Annual Report 2020
Click to explore Making Connections’ Annual Report 2020 Pivoting to respond to the emerging needs of older people throughout COVID-19 lockdowns
08/09/2021
16/06/2021
Smiles All Round as Making Connections volunteers visit people again
Making Connections befriending volunteers and the older people they visit are enjoying long awaited in-person reunions this month. We are hearing uplifting stories about café and market visits but most of all, it’s the joy of face-to-face interaction after the long months of isolation. Although volunteer phone calls were a lifeline to many, the presence… Read More
20/05/2021
National Volunteering Week 2021 | Thank You Video
Excited to share this video message from Una Power to MakingConnections volunteers for National Volunteering Week 2021. Such a privilege to lead this amazing team. Find out more here: https://volunteerdlr.ie/nvw2021-is-here/ Share with us here: Facebook: http://facebook.com/makingconnections.ie Twitter: http://twitter.com/connections_ie #NVW2021 #SmallActionsBigImpact #MakingConnectionsVolunteers
13/05/2021
dlr GROW it Forward in Action
Making Connections volunteers are excited to get growing thanks to dlr Libraries and GIY. A large team of Making Connections volunteers have signed up dig in, and share their experiences along the way. Click here to follow our stories on Facebook #GrowItFoward
01/03/2021
On Air with Dublin South FM
Our Executive Director, Mary O’Donohue was interviewed by Dublin South FM radio. The interview explores Good Food Delivered and other Making Connections programmes – click play to have a listen. If you would like to listen to the entire Podcast episode you can find it on the Dublin South FM website here.
15/02/2021
Video Message from Cathaoirleach of dlr County Council about our meal delivery service
We are delighted to share some good news with you today. Cathaoirleach of dlr County Council, Una Power, has collaborated with Making Connections to promote the Keep Well Campaign, highlighting in particular Good Food Delivered. Take a moment to watch her video message.
01/01/2021
Making Connections Letter Connections
We are delighted to share with you a glimpse of the Making Connections Letter Connections project in this short video. Click on the icon in the bottom right of the video to enjoy it in full screen.
09/07/2020
Garden Concerts – A Covid-19 Solution
| Enjoying Garden Concerts and New Hobbies at 85 | We are excited to hear that Christy (85 years old) has taken up the piano accordian and has learned two tunes already. Wow! Christy was inspired by professional accordionist, Gerry Kelly, who played for him in is garden as part of the Making Connections garden… Read More
22/06/2020
Making Connections Feature by The Irish Times
The positive impact of Making Connections and our volunteers has been making a splash. We were excited to have our garden concerts featured in an article by Sylvia Thomson in the Irish Times. Click here to read the full article online or explore excerpts below “Making Connections for older people – one garden concert at… Read More
02/06/2020
Covid-19 Supports & Salsa Dancing
We are making a difference in different ways… At 91yrs, Gerry is still able to live independently at home with supports such as meal delivery, grocery shopping and befriending provided by Making Connections. After weeks of lockdown, he felt weary. As part of our well being initiative we found out that ballroom dancing was his… Read More
06/05/2020
Volunteer Impact – Meal Delivery and More
Doorstep Chats – a little thing that makes a big difference. During the Making Connections meal deliveries, our volunteers have discovered that stopping for a few moments to chat to them is as important as the delivery itself. We thank all our Delivery Volunteers who are not just bringing nutritious meals, but are serving them… Read More
27/04/2020
790 Meals Delivered
A new meal delivery initiative has been added to our supports. Thanks to Making Connections volunteer drivers, 790 nutritious have been delivered since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis. We have also received support from Airfield Estate Restaurant, Mao Restaurant & Home and Starbucks – all of whom have helped to make this initiative possible.
25/04/2020
Virtual Guided Walk of Dublin
Our supporters are finding new ways of fundraising. Do you miss being able to amble around freely? You can join Simon Scriver on a virtual walk of Dublin via Google Maps street view. The tour was recorded live as a fundraising event in support of Making Connections COVID-19 response to support older people during this… Read More
19/03/2020
Making Connections Launches Covid-19 Response
Since 2009 Making Connections Befriending & Supports is providing volunteers supports for older people experience loneliness and isolation in Dublin South. In the light of Covid-19, Making Connections is now offering additional support for all vulnerable older people who may need practical help. The age cohort of people we are prioritising is 80 years and… Read More
31/01/2019
Volunteer Recruitment Drive
The response to Making Connections new year volunteer recruitment drive showed huge interest in supporting older people experiencing loneliness and isolation in our community. The charity hosted induction training for new volunteers on January 29th. Training was provided by Mary O’Donohue and participants engaged in a lively discussion about the negative health effects of loneliness.… Read More
13/11/2018
Award for Making Connections
Making Connections was honoured to have been selected in the Small Business category of the Dunlaoghaire Rathdown County Business Chamber awards 2018, held in Fitzpatrick Hotel Killiney on September 27th 2018 This award was for businesses who have shown growth and quality of management. It was sponsored by Bank of Ireland and the charity was… Read More
27/10/2018
Give an Hour Gain an Hour Campaign
ALLEVIATING LONELINESS & ISOLATION Did you know that by 2030 in Ireland there will be a 60-64% growth in the over 65 population and 89-94% growth in the over 85 population? IF YOU COULD TWEET YOUR OLDER-SELF SOME ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Feedback from Making Connections befriending programme shows the incredible power of older… Read More
26/09/2018
RHA Exhibition
Making Connections befrienders & befriendees who have an interest in Art were lucky to get a private tour of the RHA annual exhibition followed by light refreshments on the terrace of Coppa Café. Making Connections participants at Royal Hibernian Academy
26/09/2018
DBS Student Union partners with Making Connections
Mary O’Donohue speaking with Dublin Business School Student Union about the work of Making Connections & discussing ways they can get involved with the charity in the coming academic year. Mary O’Donohue with DBS Student Union
26/09/2018
Panel Discussion around Healthcare in Ireland
Muireann O’Shea a 3rd yr medical student representing AMSI UCD organised a panel discussion around Ageing Ireland, the Reality of Healthcare. The panel included experts on geriatrics gerontology and speakers with personal experiences of navigating the healthcare system. Mary O’Donohue Making Connections & Muireann O’Shea 3rd yr Medical Student UCD