10/06/2026
A generous Harps fan who paid for match sponsorship for Fridays match v UCD wants to use the opportunity to highlight the fantastic community services offered by Cara House Family Resource Centre.
We're looking forward to welcoming everyone from Cara House to Finn Park on Friday.
Cara House Family Resource Centre, Letterkenny
Cara House was established in 2004 as a social club in response to a recognised need for a
welcoming community space where people experiencing loneliness, isolation, and loss of
social connections could come together. Originally operating as Mount Southwell Social Club
(The Red Door) from a Georgian house in Market Square, Letterkenny, the centre was run by
dedicated volunteers who opened the facility two evenings each week. As community
involvement grew, volunteers began offering activities such as dancing, art, and IT classes,
while peer support among members became a cornerstone of the organisationβs success.
The impact of the centre led to its designation as a Family Resource Centre in 2008,
providing financial stability and enabling the expansion of services. New programmes
included an afterschool club for disadvantaged children and a youth club for marginalised
teenagers. Continued growth resulted in the acquisition of larger premises on the Pearse Road
in Letterkenny in 2022, allowing Cara House to further develop its range of supports and
services.
Today, Cara House FRC delivers a broad range of programmes for children, families, adults,
and older people. Child and family services include preschool and toddler care, an afterschool
programme now supporting approximately 100 children daily, parenting programmes,
therapeutic supports, educational assistance, and seasonal camps. Referrals are received from
a range of health and social services.
For adults and older people, Cara House operates an Active Age Centre offering classes and
activities that promote wellbeing, learning, and social inclusion. Additional services include a
drop-in centre, befriending and advocacy supports, a low-cost gardening and DIY service,
meal delivery, the Senior Alert Scheme, and food support initiatives for vulnerable
individuals and families. Through these services, Cara House continues to strengthen
community connections and improve quality of life across Letterkenny.