Rath Mor 50+ proves a lifeline for older people in Creggan this year

Mayor Tierney stopped by to visit the group and distribute Christmas packs, which were funded by Council’s Community Support Fund.

The Mayor said he was delighted to see for himself “the wonderful work they have been doing over the past few months”.

“Clubs such as this one are vitally important, they keep people connected and provide a listening ear and support when needed,” he said.

“Our older community has gone through a lot since March, dealing with a wide range of issues such as isolation and anxiety, not to mention concern over access to food deliveries and medication.

“The Rath Mor team have been staying in regular contact with their members offering reassurance and support where needed, and providing activities and opportunities to feel involved and valued during these difficult times.”

The Rath Mor 50+ Club was awarded £3,340 from Council’s Community Support Fund, to help them keep spirits up among the older community in the Creggan area.

Margaret McGlinchey is one of the group co-ordinators and has had a busy few months delivering as many activities as possible to the members.

“Normally the centre is just bustling with people and we provide a wide range of activities for our over 50s from line-dancing and music to arts and crafts,” she said.

“We’ve had to stop a lot of that activity, or we have been working with much smaller groups in a socially distanced way in more recent months.

It has been challenging but we have been keeping in touch with all our members since the pandemic began. There is no doubt that it’s had a serious impact on the older community and it’s been very rewarding to be able to offer support at this time. Some of our members have lost loved ones, some have been isolated from their families and some just miss the company of friends if they are on their own.

“We have a waiting list of 20 people at the moment and I just wish we could accommodate them all.

“Thankfully we have had lots of support from Council and we’ve had amazing support from Conal McFeely and Kevin Hippsley here at the centre. They have really helped us to keep going throughout this time.

“The gift packs will bring lots of joy to the members, it’s a small gesture but one that will give everyone a lift in the run up to Christmas.

“We’re so looking forward to better times when we can all get together for a proper knees up with all our members once again,” Margaret added.