This article is from page 24 of the 2007-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
A GROUP of young people from Ballynacally are making a conscious effort to make new friends in the area and share some interests.
Paddy, Brian and Connie are just three of the people from the area that use the services of the Brother’s of Charity by day and are now hoping to link up with people with similar interests in the evening and at week- ends to explore their hobbies, have a chat or go out for the evening.
“Connecting People” is a_ pilot scheme that will run in Ballynacally by the users of the service and their families, while being supported by the Brothers of Charity.
It does not require anyone to com- mit time to the project, but just to remember these young people when
they are going for a run or to a show and perhaps ask them along.
‘This 1s so that these young people don’t have to go places to do things,” said Brothers of Charity worker, Kevin Delaney.
It is hoped instead that these young active people can get involved with their own community.
Connie is a keen swimmer and loves working on computers. Among her other interests are singing, danc- ing and bowling and the stylish young woman has also strutted her stuff on the catwalks at local fashion shows.
Brian is a runner, anxious to get back into training. A farmer, who loves working in the bog, he also loves bowling, swimming and going out to eat.
Paddy is the DJ in the group and
loves country and western music. He also plays soccer, goes bowling and enjoys go carting.
Like most people their age they en- joy a night out and a bit of craic, a chat and a cup of coffee.
The families who will be support- ing this project said that they are not looking for a major commitment; they just want it to become a natural progression.
“Up to now they have been totally dependent on their families, and families don’t necessarily have the same interests,’ said Mr Delaney.
“We saw a gap for people in their own community,” he said.
He said that in rural areas it is often harder for people to meet up and it is hoped that this movement run by the families will transcend any of those difficulties.
“Families are hoping to create a forum for naturally linking brothers, sisters, sons and daughters with dis- abilities with people and activities in their own community. There are cur- rently three families involved in this but it looks like more will be joining in,’ he said.
A public meeting will be held on Thursday at 8.30pm in the Ballyna- cally Community Centre to discuss ideas with those interested.