New Project Celebrates Local Memories and Stories

Older people throughout the entire Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area are being invited to take part in a project aimed at celebrating their memories and life journeys. ‘Diamond Days’ is funded by the Europe Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Newry based charity SPACE (Supporting People and Community Enterprise) is offering this exciting programme throughout the district and encouraging as many older people as possible to get involved.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “I am delighted that SPACE is bringing this initiative to our area.

“Older members of our community can feel isolated and lose their sense of purpose. ‘Diamond Days’ can help by encouraging people to share their stories and ensure that their histories are not lost. This project is also a great opportunity for our older citizens to create new memories and forge new friendships and I would urge local community groups to take advantage of it.”  

Between October 2019 and March 2020 SPACE will host Diamond Days sessions that will give older people the opportunity to reminisce, tell tales and share their memories.

Kathy Wilson, SPACE Project Coordinator said, “This is our second time running this wonderful project. We had a brilliant response last year with Social Soup and we are confident that Diamond Days will be equally as successful and meaningful to all who take part.

“We found during the sessions that participants really opened up with their memories; everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip down memory lane and our day trips helped people to make new friends.

Over the next few weeks SPACE will be encouraging community groups and individuals throughout the area to sign up to the initiative.

If you are part of a group in the following areas, please get in touch with Kathy as soon as possible on 028 3083 5764; Slieve Gullion, Newry, Crotlieve, The Mournes, Slieve Croob, Downpatrick and Rowallane.

Match funding for this project has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department for Rural and Community Development in Ireland.