The project is based in Mervue and aims to provide a creative meeting space mainly targeted towards older people (60+) and community groups in the East Galway area. This project is well aligned to target disadvantaged people and provide more equal access to cultural activities. Research by TILDA (Creative Activity in the Ageing Population, 2021) demonstrates that those with lower incomes (reflecting the position of many of our clients) are less likely to engage in cultural activities.

Our existing work therefore means we are well placed to engage this audience. COPE Galway have been running services and creative activities from Sonas Day Centre in the Walter Macken Flats in Mervue for over 40 years, however due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the space is no longer big enough to facilitate group activities. During 2021 we were given access to a bungalow beside Mervue Church and have been developing this space so that it can be used safely and for a range of creative activities. The space includes a significant garden area to the rear of the building, which lends itself to outdoor gatherings and a wide range of creative activities. In order to do this safely ground work is required to remove grass and to lay a flat solid base (i.e. concrete/ patio slabs), and to improve access to the building. This will facilitate a wide range of creative activities to take place such as gardening, arts and crafts, music, singing and dance, outdoor games, reading clubs, lunch club, & more.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.