Our Story
Cara House opened in May 2004 to provide a constructive and enjoyable space for people who have time on their hands in the daytime. In 2008 it became a Family Resource Centre – one of 106 centres under this programme nationally. From opening just three evenings and one morning a week Cara House now opens six days a week.
The work of Cara House, which includes activities, courses and interest groups as well as services, provides a valuable resource for the whole Letterkenny community from the cradle to the grave, especially at periods in their lives when individuals are vulnerable. Cara House welcomes everyone with respect, offering peer support, friendship and acceptance. It is socially inclusive, with high quality services and activities offered at a rate that makes them accessible to all. Clients are encouraged to offer peer support and encouragement and to contribute their expertise, ideas and time, thereby building a community that cares.
Cara House has been fortunate in attracting staff who contribute to this by their caring natures and concern for all who attend. Many, both paid staff and volunteers, have worked happily in Cara House for several years.
Cara House is core funded by Tusla.
Cara Children’s Centre offers free sessional childcare for Preschool children.
Afterschool Clubs are available for children from Letterkenny National Schools. Children are collected from selected schools. A healthy snack is given and homework is done in a supportive way, followed by a wide variety of activities to interest the children.
In 2022 Cara Children's Centre expanded to include a toddler room for children from 2 years when we moved to our new premises on Pearse Road, Letterkenny.
Cara House accepts National Childcare Scheme payments.
For all Cara Children Centre queries please contact 07491-23986 or 086-7251779.
Cara House Active Age Centre is a Community Education provider in partnership with Donegal ETB.
A study centre with a small library, facilitates those without a suitable place to study at home. Cara House welcomes and responds to ideas and needs expressed in the community.
Courses offered include:
Basic computers
Internet for all
Irish Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced
Spanish Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced
Arts and Crafts including Art, Paverpol, Calligraphy, Decoupage, Wreath Making
Flower Arranging
Relax with Activity
Cara House arranges classes and groups with a wellness theme for adults
Walk in the Park on Wednesdays
Dancing
Tai Chi
Pilates
Yoga
Chairobics
Mindfulness
Mother and Baby Wellness, including Baby Massage
Book Club
Some courses will be offered in house while others will be offered in third party premises.
Cara House can arrange small group classes for different disability groups on request, where they are unable to join regular classes.
Not all the above classes run regularly throughout the year. For enquiries contact Janet on 0749123986/0861223029 or info@carahouse.ie
Cara Social Centre is a branch of Cara House Family Resource Centre which aims to combat loneliness and isolation and assist older people in living in their own homes. Our partners in this are HSE Mental Health and Older People’s Services.
It comprises:
- A befriending service for the Letterkenny area
- A drop-in room in Cara House for anyone who feels lonely or has time on their hands in the daytime
- The Manorcunningham Day Centre which meets every Friday in the Mount Errigal Hotel
- Chat groups (small groups) which meet in our drop in room or café’s, near their homes, once a week for an hour
- Dinner Deliveries every weekday to older and vulnerable people
- Arranging the set-up of Senior Alert Alarms
- Helping Hands - Gardening and Odd Job Services for older people
Cara House takes self-referrals and referrals from family, PHNs and CMHNs
For enquiries regarding this service contact Claire on 0838638315 or befriending@carahouse.ie