Our story
Formed 13 years ago by members of the North Belfast Community, CLARE (Creative Local Action, Response and Engagement) was created to provide a stand in the gap approach and support to the over 65s.
With too many older people becoming increasingly isolated, lonely, not living to their full potential and often ending up in premature care – CLARE identified a need that could be filled by a community support approach.
Social work is at the heart of CLARE CIC, and allows us to bring strengthened support to our service users. With a health & wellbeing approach following closely behind, we seek to provide long lasting and significant changes. So far, CLARE CIC has had over 9,000 Social Worker contacts with service users, consisting of over 14,000 hours – and it is their passion to do so.
Since launch, CLARE CIC has helped to support over 670 older adults, provided around 3,500 services spanning over 2,500 hours, created multiple groups and facilitated a vast range of activities – and it keeps growing.
CLARE is rooted in community and this was only enhanced when CLARE officially became a CIC (Community Interest Company) in early 2013.
We have a passion to do whatever we can to enrich, strengthen and support the lives of our service users.
Meet our team
With each member bringing a different set of skills to the table, it enables what we do at CLARE CIC to be multifaceted and to aid with a really well rounded approach to the support of service users.
So without further a due, we introduce to you the CLARE CIC team members!
Glenda
Chief Officer
Glenda has been working in health development for the past eighteen years; primarily working in or supporting the third sector. Having a love for helping causes that benefit people and the community succeed, she has gained a vast range of experience working with both large and small organisations; from national charities to small community clubs and organisations.
Joy
Community Health Lead
Joy is a certified Nutritionist and brings her expertise and passion to her work at CLARE. Creating health initiatives as well as recruiting and managing our vital volunteers, Joy is determined to see older adults lead healthy, full lives at a time where it truly matters. She has also been deemed the multitool of CLARE and enjoys living up to her name.
Alison
Living Well Coordinator
Alison has extensive experience in the care and community sectors. With working within North Belfast for the past decade, Alisons knowledge is unparalleled, as is her compassion for those she supports.
Louise
Community Wellbeing Support Worker
Louise has worked in community support roles for over 15 years both in NI and Yorkshire with a passion to counteract social isolation, capitalise finance, advocate on housing issues and provide vital holistic support. She has worked closely with those with dementia, physical and mental health needs, and addictions. Louise has extensive knowledge and experience of the NI social care system, Charities and Community Support services and is a vital member of the CLARE CIC Team.
Our Board Members
Billy
Hutchinson
Chairperson
Billy is one of the original founders of CLARE CIC and has played na important role in its implementation over the last decade
Amanda
Ashe
Treasurer
Another founding non-executive director Amanda is a public sector employee passionate about developing her area of North Belfast.
Joanne
Kinnear
Non-executive Director
Joanne is currently Chief Executive at the Ashton Centre, another great North Belfast resource helping to support and develop the local community.
Gretta
Thompson
Advisor
Gretta is a social worker and a former Project Manager / Social Worker with CLARE.
Our Funders
