International Women’s Day

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

International Women’s Day 8th March

International Women’s Day takes place on March 8th every year to celebrate women’s rights and inspire people to act in the ongoing fight for gender equality. The 2023 International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity”. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. If we truly believe in, value and embrace equity, then women are more likely to have access to what’s required to succeed. So on International Women’s Day, make sure to engage in those impactful conversations which help to raise awareness.

Here at Servisource, we want to honour all the amazing women in our lives and we would like to share stories on the theme of “The Strength of Women” based on nominations and accounts from our colleagues and friends.

Aileen McCann

Permanent Healthcare Manager
Nominates her friend Pamela Goss.

In October 2017, Pamela’s husband Fintan passed away tragically due to storm Ophelia while traveling home from work early to be with his family. Pamela had only given birth to their second child Henry who was only 4 weeks old and had a 4-year-old daughter Laragh. Pamela was lucky enough to have the support of her family and friends, however, Pamela was still on the journey of losing her husband, her partner for life, the father of her children, her best friend alone. Something none of us had gone through.  

Pamela did not let the death of her husband stop her life, she got up every day, got dressed and decided to try and keep moving forward, she had to as she was a mother of two children. Pamela has since lost a close friend to cancer, her own sister got diagnosed with cancer and her other sister’s partner is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. However, she keeps going, giving support to others, and is always the strong one we all look up to.

Pamela is my best friend and as a woman I look up to her for all that she has overcome in her life.

Wedding picture

Pamela was always the person I went to during my own difficulties in life. She would always tell me things would be ok and not allow me to get down or wallow. She would keep telling me to keep going, that I was stronger than this and that I would get through this. She is a true woman of strength.

Jordan McMahon/Marketing Co-Ordinator

Nominates her mother Helena McMahon.

My mother works for Myhomecare. She had me very young and raised me solo. With us being so close in age, it has allowed us to bond to the point we can even work together! Seeing her work so hard and motivated to work harder everyday is inspiring and it’s great having a built in best friend.

International Women's Day

Aisling Doyle

Project Administrator
Nominates her grandmother, known as Kitty.

I have a nomination for a fantastic woman in my life. My nomination is my grandmother, fondly known as Kitty. She is 87 years old and has always been an inspiration and one of my favourite people. She has 3 children, 2 boys, and 1 girl (my mother). Her whole life she yearned for my mother to have a sister and always felt a pang of guilt that she couldn’t provide her with one.

The day I was born (4th child, but 1st girl), she snuck her way into the labour ward to see me and said to my mom, “I can die happy now that you have your girl”. 27 years later, she’s still going strong.

Last year, I brought her shopping for my wedding dress, on her own 64th wedding anniversary and we had the most beautiful day together with my mother, sister, and aunt. Unfortunately, I found out a few weeks later, on that very day, she found a lump. She kept it to herself that day so she would not spoil my day. She got the lump checked, and we received the news that she had cancer. She underwent surgery to get this lump removed and it was a nerve-racking time considering her age. Though she had some complications in the weeks and months after, she has just received the news she is cancer free.

She inspires me every day as she has not let her health get in the way of living her life to the full. She is nearly completely blind but her independence amazes me. To still have her in my life, supporting and loving me every day is an honour. 

Carol Kavanagh/Content Marketer and Bids Writer

I nominate my good friend Elaine.

I would like to nominate a very close friend of mine Elaine whom I have known since we were around 4 years old. She is an amazing friend, always putting everyone else first even though she has gone through so many difficulties recently. To see her as an independent, loving woman who makes me laugh so much every day is an inspiration. I am lucky enough to have her in my life and to be able to confide in her, share my life with her and witness the fantastic person she is every day.

Life can throw many challenges our way but with a new perspective and inner strength, we can overcome anything. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. Happy International Women’s Day!

Aoife Heffron

Content Marketer and Bids Writer
Aoife would like to share her story of strength.

We’ve all been there. You’re in the shower and notice a bit more hair going down the drain than usual. For many, this is an occasional thing and nothing to be alarmed about.

For me this is the reality of hair loss.

I first noticed I was losing my hair a few years ago, so I’ll try to keep this brief. It started with my parting getting noticeably wider, particularly around my crown, which is the number one sign of female patterned hair loss.
As it continued to get worse over the coming months/years, panic set in, my self-esteem plummeted and I started to feel lost.

It took me a long time to build up the courage to seek help and go to the doctor about it. I thought he would laugh or wouldn’t take me seriously. Once I did book that initial appointment my doctor couldn’t have been more understanding or supportive and we began my search for answers.

During that time I chopped off all my long dark locks. I’m talking Frankie from the Saturdays short! I thought it would help, but I looked ridiculous and it made it that bit harder to hide my hair loss. Shorter hair does give the appearance of a thicker mane so don’t knock it, you just don’t have to go the whole hog like I did.

I’ve been to dermatologists, endocrinologists and hair replacement clinics looking for the reason for my hair loss, after a quick fix or a magic tablet that would make my hair come back.

Finally I have the cause, not one that I am particularly happy about because for me there is no quick fix, no magic tablet, but for you there might be. My hair loss is down to female patterned hair loss/androgenic alopecia, which basically means it’s in my genetics (my dad’s side are follically challenged) and PCOS.
Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome is elevated male hormones in women, which in turn presents (in my case) as:

  • Hair loss
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Acne (this is an added bonus to losing my hair)

Stress is another contributing factor. Herein lies the perfect example of a catch-22, you are stressed because you are losing your hair! Personally due to anxiety caused by my hair loss and PCOS I’m a stress head, so I never really stood a chance of having a luscious mane, did I?
I can still agonise and feel demoralised over my hair loss at tiimes. The thought of losing my hair to the point that I can’t disguise it haunts me.
Hair loss is not easy to come to terms with, for men or women. I’ve come to terms with it all now, and have a good routine that helps me deal (and mask) my hairloss. Yes it is always going to sting when I find a new patch or my parting gets that extra bit thinner, but for now I’m trying not to let it own me, or define me.

Ciara McArdle/Digital Marketing Co-Ordinator

Nominates her granny.

To mark International Women’s Day, I wanted to celebrate my granny.  She has 12 children, 21 grandchildren & 13 great grandchildren. 
She has raised such a large family, and her love to our family really is a blessing. She always makes sure that everyone feels welcome and appreciated & influences all around her, even it she doesn’t know it.
 
My granny recently celebrated her 90th birthday on new year’s eve. In lieu of receiving birthday presents, she opted for donating money & gifts to different charities in Ireland. To her, this wasn’t a big gesture, it’s just in her nature. She is a shining example of what it means to be a strong, caring, and loving woman.
Happy International Women’s Day!

Thank you to the amazing women who shared their stories and their nominees. They show true strength and are an inspiration to us all.

By sharing your stories you are encouraging everyone to stay strong each and every day.

Thank You!

Become a valued member of the Servisource team and provide care for women all over.

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY

“Helping Men & Boys”

International Men's Day

Today November 19th is International Men’s Day, a global holiday centered around the celebration of men, the value they bring to the world, and the positive gifts they bring to their communities and families, as well as the workplace. It is also a celebration of men and the issues they face in society.

The theme for International Men’s Day this year is “Helping Men and Boys”. All men have the responsibility to teach the next generation how to become the best men they can become. Everyone should have access to a positive male role model. Men must lead by example in order for young boys to gain knowledge on how to create a safe and fair society for all.

The day is also aimed at creating a safe space for men’s mental health issues to be spoken about, an important conversation topic that brings up ideas surrounding manhood and masculinity.

Since 1999, methods of celebrating International Men’s Day have included public seminars, forums, conferences, festivals, and fundraisers such as the Movember fundraisers.

WHY IS IT CELEBRATED?

There are many amazing reasons why we celebrate International Men’s Day. The objectives of celebrating an International Men’s Day are set out in ‘All The Six Pillars of International Men’s Day’.

Six Pillars of International Men’s Day

  • To promote positive male role models: not just movie stars and sportsmen but everyday men who are living decent, honest lives.
  • To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, childcare, and the environment.
  • To focus on men’s health and well-being: social, emotional, physical, and spiritual.
  • To highlight discrimination against men in areas of social services, social attitudes, expectations, and law.
  • To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.
  • To create a safer, better world, where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential.
International Men's Day

DID YOU KNOW?

  • More than 50% of men say their health isn’t something they like to talk about.
  • More than 40% of men only go to the doctor when they think they have a serious medical condition.
  • 3 out of 4 suicides globally are carried out by men.
  • Men make up 95% of those who die at work.

Mental Health and Men

It comes as no surprise that men are less inclined to talk about their feelings, it is something that has been a societal fact. However, in recent years there has been more awareness around this and efforts are being made to encourage boys and men to open up about their emotions.
Awareness and compassion are preventing the notion of toxic masculinity and old-fashioned ideas about how men should be men. With the suicide rate being so high for men in particular, it is important that they have a safe space to share which will prevent needless and preventative deaths. For more information about mental health, you can view our recent blog World Mental Health Day: Tips for Your Mental Health.

Men high-fiving

Men of Servisource Healthcare

It’s important to have gender equality within the workplace. They should be places where employees feel safe to voice their opinions and feel supported. A mixed-gender work environment is also beneficial for all. Here at Servisource, we are lucky to work side by side with men of exceptional talent as well as being kind-spirited and supportive. There are simply too many to list so let’s have a look at some of them and what their colleagues have to say about them on this special day.

How Can We Celebrate?

There are many ways to celebrate International Men’s Day. It is a day of celebration after all! You can do this alone by donating to a male charity or you can join in on the fun and organise a fundraiser yourself to spread the news. Here are just a few ways you can help out and show that you care.

  • Sharing is caring. Spreading the word is a great place to start, so tell your colleagues, friends and family about it.
  • Support the “Movember” campaign. Why not support this amazing cause that occurs throughout November which aims to “change the face of men’s health.” You can donate to the cause on the Movember website.
  • Say thank you to the men in your life. It’s important to let the men in your life know how important they are to you. Whether it’s your brother, son or father, why not tell them how much they mean to you on this special day.
  • Acknowledge the contribution of men. Be it someone famous, or someone close to your heart. There are numerous male leaders and contributors. It’s important to acknowledge what they have done for society.

Make sure to spend the day well, no matter who you are, and remember that we are all in this together in order to create a society equal for all. If you would like more information on International Men’s Day, you can visit their website.

International Men's Day

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WORLD KINDNESS DAY

WORLD KINDNESS DAY NOVEMBER 13th

World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on November 13th. It all began in 1997 when World Kindness Week was launched after a group of associations from a number of different countries such as; England, Australia, Thailand and America, gathered together because of their determination to promote kindness around the world. The World Kindness Movement was created and has been an event built around raising awareness and compassion throughout society. The event has continued to grow in popularity every year with increasing numbers of individuals, schools, charities, institutions and businesses taking part.

world kindness day

There are many ways to be kind. When you do something kind, it can easily spread and has a knock-on effect. It is obvious there is power in kindness, it can help create a better world for us all to live in. When we are treated kindly, we tend to be kind towards others too. Now let’s have a look at how you can celebrate and spread some cheer this World Kindness Day.

How Can You Celebrate World Kindness Day?

Helping someone with their bags

Help someone in need, if you see someone struggling with their groceries or luggage bags, offer to help.

Calling a loved one

Text or call a friend just to say hi. You never know what people are going through and a simple phone call for a quick chit chat could make someone’s day.

Checking on an elderly neighbour

Check on that elderly neighbour next door, have a cup of tea with them or ask them if they need help with something.

Love

Tell someone you love them, this could be a family member, spouse or your child. Why not let them know how much they mean to you.

Talking to a cashier

Ask a cashier or retail worker how they are. Everyday we come into contact with these workers but barely move beyond “Please” and “Thank you”, why not ask how they are, it could make their day and job that bit nicer.

Smiling at a passerby

A smile goes a long way, why not smile and say hi to that passerby. You never know, you could make a new friend!

Each of us has the power to brighten someone else’s day. And what could be better than that? We asked our team at Servisource about random acts of kindness they may have received or experienced, this is what they said:

Giving/recieving a parking ticket with time left on it so you/they dont have to purchase one, this is how legends are born!

It’s always so nice when a cashier asks me how I am while scanning my goods. It’s such a nice thing to do. We are all busy but sometimes it’s nice to just stop and chat for a bit.

I like to buy my co-workers their favourite snack when they are having a long/stressful day at work or at college (usually a cookie).

I always pay someone a compliment on their outfit, be it a stranger, friend or colleague. People put a lot of effort into their outfits and I know how much it brightens my day when it happens to me so I always like to pay it forward.

I love it when someone lets you jump in front of them in the line for the cash register because you only have a few items and they have a huge trolley full. Super kind!

I regularly call into my elderly neighbours to check-in on them and see if they need any help with grocery shopping. This was particularly important during the covid lockdown. It’s important to make sure they are doing OK. It’s one kind thing that always makes my day.

World Kindness Day/Kindness in Healthcare


KINDNESS IN HEALTHCARE

Every day our nurses and healthcare assistants work around the clock caring for the vulnerable and elderly. The staff at Myhomecare.ie, (a HSE recognised national supplier of homecare established in 2006 by Servisource Recruitment and part of the CPL Group), carry out a range of homecare services from domestic support to palliative care, among others. Working in healthcare is extremely rewarding and gives people a chance to do something positive for their community. If you’re interested in spreading kindness as a profession, then don’t hesitate to contact our team at the Myhomecare Care Academy, Myhomecare’s one-stop shop for aspiring Carers, offering training and career progression support and guidance. You never know, it could end up being your dream career.

World Kindness Day/ Healthcare Assistant

At Servisource, we encourage everybody to do their bit and spread a little kindness on November 13th. If you are unsure about how to be your kindest self, you can find a wide range of resources including ideas for random acts of kindness on the Kindness UK website www.kindnessuk.com. You can even be kind to yourself, treat yourself to that chocolate cake you’ve been eyeing up all week, or go have that lie-in you’ve been meaning to have. After all, it’s the little things that count at the end of the day.

World Kindness Day

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Servisource proudly sponsoring The Dundalk 10K 2017

Dundalk 10K 2017

Servisource Recruitment staff participating in The Dundalk 10K 2017

Seven years running, this years road race took place on April 25th at DKIT Sport. Servisource proudly sponsored The Dundalk 10K 2017 and staff from our offices also participated in the run. Also sponsoring the road race were DKIT Sport, Fyffes and Smyth’s Life Pharmacy.

All in aid of two very worthy causes, Oran’s Foundation and The Birches, Dundalk. Oran’s Foundation was founded in 2015 with the aim of fundraising for Oran and other children with multiple and complex disabilities. “Oran was born in 2011 with multiple disabilities, complex medical needs and an uncertain future. During difficulties and setbacks his will and spirit shine through. He has exceeded expectations and has a smile and laugh that uplifts all those around him. Oran has limitations but can continue to thrive and enjoy life with a little help from you”. For more information on Oran’s Foundation you can visit their Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/oransfoundation/

The Birches Dundalk is an Alzheimer’s Day Centre situated in Dundalk, Co. Louth, catering for persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or Alzheimer related Dementia. “The ultimate aim of the Centre is to ensure the Clients feel safe and welcome. To aid this feeling scented candles are lit and Potpourri are placed throughout the building. Oils such as Lavender are placed in the Bathrooms and used during bathing. The mood we set is one of relaxation and mellowness. The scents, colour scheme and furniture all combine to create this atmosphere. The activities that are carried out daily very much depend on the Client’s present. We have Knitting, Painting, Pottery, Reminiscence Therapy, Music Sing Songs, Crosswords to name but a few”. For more information on The Birches please visit: http://www.thebirches.ie/index.html

The race proved a huge success, hosting the biggest crowds yet. An interview after the race with Servisource CEO Declan Murphy:

https://www.facebook.com/DundalkSport/videos/vb.248558448813727/460977984238438/?type=2&theater