The one downside of being so dang busy at the Guide is that, very occasionally, we let a good story slip through our fingers.

A good story such as Newcastle PR guru Yvonne Hyland getting a swanky award for all her good work, especially with the mighty Tiglin.

So, here, a month or so late, is that good story. Here’s de spiel…

Communications expert, Terry Prone presented Yvonne Hyland, from Newcastle, Co. Wicklow with a Social Enterprise award for her work with Tiglin from Network Ireland Wicklow Business Women of the Year Awards 2017, which took place in Tinakilly House recently.

Speaking about the award Yvonne Hyland – who runs Arc Agency – said, “It felt very humbling receiving the award because I do very little compared to all the work that people like Phil Thompson, CEO of Tiglin does. There are many people associated with Tiglin, and others services like it, that commit so much personal time trying to provide support for vulnerable people. All the same it was very nice to receive it, and a great honour. I was chuffed.”

“Tiglin is a programme for people suffering from addiction and is based in Ashford, Co. Wicklow. It caters for over 40 participants at a time. Their outcomes are truly remarkable with typically a 78% success rate. The programme allows the students to slowly develop all of the skills needed to overcome their addiction. Many former addicts come back and help with the homeless outreach programme – No Bucks Cafe that provides support to the homeless.

“There is a major need to try and help more people than Tiglin currently can cater for. There are always long waiting lists, which is frustrating when there is physical capacity for an additional 10 beds but without the necessary finance the beds cannot be provided. I have met a few of the men who are on the waiting list. They are desperate. One man, Stephen, has lost everyone he loves through drugs and cannot believe he is still alive. He can’t function without drugs. He thinks Tiglin is his last chance. He is on the waiting list. I want to try and help him, and others like him.”

“Network Ireland Wicklow has given me a lot of support over the last few months, and I have met some pretty impressive Business Women who are very willing to take time out and help each other. And what goes on in the Wicklow Branch is replicated all over the country with 700 women from business, the service industry, the professions and arts & culture who are active members of the Network,” concluded Hyland.

You can find out more about Hyland and her Arc Agency right about here.