Croí na Gallimhe Resource Centre

Croí na Gallimhe Resource Centre is central to the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. The Centre is located in the heart of Galway City and its charitable work goes very much to the heart of Galway's Community.

Vision Statement

"To reduce social isolation by offering a welcoming social and learning experience (environment) to the people of Galway."

Mission Statement

Croí na Gaillimhe is an intercultural and intergenerational resource centre. Responding to the changing needs of people who find themselves experiencing social isolation, we offer them opportunities to develop and grow. We are involved in a range of activities characterised by support, friendship, promoting self-sufficiency and working for social justice.

The centre focuses on needs not being met by other organisations (non-government bodies (NGO’s) and statutory) in Galway City. The concept of “reaching out”, as framed in the SVP’s current national development plan, drives the resource.

Croí na Gaillimhe is successful in progressing action areas relevant to the SVP's core elements. The centre takes an proactive approach to address areas with poor or under-developed service provision.

Volunteering

Croí na Gaillimhe is a volunteer-led service with a small staff team and many volunteers. Volunteers deliver a range of programmes and activities. We provide a structured programme of support, feedback and recognition for volunteers by creating opportunities for networking, information exchange and interactive appreciation days.

Please get in touch with us if you would like to get involved.

On a weekly basis 400 people engage with the centre. Croí na Gaillimhe services support to the following groups bringing those on the margins of society into its heart. We connect people through our wide range of educational programmes and club.

Programmes and Clubs

• Supporting Older People: A lunch and social club twice a week throughout the year. Serving isolated elderly people, offering social contact and other practical supports.
• Engaging Vulnerable Men: Core work complemented by: group outings, guest facilitators (health topics), digital literacy classes, photography and Tai Chi.
• Workshops on relevant health, safety and local history.  We celebrate: Bealtaine, Active Ageing as well as seasonal events. Offering a variety of classes and workshops that are social, educational and promote health.
• Classes: art, crafting, digital literacy, creative writing, adaptive exercise programme, yoga, dancing and a knitting club. Guest speakers discuss relevant health, safety and local history topics.
• Young Hearts Intergenerational Programme with Transition Year Students and older adults. We build  Intergenerational Relationships and solidarity through our varied activities often working on big themes like the environment and astronomy. Whilst incorporating programmes to encourage the sharing of culture, heritage, tradition and experience between two diverse generations.

Education

• Digital Literacy: The seismic shift to remote learning has posed a significant challenge to many. Classes support and empower unemployed, older people and migrants to stay connected and learn new skills.
• Fáilte Isteach Conversational English: English Supports for asylum seekers, migrants, and Ukrainians to improve their English.
• Homework Clubs and extracurricular activities for children living in two Direct Provision Centres: Safe environments where children living in centres can have access to educational and language supports. Resources and materials to help complete homework. Develop social and life skills necessary to become active and responsible in the community. Opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities such as swimming lessons, local sport clubs and dancing lessons.

Designated Liaison Person and Child Safeguarding Statement

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is specially trained to respond to any queries in relation to child and vulnerable adult safeguarding. If you have any concerns you wish to discuss, please get in touch with the local DLP.

Centre Manager - Loretta Needham - Tel: 091 – 895 203 Mob: 089 – 219 6931
Email: loretta.needham@svp.ie

To read our Child Safeguarding Statement please click here

You can read more about Safeguarding at SVP here

More About Us

You can read more about Croí na Gallimhe in SVP bulletins available online.

• Page 42-43 Croí na Gallimhe Resource Centre: Click here
• Page 38: Click here
• Page 23: Click here
• Page 12, 13: Click here
• Videos about Croí na Gaillimhe: Click here
• Young Hearts: Click here
• Better together awards: Click here
• Link below for fundraising video: Click here
• Asylum Support Video: Click here
• Croí na Gaillimhe: At the Heart of the City”
• New radio documentary captures the spirit of friendship thriving in Galway: Click here