Services
Our ultimate goal at CLARE is to see a major reduction in social isolation, promote the independence of our older people, and to build lasting support networks for those who need them.
We offer:
- Person Centred Support Planning including living plans and assessment of needs
- A listening ear & the reassurance that someone is always at the other end of the phone
- Enrolment in a variety of in house projects such as The Getting Better Project or The Healthy Living Project
- Information & Signposting where necessary
- Support to Access Services & Resources
- Assistance to Connect to Social Activities including CLARE facilitated groups such the monthly Duncairn drop in, Mount Vernon coffee morning and frequent larger outings
- Befriending & Help with Occasional Tasks/Transportation
Ready to make a referral to CLARE CIC?
Find out what happens next below
Our process
#1
A Referral is Made
To make a referral, simply press the button below, fill in the form and submit it. The new referral is then automatically added to our pending list.
Please note our criteria of a successful referral includes:
- Referee must live in BT14, 15 or the Antrim Road side of 36 (for more information please see our FAQs below)
- They must be over 65 (or there abouts)
- There is an element of loneliness or social isolation
#3
Community Social Worker Involvement
Once a new referral has been assigned to the Living Well Coordinator, they will make contact with that person via phone call and arrange an initial visit with them.
This visit will allow our LWC to get to know the new referral, have a proper chat and assess how CLARE CIC can best help them going forward. This will include an initial Living Plan, Outcome Star, Risk Assessment and identifying areas that require support.
#2
The Pending List
In order to give potential new referrals the best quality service – we do have a pending list. This allows us time to individually assess, and assign new referrals to our Living Well Coordinator, making sure that no one slips through the cracks.
Please note: we will not be able to give you a definite amount of time that someone will be on the pending list but we will do our upmost to get to them as soon as possible.
#4
Officially a service user of CLARE CIC
After this initial contact is made, they will officially be a service user of CLARE CIC. This means that they will have ongoing support from the entire CLARE CIC team as well as one key worker within the team.
They will be able to avail of attending any groups and outings we run, projects we offer, be added to the befrienders waiting list if applicable and generally feel part of a warm and intentional community within North Belfast.
Groupwork
The Drop In
The Drop In is one of CLARE CIC’s longest-running and most popular social groups, bringing older adults together for fun, friendship, and community.
Held on the first Wednesday of every month from 1:30pm – 3:30pm at The Grove Bowling Club, no two sessions are ever the same. Each month features a different activity, ensuring there’s always something new to enjoy.
What can you expect?
- Creative activities, including painting and crafts
- Fun quizzes and games
- Guest speakers on a range of interesting topics
- Live performances, including visits from the Ulster Orchestra
- Seasonal celebrations and special events
- Plenty of tea, conversation, and laughter!
Having run successfully for over three years, The Drop In has become a much-loved part of our community, with many members returning month after month to catch up with friends and make new connections.
Whether you come on your own or with a friend, you’ll always receive a warm welcome. Everyone aged 65 and over is welcome—the more, the merrier!
📍 Venue: The Grove Bowling Club
📅 When: First Wednesday of every month
🕜 Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
We’d love to see you there!
Ruby Tuesdays
Held on the third Tuesday of every month from 11:00am – 12:30pm at Mount Vernon Community Centre, Ruby Tuesdays is a welcoming coffee morning where older adults can come together to enjoy good company, make new friends, and have a chat over a cuppa.
Whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, you’ll always be greeted with a warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere.
What can you expect?
- Fresh tea and coffee
- Delicious sweet treats
- Plenty of laughter and good craic
- Friendly conversation and companionship
- A relaxed, welcoming environment
- The opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends
Ruby Tuesdays is all about bringing people together, reducing loneliness, and creating a sense of community where everyone feels welcome.
Everyone aged 65 and over is welcome—come along, bring a friend, and enjoy a morning of tea, treats, and great company!
📍 Venue: Mount Vernon Community Centre
📅 When: Third Tuesday of every month
🕚 Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm
We’d love to welcome you for a cuppa! ☕
Seasonal & Special Interest Groups
Alongside our regular social groups, CLARE CIC also offers a variety of seasonal and special interest activities throughout the year. These groups are developed in response to the interests and needs of our members, giving everyone the opportunity to learn something new, stay active, and connect with others in a fun and supportive environment.
From getting creative to keeping active or simply enjoying music together, there’s always something to look forward to.
Activities may include:
- Art and craft groups
- Gentle Movement classes
- Singing for the Soul
- Seasonal workshops and special events
- Guest speakers and wellbeing sessions
Quarterly Outings
We also organise quarterly day trips and outings, giving members the chance to explore new places, enjoy a change of scenery, and spend time together outside our usual groups.
Previous outings have included:
- Ulster Museum
- Forestside Shopping Centre
- Antrim Castle Gardens
- Group lunches at local restaurants
- And many more enjoyable days out!
Our programme is always evolving, with new activities and trips added throughout the year.
If you’d like to find out what’s coming up or register your interest in any of our groups or outings, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
FAQ
Please find below our frequently asked questions
The person must live in either BT14, 15 or 36, be over the age of 65 (or there abouts) and be experiencing some degree of social isolation or loneliness.
Anyone! We get referrals from GPs, Social Workers and other organisations but you can just as easily refer your parent, friend, neighbour or even do a self referral.
We are unfortunately not able to give you a precise time. We endeavour to give every service user the time they require to get them through the initial process and we are a small team, but please know we will work hard to get them in as soon as possible.
Unfortunately we do not. We do not provide any domiciliary care nor the making of meals etc CLARE is more involved in the border workings of a service users life, for example their wellbeing, physical and mental health, safety and mobility.
We are currently running The Getting Better Project which focuses on service users mobility and improving their physical wellbeing through gentle 1-to-1 exercise over 8 – 10 weeks. We are also running The Healthy Living Project where a Nutritional Therapist is brought in to help improve service users nutrition & lifestyle spread over 12 weeks.
We are currently runing two groups:
- The Drop In at The Duncairn Arts Centre on the first Wednesday afternoon of every month & is open to anybody
- The Mount Vernon Coffee Morning on the 3rd Tuesday morning of every month
- Larger group outings once a quarter e.g Forrest side, Antrim Castle, Strand Cinema
CLARE covers any part of BT36 that is included within the Belfast wards, mainly the Bellevue Ward – this is any part of BT36 that is on the left side of the M2 motorway, running up to Belfast Zoo. If there is any confusion please get in touch.
Get in touch with us
Have questions that weren’t answered?
We would be more than happy to have a chat about how we can best support you or your family member. Please don’t hesitate to