Cara stays local for Haringey’s
elderly
 By Elaine Sheridan
The elderly Irish in North London have found themselves a new home in
Haringey’s Tottenham High Road — just metres away from their
former one in the local Irish Centre.
And patrons of the Cara Irish Housing Day Centre are absolutely delighted.
Irish people are already benefiting greatly from the new day centre which
boasts a host of activities. And it only looks set to get better.
The Irish Ambassador Dáithí Ó Ceallaigh will officially
launch the new facility on January 19 with a reception for invited guests
and patrons.
Cara — which has run day centre services for the older Irish community
in North London for a number of years in the Haringey Irish Centre —
is looking forward to the official opening of its new premises.
Chief executive of Cara Irish Housing Association Declan Carroll said:
“The new centre was refurbished with the support of a generous grant
from the Dion committee.
“After extensive consultation with our service users we have continued
to provide modern facilities in a culturally sensitive setting. We provide
a home-cooked two-course lunch each day for our day centre users as well
as a host of other activities throughout the week.
“It is designed to a very high standard making it a pleasant place
for our elders to come and enjoy what’s on offer to them.”
The new centre will provide a range of activities such as history and
reminiscing, bingo, music and advice and information services.
In addition Cara will continue to run the monthly tea dances held at
nearby Haringey Irish Centre which is open to the wider community.
One regular user said: “I look forward to visiting the new day centre
and enjoy the company of the friends I have made. The staff are really
friendly and helpful and they cheer me up.
“The new facilities are excellent and modern and make us all feel
very comfortable.”
The centre is only a short walk from the Haringey Irish Centre where the
old day care centre used to be based.
It is easily reached by public transport making it more accessible for
the elderly in the community.
Another member of the community commented on the lovely surroundings.
She said: “I look forward to the bus arriving for my weekly visit
— I’m excited about the new centre and its lovely surroundings
— it’s just lovely.”
Corporate Services Manager Caroline O’Neill added: “We are
delighted that the professional high quality service provided by our Day
Centre staff is now reflected in a modern centre with the facilities to
develop a wide range of services for the older Irish community in north
London.
“Our thanks go to funders such as Haringey Council, Dion and the
Ireland Fund of Great Britain who have been instrumental in making this
new centre a reality.
“We are also grateful for the support and patience of both centre
staff and service users who have kept faith with the service whilst new
premises were secured.”
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