Published: Wednesday, 17th February, 2010 4:44pm

Kells Resource Centre secures new premises

The Kells People's Resource Centre is moving to a new premises in the old Church of Ireland School building in Carrick Street next month.

The centre, which provides vital services to families, jobseekers and the newly unemployed, as well as countless local community groups, is getting busier every day and the current premises in Church Street is too small for current needs.

Spokesperson, Patricia Reilly, said funding for the centre is very tight and, for that reason, they are looking for vounteers to help with painting and decorating the new premises and with general maintenance.

She said that at a time when there is a lot of bad news regarding employment and the economy, the centre's move to a bigger premises was a positive thing for Kells. She said they would appreciate help for volunteers with plumbing, heating, painting or platering and invite help from a handiman with things like moving cupboards or cleaning up outside.

Senator Dominic Hannigan welcomed the news that the centre, which had been under threat of closure, had secured funding and a new premises at the Old Carrick School had been found and he joined in the request for help to refurbish the building.

"Kells Resource Centre does fantastic work at a time when more and more people find it necessary to use their services. Now they need help refurbishing their new premises as Government funding is not available," he said.

"They need carpenters, painters and other tradespeople who could help them renovate the old building. This is an ideal opportunity for people who are not working at the moment to use their skills for the benefit of the community," he added.

"They provide a range of social services from education and training to money advice, and help for those suffering domestic violence or drug and alcohol abuse. The centre is the first point of call for people who need to access services such as MABS, Citizens' Advice or shelter from domestic abuse and over 12,000 clients used their services last year."

He added: "I would urge people to lend a hand to help the Resource Centre in any way they can. In times of social hardship like these, the services it provides are needed now more than ever."

The Kells centre provides a drop-in support service, education and training, help and support to local families and community groups, counselling, employment rights information and support and public access to computers and the internet as well as many other local services.