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‘Keep the music playing on Lyric FM for all our sakes’ | Irish Independent 24th September 2019
Since Lyric FM first aired in 1999, its music has wafted through our basement centre in the Liberties.
Back then the people who used our service came from the island of Ireland. In recent years the people who call come from up to 26 different countries and all sleeping out in parks, doorways and so on throughout the city and beyond.
The music creates a peaceful atmosphere for all those who use our service and those who attempt to meet their needs. The benefits are unquantifiable. Language barriers break down as the body language at times acknowledges the composer from a home place miles away.
This generally follows on with a struggling attempt to share its history and its special place in the culture of one’s country of birth. Dare I suggest Lyric FM at times defuses potential racism and aggressive behaviour as the music plays on?
“Music is the language of the spirit, it opens the secret of life, bringing peace, abolishing strife,” wrote Kahlil Gibran.
There is a world out there which rarely reaches the centre of power, where decisions are made. So let’s hope common sense prevails and the wonderful station with informed and dedicated presenters continues to brighten our days.
Alice Leahy
Bride Road, Dublin
Children’s mental health needs | Irish Independent 15th June 2018
A report by Oberstown Children’s Detention Centre was referred to by Lena Timoney, head of Care Services, on ‘Morning Ireland’ (June 14).
The report found 52pc of young people were identified as having mental health needs.
A multi-agency approach was being explored to address how best to deal with this very real concern.
Multi-agency discussions and co-operation are crucial and much more productive when people who are working on the ground are involved.
From our experience of working on the ground, in the field of homelessness since 1975, we can attest to this.
The mental health needs of our young people will grow unless there is a real commitment to change.
Appropriate planning and adequate funding must be made available, sooner rather than later, if we are to make any progress.
Alice Leahy Director of Services, Alice Leahy Trust