This article was first published on December 19^th, 2008.

The Small Scale Grant Scheme focuses on Rural Isolation them

October and November were very busy months for the sixteen groups supported under round two of the Partnership’s Small Scale Grants Scheme. These groups organised highly successful social events for older people to help alleviate the impacts rural isolation has on people’s lives. Indeed, round two of the Small Scale Grants Scheme was launched at the Partnership’s impressive conference on rural isolation, held on the 18th September, in the Pearse Brothers GAA Centre in Ballybay. Conference attendees were presented with the findings of the research into rural isolation in the county which highlighted that people who are not part of a community group were more than one and half times more likely to feel lonely or down. As a direct response to this and to encourage older people to become involved in groups, Partnership offered financial support to community groups to host once-off community based social events for older people. Here is a selection of the activities supported and the social gain and added v alue these projects had on the ground.

Mullyash Community Group

Halloween was the theme chosen by Castleblayney Social Services for their social event for older people. The Social Services committee organised a Halloween Party on Wednesday 22nd October in the Glencarn Hotel which was attended by one hundred and twenty older people. Older people in attendance came from Castleblayney and surrounding communities such as Broomfield. The event consisted of refreshments to provide people a chance to chat over a cuppa and then dancing. An excellent time was had by all.

Ardaghey Senior Citizens

Halloween was also the theme chosen by Mullyash Community Group who organised their Halloween party to take place on Thursday, 30th October in Mullyash Community Centre. Thirty nine older people attended with nine volunteers preparing and serving the refreshments on the day. After the refreshments, two musicians provided music and song. In addition, a number of the older people sang and told stories. By all accounts everyone enjoyed themselves immensely.

Castleblayney Social Services

Next event takes us to Ardaghey Community Centre where the place was a hive of activity on Monday, 20th October. The local ICA guild organised a social for older people and their efforts were truly rewarded with one hundred and fifty older people attended. There was fantastic musical entertainment and some footwork on the dance floor by some of the people attending. The night offered an ideal opportunity for older people to thoroughly enjoy themselves.

These are just three of the groups supported and they show how these events brought isolated older people into the heart of the community. Their success is a credit to the committees and volunteers involved who put a lot of work, time and commitment into organising them. The other thirteen groups supported under round two of the Small Scale Grants Scheme are Bawn Latton Positive Age, Blackhill Young at Heart, Broomfield Development Group, Carrickmacross Active Retirement Group, Clara Hall Committee, Corcaghan Community Alert, Corduff Raferagh Active Retirement Group, Cremartin Social Group, North Monaghan Social Services, Monaghan ICA, Killanny Active Retirement Group, Lisdoonan Recreation and Development, and Doohamlet Day Care.

Mullyash Community Group

Well run local events like these, taking place in a local setting make a big contribution to addressing rural isolation issues. Without an active community and voluntary sector with plenty of willing hands, they would not happen.