#SICAPStories - Bealtaine 2022

Header: Jack’s Mystery Tour 2022 in full swing with delighted participants enjoying a great day out.

The Saoi Network, one of the longest established networks operating under the umbrella of IRD Duhallow, consists of 21 active retirement groups spread throughout the Duhallow region. The network focuses its efforts on making improvements to the quality of life and wellbeing of older people in the region through increased provision of services and supports. These target senior citizens and they facilitate social outing opportunities as well as promote the third Age concept.

The Duhallow Saoi Network was delighted to see a return of the Bealtaine Festival post COVID-19 restrictions and limitations in May of 2022 with many of the traditional favourite in person events back on the calendar. Bealtaine is a festival held throughout the month of May, which aims to promote actively ageing and encouraging older people to get involved in their community. Hundreds of older people throughout Duhallow got involved in events in their community with a wide range of activities from the Duhallow Dawn Chorus, Tea Dances, to Culture and Heritage evenings, as well as Chairperson Jack Roche’s Famous Mystery Tour, Walks, Day Time Cinema and the Duhallow Seniors Concert. The activities were greatly enjoyed by all with all already looking forward to next year’s events.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018 – 2022 provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. Administered by Pobal and funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development, it also receives funding from the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability Inclusion and Learning (PEIL)2014-2020