Kilkenny People* Friday, 12 June 2015 Page: 18
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Celebrating ‘Neighbours’ Day’ at Ferrybank’s Clover Meadows Cluid event plays ‘important part in building community spirit' and preventing social isolation Approved housing body Cluid Housing recently held a ‘European Neighbours’ Day’event together with the residents of Clover Meadows in Ferrybank, south Kilkenny. With plenty of community spirit on show, the event was largely focused on the importance of creating thriving communities. There were activities for all the family, and some ofthe younger residents were treated to the mind boggling skills of balloon artists too. Local councillor Eamon Aylward said the day served to highlight how important intereaction between neighbours in the community is. Aidan Hogan enjoying the sunshine in Ferrybank. “It can help alleviate problems such as isolation and depression in society," he said. “Events like today play an important part in building community spirit and that can have a wonderful effect on the lives of a lot of people. I would like to compliment Cluid on Emma and Charlie Hogan enjoy the balloon artist's work at Neighbours' Day in Clover Meadows. the work they are doing not just here in Clover Meadows but right across the country." ardson, housing officer with acknowledge Kilkenny County erties in Clover Meadows, Working in collaboration Cou ncil for their efforts in taking Ferrybank are occupied by a with all tenants, Cluid ensuredCluid. 27households offthehousing “The community spirit mix of families and single people everyone was involved waiting list," he said. that is evident today really who were on the Kilkenny and not just their own tenants. “Community events like The aim of Quid’s projects is to helps to combat that”. County Council housing waiting this encourage participation enable people to create thriving list until May 2014. HOUSING LIST and inclusion and tackle loneliness, communities. Commenting on the launch isolation and depression. Cluid is one of the largest ofthe scheme last year. Quid’s “Cluid strongly supports We invest a lot of energy Head of Policy Simon Brooke events like European Neighbours’ approved housing bodies in acknowledged the central role in enabling residents to contribute Day as they reach out Ireland, providing homes to to their community low income families, single played by the local authority. to the community and help because it is this spirit of cohesion to tackle some of the stigma people, older people, people “This was very much a and solidarity that makes that often accompanies social with a disability and Traveller partnership project from the Councillor Ger Frisby having a chat on Neighbours’ Day. a great place to live.” housing,” said Lisa Richfamilies. Quid’s 27 prop¬ beginning and 1would like to