Portumna

<h4>The Great PorterShed Bake Off Raises Vital Funds for Claddagh Watch on World Mental Health Day&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>
In recognition of World Mental Health Day on Thursday, October 10th, the PorterShed on Market Street hosted its second Great PorterShed Bake Off to raise vital funds for the Galway-based charity, Claddagh Watch Patrol. One of the organisers, Nigel Moran, from Corofin emphasised the importance of supporting Claddagh Watch Patrol, particularly during the colder months.&nbsp;
“Coming into this time of year, with the cold weather setting in, the volunteers are out every evening in the cold and rain. It’s an important cause, and it’s a local charity that’s right here in our community," he explains.
“Every year, we celebrate World Mental Health Day in some way, and this year we went with the bake-off again. It was a big hit last year, so we decided to bring it back.
"We had a great turnout, and the commitment from members was amazing. The bakes were fantastic—my personal favourite was that pistachio and lime cake!”

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/ef975ee0-b25a-47da-b2d5-31be8b73bdf4.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h4>Safeguarding Galway's Waterways</h4>
Claddagh Watch Patrol plays a crucial role in the local community by carrying out evening and night-time patrols. The Galway based organisation is committed to safeguarding Galway's waterways through regular patrols that have already helped prevent numerous accidents and tragedies.
Their mission is simple but powerful: to provide a life-saving presence along Galway’s rivers and canals, intervening when necessary. The rush of the River Corrib through Galway city is a sound that Arthur Carr and his team know so well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Having established Claddagh Watch Patrol in 2019, he and his dedicated volunteers have patrolled along the city’s waterways to prevent deaths by accident and suicide. The local community has embraced the night-time patrol, who have helped in over 300 incidents since inception.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/9efbbf39-94da-4793-b81e-301c0ad00421.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
Arthur, who lives in Ballinasloe, was inspired to set up the initiative after a spate of tragedy in the city.
“Back in 2019, we lost four people to the river inside of a week,” he says.
“We had to do something about it. These are needless deaths. If we could prevent even one, if we could change someone’s mind, then it would be worth it. We called a meeting, and it was very well attended. Our first patrol was July 5th 2019.”
<h4>An Emotional Toll</h4>
The very nature of the work for Claddagh Watch Patrol can take an emotional toll and Arthur describes the volunteers as family. This sense of connection between them is strengthened by the relationship they have with the emergency services.
“We work together very well and there is great trust between us all. It can be emotional. It can be hard and if anyone is finding it difficult, we have a counselling service with the HSE. It is so important we have that link. It is a big commitment.&nbsp;
"We have a presence for two nights every weekend and that increases when crowds gather such as Race Week, Rag Week and the Junior and Leaving Cert exams and results. We have a fantastic team.”

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/400f003d-1eda-4301-9533-2a411514cc09.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h4>Mental Health Awareness</h4>
The impact Claddagh Patrol Watch are having on the waterways of Galway city is life changing. As well as their physical presence along the city’s river and canals, the charity raises awareness about supports available to people if they are feeling unwell or suicidal and liaise with other like-minded organisations and public bodies.
“When that river is angry,” Arthur explains, “it has a speed of 22km an hour. If someone enters the water at O’Briens’ bridge, they will be at the Spanish Arch in less than a minute. We can relay vital information to the emergency service, such as where, and what part of the river the person entered, and whether they are responsive.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"The quicker the emergency services have this information, the more chance there is for a rescue, rather than recovery. This job is so important.”

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/ecb359a9-d1df-4418-bf30-7bef150e9afe.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h4>A Bake Off for Charity</h4>
This year’s bake-off invited all PorterShed members to participate, encouraging both professional and amateur bakers to whip up their best creations. Participants competed for two prizes: one for Best Tasting and another for Best Presentation, generously sponsored by Dough Bros and Wylde Café.
For non-bakers, there was plenty of excitement too. In exchange for a donation to Claddagh Watch Patrol, attendees were able to sample the delicious baked goods on offer and vote for their favourite. The event took place in the Innovation Space at PorterShed a Dó, with a wide array of sweet treats available for tasting.
For more information about Claddagh Watch and their ongoing efforts, visit <a href="https://claddaghwatch.ie/" target="_blank">Claddagh Watch Patrol</a>&nbsp;

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/f0f01e41-6c4a-4a0d-89a1-ed077da81a77.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

PorterShed Bake Off Raises Funds for Claddagh Watch on World Mental Health Day

DOWNLOAD AND XPLORE