At OLDC, we believe that connecting with other communities in our local area is crucial. We know that this kind of collaboration can help us all learn and grow together, as well as discover new resources and opportunities that benefit everyone. The work of OLDC seeks to create connections between people, place and potential and reduce social isolation in our communities.
Drop-In Cafe:
Drop-In Cafe brings communities together through two of life’s simple pleasures – cuppas and chats! These sessions are open to adults of all ages and aim to tackle social isolation and loneliness by giving people an opportunity to make connections within their locality and beyond.
Drop-In Cafe has taken place in multiple locations to date and yours could be next! All tea, coffee and sweet treats are provided by Offaly Local Development Company and sessions are facilitated by our staff; all you need to do is bring the conversation.
Tullamore:
Thursdays 11am - 1:30pm. Location: The Darmagh Centre, R35 HC04. Contact Michelle on 087 7470562 or email Michelle mcoyne@offalyldc.ie
Edenderry:
Mondays 11am - 12pm. Location: The Community Cabin, R45 HY18. Contact Derek on 087 7421524 or email Derek dcoyne@offalyldc.ie
Birr:
Fridays 11:30am - 1 pm. Location: LOETB Birr, R42 W902. Contact Aoife on 087 7385989 or email Aoife akelly@offalyldc.ie
If you have any queries about Drop - In Cafe locations or would like to us to come to your community, contact Stephanie on 086 833 6873 or email shill@offalyldc.ie
Community Lunch Clubs:
Offaly Healthy homes working with several community partners have developed a social outing called The Lunch Club. Once Covid 19 restrictions eased in early 2022 we launched this new initiative which has proven to be hugely popular has gone from 2 areas to 12 areas currently with expansion being planned for more communities in the coming months.
The aim of the lunch club is to provide a positive environment where people can meet, enjoy a good meal together and socialise with their neighbours and friends all within their local community. As well as enjoying a healthy meal and social interaction, at the lunch club clients can get help and information on support services they may need to improve their quality of life at home. the club is open to anyone over 55 years old and we would love yo see as many people as possible come along. Our wish is to support older people to live independently by bringing people together in their communities, providing a healthy lunch, engaging them in social activities and facilitating social connections.
we try to keep the cost to the client as low as possible and currently charge only €10 per person for dinner, dessert, goodies and entertainment held over three - hour period usually between 12:30pm and 3:30pm. So far, we have dates booking in for Ballycumber, Banagher, Barna, Birr, Clareen, Cloghan, Coolderry, Kilcormac, Kinnitty, Mountbolus, Mucklagh and Shinrone with special events like Christmas parties being held in Dan & Molly's Ballyboy.
Offaly Crafty Creatures works to support community groups who bring people together through arts and crafts.
This programme was launched in May 2023 and targeted groups who were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging them to reconnect, meet others with similar interests, learn new skills and engage in peer learning; lessening the feelings of isolation that was voiced by these community groups.
This project will continue to support community craft groups after the initial launch event in Mucklagh, providing opportunities for social meet-ups and skill-building workshops. More information to follow as this programme develops.
For more information contact Stephanie on 086 833 6873 or email shill@offalyldc.ie
