Clare Cultural Companions is a vibrant social network designed specifically for older individuals

Description

Clare Cultural Companions is a vibrant social network designed specifically for older individuals in Co. Clare, providing opportunities to meet new people, enjoy arts and culture, and engage in volunteering. Recognising that many older people would attend more plays, films, concerts, exhibitions, and other events if they had company, Clare Cultural Companions connects like-minded individuals who share a passion for the arts and cultural activities. This network not only fosters social connections but also taps into the rich cultural and arts scene of Co. Clare. Participants can easily find companions to join them for events, enhancing their social lives and cultural experiences. Whether someone is looking for a companion with the know-how to explore new activities or simply a shared interest to make outings more enjoyable, Clare Cultural Companions bridges the gap, making the vibrant social, cultural, and arts scene more accessible and enjoyable for Clare’s older residents.

Aim of Initiative

Arts and cultural activities and events are proven to be an effective way of alleviating loneliness and social isolation among older people; however, research demonstrates that it is often overlooked as a direct intervention tool by older people’s services. Clare Cultural Companions is intended to encourage and facilitate more older people to participate in the arts, and to enhance the experience of audiences. This arts initiative, specifically designed by Age and Opportunity for older people, aims to provide opportunities for older people in Co, Clare for social interaction and shared experiences through arts and cultural events and activities. A critical objective of Clare Culture Companions is to facilitate connection and encourage the establishment of social capital and social networks among older people in Co. Clare through shared interests in arts, culture, and volunteering. These aims and objectives have been achieved and this is demonstrable by the number of older people actively engaged and participating in the Clare Culture Companions project. Since it’s inception in 2018, the Clare Culture Companions project has grown in membership from 25 members to currently having 330 members who actively engage in regular events and activities, and this number continues to grow on a regular basis.

Who is it aimed at

Older people in Co Clare

3 Steps critical to success

1. Promotion of the initiative is critical to ensure engagement. Clare Cultural Companions employed a comprehensive communication and promotion strategy to effectively
   reach and engage its target audience. Regular newsletters were a cornerstone of this approach, providing updates on upcoming events, success stories, and ways to get involved. These newsletters ensured that participants remained informed and connected, fostering a sense of community and anticipation. To broaden its reach, Clare Cultural Companions hosted information stalls at regional volunteering expos, the Clare Age
   Friendly Health and Wellbeing Expo and the Clare Older People’s Council Volunteer of the Year Awards. These events provided direct interaction with potential participants, allowing them to learn about the project first hand and ask questions. Such face-to-face engagements were crucial in building trust and interest among older people. Social media posts played a supporting role in the promotion strategy, reaching a wider audience
   quickly and efficiently. These posts included event announcements, participant testimonials, and engaging content that highlighted the project’s impact. Word of mouth, driven by satisfied participants, further extended the project’s reach, creating a ripple effect that encouraged more older people to engage with the project.
   Through these diverse and strategic promotional efforts, Clare Cultural Companions successfully communicated its mission and engaged the community.
2. The success of Clare Cultural Companions hinges on the active involvement and enthusiasm of the local community. From the outset, community members played a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining the initiative. Local volunteers, the vast majority of whom were older people themselves, were instrumental in
   deciding on events, ensuring that activities were tailored to the interests and preferences of their peers. Local arts and cultural venues such as Glor, libraries, and local businesses supported Clare Cultural Companions to host events, creating accessible and familiar spaces for participants. Local artists, cultural organisations, and
   performers also collaborated with the initiative, providing a rich array of events and activities that appealed to a wide range of interests. This collaboration not only enhanced the cultural offerings but also strengthened community bonds, as residents experienced the diverse cultural landscape of Clare together. The feedback, insights, and input from participant’s experiences ensured that the initiative remained responsive and relevant
   to the community’s needs. This grassroots involvement transformed the participants into a cohesive cultural community, driving the initiative forward with passion and dedication. Through this inclusive and participatory approach, Clare Cultural fosters a vibrant cultural network that continues to thrive and expand.
3. Ensuring inclusion is another key element, Clare Cultural Companions caters to the diversity among older people by implementing several inclusive strategies that encourage active participation in community life. Recognising that older individuals have varied
   interests, backgrounds, and needs, the initiative offers a wide range of activities and events designed to appeal to a broad audience. Clare Cultural Companions organises a diverse array of events, including theatre visits, film screenings, concerts, art exhibitions, & excursions. This ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of individual tastes or arts or cultural preferences. With an emphasis on accessibility, events are
   held in easily reachable locations with provisions for those with mobility issues. Transportation services are coordinated to assist those who may have difficulty travelling. Information about activities is disseminated through multiple channels, including postal newsletters, email, and word of mouth, ensuring that people from different backgrounds and with varying levels of technology capabilities are informed. Regular feedback from
   participants is sought to continuously improve and adapt the programme. This ensures that it remains responsive to the evolving needs and preferences of its diverse membership. Through these strategies, an inclusive environment is fostered where all members feel valued and motivated to engage, thus enriching the
   social fabric of Co. Clare.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Ensuring the initiative reaches all older people in county Clare
2. Funding the initiative
3. Managing and maintaining the programme within a busy work schedule

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. An increase in the number of older people engaging in arts and cultural activities in Co Clare
2. Promotion of social integration through arts and cultural events and outings. Clare Cultural Companions ensures inclusivity by providing access to social and cultural activities for older
   people, including those from diverse backgrounds and with different needs, thereby promoting social equity and reducing inequalities.
3. By fostering social participation, respect, civic engagement, and better communication, the initiative plays a vital role in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for older people in Co. Clare, thus helping to ensure that older people remain active and valued members of their community.