The Care Advocate

30/04/2025

At least if I have to work, I'm going to work outside on this beautiful day here . ❤️ is so important in all environments and this workspace helps me balance brain, body, spirit and soul, meaning I work better and am more productive. What's your work self-care tip for today?

13/03/2025

Last year, when I walked Darkness into Light, I didn't know that I would soon be contacting Pieta to support a loved one in need. They stepped in to wrap a blanket of care around us. The work of their amazing staff helped my loved one through the toughest time. I am grateful that Pieta are there to help, to be that light in the dark. It was always a worthwhile venture but this time it means more.

 Someday, I hope we will never need these types of services. In the meantime, for anyone who needs help for themselves or a loved one, just reach out and Pieta will be there, representing all those in the community who love and care for you. There is always hope.

Link jn bio

13/03/2025

Last year, when I walked Darkness into Light, I didn't know that I would soon be contacting Pieta to support a loved one in need. They stepped in to wrap a blanket of care around us. The work of their amazing staff helped my loved one through the toughest time. I am grateful that Pieta are there to help, to be that light in the dark. It was always a worthwhile venture but this time it means more.

Someday, I hope we will never need these types of services. In the meantime, for anyone who needs help for themselves or a loved one, just reach out and Pieta will be there, representing all those in the community who love and care for you. There is always hope.

On Sat May 10th 2025, I’m taking part in Darkness Into Light to help raise funds for Pieta's vital services that support people affected by su***de and self-harm. Please support me by donating to my fundraising page. Thank you.

07/02/2025

Really excited to be in a position to present my PhD findings at this upcoming free entitled Online Support Groups: 3 keys to Support that works. If you are a , or working with , or this webinar will be of interest to you. You can register at the link below

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/online-support-groups-3-keys-to-support-that-works-tickets-1241738927559?aff=oddtdtcreator

22/01/2025

Well the day arrived and I am so proud and delighted to have been officially 'capped' at my PhD graduation yesterday. Thanks to everyone who supported me on this journey and I look forward to continuing to advocate for family carers in my ongoing work and practice.

22/01/2025

09/11/2024

Sometimes as a I feel like this, peeping out through the leaves into a world where people seem more together, more successful, more everything than I am. And today I feel especially guilty, because I am working on a Saturday and missed my son score a goal in his last match of the season.

And then someone speaks, and shares their story, and I remember why I am here and who I am doing this for. Running your own business is often lonely, stressful and frightening. But is also an opportunity to grow, develop and connect, building communities of support who hold you along the way.

Thanks to and for the amazing event today. And I can't wait for the Spark-it programme and all that will bring

23/10/2024

I am really pleased to say that I successfully defended my thesis about the underpinning for on Monday. It was the culmination of four years work, mentored wonderfully by my primary supervisor Stephen Gallagher, and secondary supervisor Orla Muldoon. Thank you to Neil Coulson and Sarah Jay for their time and expertise in thoughtfully and thoroughly interrogating my research as well as providing insights during the process, and Ann-Marie Creaven for chairing the viva. It was a special experience in the gorgeous Daly Room in Plassey House in University of Limerick shared with my amazing husband Ian Daynes Kearney who has supported me every step of the way. Thanks to the Irish Research Council for funding the research, and Care Alliance Ireland for their partnership in completing the empirical research and everyone for their support and encouragement.

30/08/2024

Sadly, Jane who bravely shared her story here, passed away at the weekend. She was a mum in my sons' school and my condolences to her family. It is heartbreaking that someone so young should die and leave their young family behind. If you can please sign this petition, which is to reduce the age of bowel cancer screening in Ireland. Jane campaigned for this in the hope that it would save more lives.

Lower the Age of Bowel Cancer Screening in Ireland from 59 to 50

12/06/2024

4 years ago, when I started my , I didn't know what RTE Brainstorm was. But today, I am a featured writer, sharing my opinion on for . This represents not just my own growth as a researcher, but an opportunity to shed the light on both the challenges family carers face on a daily basis and the supports that they require. As a family carer myself, being able to bring to our work, our contribution to society and where we can be supported is a central part of my purpose. I hope that I have done this adequately in this article.

To note as well, this week is and so if you are a carer yourself, remember that I see you and walk with you. And if you know a family carer, this is a good time to recognise them with a note, a word of thanks or a gesture that lets them know that they are seen.

It is also a good time for our policy makers, legislators and formal health care providers to think about and action ways to make life better for family carers.

https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2024/0611/1454008-family-carers-online-support-groups/

Thanks to the Irish Research Council for supporting my research through grant GOIPG/2023/3175



University of Limerick Department of Psychology Roinn Sláinte, Department of Health National Carers Week Family Carers Ireland Carers Northern Ireland Alliance of Health Care Assistants in Ireland Family Carers Sligo Bluebird Care Dublin North Bluebird Care Dublin South National Alliance for Caregiving

These groups provide vital services and support to many of the 300,000 Irish people who are caring for a loved one

11/06/2024

This is me in full flow sharing my research at the British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology Conference in University of Stirling last week. The standing-room only session was followed by interesting questions and a lively discussion about different aspects of and . It was really enjoyable to be able to speak to the findings of my and where I would love to see this having an impact on policy and . And also was great to catch up Hannah Allcott (thanks for the photos), Neil Coulson, Freya Mills and many others. Thanks to the Irish Research Council for supporting my research, Grant (GOIPG/2023/3175).

13/05/2024

Stunning full rainbow early this morning as I left for the in . Very excited to be giving an oral presentation on Wednesday about my PhD research and to spend time in this lovely city. Thanks to for the funding for this trip. planes also taking a starring role.