Equality and Social Inclusion

Equality & Social Inclusion

Equality and Social Inclusion in Duhallow:

While the theme of equality permeates through each of IRD Duhallow ’ s various functions, the specific remit of social inclusion is central to IRD Duhallow ’ s Equality Working Group. The function of the Equality Working Group is to champion and prioritise the needs of underrepresented groups in the Duhallow area through the promotion of strategic and supportive actions aimed at mitigating the impacts of social exclusion and disadvantage. With a diverse membership the working group consists of representatives who have given long-term voluntary service to the group and newer members who have become more recently involved.

In recent months there has been a changing landscape in Duhallow, due to the influx of Ukrainian refugees to the region. During the period 20212022 a number of supportive actions and events were undertaken, which were all underscored with the theme of valuing the diversity of Duhallow. In 2021 IRD Duhallow was allocated funding to produce series of articles entitled ‘Integrating Communities by Placing a Spotlight on Inclusion ’ . The outcome of this was the submission of a series of articles to the Discover Duhallow magazine highlighting the positive aspects of inclusion and the damaging impacts of social exclusion. Some of the articles submitted included information on the nine grounds of discrimination, inclusion in the workplace, the benefits of education in creating an equitable society and also a number of recipes for sharing. The result of this broad spectrum project was the promotion of the greater inclusion of minority groups by highlighting rights based issues impacting people from underrepresented backgrounds living locally.

A fixture in the IRD Duhallow calendar for many years, the annual multicultural Christmas event took place in December 2021 in Trade Union Hall Kanturk. IRD Duhallow ’ s Equality Working Group acknowledges that Christmas can be an isolating and difficult time for those without preestablished links to a locality. Therefore, the theme of the night was ‘Embracing Diversity at Christmas Time ’ . The purpose of the event was to encourage connections between people living in the area. The attendance spanned from people who were new to the locality and those who are already resident in Duhallow.

In November 2022 Transition Year Students from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Rathmore, Millstreet Community School, Scoil Mhuire Kanturk and Coláiste Treasa Kanturk participated in a series of on line workshops under the Duhallow Diversity Awareness Project. Funded through the Community Integration Fund the students participated in workshops which specifically dealt with the issue of impact of exclusion, the importance of using thoughtful language and acknowledging people with a lesser say. Awareness was raised on the nine grounds of discrimination and students participated in highly interactive workshops dealing with migration with a key focus on the demographic profile of the local Duhallow area. With an emphasis on self-development these bespoke workshops encouraged all attendees to consider how inclusion involves all members of the community working together. Reflecting on Irish society discussions were held on labelling and stereotyping. Students then collaborated in a closing forum whereby they engaged in a discussion on the key attributes of their school communities which add to the diversity of the Duhallow area. The very impressive presenters gave a unique insight into the diversity of their own schools spotlighting the interesting aspects which make their school communities unique and different. The message from the students was very clear –“ we are all connected, we should all be respected” .

IRD Duhallow ’ s Equality Working Group coordinated the provision of a number of hurleys and helmets for the use of children living in the Drishane Direct Provision Centre in Millstreet. Thanks to the Social Inclusion Community and Activation Programme this support was made possible. The purpose of this project was to encourage young people to become involved in sporting activities and to establish connections through playing sport with their contemporaries. It is hoped that having access to the adequate equipment required to play, young people will be supported to take up sport.

Children Fabian and Jakub enjoy their meeting with Santa Claus at the SICAP supported multicultural Christmas event in Trade Union Hall Kanturk in December 2021.

Children enjoying having their faces painted at the LEADER supported Day of the Regions Family Fun Day held in Millstreet in May 2022, promoting inclusion of multiple nationalities in the region.

Students who participated in the Duhallow Diversity Awareness Project from Scoil Mhuire Kanturk along with their teacher Ms. Crowley, Principal Mr. Denis Keating and Nollaig Murphy Development Officer IRD Duhallow.

Majella Canty of IRD Duhallow at a Social Inclusion trip to Fota Wildlife Park. This trip for refugees and asylum seekers was funded by EY and facilitated by Fota Wildlife Park.

A group of children enjoy meeting Paw Patrol’ s Chase at the LEADER supported Day of the Regions Family Fun Day held in Millstreet in May 2022, promoting inclusion of multiple nationalities in the region.