Greenhills school receives new ‘Buddy Benches’

GREENHILLS & District Credit Union has donated two ‘Buddy Benches’ to the local Holy Spirit Senior School in memory of Sinead Pugh, a SNA in the school who recently passed away.

Marion King (Youth Liaison Officer) with the credit union thanked everyone for attending, including the Board of Directors of Greenhills & District Credit Union Ltd, management and staff for the support in funding the Buddy Benches

The Buddy Benches will be a special place in the school yard where a child can go and sit if they feel sad, lonely, isolated or just need someone to talk to or play with.
 Mental health starts at a young age,” Marion said. “Our aim is to give a child the confidence to talk and make new friends and also to let them know it is ok to have a bad day.

“The Buddy Bench is not just for kids feeling sad, or lonely, it is for all children. Everyone needs a buddy.”

Two pink balloons that were attached to one of the benches were released in memory of Sinead Pugh alongside a blue and white one representing the credit union colours.

Ms Murray, the principal at the school, said the balloons were “going up to our friend Sinead Pugh in heaven”.

Ms Murray had two kids from each class attend the event.

“Our mascot Glas made his first public appearance and was a great hit with the school,” Marion added.

“The kids loved him. Glas is the Irish word for green and this stands for ‘Great Loans and Service’ that Greenhills & District Credit Union Ltd provides to all our members.

“We were delighted with the event and hopefully more people will launch an event like this for the children.”