Local motor dealers Lahart Garages have provided a Volkswagen Golf to Kilkenny Social Services, which was founded in 1963 to provide the much-needed local Meals on Wheels service. Last year, 58 families in stress, 156 psychiatric out-patients and 1,200 older persons on average per month, availed of the service. Many have found that their capacity to cope has been impaired due to age, through illness, isolation, physical, emotional and social problems. Also, children with special needs and adults with mental health impairment have been included where necessary. The service remains a critical component of the continuum of care services that enable older people to remain living in the community or to return to their own homes after hospitalisation. Director Monsignor Kieron Kennedy says the service continues to be supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who assist in the delivery of meals on a Rota basis: "It depends on funding from the HSE, voluntary contributions, and sponsorship from Lahart Garages to help keep the service 'on wheels' and continues to do so," he said. READ NEXT: CAN YOU LEND A HAND? MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVERS NEEDED