Dún Uladh initiative helps the elderly find friends through music

A VERY special initiative to help the elderly combat loneliness through friendship and music is set to begin at Dún Uladh next week.

Titled, ‘Daytime Comhaltas’, the initiative, which begins on Monday, will see the culture and heritage centre throw open its doors, and give older people the chance to come along and meet friends in a warm, safe space.

And, all importantly, there will be a traditional music session that you can either join in with, or sit back and enjoy.

Speaking with the UlsterHerald, Mollie McKeever of Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre explained the thinking behind their new weekly initiative.

“Daytime Comhaltas will provide a warm and welcoming space for older people to come together for some company, friendship and music,” she said.

“It aims to enhance the mental health of the older people attending; providing a sense of belonging, improving their self-esteem, delivering a community connection, and creating purposeful living.”

The programme, which will be running from 11am to 2pm on a weekly basis, starting January 16, was first designed to tackle loneliness and social isolation.

These debilitating social phenomena have become more pronounced in our community as a result of Covid-19 pandemic, the lockdowns, and the current ‘cost of living crisis’.

“Right now, the programme is more important than ever in rebuilding older people’s confidence and offering the community a space to stay warm during the day,” said Mollie.

Dún Uladh hope that this programme will go some way to alleviating the impacts of these current challenges.

Conluding, Mollie said, “We hope that, by offering this service, people can come together and share stories, build friendships, and connect with each other, while listening to music, and, if they wish, having a dance.

“Most importantly, we want to offer people a warm and safe space to enjoy themselves, and to go some way to alleviating the cost of living impacts.”

The sessions take place every Monday for the next 10 weeks, from 11am-to-2pm.

They will be led by local accordion player, Martina Quinn, and will also feature dancing sessions, held by Marie Garrity.

Dún Uladh are encouraging any older people in the community who would like to attend to come along and enjoy the fun with a cup of tea and a scone.

For more information, please call 028 8224 2777.

No booking necessary, and tea and refreshments are provided free of charge.