On Wednesday 3rd June St. Josephs Court, Clifden celebrated its 5th Birthday in glorious sunshine with a patio party. The celebrations commenced at 1pm with a beautiful buffet lunch attended by over 60 people, including Sue Mc Donnell, Regional Director, Mary Quinn, Galway County Council, and Noreen Mulrine from the Safe Home Project Mulranny. Also present were representatives of local organisations including FAS, The VEC and local Councillors. The guests were entertained by local musicians, two of whom are tenants of St. Josephs Court and by a display of Sean nos dancing again a tenant of St. Josephs Court participated in this.

The most important guests of the day were the tenants themselves who according to Kathleen Aspell Mortimer (Housing Officer of the Sheltered Scheme) are a vibrant community who contribute not only to the mental and physical wellbeing of older tenants but also to the wider community who use the facilities of St. Josephs Court for their activities.

The stereotype attitude that older people sit around drinking tea and knitting could not be further from the truth when you see all the projects and activities the residents of St. Josephs Court are actively involved in. It also proves that with a little support and help older people can continue to live independently for as long as possible with dignity, respect and peace of mind.