Kells People's Resource Centre celebrates 10 years

Kells Town cathaoirleach, Cllr Conor Ferguson, planted an oak tree at a ceremony in the grounds of the Kells People's Resource Centre (KPRC) on Sunday, to mark the organisation's 10th anniversary. "I am delighted to be here celebrating the 10th anniversary of the resource centre. Having served on the management committee here and participated in some of the programmes, I have first-hand experience of the positive impact the centre has on the lives of people in Kells," he said. KPRC was established in 1999 by a group of local people from Kells who wanted to tackle poverty and disadvantage through community development activities. Within two years, the resource centre had moved into its own premises at Church Street, employing two staff members. As the centre grew, it was clear that the Church Street premises were not fit for purpose and, after a lengthy search, KPRC secured the Old Carrick School. With no additional funding, the resource centre renovated the school, thanks to the many local community volunteers who rose to the occasion to clean, mend, fix and build until the premises became a building to be proud of. The President, Mrs Mary McAleese, officially opened the new premises of the Kells People's Resource Centre in May last year. The new centre boasts a reception area, an outreach room, office, all-purpose room and a training/meeting room. KPRC project co-ordinator Angela Murphy spoke highly of the many volunteers who have given of their time to assist the centre. "We asked for help and help came," she said, adding that the volunteers had given 3,766 voluntary hours in the past year. Since the move to the new premises, the KPRC has grown at a rapid rate and has become even more valuable to the people of Kells, particularly in the context of the economic downturn. Throughout the resource centre's growth, it has only ever had two staff members, who say that they could not do what they do without the help of so many volunteers who give so willingly of their time. KPRC provides a wide range of resources to local people and community groups. The drop-in support service operates on weekdays from 9.30am to 1pm, dealing with many queries each week and responding to the broad range of expressed support needs of local individuals and families. Practical support includes access to office and communication equipment, computer and internet access as well as various referrals and supports and job seeking support and resources. The tree-planting ceremony was followed by a tea dance, which has become a regular fixture at the resource centre and a valued outlet for older members of the Kells community and surrounding areas. KPRC chairperson Pat Barron, who helps organise the tea dances, said: "We live in a world that moves very fast and the older generations are too easily forgotten about. The tea dances are just one way in which the resource centre can play a part in ensuring the elderly stay active in their community."