HISTORY OF COPE GALWAY

The 1970’s

COPE Galway has been providing Social Services in Galway since the 1970’s. Originally called Galway social Service Council, the organization was established by the Galway Diocese. In 1996 the name changed to Galway Social Services Limited when it became a limited company, in 2000 the name was changed to COPE and in 2008 the organization was re-launched under the name COPE Galway, the name under which we now operate.

One of the earliest services offered to Galway City was the then Meals on Wheels Service, provided in conjunction with a Day Centre for the Elderly operating from our premises in Francis Street. A laundry facility, chiropody and Citizens Information Service was also provided.

The 1980’s

In 1982 Sonas Day Centre, Mervue, was set up at Walter Macken Place. Galway City Council kindly donated 2 flats which operate as a Drop-In Centre with Support Services for the residents of the flats complex and surrounding area, many of whom are elderly.

Waterside Domestic Violence Refuge opened in 1981 to offer a safe refuge to women and their children who were experiencing domestic violence. A Dedicated Child Care Unit was introduced into the Refuge in 1995. An Outreach Service was established in 1999.

The 1990’s

The Fairgreen Shelter for Homeless Men was established in 1983 in a temporary pre-fabricated building, it was originally jointly run with Galway Simon. Although only designed to last for 5 years, the building was in constant use until 1997, when the current purpose built Shelter was established.

The Millenium Years!!!

In 2002, COPE GALWAY, was awarded the role of managing the new Emergency Accommodation Hostel for Single Homeless Women, Osterley Lodge in Salthill.

In 2006 the meals on wheels service was rebranded as COPE Galway Community Catering.

In September 2007 the COPE Galway Ruislip Manor “Towards Independence” project was launched. The aim of the project is to provide step down accommodation for single men who are homeless in emergency accommodation in COPE Galway Fairgreen Hostel. Residents generally move from the project into their own independent accommodation after a period of 3-4 months at which point they are offered ongoing support by the COPE Galway Resettlement team.

In May 2008 the COPE Galway Resettlement Service was established. The Service provides structured support to men and women moving from the Fairgreen, Osterley Lodge and Ruislip services to private rented or local authority accommodation with the overall aim being to assist them to maintain that accommodation and break the cycle of homelessness.

In 2009 the COPE Galway Community Support project was established. A Community based worker provides outreach support 4 days per week to older residents in two estates in the Renmore and Headford Road areas of the city.

As the organization has expanded substantially, considerable emphasis has been placed on strengthening its structures such as formalized Policies and Procedures.