Anne Street Community House and Residents Association

Description

Our group has also organized a free WEEE recycling collection within the estate, recognizing that many elderly residents do not drive, while also assisting with the moving and collection of items where needed.

Each year, we arrange for the Marie Keating Foundation van to visit the community, giving people the opportunity to speak with a specialist nurse about any concerns or health queries they may have.

We have organized social outings including trips on the barge in Robertstown and visits to Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park, helping to reduce isolation and encourage social connection.

We have also supported family members and residents with applications for carers’ supports, pensions, social welfare benefits, and other related entitlements. During National Disability Day and Carers Week, many of our Age Friendly members received support and care packs.

Our group strongly advocates for safer footpaths and improved public lighting, particularly where elderly residents have experienced trips and falls on cobbled pathways.

At Christmas, we organise a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, special bingo prizes, and a small gift for everyone attending, ensuring nobody feels forgotten during the festive season.

During power or water outages, we actively check in on neighbours and vulnerable residents. To support the community during emergencies, we now have a small camping gas stove, rechargeable lights, water butts, and a portable power station available for assistance.

We also organised Age & Opportunity exercise sessions with a personal trainer, helping older residents return to light physical activity in a safe and supportive environment.

In addition, we host weekly Age Friendly lunches every Thursday, followed by a game of bingo, providing regular social engagement and companionship for local residents.

Aim of Initiative

Our aim is to be as inclusive as possible by reducing isolation and loneliness, building new friendships, and being there to support people whenever needed. We want everyone to know that there is a caring community around them and that they should never be afraid to ask for help.

Who is it aimed at

Our group supports people aged over 55, as well as individuals with disabilities and carers, ensuring everyone feels included, supported, and connected within the community.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Building trust with those attending by always keeping our word and following through on promises. We are also Garda vetted, ensuring professionalism, discretion, understanding, and a safe environment for everyone involved.
2. Strong community involvement and the support of dedicated volunteers who give their time and effort to help others.
3. Financial support through grants, which helps us continue and expand the services and activities we provide to the community.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Securing staff support through TÚS or CE schemes, along with recruiting and retaining volunteers to help deliver services and activities within the community.
2. Obtaining adequate funding and financial support to sustain and grow our programmes and supports.
3. Many elderly residents do not have access to their own transport and must rely on buses to attend essential appointments or complete weekly shopping, often travelling in difficult weather conditions and during periods of high flu and illness risk.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Providing a warm, welcoming, and safe space where everyone feels included, supported, and free from judgement, with understanding, friendship, and help always available.
2. Creating happier and more confident residents who feel comfortable reaching out and asking for support when they need it.
3. Ensuring people know there is always someone willing to help, or at the very least do their very best to support them.
   All of these supports contribute to improved mental wellbeing, reduced isolation, and better overall health within the community.