REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF ‘PARENT TO PARENT’
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF ‘PARENT TO PARENT’ CARMICHAEL HOUSE, BRUNSWICK ST. DUBLIN
Is cúis mhór áthais dom bheith anseo libh inniu agus muid ag céiliuradh deich bliain ag dul chun chinn. Tá ard-mheas agam ar an obair atá ar siúl agaibh anseo agus ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl díbh as an chaoin-chuireadh a thug sibh dom.
I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet so many of you here today, as we celebrate 10 years of ‘Parent to Parent’ – ten years of hard work, of raising awareness, of providing much needed help to others, of cajoling people into giving of their time, of calling in all the favours you’re owed, and then a few more, to keep the whole show on the road.
It is at times like this, when you can look back and see all that has been achieved, that every bit of that effort seems worthwhile. Because your work – the work of the Committee and of every volunteer - has made such a big difference to the people who count – the parents of children and adults with disabilities.
‘Parent to Parent’ does exactly what it says on the tin – all of the volunteers who man the confidential phone line are themselves parents of mentally or physically disabled individuals. That is the real value of the service – for its users know that the person on the other end of the line has experienced the same feelings and emotions that they are now going through: they have known the shock of discovering their child has a disability; they understand the immense tiredness that comes from coping 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; the loneliness and frustrations; the worries and fears for the future. But also, the wonderful moments of joy and pride that come from each small step of progress, each achievement, that their child makes.
‘Parent to Parent’ answers a need that professional health care workers, no matter how dedicated and caring, can never fully address. That is the knowledge that the person at the other end of the phone knows exactly where you are coming from. One of my own brothers is profoundly deaf, and I know that nothing can really replace or replicate that personal experience of coping with disability.
It is a truly invaluable service and I would like to warmly commend all of the parents who, despite their own busy lives, have given so generously and willingly of their own time to provide a sympathetic ear to others in the same boat. I am sure that so often just having that support has made the difference between despair and regaining the courage to continue on. A very warm thank you to all of you.
In particular, I would like to congratulate the Chairperson, Margaret Carroll; committee members Grainne Mulligan and Eileen Bergin; and the co-ordinator of today’s event, Gertrude Jordan. Not only are all of you volunteers on the phone line, but you have also taken on the task of further expanding the reach and accessibility of ‘Parent to Parent’. You deserve great credit for your energy and commitment.
On occasions like this, it is good to look forward as well as back, to make plans for the future. I know that your aims include the provision of a freephone number for the service, which at present is solely based in Dublin, and also to encourage the establishment of ‘Parent to Parent’ groups in every county. I wish you every success in achieving those objectives.
Thank you once again for inviting me here today. Go gcúití Dia bhur saothar daoibh. Go raibh maith agaibh.