New friendships blossom through love of learning

SOCIAL isolation and loneliness have long been a concern amongst elderly people but a newly established charity that has opened in Tuam is catering for people of all ages who crave company.
Friends Ireland was established almost two years ago by a young mother who has experienced social isolation down through the years, having moved back to Ireland after relocating with her family to England as a child.
Norah Ginty’s model is simple but is proving very effective as she facilitates free classes in the community, based on the skills offered by volunteer teachers and the willingness of members of the public to take on a new hobby.
“Our main aim is get people out and about, meeting in an informal setting that will foster new friendships or just get them connected with the community in one way or another,” she said.
“It’s an area I’ve been interested in for many years, having lived in England for a decade when I was a child and I found it really hard coming back to Gort as a teenager and trying to fit in. I went back to England after I finished school only to return to Ireland many years later so I know how hard it is to make friends and to connect with other people.”
A Facebook post in 2013 revealed a strong interest among the public for the classes Norah intended to offer, as well as several offers from people willing to give the classes for free.

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