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ADAPT welcomes new domestic violence awareness campaign

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By Michelle Crean

A new Government awareness and information campaign on domestic violence launched on Wednesday has been welcomed by a Kerry charity in what they say is "a critical time for women and children".

ADAPT Kerry, who operate a domestic violence refuge for women and their children, is encouraging people to call their 24 hour helpline on 066 7129100 for support and advice as part of the 'Still Here' campaign.

Catherine Casey, General Manager said that women and children may be confined and isolated with their abuser across Kerry.

She said that the campaign was creative and strong in its message to survivors and communities that professional frontline supports in Kerry are open and operating and that the 2K zone did not apply to survivors seeking safety.

“The most important message is that we are open and working to help protect women and children here in Kerry," Catherine said. "COVID-19 brings challenges but we are re-configuring and finding new, creative ways to help keep women safe.”

She said that their greatest concern is that women may be finding it much more difficult to make contact for support.

"Previously women may have contacted services when they or their partners were at work or out of the house, or when children were in school. Those little windows of freedom are being cut down. Many women are reaching out to us and we want you to know that you are not alone at this difficult time."

With these stressful circumstances it is now more important than ever that there is a strong community response to domestic violence, she added.

“During COVID-19 we are being reminded that we are all in this together. The response to domestic violence can be no different. We are asking people to be vigilant, to keep in touch with friends and family, to be aware that homes may not be safe and to be her voice in looking for support at a time when she may not be able to use hers.”

Catherine said that a strong awareness campaign must be matched with solid and reliable State funding so that ADAPT Kerry is adequately resourced to continue to re-home women or keep them safe in their homes.

"Safe Ireland, the national social change agency, has made a case to Government on behalf of all services, including ours to enable all services to manage this crisis adequately."

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Irish feature film set for Killarney cinema debut

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A new feature film, created by Irish writer and director Liam O Mochain, is set for release in Killarney next Friday, November 7.

Mr O Mochain said he is delighted to bring ABODE to a Killarney audience following its sold out world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh and a screening at the recent IndieCork film festival.

ABODE is a feature film with five stories connected by the theme of home and what it means to the different characters in the film.

It shows that home has an importance and a different meaning for everyone.

In ABODE, everyone wants to belong somewhere. The film was shot over a three-year period and finished in early 2025.

O Mochain says that the stories are a mix of drama and comedy, inspired by true stories, events or incidents.

It is set on the theme of home which is very relevant today.

Ryan Lincoln, Sophie Vavessuer, and Liam O Mochain are among the cast.

ABODE is O Mochain’s fourth feature film. His 2017 feature film ‘Lost & Found’ screened at festivals around the world from the Galway Film Fleadh to the Austin Film Festival

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Local pharmacies restock Lions ‘Message in a Bottle’

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Killarney pharmacies are restocked with ‘Message in a Bottle’, an initiative by Killarney Lions Club.

It is a small plastic container, available free of charge, with an information form which people can fill out with their basic medical details for use by Paramedics, Gardaí, Fire-fighters and first responders in an emergency.

Once the information form is complete, the bottle should be placed in the fridge.

Self-adhesive green cross labels should be put on the front door of the home and on the fridge so that first responders know its there.

Bottles are available at the following pharmacies: Allcare (New St.), Boots (Deerpark), CarePlus+ (Park Rd.), Kennelly’s (Reeks and New St.), Reens Life (Plunkett St.), O’Sullivan’s (New St.), Sewell’s (New St.), Sheahan’s (Main St.), Trants (Park Rd.) and Aherns Farranfore.

Jason Higgins, President of Killarney Lions Club, said that the initiative has been very well received to date as hundreds of people are already using the bottles.

He said: “We just want to make sure everyone who wants a bottle can get one, so the support from the pharmacies is fantastic and if it helps even just one person to get the help they need more quickly and effectively, it is well worth it.”

More information about the Message in a Bottle initiative can be found on the Lions Ireland website: https://lionsclubs.ie/service/message-in-a-bottle/

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