The Connect Family Resource Centre (FRC) in Moneymore continues to carry out some fantastic work in the local community despite a severe lack of space and resources.
Last week was Positive Ageing Week so the focus for Connect FRC was on the older residents of the area and they organised two events just for them.
On Tuesday 5th October they held an event in the Slua Hall which in years gone by was the training hall for the local branch of the Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (FCA) which was the Reserve Defence Forces of the time.
Quite what the military establishment types would have made of the Connect FRC activities on Tuesday is anyone’s guess. It consisted of thirty or more locals of a certain age taking part in a samba drumming workshop under the guidance of green- haired Kieran Gallagher whose infectious energy impacted everyone in the room.
The event, which was funded by Louth Leader Partnership, culminated in a delicious hot lunch and chats over a cup of tea. Sure you’d need some sustenance after all that activity.
Events on the next day, Wednesday 6th October, were more sedate but equally enjoyable when the Marie Keating Foundation’s mobile unit made their annual visit to Connect FRC where community members had free access to information and advice.
There was also a Chinwagon coffee van on site to provide coffees and cakes and a wellbeing station where those who attended were given daffodils bulbs to plant and small self-care wellbeing gifts thanks to funding from Louth County Council. The event was well received with over 40 people attending the event.
Connect FRC provides a wide range of activities, courses and services within the community such as informal family support clinics, a wide range of parenting programmes such as Parenting Adolescents and Baby Massage, Foodcloud, low cost counselling, pottery, a very active women’s group and family events such as an upcoming Halloween Trip to Causey Farm.
They provide support in a welcoming, informal space and all are welcome to knock at their door, call 041-984 6608 or see their Facebook page.
Sinead Nugent and Ciara Weldon with drummer Kieran Gallagher at the drumming workshop for Positive Ageing Week. Photo: Jimmy Weldon.
