Latest news with #PurpleHouse
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wicklow pharmacist finds joy in retirement after putting on her running shoes
Having stepped down from her role at McCabe's Pharmacy in Bray after 21 years of service to her community, local resident Liz Hipple hoped to maintain her support for Purple House, which raised more than €10,000 for the charity at hugely popular coffee mornings in the Main Street pharmacy. An avid walker, when it was proposed to Liz that she take up running in her retirement, she decided it would be a great way to keep fit and active, while raising funds, and set her sights on running next year's Dublin Mini-Marathon in aid of Purple House. As chance would have it, the perfect opportunity to dip her toes into the world of distance running presented itself when she was planning a trip to Canada to visit her cousin, who asked Liz to join her for a charity run for mental health in Burlington, Toronto. As Liz explained, the thought of running 5k, having no previous experience of running or ever having even bought a pair of running shoes, was daunting, but she decided to take the event head on, and surprised herself by coasting across the finish line in a time of 42:06. 'I used to do the Purple House coffee morning every year, and I was thinking about what I could do to keep that going after retiring last March,' Liz said. 'So I just said to myself, one day, I'm going to take up running because that means I can run the marathon to drum up funds for Purple House. 'I was due to visit my cousin Shannon in Canada last month, and they rang me and asked me if I would participate in this charity run over there. I was a bit scared when I got over there, as I had planned on doing a 3k, but signed up for the 5k. 'I'm a walker, but I've never really run at all, so it was a saving grace when I went to my cousin's house and they had a treadmill, so I started on that straight away. I even bought my first pair of running shoes over there, and they were like a dream! 'When the run started, my cousin, who is super fit, and I started together, and then said we'd meet at the end,' she continued. 'I couldn't believe how well it went, to be honest. I ran it all in 35c and it was a breeze, and I wasn't even out of breath. 'There was a $100 entry fee, and 1,200 took part, which is a substantial amount, so I was proud to be part of that.' Now back on Irish soil, Liz said that the experience has filled her with the drive to prepare for next year's mini marathon, and is hoping to enlist the support of friends to join her training and on the big day. Reflecting on her newfound passion and what she wants to get out of her retirement, Liz said that the last few months have opened her eyes to the endless possibilities before her, while reminding her that one door closing so often leads to another opening. 'There is definitely life after retirement, and by helping others with some of our free time, it can be very rewarding,' Liz said. 'For me, I was afraid I'd get lazy in my retirement, but I had always planned to continue the fundraising for Purple House, so I suppose I had that goal in mind and something to focus on. 'I suppose, that's the joy you can get from retirement, having time to add something to your life. For me, it's always been about giving back to the community, so I have my sights set on next year's mini-marathon for Purple House, and I'll give myself that year to train up. 'Because I'm older, I wasn't expecting to be able to do anything very fast, but I'm delighted with how the run in Canada went, and it just makes me want to do more,' she added. 'I've been asking some of my friends to participate in the mini-marathon, and they said they might, so we may start running together coming into the winter months. 'I know my son is going to be a huge influence on me, as he took up running a few years ago, and he's doing the full marathon in October. 'I'm all in on it now, though, and I'm sure you'll see me doing a few laps of the promenade in Bray over the coming months!'
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wicklow's Purple House launches ‘Cancer Care at Work' scheme at Leinster House
The initiative was created by Bray's Purple House Cancer Support and Core media group, to provide practical advice and guidance for employers who want to create or enhance their cancer support policy. Both organisations presented the initiative in Leinster House, to encourage elected political representatives to support the framework. It follows the release of a report last month by Purple House, which showed only a quarter of employers felt their management teams were adequately trained to handle a cancer diagnosis in the workforce. It also found that some 88pc of employees believe that a workplace cancer policy is important, but only 19pc say their company has one. Over seven in ten respondents believe a cancer diagnosis negatively impacts career progression, with over half of employees surveyed who have had cancer confirming this. While 91pc of employers expressed a willingness to implement cancer support policies, fewer than one in five companies currently have one in place. Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore welcomed the launch of the initiative at Leinster House, praising it as 'a vital and compassionate step forward' and commending Purple House for their continued leadership in community-based care. 'I'm absolutely delighted to see this initiative come to life. Cancer Care at Work is a powerful example of what happens when community organisations lead with empathy, expertise, and vision,' Deputy Whitmore said. 'This programme will make a real difference in the lives of workers across Ireland who are navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, whether for themselves or a loved one. It's about dignity, support, and ensuring no one has to face this journey alone in the workplace. 'Purple House has long been a cornerstone of support for families in Wicklow and beyond and it comes as no surprise to me that they are driving this change. Their work is rooted in compassion and community, and this new initiative is a testament to their commitment to improving lives. I'd like to sincerely thank them for their tireless efforts,' Deputy Whitmore continued. 'I urge businesses across the country to engage with this framework and take meaningful steps to support their staff. By introducing clear cancer support policies, employers can help create a workplace that prioritises wellbeing and respect, strengthening their entire organisation. 'Cancer touches every community. With Cancer Care at Work, we now have a roadmap to ensure that workplaces can be places of support, not stress, for those affected. I am calling on the Government to back initiatives like this with the funding and recognition they deserve,' Deputy Whitmore concluded.
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Bray's Purple House launches ‘Cancer Care at Work' scheme at Leinster House
The initiative was created by Bray's Purple House Cancer Support and Core media group, to provide practical advice and guidance for employers who want to create or enhance their cancer support policy. Both organisations presented the initiative in Leinster House, to encourage elected political representatives to support the framework. It follows the release of a report last month by Purple House, which showed only a quarter of employers felt their management teams were adequately trained to handle a cancer diagnosis in the workforce. It also found that some 88pc of employees believe that a workplace cancer policy is important, but only 19pc say their company has one. Over seven in ten respondents believe a cancer diagnosis negatively impacts career progression, with over half of employees surveyed who have had cancer confirming this. While 91pc of employers expressed a willingness to implement cancer support policies, fewer than one in five companies currently have one in place. Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore welcomed the launch of the initiative at Leinster House, praising it as 'a vital and compassionate step forward' and commending Purple House for their continued leadership in community-based care. 'I'm absolutely delighted to see this initiative come to life. Cancer Care at Work is a powerful example of what happens when community organisations lead with empathy, expertise, and vision,' Deputy Whitmore said. 'This programme will make a real difference in the lives of workers across Ireland who are navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, whether for themselves or a loved one. It's about dignity, support, and ensuring no one has to face this journey alone in the workplace. 'Purple House has long been a cornerstone of support for families in Wicklow and beyond and it comes as no surprise to me that they are driving this change. Their work is rooted in compassion and community, and this new initiative is a testament to their commitment to improving lives. I'd like to sincerely thank them for their tireless efforts,' Deputy Whitmore continued. 'I urge businesses across the country to engage with this framework and take meaningful steps to support their staff. By introducing clear cancer support policies, employers can help create a workplace that prioritises wellbeing and respect, strengthening their entire organisation. 'Cancer touches every community. With Cancer Care at Work, we now have a roadmap to ensure that workplaces can be places of support, not stress, for those affected. I am calling on the Government to back initiatives like this with the funding and recognition they deserve,' Deputy Whitmore concluded.
RTÉ News
29-04-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Cancer care at work initiative launched for employers
A new "Cancer Care at Work" framework has been announced to enable employers and businesses to create a policy and support system for employees who receive a cancer diagnosis or are supporting a loved one undergoing treatment. The initiative has been launched by marketing communications company Core, and cancer support centre Purple House. Research conducted ahead of the launch highlighted the areas that employees would like to see contained in a workplace cancer policy. These include emotional support such as counselling services, physical support such as flexible treatment accommodations, education and training for managers and financial support. A survey of over 1,000 people showed that half of respondents would feel uncomfortable disclosing a cancer diagnosis to an employer, while seven in ten fear a cancer diagnosis would negatively impact career progression. "With one in two people likely to receive a diagnosis in their lifetime, it is imperative that employers introduce policies that support employees undergoing a cancer diagnosis or treatment," said Nicola Gillen, Chief of Staff at Core. "This research confirms what many employees living with cancer already know - while workplaces want to help, the policies and structures simply aren't there," she added. Conor O'Leary, Director of Operations at Purple House Cancer Support, said it is crucial to create an environment where those affected by cancer feel supported and understood. "The time to act is now," Mr O'Leary said. "Irish businesses must take meaningful steps to ensure that those diagnosed with cancer feel supported, valued, and empowered to remain in the workforce," he added. The study was conducted from August 2024 to February 2025, gathering insights from a nationally representative sample of 1,000 members of the general public, 85 employers across various sectors and in-depth qualitative interviews with employees who have experienced cancer.
BBC News
04-03-2025
- BBC News
Tenants of Hull charity Winner say ‘safe houses' were not secure
Women who fled domestic abuse say the "safe houses" they were placed in by a charity were in such poor condition, it caused them further of tenants of Winner, the Preston Road Women's Centre in Hull known locally as Purple House, said their properties had broken back doors, damp, mould and charity, which states it offers safe and supported accommodation to women and children experiencing violence and abuse, said it would "continue to review our processes to identify any gaps in our services to those tenants".Hull City Council (HCC), which provides Winner with £107,000-a-year funding, said it had reported the charity to the government department for social housing. Laura, not her real name, said she turned to the charity for support following an abusive relationship but claimed her mental health worsened after years of problems with the house she was placed in with her children."My back door was smashed in by an ex-partner," she said. "They did send someone round to fix it but they just put a cardboard box over it and left it like that for nine months."My handle used to fall off as well so if there was ever an emergency I couldn't get out of my back door. I had to force it with a knife to try and get out. "It wasn't a safe house. I had to get out."Joanne, whose name has also been changed, added: "My back door broke and when someone did eventually come out, they just took the locks off altogether and told me to just put plastic doorstops on and said it would be fine."When you're in a safe house you want it to feel secure and it certainly wasn't."Liv, also not her real name, spent four years in an abusive relationship but said she now felt trapped once more due to mould making living conditions miserable for her and her children."I just lay in bed and cry the majority of the time. I don't want to be here in this house, but I just have to put up and shut up, basically," she added."I'm stuck here. I can't afford private renting and the council isn't doing anything because I'm already housed, so I'm literally just stuck in this house." Winner said it has 178 houses in the city for women escaping abusive relationships. They are provided by Winner Trading Limited (WTL) - the charity's commercial to its accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2024, WTL has managed a dispersed accommodation service since 2008 and charges its website, the charity states rents are set at "affordable levels which means that your Local Housing Allowance will cover at least most of the cost".The charity was founded 25 years ago by Lisa Hilder, who was awarded an MBE in 2024. It also provides training, nursery provision and volunteer programmes from its centre in east Hull and said it had helped "tens of thousands of women"."We take the protection, safety and comfort of our tenants extremely seriously," a statement added."All our homes are fitted with a communications hub through which the tenants can report an issue 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "We are working proactively to make sure repairs are dealt with in a timely manner and that properties are maintained appropriately." A former worker at the charity, who did not want to be named, said the poor housing conditions were the reason she and others not her real name, said: "There was always damp, mould, broken floorboards, and boarded-up fire escapes, which was the most scary one for me."Going into a property knowing there was only one way in and one way out, there's only so long that you can go around looking at vulnerable women and children in these homes in such disrepair without it taking a mental toll on you as a person. "That was the reason I left the role. I felt disheartened and disappointed because I went to work for a charity that was to empower women and look after women who had been victims of domestic abuse."Angie Wallace, who runs a community support group in the city called Changing Lives on Your Doorstep, said she was contacted by dozens of current and former Winner tenants, all detailing similar experiences with the said some of the women who had left their abusive partner had been forced to return to them "because they don't want to stay in the houses". HCC said it was "aware of concerns from Winner service users" and had met with the charity."Council officers have also made a referral to the Regulator of Social Housing, which has responsibility for investigating some of the matters highlighted," a spokesperson added. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
