Update on Cork Cultural Companions

We are continuing to keep in touch with our members but are conscious that online fatigue may be

setting in and so are not bombarding them with resources for online activities, especially as there is

a bit more freedom to move outdoors now.

We continue to hold regular meetings with various community groups, the HSE, our steering group,

etc. These are held via Zoom or by teleconference.

We also keep in touch with the county and city arts offices. The city has appointed a new community

arts worker and, through communication with her via telephone and email, we know that an

emphasis will be on what older people want to see in the programming of events when restrictions

are eased to allow such events. We have been asked to do an informal survey of our members to

ascertain what type of events there would be an interest in.

The information we gather can also be disseminated to county venues and organisations to help

shape their programming too.

We are also in talks with various venues on how, when they do open, we can work together to

encourage our members to feel comfortable in attending events. The reopening of venues poses a

huge challenge with social distancing being a part of our lives for the foreseeable future but our

challenge, when venues do get that aspect sorted out, will be encouraging people to attend.

Limerick’s local authority is looking at how they can open up the city again while keeping it safe

under the guidelines. They want to include events and performances outdoors where people can

enjoy them while keeping distance from others. I believe something similar will happen in Cork so if

it does then I think that will be a very positive step to gaining the public’s confidence in attending

events again.

Of course, the above is reliant on the Irish weather and I doubt we will have this riviera like weather

all through the summer but it is still a positive initiative.

We have also become involved with a lovely project called ‘Little Bags of Hope’. Its aim is to

encourage people to discuss issues surrounding mental health and we will be working with Joanne

McNamara (Community Worker) and Jacinta McCormack (Community Health Worker) on this.

There is a new website launched by the HSE called The Wellbeing Network which we have a page on.

We worked with Sheelagh Broderick on this. Community Referral, Active Cork and others are also on

it and so it builds further connectivity between the various organisations that work in a similar area.

Our main concern is after this awful situation has lifted that we can reach those that will need us

most. This was difficult prior to Covid-19 hitting us and we know it will be even more so post it.

However, we will manage it and keeping the communication going with the various community

groups, the arts organisations, the county and city councils, the HSE and of course our current

members will help us to make Cork Cultural Companions a success and a wonderful asset to the

people of Cork.

Please feel free to contact me anytime: culture@muintircork.com or 085-1300335