Croí na Gallimhe Resource Centre
About us

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.

 

Croi na Gaillimhe

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.

Our services

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. 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.
  • Building Intergenerational Relationships and solidarity: Intergeneration programme with transition year students and older adults.
  • Engaging vulnerable men: Core work complemented by: group outings, guest facilitators (health topics), digital literacy classes, photography and Tai Chi.

Education

  • Community Education: Predevelopment courses/non accredited as a first step into further training and development. Classes for adults in the community include: sewing and mending, quilting, employability skills, smart spending courses, energy saving in the home, preparation for work, safety and security at home.
  • 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.
  • English Supports (Beginners, Middle and Advanced) for asylum seekers, migrants, and Ukrainians. Fáilte Isteach Conversational English.
  • Integration activities: Choir and Basketball for adults living in Direct Provision.
  • Asylum Support Group: Individual information and support on the International Protection (IPO) application process including completion of forms and preparation for interviews and appeals.
  • 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.

Volunteering

Croí na Gaillimhe is volunteer-led service with a small staff team and a large number of 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.

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