Friendship club in Downpatrick

Friendship club in Downpatrick

13 January 2016

FOR many people, making friends is easy. For others it can be more difficult. 

There are many in the community who can sometimes feel isolated and alone but help is at hand 

via a new initiative based in Downpatrick.

Local woman Clare Higgins was chatting to a group of friends over coffee recently and had told them of an initiative she’d seen in Belfast to welcome new arrivals to the area.

It was a’ friendship club’ and everyone agreed that it was not only a great idea, but something which would be of benefit to the community, women in particular, and so the Downpatrick Friendship Club was born.

“The Friendship Club enables women to build friendships and make connections that they would not have otherwise made,” Clare explained.

“It is totally low maintenance, nothing is expected of anyone who wishes to come along and it is open to women of all ages. You can chat to as many or as few people as you like.” 

The current members of the Friendship Club include a diverse mix of ages and interests which results in vibrant conversations. Suggestions for skills sharing are always welcome and club members have suggested everything from knitting to self defence.

“This is a completely informal club” said Clare. “There are no membership forms or fees, so if you are interested, please come along. You can leave after five minutes if it isn’t for you.” 

Clare said she and the other members look forward to welcoming new friends to the club which is based at the South Eastern Social Enterprise Hub at the Grove shopping centre in Downpatrick. Further information about the new group is also available on the Downpatrick Friendship Club’s Facebook page.