Clare Cultural Companions

Many of us would probably go to a lot more plays, films, shows, concerts, exhibitions or other events if we had someone to go with. There’s a thriving social and arts scene out there to be enjoyed if only we had someone with the know-how or the shared interest to get us going. That’s where Cultural Companions comes in.

What is Cultural Companions

Cultural Companions is an Age & Opportunity Arts Initiative (for further details on Age & Oppportunity initiatives please visit www.ageandopportunity.ie), funded by the Creative Ireland Programme, comprising a network of older people, interested in arts and culture, who attend events together as a group. Its aim is to provide increased opportunities for older people to engage with Ireland’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. Volunteer members are facilitated by the Clare Age Friendly Programme to draw up a calendar of events to choose from every two months. All members receive the calendar of events, posted out by the volunteers, and independently book and pay for the events they wish to attend. The members meet up at an allocated time prior to some events and attend together, usually with a social get together built in. 

The Clare Cultural Companions initiative is supported by the Clare Arts Office and Clare Older People’s Council. 

How it works

Members can use the network at two different levels as follows, depending on your needs at a particular point in time:

• Be part of the larger network by attending regular, organised Cultural Companions' events.
• Network independently, once connections are made through social gatherings.

How to become a member

If this sounds like something you might like to join please contact Helen Moloney on (065) 6846240 or email: hmoloney@clarecoco.ie

Become a volunteer companion

By recruiting Volunteer Companions (people who enjoy socialising, have an interest in the arts or regularly attend events themselves), we hope to facilitate a more active social life for older people who wish to broaden their horizons, meet new like minded people and get out more. A Cultural Companion could well be the additional stimulus someone needs to decide to go to something, to participate or to get involved. Volunteers help out with the events guides, attend regular meetings and volunteer to meet and greet at certain events. 

If you would like to become a Volunteer Companion or would like more information please contact Helen Moloney on (065) 6846240 or email: hmoloney@clarecoco.ie