In an effort to combat loneliness and isolation among the older people of Mitchelstown, a Thursday Friendship Club has been launched in Tearmonn Ui Chaoimh on James Street.

The idea of the club was forged when it was announced that the mental health services would be moving from the day care centre to Cahir Hill. 

Speaking on behalf of the founding members of the Thursday Friendship Club, Delia Tobin said that the movement of the mental health services had left a vacuum that needs to be filled.

"We felt that people would be at a loss and we are hoping to provide people going to Cahir Hill with meals on Thursdays and we would extend a warm welcome to those living alone or who feel isolated," she said.

She added that for those who don't want a meal, they can pop into the centre on Thursdays to meet with other seniors, read the paper, play bingo or just interact with people from the community.

"We want this to be a home away from home for people," Delia explained.

With the glum Budget 2014 news that thousands of people over the age of 70 are to lose their medical or GP visit cards, many people find themselves isolated and alone and this service is there as somewhere that people can go on a weekly basis.

Delia told The Avondhu that if there is enough demand for the club and they got some funding, they would look at extending it to Fridays as well.

Transport would also be available within a certain distance of the centre and for more information on the Thursday Friendship Club, contact Delia Tobin on 087-0927878.

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