Citizens Information Centre (Clarecare Shannon)
The Citizens Information Centre is based in the Clarecare Shannon Office. It incorporates a full Comhairle Citizens Information Service providing information, advice and advocacy services on rights, services, entitlements and options available to people. The 3 part-time staff members at this office deal with about 9000 queries a year and also manage bookings for the Clarecare holiday houses.
Community Development & Volunteering
The Community Development service in Clarecare provides support to people from ethnic minorities who reside in County Clare. This service assists individuals and families, on its own or in co-operation with other Community & Voluntary (CV) agencies, in capacity building activities to enable greater integration and participation in local, regional and national life. Clarecare, together with the Clare Immigrant Support Centre runs a Home Work Club catering for 30 students of immigrant families. Referrals to this service can be self, members of the community, or from other CV groups. There is one half post dedicated to this activity.
The creation of a Volunteer Co-ordinator is a recent initiative which was established to undertake the recruitment, induction, training and support of volunteers in Clarecare. Volunteers are involved in a variety of support roles e.g. Annual Church-gate Collection, Day Centres, Bus Drivers, Thrift Shops, Summer Camps, Parent & Toddler Groups, Aftercare, Home Work Clubs, and other Clarecare projects.
‘Drop-In’ Duty Service (Clarecare Ennis)
The Drop-In service is available in Clarecare Harmony Row, from 10:00am to 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday for all members of the public. The service provides a ‘listening ear’ to people and will put them in contact with other support services where appropriate.
Thrift Shops
The thrift shops in Ennis and Killaloe sell quality clothes and furniture at reasonable prices. All items available have been donated by members of the public. Income from these shops helps fund some of the activities of the agency.
Holiday Houses
Clarecare ‘holiday houses’ in Kilkee, Spanish Point and Lahinch are available as a resource for respite for groups of children and families, accompanied by staff, either on a day basis or on a short-term, residential basis. They are also used by community groups as holiday opportunities for older people.
