Programmes & Events
Let's get together for a bit of craic
From support groups to quiz nights, we try to bring a diverse set of programmes and events to our local areas. With the growth we have seen in our project, we are excited to partner with others to offer these gatherings.
Christmas Appeal
We support families through our trusted partners to ensure the right people are receiving support in a dignified manner. We support by completing Christmas lists but also fundraise for heating and food.
Our Christmas Appeal was one of the first initiatives we started with back in 2020. At a time when the world stood still, we safely and successfully inspired a group of parents to raise over £38,000. Mothers and fathers, donning hi-vis vests, carry bright orange B&Q builders’ buckets, knocking every door in the Newry area and simply asking people for their jars of loose coins.
It made Christmas 2020 brighter for over 500 families and gave our initial 20 volunteers a sense of purpose which they said helped them with their own struggles.
We have continued this initiative in our communities every year since then. It brings us great joy to make the holiday season a little brighter for our families.
Fundraising
Fundraising for our Christmas appeal is done throughout the year with the biggest push at the end of summer. As referral lists get sent in, we share what is needed via Facebook and update on the progress so far.
Referrals
Our Community Partners send us their referral list of families who are in need. This helps us ensure that families have a point of contact to follow up with them throughout the year to see how they are getting on.
Delivery
Once a list is completed, items are left with the Community Partner who will store and deliver them to their families in time for the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I self refer for the Christmas Appeal?
We do not take individual pleas but instead work with local organisations on a referral basis. You are welcome to review our Community Partners page for more information.
How do I know my gifts will arrive in time?
Our deadlines ensure that our Community Partners receive their lists with time to store or distribute toys by the start of December. Specific queries can be made to your referred organisation. We do not handle individual queries.
How can I donate or get involved?
We are so thankful for all donations to help make this appeal possible! You are welcome to stop by the café or donate via bank transfer or online. More details can be found HERE.
For businesses interested in partnering, please get in touch by either visiting the cafe or sending us a wee message or call. A member of our team will be sure to pass your details onto our Christmas Appeal point of contact.
A few of our regularly scheduled programmes
Breakfast Club
Saturdays┃10am-12pm
Over 1,900 breakfasts served so far!
Ladies Night In
First Saturday of the month
Mums come to connect over a themed meal and movie.
Booking is necessary! Please visit our Facebook page for more details.
Mummy & Me
Second Friday of the month
An event to help fight the social isolation & loneliness that some single mothers, foster parents, or mothers whose partners work away/night shifts may feel. Children have their own space to play and enjoy a McDonalds while the mummies can connect and eat a catered meal hosted by a local partnering restaurant.
Booking is necessary! Please visit our Facebook page for more details.
Conor's Call
Weekly
A COVID support group connecting through walks and art therapy.
Conor’s Call aims to provide support to anyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Whether you have lost a loved one or almost lost yourself to COVID-19 or if you have suffered from poor mental health, loneliness, social isolation or you are still anxious about going back into the community. Conor’s Call hopes to provide a safe warm place for those to meet and discuss their pandemic experiences with others who have been through similar situations.
Visit their Facebook Group for more information
Junior Committee
Meeting Soon
Giving our youth a voice. With representation from local schools, this group will meet together to discuss local issues for young people and to help plan events and projects.
Pause & Connect
Starting in January
This will be a regularly scheduled Menopause Support group to meet in our café.