social connections
Volunteer Ireland
Volunteer Ireland is the national organisation that promotes, supports and advocates for volunteering in Ireland. Recognising and acknowledging the dignity, worth and potential of people and their ideas, experiences and talents, their vision is an Ireland where volunteering thrives.
If you would like to volunteer in a formal role, head over to Volunteer Ireland where you can find a role in an area that interests you and can commit as much or as little time as you like.
Local Sports Partnerships
Local Sports Partnerships – should be able to direct you to any suitable physical activity groups or events that are available in your area.
Every day in communities across the country, Sport Ireland through its network of Local Sports Partnerships helps people to get active and removes barriers to sport and physical activity.
The network is made up of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) who are passionate about getting Ireland physically active, involved in sport and ensuring everyone in the community has the chance to be included.
Fitline
FitLine is a great way to help people who want to feel a bit healthier but just don’t have the time or information on where and how to take that first step. Callers to FitLine can find out about clubs, groups, and facilities in their area.
They will also be able to gets lots of ideas about how they can do simple physical activities as part of their day-to-day routine to suit their lifestyle.
Call 1800 303 545 or 087-6211767,
or email fitline@ageandopportunity.ie
Mens Shed
A Men’s Shed is a place where men are able to gather and/or work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time and in the company of other men and where the primary objective is to advance the health and well-being of the participating men. Find your local shed.
Womens Shed
Women’s Sheds were set up for women of all ages to re-connect with themselves and their wider community. You can find more information on the Women’s Sheds Facebook page or contact them at Irelandswomenssheds@gmail.com
Cultural Companions
Cultural Companions aims to provide increased opportunities for older people wishing to engage with arts and culture, but who have no one to go with.
Contact 01 805 7713 or email arts@ageandopportunity.ie
Pet Adoption & Fostering
Did you know that we have dogs available for rehoming all over Ireland? There’s no need to travel to our rehoming centre in to meet a dog. With Dogs Trust you can adopt a dog more locally through our Regional Rehoming programme, whether you’re in Munster, Connacht or Leinster.
Similarly, ISPCA are always seeking Forster families for a variety of animals all with different needs, sizes and ages. and you can apply by forwarding email of interest to rehoming@ispca.ie or contact Laura on 0879950458
Fostering or adopting a pet can be a hugely positive experience.
Contact ISPCA or Dogs Trust for more information.
Friendly Call Service
Friendly Call Service offers the opportunity to receive a regular telephone call from a trained part time volunteer.
The aim of the call is to share conversation and offer support.
The service is available to anyone who feels that they would benefit from having a regular chat with a caring and compassionate Friends of the Elderly Team Member.
Email info@friendsoftheelderly.ie or telephone 01-8731855 for more information.
Active Retirement
There are over 550 local associations that help retired people to enjoy a full and active life and to advocate for them.
These are independent local groups, run by volunteers, whose members decide the activities on offer.
ALONE
If you are over 60 years old and in need of advice, support or information, you can call Alone’s National Support and Referral Line, seven days a week from 8am – 8pm on
0818 222024.
Family Resource Centres
FRCs are located within a community-based model of family support and this model is at the heart of the Programme.
Health Service Executive
There are over 550 local associations that help retired people to enjoy a full and active life and to advocate for them.
These are independent local groups, run by volunteers, whose members decide the activities on offer.
All Ireland social prescribing network
Social prescribing began as a community-led movement to address the challenges of social isolation, fear and loneliness, often associated with a lack of community connection and a support network.
HSE-funded Social Prescribing services are now available in over 30 locations around the country.
These services are delivered in partnership with community and voluntary organisations such as Family Resource Centres and Local Development Companies.
social connections
Creative Ireland
In each of the 31 local authorities, the Creative Ireland Programme has established a Culture and Creativity Team, which brings together local expertise in arts, heritage, libraries, enterprise and community engagement, to foster collaboration and spark new initiatives.
Find out what creative initiatives are happening in your area.
parentline
Parentline.ie – Parentline offers support, guidance and information on all aspects of being a parent and the reassurance that, whatever the problem, you’re not the first parent to face it.
Call – 01 8733500.
Find Your Local Parkrun
Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning at 9.30am. It is welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along.
Get Ireland Walking
Walking has been shown to have great health benefits including benefits to our physical, mental and social wellbeing.
“They cannot scare me with their empty spaces
Between stars—on stars where no human race is.
I have it in me so much nearer home
To scare myself with my own desert places.
― The Poetry of Robert Frost.”
Isn’t there the light of seven heavens in your ♡ alone, the way you’ll be an angel’s lamp to me from this out, and I abroad in the darkness, spearing salmons in the Owen, or the Carrowmore?
JM SYNGE
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
The right time is any time that one is still so lucky as to have. Live!
Henry James
