Clarecare, originally Clare Social Service Council, the brainchild of Mr Joe Boland, County Manager, and Dr. Michael Harty, Bishop of Killaloe, was set up in November 1968. Its development was part of a national drive in the late 1960s as a means of coordinating and developing local services for the elderly. Throughout the county, the new Clare Social Services Council met with an enthusiastic response from the voluntary sector.
Clare Social Services Council (CSSC) began as a parish based organisation with 23 affiliated organisations, the first staff member was employed in 1969, with the first Director starting in 1973. The initial focus of work was on the provision of services for older persons, but by the end of the 1970s CSSC had extended into services for children and families as more needs were identified. The early years saw challenges, especially in the area of funding. Close co-operation with Clare County Council and the Health Board was key to the success of the Clare Social Services Council. The latter was renamed Clarecare in 1987. The needs of those who access the services have changed over the past 40 years and Clarecare has responded in a flexible and innovative manner to meet these new challenges.
All Clarecare services are based in Clare, serving the people of Clare and the surrounding areas. Clarecare offices are located in the areas of greatest population density with the head office in Ennis. There are six other centres across County Clare, situated in Bushypark, Kilrush, Killaloe, Shannon, Miltown Malbay and Ennistymon. This is to optimise the delivery of services to such a diverse population.
What is Clarecare?
Clarecare is the largest Clare based, voluntary agency providing a broad range of support services for people in Clare. Clarecare became a company limited by guarantee in 2003. The registered office is Clarecare, Harmony Row, Ennis. Registered in Ireland no. 350248. Charity reg. no CHY 6677
Ethos of Clarecare
‘The ethos of Clarecare is to put people at the heart of the organisation, to value each person’s contribution and to hold the belief that in working together we can improve each other’s lives’
One of the challenges in the future will be to keep this ethos alive and relevant in the face of ‘business’ issues such as regulation and compliance, funding and service delivery.
The Mission of Clarecare
“Our mission is to work with people in a caring and respectful way to assist in improving their quality of life. In so doing we aim to be accessible, responsive, innovative and professional.”
The Board of Directors: The role of the Board is the corporate governance of Clarecare. The Board members are:
Rev. Ger Nash (Chairperson); Hugh Gallagher; Eugene Ryan; Angela McMahon; Michael Neylon; Marian Petty & Ina Reddan (Sec.)
Staff: Clarecare employs almost 600 staff, 470 of whom are employed as part-time Home Helps.
Volunteers: There is a strong history of volunteerism in Clarecare and currently there are about 200 active volunteers. The volunteers are a vital component in the running and development of a wide range of Clarecare services.
