A small Cookstown charity that provides weekly social activity and support for older residents has received a £500 grant from the Asda Foundation to expand its programme of events over the coming months.
Funding aimed at reducing isolation at a grassroots level
The funding was awarded to the Tuesday Club, which meets every week at O4O in Cookstown and runs activities designed to tackle loneliness and promote wellbeing among older people. The grant is part of the Asda Foundation’s Better Together programme, which seeks to foster community connections and reduce isolation for vulnerable groups.
Organisers said the money will be used specifically to run a series of festive gardening sessions in November and December, giving members the chance to take part in hands-on activities, share seasonal refreshments and enjoy social contact at a time of year that can be particularly difficult for those living alone.
Local volunteers and supermarket staff involved
Janice Gibson, Community and Customer Champion at Asda Cookstown, presented a cheque to the Tuesday Club and underlined the role small local charities play in the town. In a statement she said: "I see first-hand through my role how small, local charities make such a big contribution to our community. I was delighted to present Jane and the team with a cheque to help them continue their work."
"As a small charity with a small income, we depend on funders to help us run our activities. This funding will make a big difference for our members, bringing people together to create some special Christmas moments. A huge thank you to the Asda Foundation."
The remark in the blockquote was made by Jane Ringland, secretary of the Tuesday Club, who emphasised how reliant the group is on external funding to maintain its weekly programme and to stage one-off events that members value.
- Organisation: Tuesday Club, Cookstown
- Venue: O4O, Cookstown
- Grant: £500 from the Asda Foundation
- Programme: Festive gardening classes in November–December
Why the support matters locally
Cookstown, like many towns across Northern Ireland, has a network of voluntary groups that provide social contact, practical support and respite for older residents and their carers. These groups often operate with limited reserves and depend on grants and donations to deliver activities that are free or low-cost for participants.
Local leisure and social opportunities can be particularly important during late autumn and winter months when shorter days and colder weather typically reduce casual social interactions. The Tuesday Club’s festive gardening sessions are intended to offer a structured, creative environment in which members can meet, learn a new skill and share refreshments — all while maintaining safe, welcoming conditions.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grant provider | Asda Foundation — Better Together Fund |
| Amount | £500 |
| Intended use | Festive gardening classes (November–December) |
Asda’s local store network has supported similar grassroots projects across Northern Ireland, focusing on initiatives that improve mental health, reduce loneliness and strengthen community ties. For the Tuesday Club, the latest award will pay for materials, refreshments and any specialist instruction required to run the seasonal sessions.
Group officers say they hope the activity will not only provide immediate enjoyment but also help sustain regular attendance by offering new reasons for existing and prospective members to join weekly meetings at O4O.
For residents interested in learning more about the Tuesday Club or attending the planned sessions, contacting the venue or club organisers directly is the best route for up-to-date information and any access requirements.
