This week’s Raphoe Community Notes are out, just in time to prepare for Christmas.
Raphoe Family Resource Centre CLG
Raphoe Family Resource Centre provides Computer and internet access, photocopying, CV preparation and weekly employment lists via email. If you need any help on these areas, please call in to us or give us a call. If you are interested in any of our following courses or programmes or would like to join in on any of our groups, please call in to see us or contact us on 0749145796 / 0873641503.
Christmas Closing times
We will close our doors on the 20 th December for the Christmas break and will reopen them on Thursday 4 th January 2023. We would like to thank everyone who attended our Christmas community night, it was lovely to see all the families enjoying themselves, a big thank you to everyone who helped with the event and a special word of thanks to Coyle’s Centra, Raphoe, Lifford Credit Union, Cllr Gerry Crawford and Harkins Gala for their sponsorship towards the event. We want to thank all the wonderful families and people from Raphoe and surrounding areas who have supported us all year. We wish each and every one of you a very happy Christmas with your families and look forward to new adventures with you all in 2024!
Little Smiles with Big Dreams Mother & Toddler Group
Raphoe Family Resource Centre’s Little Smiles with Big Dreams Toddler Group meet every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12 noon. A great way to increase your little one’s confidence and get to know others of similar age. Cost €2 per child. The group hosts fun activities and workshops throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to come along and join the fun!
Raphoe Men’s Shed
The Men’s Shed group meets every Thursday at 12 Noon in “The Shed”. (The shed will re- open on Thursday 4 th January 24 following the Christmas break) If you have a few hours to spare why not come along and join in! New members are always welcome for a cuppa in the shed! For more info contact Marie on 0749145796/0873641503.
Family Support
As a parent or guardian, parenting is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do, however the Family Resource Centre recognises at times life throws up challenges and these can be overwhelming. Some examples of the support we can offer; making routines, establishing boundaries and dealing with challenging behaviours The Family Resource Centre can help through listening ear, parenting programmes, one to one support, and a drop-in clinic to offer support on issues that are affecting home life. We also provide sign posting or referrals to other services. For any further information please call Laura our family support community development worker on 08733350658
Raphoe Walking Group
Raphoe Walking Group will continue to meet every Thursday morning at 10.30am, here in the FRC. Come along and join the group for a walk and a cuppa!!
Seniors Alert Scheme
Raphoe Family Resource Centre is registered under Pobal’s Senior Alert Scheme to provide personal alarms to those over 65 years living alone for significant periods of time during the day, or is a carer to someone else in their household. The purpose of the scheme is to enable older persons of limited means to continue to live securely in their own homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind providing them with a free personal monitored alarm which can be worn as a pendant or around their wrist like a watch. If you feel you or someone you know would benefit from this scheme, please contact us on (074) 9145796 or 0873641503 for more information or to make an application.
S.T.A.R.T Project
Would you like to talk to someone about your concerns around drugs/alcohol? Free, confidential – non-judgemental service providing up to date information and practical supports, including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness practices, Brief Solution Focus Therapy and the Smart Recovery Principles. Drop in Group/Individuals every Tuesday 10am-12pm in Raphoe Family Resource Centre. Letterkenny C.D.P is a community Development Project providing a Community Response to Alcohol/Drug misuse throughout Co. Donegal. We provide non-judgemental support guidance and education to drug/alcohol users, their families and the community. Contact our Outreach worker for the Finn Valley area, Karen Gallen on 087 388 5080.
Donegal Volunteer Centre
Looking to volunteer locally, we have a wide range of volunteer roles available! For more information contact Eamonn on 0871039730/Office 07491 26740
Other Community News
Big Brother Big Sister Programme
Big Brother Big Sister is again calling on adult volunteers to step forward and give just one hour a week to meet with a young person from age 8-18 for whom life may be a little challenging. Your support can make a real difference. We are currently looking for both male and female volunteers in the Letterkenny and surrounding areas. Contact us today, Julie 0860484459 Finghin: 0868213756 or alternatively click the link here: https://www.foroige.ie/express-your-interest
Age Action Care & Repair Volunteers needed
Age Action’s Care and repair does small DIY jobs, free of charge, for older people to help them maintain their homes and independence. We are currently recruiting volunteers for this role who have skills in small repairs and home improvements, as well as their own basic tools and transport. Care and repair volunteers can do minor home decorating, tack down carpets, change light bulbs, move furniture, hang pictures, basic gardening and much more!
We are currently piloting the programme in Donegal and are looking for volunteers in the following areas: Letterkenny, Stranorlar, Drumkeen, Raphoe, Lifford, Ballybofey and Convoy. If you are interested in this role please contact us on: 014756989, volunteering@ageaction.ie
Raphoe Boxing Club
The local boxing club will be strongly represented at the forthcoming Ulster 9 County Championships with 4 boxers going to the scales, Rian Patton, David Tennyson, Gary McNamara and Jack Mc Elroy. Boxing for these championships will take place in the Corpus Christi Boxing Club Belfast. Tickets for the clubs annual Christmas draw are now on sale and are keenly priced at a book of 6 tickets for €5 and there are 5 prizes up for grabs. Tickets can be purchased from any club member and a sincere thanks goes out to all the generous sponsors of the prizes.
Wellness Café
Connect in a safe place with friendly people who put the We in Wellness, Drop into Lifford Courthouse on Wednesdays between 11.00 AM and 12.30PM. For more information telephone 0749141430 Facebook: @donegalwellnesscafes
Rainbows Programme
Rainbows Ireland provides peer group support to children and young people who have been impacted following bereavement or parental separation or a divorce.
When significant change and loss happens in a family, the entire family can be affected,
including children and young people. Children and young people can generally find it difficult to understand their feelings and often do not have the words to express how they feel. Rainbows provides group support for children of a similar age and loss experience. Meeting others in a similar situation can be very supportive for children and young people.
- Rainbows is not a counselling group or professional therapy.
- It is a free service.
If you would like your son/daughter to attend Rainbows or you would like to know more:
Please contact Sally Mooney or Claire O’Kane Finn Valley Family Resource centre on 074 –9131245 or email frcrainbows@gmail.com. Rainbows will be starting in September subject to numbers.
Volt House & Raphoe Tidy Towns
We would like to take this opportunity to Thank everyone involved in the ‘light the lights’ switch on, all the volunteers, the entertainers, the sponsors, and all those who donated so much and contributed to the success of the evening. A special word of thanks to Patrick, Michael and all the McElhinney family for kindly being part of the night. Thank you.
A sincere thank you to everyone who donated to our Christmas Lights in person and to those who supported our Go Fund Me Page, it is greatly appreciated. If you would still like to contribute please go to our Facebook page or call into reception at the Volt House, all donations will be acknowledged and appreciated.
We would also like to welcome all those visiting Raphoe this Christmas, and those coming home for this joyous season, we would like to remind them if they are looking for a souvenir to take away with them there is still some Volt house Art Calendars 2024 available in the local shops, and in reception at the Volt House. A wonderful treasure and keepsake of our Heritage & Tourist sites, compiled in association with the students from the Deele College and Raphoe Royal & Prior School.
Raphoe Volt House will be closing on Friday December 22 nd 2023 until Friday January 5 th 2024, for the Christmas break. The Volt house reception will be closed until Monday January 8 th . We would like to thank everyone for their support throughout the year, it is so greatly appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2024.
“Raphoe Tidy Towns Shop Local 2023”
“Raphoe Shop Local 2023” As we move closer to Christmas a very special thank you to all our local businesses & business people here in Raphoe who have provided services and goods to our community over many years. Over these years the local businesses have never let us down when it came to donations or sponsorship for our various community groups and fundraising activities. We are fortunate in Raphoe to still have excellent goods on sale and local services in the various shops, butchers, chemist, the indoor market, street vendors and plenty of bargains especially this Christmas. So please don’t forget our own town and our own people this year and in the new year 2024. Happy Christmas and New year to all our business community.
Christmas Wishes from Raphoe Tidy Towns Volt House Raphoe
The Tidy Towns DEASP Community Employment staff will be on Holidays from Friday 22nd December at 12.30pm until Friday 5th January 2024. There will be a town litter cleaning service over the holiday period. A sincere thank you to all the various residential areas, schools, churches, Raphoe FRC, RCIA Ltd Volt House, all community groups, the Mart, the County Council, local councillors, Tus and Rural scheme staff, county council staff, all local people, all sporting groups, and businesses who have supported our work for the town during the year. Raphoe Tidy Towns committee, supervisor, volunteers & staff extend a very Happy Christmas and Healthy & safe New Year to everyone in Raphoe and district and especially all those from the town and surrounding areas who are abroad this year. As always you will be remembered in a very special way this Christmas and New Year here in Raphoe. We also send best wishes to anyone who is sick or in hospital at this time. The following Christmas poem is dedicated to all Raphoe people wherever you may be this Christmas. Happy Christmas.
St. Columba’s Conference of St Vincent de Paul Raphoe.
A sincere thank you to everyone who has supported our work, helped, volunteered help or made donations of any kind for our ongoing work here in Raphoe. Thanks also to the management, volunteers and staff of the St. Vincent de Paul regional office in Raphoe for all their help and support through the year. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2024. From Catherine Laird President and all the SVP members. Christmas Message from Santa Claus to all good boys and girls in Raphoe & district.
Santa Claus has sent a special message to the Volt House for all children of Raphoe and district Co Donegal to be extra good and be in bed early this Christmas Eve. He is pleased to see the star on top of the Cathedral clock tower this year again as it is a great guide for him landing and resting his team of reindeer. Santa Claus and his little elves have been very busy all year. Santa Claus is now ready and expects to visit Ireland & Donegal after midnight this year on his special journey down from the North Pole so be sure to be fast asleep and don’t forget something nice for him to eat and a treat for his team of reindeers too. Santa and his team wish all Raphoe people at home, around the country and all around the world a very Happy Christmas 2023 and a very happy healthy & prosperous new year in 2024. Ho Ho Ho……..
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