Here’s all that happening in and around Raphoe this week.
Raphoe Family Resource Centre CLG.
Raphoe Family Resource Centre provide 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.
Raphoe Family Resource Centre – Christmas Appeal
Our Christmas Appeal is up and running!!
We are appealing for your kind donations of dry, canned, non-perishable foods, festive treats or new/newly used toys. Note if you or your family need support please contact Laura on 0749145796/ 0873351503. Donations can be left at the Family Resource Centre Monday – Friday until the 6th December 2023.Every little helps and we would be really appreciative of any donations received.
Christmas party
It’s all systems go here as the elves are working away to make this the best party ever!!!
We will host our Christmas party for families on Monday 4th December.Join us for a fun filled evening with Parky the Magician, Kidz Farm petting zoo and loads more!Everyone welcome!
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 welcome to come along and join the fun!
Breakfast Club
Breakfast club back in full swing throughout the week from 8.40am to 9.10am. For more information/ to register please give us a call on 0749145796/0873641503 or contact us on WhatsApp/Facebook
Raphoe Men’s Shed
The Men’s Shed group meet every Thursday at 12 Noon in “The Shed”.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 during the summer period.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
LiffordBallybofeyConvoy
If you are interested in this role please contact us on: 014756989, volunteering@ageaction.ie
Raphoe Boxing Club
Raphoe’s middleweight kingpin Cathal Mc Laughlin lost out at the semi-final stages of the National Elite Championships in Dublin on Saturday and next Saturday his clubmate Danny Duffy will feature in the bantamweight final of these championships that will be going out live on TG4 at 5pm on Saturday evening.Jack Mc Elroy has booked his place in the finals of the Ulster 9 County Championship to be staged in County Armagh on 18th November.Good wishes to Danny & Jack from all at the local boxing club.
Wellness Café
Connect in a safe place with friendly people who put the We in Wellness, Drop into Lifford Courthouse on Wednesdays between11.00AM 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 thank everyone who has donated to Our Christmas Lights appeal this year, thanks to everyone who has called in to the volt house with donations and to those who have contributed to our Go Fund Me Page. There is still time if you would like to help with the cost of putting up, maintaining and taking down our wonderful Christmas lights 2023. All donations will be acknowledged and greatly appreciated.
Our ‘light the lights‘, Christmas Switch on will be on Saturday December 2nd, commencing at 5pm, with the switch on planned for 6pm.
Entertainment on the evening will be provided by the fabulous Christy Murray and his ‘Tin Whistlers’, The Amazing Finn Valley Men’s Choir, and the wonderful and talented Jessica Mc Kean, with some other special guests on the night, as well as the main man of the season Father Christmas. The lights will be switched on this year by Patrick and Michael Mc Elhinney, in memory of their mother Eileen (R.I.P.) who sadly passed away earlier this year. Eileen was a great friend and supporter of the Volt House and The Friday Club, and we are honoured and privileged that Patrick and Michael are performing the Switch on for us.
Also on a Christmas Note, we still have a limited number of The Volt House Art calendars for sale, which would make an ideal Christmas Gift for those near and far. The Calendar was produced in association with students from the Deele College and The Royal and Prior school, the students submitted their pictures depicting historical and tourist sites around the area of Raphoe, and the end result is a wonderful Art calendar to use and to treasure, priced at only €5, (complete with envelope for posting). Available in the local shops, post office and Volt House Reception.
We would like to wish the Finn Valley Men’s Choir every success on their Grand Performance in Lifford Social Centre on Wednesday 29th November at 8pm.
We would also like to wish Jessica Mc Kean good luck in the Junior Eurovision Competition in France this weekend. Well done Jessica what a great achievement representing Ireland in this fantastic competition.
Letters to Santa Claus
Hello all boy’s and girl’s of Raphoe & District. There will be a special letterbox
for Santa Letters available in the Volt House from Monday 4th December 2023.
All letters will be sent by priority express mail to Santa Claus at the North Pole.
If you would like a reply please enclose a stamped addressed envelope and
Santa and his team of elves will do their best to reply to you before Christmas.
The latest date for posting in this special letter box will be Friday 15th
December 2023. Thank You.
“Raphoe Tidy Towns Shop Local 2023”
As we prepare for 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 all the various shops, the
butchers, licensed premises, the chemist, the indoor market, cafes, takeaways,
street vendors, the credit union, the post office and plenty of bargains especially
this year on the run up to Christmas so please don’t forget our own town and
our own people this year and in the new year 2024.
Raphoe Tidy Towns in association with Raphoe SVP
Christmas Family Gift and Toy Appeal 2023.
The Appeal is now open and will run up to Friday 15th December 2023.
Donations of Gifts, Toys, canned food, gift vouchers, or any suitable items
gratefully accepted. Donations may be left into the Volt House Reception or the
Tidy Towns Office before 15th December 2023. If you wish to leave your name
and address you will receive an official acknowledgement for your kindness.
Further information from Martin on 9145692 or 0879473527. Thank you.
And Remember, Keep your shopping local, to keep your local shop~