Gillygooley YCDA – Member in Focus #34

Interview with Julie Donnell from Gillygooley Youth and Community Development Association
Tell us a bit about yourself and/or your organisation.
Here at Gillygooley Youth and Community Development Association, we strive to promote citizenship and community development for the good of all those living in and around the Gillygooley area.
We have established a great Community Centre for use by all in the area. We also aim to provide relief for those in need by reason of youth, age or any other disadvantage through any charitable means but in particular through the provision of recreational pursuits.
We are a charitable organisation and have a great team of volunteers. Our aim is to provide facilities in the interest of social welfare and improve the conditions of life for all in the area.
How well have you/your organisation adapted to the pandemic?
The pandemic has hit everyone hard. We have lost a number of users during this pandemic. Though we all have a certain level of fear, we as a community still managed to provide our recreational classes. During the late spring we offered our classes outdoors in line with local guidelines. We run yoga, tai chi and line dancing classes to the young and old. Thankfully the weather was kind.
We also delivered meals to the most vulnerable, (not just the elderly). We provided a buddy phone service for those that felt lonely. We offered pharmacy/grocery runs via local shops. Our volunteers were undeterred. Although we are currently quiet with no outdoor classes, we have planned to get these up and running ASAP in line with government guidance. Our meetings have been much smaller but we developed a whats app group so we can share information and ideas for discussion.
During this complete lockdown we need to bring the community back out. We need to break the isolation all over again. We want the community to know that their health is our priority. Hopefully we will manage to secure funding again to provide our healthy meals. This is really good as an icebreaker, an act of kindness that is very much appreciated by those in need.
Mental health and wellness will be our key focus, we aim to get our socialising up and running in line with government guidelines. This year we aim to promote our outdoor space. To develop the land at the rear of our community centre to promote awareness of nature.
OFFER: What support are you currently offering and are you open to members of Community Network NI and/or the wider community making contact?
Our volunteers currently check in on the most vulnerable within the community. We very much value the time and help our volunteers provide.
👋 If you would like to be connected with this offer of support, please follow the link below and enter “Gillygooley YCDA” to the first field the form.
Share This Post
Subscribe to our mailing list
Get updates directly to your inbox
More To Explore

What’s New? Wednesday 21 Apr 2021
What’s New? Wednesday 21 Apr 2021… This week we cover Counselling, TNL Changemakers, Extern factsheets and our New Team Member…

Upcoming Community Events – Fri 16 Apr 2021
Community Events – Fri 16 Apr 2021 – Upcoming events include Stress Management, Training for Young Mums, Mental Health Support and more…