Its great. People were commenting on it,” he declared.

Reflecting how rural policing has altered (many would say diminished) in Ireland over recent decades, Sergeant Sharkey was asked as to how this novel method of policing had come about! Were there plenty of gardai in the station nowadays?  (One might have imagined some sort of station overflow, by which gardai were somehow spilling onto the streets from whence they were obliged to walk to keep warm!) The sergeant said numbers were at a satisfactory level although replacements for gardai retiring in the coming years may not be forthcoming. “But we don’t intend to let anyone be transferred unless they are replaced,” he insisted.

Worth attending

Meanwhile the chairman felt moved to reassure all present that their attendance was highly relevant. “There will be times when we will question whether we are justified in coming to meetings,” he began. “But it is always worthwhile,” he proceeded, before explaining that if even one person in the year was saved from becoming a crime victim or one other person dissuaded from committing a crime, then everything was justified.

Mr Dempsey further stressed that anyone in attendance should never feel anything they may wish to say is unimportant. He advised that in some cases, it might be preferable not to wait until the Any Other Business slot at the end of the meeting, when people may be about to leave, before airing their point. “Come to me or the secretary in advance even and we’ll put it on the agenda,” he promised.

Help and the plight of the elderly.

The agenda came full circle when a man in attendance informed Community Garda Peter Queally that he would be willing to led voluntary assistance to elderly people, such as grass or wood cutting, window washing, etc., The gesture was gratefully appreciated and accepted. Garda Queally suggested that a few more similar volunteers, perhaps given designated areas, would be of enormous benefit to his work and to the elderly community. “It would also serve to reassure older people,” he observed.

The garda proceeded that he was endeavouring to compile his list of elderly citizens and trying to prioritise who most needed visitors. He hoped to seek help from retired gardai amongst others, to assist this work.

Finally, the plight of many elderly people was exemplified by two poignant testimonies delivered towards the meeting’s conclusion. One spoke of a woman who bid farewell to a shop assistant one recent weekend and remarked how she would probably not have company again until the following weekend. Her adult children were generally “too busy” to call to her. A second story concerned a woman who lingered at another retail outlet most days, simply to find company.

As the chairman said, it’s always worthwhile attending the community alert meetings.

The next one is on Tuesday February 2nd and every first Tuesday thereafter, at the Walter Raleigh as always. Meetings start at 7.45 and last an hour at most.