Valentines Afternoon Dance for over 55s

Description

In response to a quite time of year and an effort to ensure older persons were included in the celebrations around what can be a difficult day for a lot of people, this inaugural event was held on the 14/02/24 with in excess of 180 over 55’s taking part .Initiated by the DCC Community Development Team, Residents from our sheltered housing in Cabra and Glasnevin were transported to and from the event by volunteers from The Gardaí, DCC Sports Development and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association Arbour Hill. Attendees were treated to an afternoon of dance and romance with music provided by a jazz quartet. Food and light refreshments were provided and everyone received a themed bar of chocolate. The Hall and Tables were decorated with Valentine themed decorations and lights. We also collaborated with Volunteer Ireland who supplied experienced volunteers to assist us. The local line dancing club provided a taster session and Prizes for the Raffle were kindly donated by local businesses. The Children from Gaelscoil Bharra made Valentine Cards for all the attendees also. Cabra Order of Malta provided first aid. The feedback from this event was hugely positive and all the attendees reported to having a wonderful time affording them the opportunity to dress up and meet friends. Anecdotally some actual romance may have occurred. The dance will now be an annual event.

Aim of Initiative

To socially include older parsons in the community to connect with each other and help them through a quieter, darker time of year. Valentines day can be a difficult day for some people who have lost a partner or spouse also and found the dance encouraged them out of their homes and helped stave the loneliness of the day also.
We have also been making a concerted effort to get older persons to re-engage after covid.

Who is it aimed at

All residents over 55 of the Cabra/Glasnevin DCC Administrative Area

3 Steps critical to success

1. A brief research as to what this cohort were interested in and how we could achieve that.
   Locking in a date with the local community centre for the Dance.
   Engaging local stakeholders to assist with the task.
   setting a target for tickets. 200 Max.
2. Applying to the local area discretionary fund for financial assistance.
   planning the day and activities.
   Printing of physical tickets and dissemination of same to age related groups.
3. Managing a project timeline to ensure delivery and attendance.
   Managing vendors and timely payment of same.
   Ensuring Health and Safety Requirements.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Suitable Venue to support 200 older persons.
   Health & Safety of the venue.
2. Financial support for the inaugural event.
   Finding musicians for the day on what is a a very busy day for them.
3. Transport to and from the venue.
   Volunteers
   Tea and Coffee delivery to 108 plus attendees

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Attendance of over 180 people.
   Stakeholder involvement ensured communication and connection with this cohort in a positive manner.
   Local DCC area office was seen in a positive light also.
2. Feedback on the day and afterwards to improve and enhance next years event.
   Older persons connecting with each other in a safe and social environment.
   the sheer enjoyment had by the attendees on the day.
3. Local stakeholders getting to connect and to know each other.
   Building trust between the stakeholders s and the attendees.
   older persons feeling valued and cared about.