A great social outlet for the elderly in Castlebar

Christmas can be a difficult and lonely time, particularly for some of the elderly in our communities.

The dedication of the staff and volunteers at Castlebar Social Services and the warmth, personality, and joy their service users bring means Christmas is a very special time at this invaluable facility.

When the Western People visited on the last afternoon of the day services provided by the centre before Christmas, we walked into a fantastic scene of music, dance, and chat with the Christmas Party in full swing.

The Brose Walsh Band had the service users dancing and singing while all the latest festive chat and gossip was shared.

Ann Bourke, aegd 92, is among the many leading lights who are regulars at Castlebar Social Services. The former primary school principal has become a ‘poster girl’ for living your life to the fullest no matter what age you are.

The Ballyheane woman shows no signs of slowing down and relishes her weekly visits to the Castlebar centre.

“I love dancing,” said Anne, who was the first up on the floor when the band began to play. “I live jiving and quickstep and all that.” 

Castlebar Social Services has a very special place in her heart.

“This place means the world to me. I’m coming in here since 2011 and I’ve been in every Thursday since,” she added.

The centre is a fantastic social outlet for Ann and her friends.

“It’s great for meeting people. I live out in the country and people are working and you might not have much company. But you come in here and you’re talking to everyone and it’s a great bit of craic! I have made loads of friends,” said Ann.

She said there is no need for people to feel alone or isolated.

“There are a lot of things for the elderly. You just have to come to them. Sometimes people come in here and you can tell they love to dance but they might be a bit afraid to get up. I go over to them and find out all about them and give them a bit of encouragement. People are only delighted when they can be put at ease.” 

Sligo native Mairead Lawlor recently moved to Castlebar to be closer to her son and was thrilled to find an outlet like Castlebar Social Services.

“I didn’t know people when I came and it’s a great way of meeting people. It’s wonderful to come here and I look forward to it every week,” said the 79-year-old Skreen woman.

“It’s a great social outlet and it’s lovely and casual. I was made so welcome,” she added.

Lunch and activities are provided and service users can be brought to and from the centre if needed.

Deirdre Waldron, Manager of Castlebar Social Services, said it is a pleasure to come to work every day in this environment.

“Christmas is a special time here but every day here is special really because of the nature of the place and the clients we work with. They are just so undemanding and grateful for whatever we do for them. Christmas can be a lonely time for some people but with the Day Centre and the Meals on Wheels Service we provide we know they are getting contact every single day.” 

She said any elderly person in the Castlebar area and its environs who have not yet availed of their services should not be afraid to reach out.

“I always say to people to try it once and come in for a chat. They come in for their lunch; we can bring them to the supermarket if they need, to go get their medication, and then we have activities in the afternoon. It’s lovely. Everybody loves a bit of company,” said Deirdre.

Castlebar Social Services was founded in 1973 to care for the older and more vulnerable people of the county town and the surrounding areas.

In addition to the day services and activities, there is also a befriending service, laundry, and the hugely popular Meals on Wheels.

“Meals on Wheels are always busy. We deliver around 140 meals a day seven days a week. We only close our kitchen on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day but on those days members of the public will be matched with people who are on their own and they go out to them with a meal,” said Deirdre.

She said the centre is indebted to their cohort of loyal volunteers. 

“I’m here 18 years, I came for five minutes, and a lot of those volunteers are here that long. They are just so good.” 

Teresa Moylan has been volunteering with the Day Services since February.

“I love it. Coming here is the highlight of my week. These ladies and men come in, they never complain. They are absolute treasures and they really open your eyes. They appreciate every day they get,” she said.

Teresa travels in from Swinford to lend a hand.

“As soon as I came in I was hooked. I can’t ever see myself giving this up. I think I get more out of it than they do!” 

She said you can see the difference the centre makes to people’s lives.

“I remember we had one gentleman come in and he was a bit down at first. But after coming in here he said to us the last day that he just feels a bit different. You can actually see it in him. He was here last Tuesday and danced all day. This man wouldn’t say boo when he first came in.” 

Denis Gallagher is chair of the Castlebar Social Services board.

“This a fantastic facility, right in the middle of the town and it’s so convenient for everybody. It’s of a huge benefit to the community. There is always something going on here and you can see how much the service users enjoy it,” said Denis.

“It can be a real lifeline,” he added.