Canvassing as part of her election campaign, Aontú Cllr for Fingal, Cllr Ellen Troy, was struck by the numbers of people who wanted to talk; not just as she had expected about politics, local issues but about anything.
It struck her that many people were actually lonely and just wanted a chat with another human being and she vowed to do something to help, elected or not.
She was elected and Cllr Troy has kept her promise to try and bring people together in a convivial atmosphere and help bring some little sparks of joy.
A talented singer, she decided that organising events with a bit of ceol agus craic would be a meaningful way to get people to come together, giving them an outlet to make friends and spend a few happy hours.
Cllr Troy says
“So many people are lonely and it is heartbreaking. As a society, we’ve never been so connected with all that technology offers but never so disconnected at the same time. We know that loneliness has a seriously adverse impact on people’s health, both physical and mental.
The thing is we never really know how another person is feeling
People are under inordinate pressure and loneliness has been becoming a very real issue over the past number of years .However ,I’m very concerned that the huge cost of living increases will impact people more and make their lives even smaller as so many are on fixed and limited budgets and simply cannot afford to go out .Many are finding it hard to stretch to even a cup of coffee and a bun. Many people are genuinely in dire straits and it’s terrible to think that their quality of life is being impacted by lack of funds.
We’re social animals, we need connection with other people. It’s vital. It enriches life, we feel supported, we feel part of something, we have renewed purpose and vigour.
Music brings everybody together. For me, nothing beats a sing song. I am lucky in that my Husband and so many of my friends are accomplished musicians and so we decided to all come together and put on an afternoon where we all sing, tell stories, share jokes and encourage those present to do their party piece. People loosen up, relax and make friends and it’s great to see people taking to the floor to dance! I have a hat where I put all the numbers of those present and each person takes a number that he or she has to ring by the next event.
It means that every person receives a phone call and who knows that call could just come at the right time.
We have a marvellous time. It’s an easy, warm and welcoming atmosphere when friendships are formed in a fun environment. The majority of people who attend are over 55 and many are retired and relish the prospect of getting out and about with a purpose.
The next event takes place at Parlickstown House, Mulhuddart on the 13th of May from 3 to 5pm and I would really encourage people to join us and have the craic and make some new friends”.
Sunshine Spirits— Sunshine Spirits; In name and nature, bringing light and laughs one song at a time.
