Community Services
Through Comharchumann Forbartha & Fostaíochta Árainn Mhór (CFFAM), a wide range of community services are delivered to support everyday life on Arranmore Island.Our work focuses on strengthening the social, economic, cultural, and environmental wellbeing of the island by providing inclusive programmes and accessible facilities for people of all ages. From youth activities, family supports, and education programmes to recreation, health and wellbeing initiatives, and community events, CFFAM plays a central role in island life.We also support local development through tourism initiatives, training opportunities, and community-led projects, ensuring that services remain responsive to the evolving needs of residents while helping sustain a vibrant and resilient island community.
Community Meeting & Event Space
CFFAM provides accessible meeting rooms and event spaces that support local groups, organisations, and initiatives. These facilities enable community meetings, training sessions, cultural activities, and social gatherings, helping to strengthen civic participation and community engagement across the island.
CFFAM provides structured activities and programmes for children and young people throughout the year, including camps, workshops, and recreational activities. These initiatives offer safe and supportive spaces for young people to learn new skills, build confidence, and develop positive social connections within their community.
Youth & Children’s Programmes
Education, Training & Digital Access
CFFAM supports lifelong learning through a range of education and training initiatives delivered at the community centre. Our computer suite and training facilities allow us to host digital skills courses, adult education programmes, and community workshops. These programmes help residents develop new skills, access online services, and explore opportunities for employment or enterprise.
Café an Bolgam Beag
The CFFAM Community Café serves as an important social hub where residents and visitors can gather in a welcoming environment. The café provides light refreshments while creating opportunities for social interaction, community engagement, and informal support networks. It also contributes to the local economy by supporting employment and providing a welcoming space for community events and meetings.
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 12:30 - 18:00
Saturday: 12:30 - 19:30
Gym & Health Programmes
CFFAM operates a community gym that promotes health, wellbeing, and active living for people of all ages on Arranmore Island. The facility provides accessible fitness equipment, group exercise sessions, and wellness programmes that encourage regular physical activity and social interaction. The gym also supports rehabilitation, healthy ageing, and preventative health initiatives within the community.
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 12:30 - 18:00
Saturday: 12:30 - 19:30
SAS Monitored Alarms
The Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS), managed by Pobal, provides funded, monitored personal alarms to people aged 65+ of limited means to support independent living in Ireland. It covers installation and the first year's monitoring, with alarms connecting to a 24/7 helpline via pendant/wristband. Delivered on Arranmore by CFFAM.
SAS WEBSITEPost Office
In 2023, when the future of postal services on Arranmore Island became uncertain, CFFAM recognised the importance of maintaining a local post office for the community. Access to postal services is vital on an island, particularly for older residents and those who rely on services such as pensions, bill payments, and everyday postal needs.Working closely with An Post and with the support of the local community, CFFAM stepped forward to establish and operate the Arranmore Post Office from within the community centre. The initiative ensured that essential services remained accessible on the island and prevented residents from having to travel to the mainland for basic transactions. It is the only Community run Post Office in Ireland.Since opening, the post office has become an important and reliable service point for the island, providing postal, financial, and government services while also strengthening the role of the CFFAM centre as a central hub for community life on Arranmore Island.
Opening Hours:
Mon - Wed: 9:00 - 14:00
Thu - Fri: 9:00 - 16:30