Strengthening Community Resilience: CCLD Delivers 92 Storm Response Kits to Meals on Wheels Clients Across County Cavan
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
In a week of unpredictable weather and heightened storm warnings, older people across County Cavan received an unexpected but very welcome gesture of support. Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), with funding from the HSE Cavan Monaghan Older Persons Service, delivered 92 Storm Response Kits to Meals on Wheels clients throughout the county — a simple but powerful initiative aimed at improving safety, preparedness, and peace of mind for older individuals living alone.
Among those who received their kit was Mr. Clarke, a long-standing Meal on Wheels client, who was delighted to meet with Joanne McCabe, CCLD Older Persons Coordinator, alongside Bernadine McCarra and Sinead Daly from the HSE Cavan Monaghan Older Persons Service, who were instrumental in securing the funding for this important project.
What’s Inside the Storm Response Kits?
Each kit was designed to support older people during storms, power outages, or unexpected weather disruptions. Items included:
Battery radio
Hand warmer
Battery lantern
Extra batteries
First Aid kit
1 Litre insulated flask
Information from the Cavan Older Persons Council
Age Friendly Information Booklet for Older People in County Cavan
Every pack was assembled and delivered personally by CCLD’s Meals on Wheels team, ensuring that clients received not only essential items — but also a friendly check‑in and a moment of connection.
About CCLD: Local Development, Local Impact
Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), operating as Breffni Integrated CLG, delivers a wide range of community, social, rural and economic development programmes across County Cavan including SICAP, LEADER, TÚS, and the Rural Social Scheme.
CCLD works to:
Reduce social exclusion
Support rural communities
Strengthen local services
Improve quality of life
Promote climate and community resilience
The organisation collaborates closely with statutory bodies, community groups, volunteers, and local agencies to create lasting positive change.
Older Persons Services: Social Groups, Meals on Wheels, Day Centre & Transport Supports
21 Older Persons Social Groups Supported
On behalf of the HSE, CCLD administers the Section 39 Grant Aid supporting 21 older persons groups across Cavan. CCLD provides:
Administration support
Training opportunities
Information on local programmes and funding
Links with the Volunteer Centre
An annual HSE-funded Volunteer Recognition Event
These groups play a vital role in strengthening social inclusion, reducing loneliness, and supporting healthy ageing.
Meals on Wheels: A Critical Link in Community Care
Each week, the CCLD Meals on Wheels team delivers
OVER 320 HOT MEALS TO 92 OLDER PEOPLE
across County Cavan. This service ensures that older individuals can safely remain living in their homes or return home after hospitalization.
Key features of the service:
County-wide delivery
Operating Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Flexible support based on client needs
Garda vetted drivers
Referrals accepted from PHNs, GPs, health professionals, SVP, charities, and self-referral
Meals on Wheels provides not just nutrition — but reassurance, monitoring, and human connection.
Older Persons Day Centre
The CCLD Older Persons Day Centre provides a warm, welcoming, and social environment for older people to:
Meet friends
Participate in activities
Access support services
Maintain independence and wellbeing
The Day Centre works closely with families, carers, and health professionals to ensure individuals receive holistic, community-based supports.
For referrals, or more information contact:
Tinko Tinev
Manager, Cavan Social Day Care Service
0871143472
Community Car Service: The First of Its Kind in Cavan
Another vital part of CCLD’s Older Persons Services is the Community Car, the first initiative of its kind in the county.
This service was developed to support older people and people with disabilities who cannot access or use existing public transport. It offers accessible, affordable transport to essential appointments such as:
Hospital visits
GP appointments
Health clinics
Specialist care
Key Highlights of the Community Car:
4 Garda-vetted volunteer drivers, recruited through Cavan Volunteer Centre and community connections
150 registered clients
Wheelchair-accessible vehicle
Operates five days a week
Low-cost service
Accepts referrals from PHNs, GPs, and self‑referrals
The Community Car provides independence, safety, and dignity — ensuring that no older person misses a medical appointment due to lack of transport.
For more information on any of the above services contact:
Joanne Mc Cabe
Older Persons Coordinator
Cavan County Local Development
6a Corlurgan Business Park, Ballinagh Road, Cavan
M: 087 752 9948
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021–2027.
Tá an Clár um Chuimsiú Sóisialta agus Gníomhachtú Pobail (SICAP) cómhaoinithe ag Rialtas na hÉireann, tríd an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta, agus Ciste Sóisialta na hEorpa Plus faoin gClár Fostaíochta.