"I think people don't often realise the importance of having a hot shower and what it can do for you. It can just be amazing. Even in the summertime, just to feel fresh, to feel clean, to put on clean socks and underwear, makes you feel better, improves your mental health. You feel better about yourself in the wintertime. It's one thing to sit by the radiator, but to get in a real hot shower and just soak in that for a little while,"
"In terms of having a warm place to go, to the showers are huge,"
"Every day is different,"
People arrive at a centre seeking warmth, meals, hygiene, medical advice and mental health supports. Staff respond to queries about housing, social welfare and appointments while some use canteen-style seating and others freshen up at mirrors. Merchants Quay Ireland provided 81,878 meals in 2024 and supported thousands of clients with multiple services. Project worker David Newell performs varied roles including monitoring showers, crisis contacts and needle exchange work. Showers are described as crucial for physical cleanliness, dignity and improved mental health, and warmth and basic hygiene are especially important during colder months.
Read at Irish Independent
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