Mayor praises community spirit at Derry's Donal Casey Court

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, recently dropped in to Donal Casey Court to meet members of the Cosy Club, and find out more about the services provided to support the older community.

The visit formed part of the Mayor’s Community Initiative, which aims to engage with communities across all District Electoral Areas and see first-hand the work being done by local organisations and individuals, to enhance the lives of local citizens.

Choice Housing's Nicole McElhinney, Scheme Coordinator Donal Casey Court pictured with members of The Cosy Club who are the latest group to be visited by the Mayor Councillor Ruairi McHugh as part of his Initiative showcasing small community groups. During the weekly event at Choice Housing’s Donal Casey Court, Templemore the first citizen handed over the prize money in bingo and learned about how the group produced a DVD in association with Rutledge Recruitment and Training Agency and took a look at the intergenerational Comic produced by the group. (Photos: Martin McKeown)

During the visit, the Mayor praised the vital role staff at Donal Casey Court, which is run by Choice Housing, play in supporting older members of the community, providing a welcoming space that promotes social connection, wellbeing and inclusion.

“Centres like this help reduce isolation, foster friendships and ensure people feel supported and valued,” Cllr McHugh said afterwards.

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“The sense of community created by the staff and the friendships that grow between residents and visitors are vitally important and I want to acknowledge the wonderful service provided through the Cosy Club. It was a great opportunity to see first-hand how such services really make a difference in the lives of local people.”