Cavan Community ENews 1.8.25

Daniel Downey
Jul 30
26 min read

Welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups, partner agencies and funders. The deadline for submitting to cavanppn@gmail.com is noon Wednesdays and we can only take community focused news. Please note that views/items contained within our ENews may not reflect the values/policies of CavanPPN.

Many Thanks, The CavanPPN Team (Aisling, Finian & Daniel). info@cavanppn.ie, CavanPPN, CCLD, Corlurgan, Cavan. H12 X9Y1

CONTENTS

FUNDING

1. FUNDING: Historic Structures Fund 2025 OPEN!

2. FUNDING: Twinning Towns Fund 2025

3. FUNDING: Community Climate Action Fund OPEN!

4. FUNDING: National PPI Festival Fund 2025 5. FUNDING: CUAN DSGBV Funding

6. FUNDING: Arts & Disability Connect Fund 7. FUNDING: National Integration Fund

8. FUNDING: Destination Development Tourism Programme Support

9. FUNDING: Full Circle Awards 10. FUNDING: The Rural Action Scheme

TRAINING

11. TRAINING: FREE TRAINING FOR CAVANPPN MEMBERS 12. TRAINING: Sustainable Sewing Workshop 13. TRAINING: The Bee Barn Workshops 14. TRAINING: Irish Wasps Training 15. TRAINING: Youth Environmental Awareness Workshops 16. TRAINING: Community Addiction Studies Course

SURVEYS/CONSULTS 17. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Community & Voluntary Government Strategy Consult 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Eco Arts & Culture for All-Cavan Artists & Writers Survey 19. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: European Pillar of Social Rights 20. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Bord na Mona Rehabilitation Plan Review 21. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Soil Health Survey

EVENTS & OTHER NEWS

22. Dog & Pet Show

23. Tidy Towns Appreciation Day

24. Tesco Summer Food Collection Call: Bailieborough, Cavan & Virginia 25. Gathering of the Clans, A Celebration of Cavan Town's Past 26. Loughanleagh Moonwalk & Bilberry Sunday 27- Mullagh Fair Day 2025 28- Ballinagh Heritage Event 29- Cavan Needs Tiny Forests & Cavan Needs YOU! 30- Creative Access Production 31- FASD Awareness Day 32- Check If It Fits RSA Comes To Cavan 33- ALONE Newsletter 34- The Green Ribbon Campaign

35- Vacant Property News 36- Killeshandra Loop of the Lakes 37- Blacklion Heritage Week 38- Single Use Plastic Initiative 39- Disability Federation News 40- Earth Overshoot Day Passes 41- Annual Charity Dog Show in Moynehall 42 Fraochainin Bailieborough 43 Ancient Celtic Cavan Art 44. CavanPPN Mid Way Through 2025 45. Jampa Ling Open Day 46. Bawnboy Festival 47. Summer Drama & Craft Camp

48- VOICE Ireland Calls Out Packaging Waste 49- Taskforce on Mental Health & Addiction Publication

FUNDING

2025 LGBTQ+ Community Fund

Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026

Minister James Browne TD and Minister Christopher O'Sullivan TD have announced the opening of funding schemes for built heritage and historic thatched buildings BHIS2026

Grants are available of up to €50,000 for the conservation and protection of historic buildings, as well as grants of up to €20,000 available under dedicated stream for owners of thatched buildings.

Applications can be made to Cavan Heritage Office, Cavan County Council no later than 26 September 2025.

Historic Structures Fund 2025 - Cavan County Council

2. Call Town Twinning 2025 Call Town Twinning 2025 - 17th September

Call for proposals for cities and towns to carry out Town-Twinning projects in order to promote intercultural dialogue by bringing people of different nationalities and different languages together and giving them the opportunity to participate in common activities. Project budgets are expected to range between EUR 8.455 and EUR 50.745 per project.

This is a call for proposals for EU action grants in the field of Citizens’ engagement and participation under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Value Programme (CERV).

Deadline: 17th September 2025

More info: https://errin.eu/calls/call-town-twinning-2025

3. Community Climate Action Fund

Expressions of Interest now welcomed from Community Groups interested in applying for the Community Climate Action Fund.

This fund is expected to open in the coming months. Community groups must book their clinic times in advance, please make contact with our Community Climate Action Officer, Tara Smith by emailing tarasmith@cavancoco.ie.

Information Clinics are scheduled throughout August in the following libraries:

-Wednesday 13th August – Johnston Central Library, Farnham Street, Cavan Town

-Friday 15th August – Cootehill Library, Bridge Street, Cootehill

-Wednesday 27th August - Virginia Library, Main Street, Virginia Community Climate Action Fund 2025 - Cavan County Council

4. National PPI Festival Fund

The overarching goal of this seed funding is to to offer supports of €1000 to assist University of Galway staff or students, all patient & community organisations and individual PPI contributors to host a National PPI Festival event in October that aligns with the festival’s aims (see National PPI Festival 2025 Guidance Document for detail).

The support funds can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including refreshments and catering, design and print, creating accessible information, venue hire, PPI contributor involvement, equipment hire, facilitators hire, interpreters hire, and software or equipment costs. The Festival Fund is for National PPI Festival activities only and cannot be used to fund a research project or to cover staff costs.

Full details on: National PPI Festival Fund - University of Galway

5. CUAN DSGVB Funding

Cuan, the National Agency for coordinating Ireland’s response to Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV), is pleased to announce that additional funding has been secured to support the work of DSGBV services nationally.

This funding aims to consolidate and strengthen existing services, to expand service provision and submissions for funding should align with the objectives of the Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on DSGBV.

This funding will be allocated to Cuan funded DSGBV service providers and to new applicants where eligibility criteria have been met.

Priority areas for investment include:

Enhanced capacity building and training for staff and boards of Cuan funded services
Expansion of sexual violence services for adults and adolescents
Expansion of specialized interventions and supports across all DSGBV services for marginalized and diverse groups
Expanded access to evidence led perpetrator programmes.

Note: the deadline for this funding call is Tues, 5 August 2025.

Emails to services@cuanagency.ie.

More info: Cuan Funding Call 2025 – Information for Service Providers

6. Arts & Disability Connect Scheme

The Arts and Disability Connect scheme is designed to support artists with disabilities to be ambitious, to develop their practice and to connect with arts organisations and arts professionals in the Republic of Ireland.

Deadline: 7 October

Arts and Disability Connect funding | Artists | Arts & Disability Ireland

7. National Integration Fund

The Integration Fund supports communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants, with a specific focus on people seeking international protection.

Funding is made available to organisations to carry out integration projects at a national, regional or local level. Organisations eligible to apply include local community groups, charities, faith-based groups, formal and informal schools and cultural organisations. Applicant organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis.

Deadline: July 31st More details at Integration Fund

8- Destination Development Programming Support

Fáilte Ireland Destination Development Programming Support 2025 - 30th Oct

The Business Development Team in Fáilte Ireland strives to support travel trade in Ireland to sustainably grow their revenue in support of our corporate priorities, of regional distribution of Ireland's tourism business and season extension of that business. This includes supporting new programming for business across our four programme brand areas (Wild Atlantic Way, Dublin, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands), and extending the tourism season.

The Destination Development Programming Support is focused on:

The creation of new programmes for Ireland

Support establishing Ireland as a leading sustainable tourism destination

Supporting the tourism industry in achieving government targets for carbon emissions and energy efficiency by 2030

Driving regional distribution of business, supporting a sustainable visitor economy that drives revenue into local areas across our four programme brands

Driving season extension of business across our four programme brands

Deadline: 30th October 2025

More info: https://www.failteireland.ie/Identify-Available-Funding/Destination-Development-Programming-Support-2025.aspx

9- Full Circle Awards Hi there,

I hope you’re doing well. My name is Eibhlin, and I’m the Community Liaison for Circular.ie, working with the Rediscovery Centre, Ireland's National Centre for the Circular Economy. I know CECAS has worked with the centre previously on the Paint Reuse Network and I wanted to introduce our new Circular.ie project that may be of interest to you. Circular.ie is a 5-year, government-funded project designed to build knowledge and understanding of local initiatives focused on waste prevention, repair, reuse, and rethinking. Our aim is to foster greater awareness and action around circular economy principles, supporting communities across Ireland in adopting more sustainable practices.

We’re thrilled to announce the Full Circle Awards, recognising everyday heroes who are making extraordinary efforts across Ireland's circular economy. With prizes of €2,000, these awards will help winners scale their circular initiatives and inspire community action nationwide.

Do you know someone breathing new life into household items? A teacher sparking sustainability in the classroom? Or a neighbour organising clothing swaps and sharing events? Now’s your chance to celebrate their efforts and give them the recognition they truly deserve.

The categories are:

Repair and Reuse Champion - For individuals who regularly repair, repurpose, or extend the life of items — including clothing, tools, furniture, or electronics.

Community Circular Champion - Honouring people who lead or support community initiatives like sharing libraries, swap events, food waste solutions, or local repair cafés.

Creative Circular Artist - For those who transform waste materials into art, furniture, décor, or other creative expressions through upcycling.

Circular Living Advocate - For individuals who live by and promote zero-waste, low-impact lifestyles — including educators, content creators, and everyday role models.

Best Community Campaign - Shining a light on the best campaigns that Circular Economy community groups are running in Ireland.

Young Circular Star (Under 18) - Celebrating children or young people leading the way in sustainability and circular thinking — in school, at home, or in their community.

More at www.circular.ie

It would be great if you could share this with community groups or people in your area that may be interested. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Kind regards,

Eibhlin Fitzpatrick

(she/her)

Community Training and Outreach Facilitator

Rediscovery Centre

The National Centre for the Circular Economy

The Boiler House, Ballymun Road, Ballymun, Dublin 9, D09 HK58, Ireland

Rediscovery Centre is a registered charity: RCN 20070106

10- The Rural Action Scheme

We are delighted to be able to advise that the Rural Action Awards Scheme has reopened. The scheme is currently in its 4^th year and seeks to support a further 4 community projects from this current call for applications, which closes on 20^th August 2025.

Visit Rural Action Awards - Rural Action for details on how to apply.

The Rural Action Awards Scheme, is aimed at supporting rural communities celebrate their own achievements:

Rural community-based organisations in Northern Ireland, or the border region of Ireland have the opportunity to apply for and be in with a chance of securing £1000 or €1000 towards their chosen community project
The scheme is open to constituted rural community-based organisations including charities, not for profit community groups, sporting and cultural organisations, heritage groups, Parent Teacher Associations, youth groups/clubs and social enterprises.
4 recipients will be chosen at random for this call.
Simple application form and verification process with evidence of constitution and bank account in group name required if successful.
The scheme seeks to support practical, tangible and timebound projects where the project must complete within 12 weeks
The scheme is open for applications now and will close on 20^th August 2025
Previous successful Award recipients cannot reapply for 12 months from the date of their last entry
For Terms & Conditions and how to apply visit www.ruralaction.co
Keep an eye on our social media (Facebook) for updates and details of successful awards

TRAINING

11- FREE TRAINING FOR CAVANPPN MEMBERS

Cavan PPN is delighted to present a number of training courses to our member groups. These are provided by The Carmichael Centre and are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.

(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).

All the courses are online and self-paced (with a period of access to each course).

We have a limited number of places on the following courses.

The Role of the Chairperson
How to Take Meeting Minutes
The Role of the Treasurer
Financial Management for Non-Profits
Risk Management

For more information, and to register, please click here.

We also have a funding webinar coming up on July 1st. This online webinar is provided by The Wheel and is available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.

Writing your EU Funding Application

"Are you planning to apply for EU funding but need some help getting started? Whether it’s your first time applying or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, this session will help you better understand what makes a strong, successful application."

For more information, and to register, please click here.

12-Sustainable Sewing Workshop

Booking is essential!

To save your spot please email:

Dowratidytownsworkshops@posteo.ie

Spaces are limited !

13- The Bee Barn Workshops

14- Irish Wasps Training

The National Biodiversity Data Centre has just launched a new online course for the identification of Ireland’s social wasps.

Social wasps play an important role in our ecosystem. As predators, they help to control populations of other insect species. They also like to visit flowers and are underrated pollinators. With the new online course, you can learn how to identify Ireland’s 7 social wasp species, as well as where to find them, how to search for them and how to record your sightings.

The course is free and can be accessed via the NBDC online learning platform here: How to identify and record Ireland’s social wasps

15- Youth Environmental Awareness Workshops

The Fermanagh Trust in partnership with Cavan County Local Development are thrilled to invite young people aged 17–25 from Fermanagh and Cavan communities to be part of our upcoming Youth Environmental Awareness Workshop Series — a lively, hands-on opportunity for growth, learning, and impact.

This series offers a space to:

Explore topics like biodiversity, water quality, nature conservation and grow your own food
Connect with others through interactive sessions and open dialogue
Gain leadership skills and meet local changemakers

Whether you're a student, athlete, artist, or simply someone curious about making greener choices, there’s something here for you, this workshop series is designed to be inclusive, energising, and deeply rooted in local voices.

We’d love to see members of your organisation represented. Could you share this opportunity with your youth network or let us know of anyone who would be interested?

We’ve attached promotional content with workshop dates, session details, and registration info for your convenience.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Annette

Environment Workshops September 2025.mp4

16 - Community Addiction Studies Course

Community Addiction Studies Course ©

A 20-week course to enable people living or working in the community to become more effective when they encounter drug/alcohol misuse or addiction

Areas covered include:

Pharmaceutical information on drugs and their effects; Process of addiction;

How addiction affects individuals, families, communities;

How individuals and communities can be more effective in their response;

Develop their own skills and knowledge and complete individual course work.

Course Dates (Provisionally): Tuesdays 10am – 1pm, beginning Tuesday 2nd September – 27th January 2026 (no classes on over festive holidays 23rd and 30th December)

Location: MQI CAMDAS, Acot House, Drumnavanagh, Farnham Road, Cavan

Cost: €270.00

Completed applications should be returned by 5pm on Friday 15^th August

For further information & application form contact: Stephanie Kane - North East Regional Drugs & Alcohol Task Force,

Email: stephanie.kane@nedrugtaskforce.ie

Applicants may be requested to take part in an interview before being selected for a place (short listing may apply).

We will contact you via email to arrange an interview date & time.

Accreditation: URRÚS / Ballymun Youth Action Project has agreed its quality assurance procedures with QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland). The programme is accredited as Community Addiction Studies QQI Award (Minor) Level 5 - Further Education and Training.

SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS

17- Community & Voluntary Survey for Government Strategy

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, today (Thursday, 3 July) announced the commencement of a stakeholder consultation on the development of a new Government strategy to support the sector.

The consultation will give organisations across the community and voluntary sector an opportunity to contribute to the new strategy. The Minister made the announcement on a visit to community projects supported by East Clare Community Co-operative Society Limited.

The announcement to develop a new whole-of-government strategy acknowledges the important role played by the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. It will reinforce the progress made under the current strategy: Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 2019-2024, which was extended into 2025.

The new strategy will look to build upon the structures, achievements and objectives of Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities for the upcoming period 2026 – 2030. The development process itself will be rooted in the agreed set of values and principles for collaboration and partnership working with the community and voluntary sector at national and local level. These provide for foundation for all consultation, collaboration and partnership working between the community and voluntary sector and central and local government.

The development of the new strategy will be led by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in collaboration with the Cross-Sectoral Group on local and community development. The Department will engage with national and local government and key stakeholders from the community and voluntary sector.

The new strategy will set out clear objectives, and specific actions to be implemented in a collaborative manner.

You can access the survey and find more information below:

Public Consultation on a new Strategy to support the Community and Voluntary Sector in Ireland

The deadline for submissions is 15 August.

All responses received will be treated in confidence.

18- Eco Arts & Culture For All Cavan Artists & Writers Survey

I’m sharing the link to the Eco Arts & Culture for All - Cavan Artist and Writer survey, developed as part of the Creative Cavan-funded project in partnership with Cavan Connects - to support inclusive, cross-cultural, and sustainable creative expression in the county: https://forms.gle/WmmoAsDihbjGxSvn6

I would greatly appreciate if you could circulate this survey among your networks. It is open to artists and writers across all disciplines and backgrounds—with a particular focus on migrant, LGBTQIA+, disabled, emerging, and underrepresented creatives. Their responses will directly shape the platform and help build meaningful opportunities for visibility, connection, and collaboration.

19- Consult on Euro Pillar of Social Rights

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the implementation and future direction of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU’s roadmap for a fairer, more inclusive Social Europe. Consultation open until 10 September 2025This is a chance for citizens, civil society, and organisations to share views on how the first Action Plan has made an impact and what the next Action Plan should prioritise, among other areas, is the fight against poverty.Take part by completing the online questionnaire. Details HER

20- Bord na Mona Rehabilitation Plan Review Dear Stakeholder,

As required under BnM’s Integrated Pollution Control Licences, regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we are required to undertake a review of our rehabilitation plans and outcomes for rehabilitation commenced in 2022. These rehabilitation plans were submitted to the EPA, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) in 2022.

Prior to this, the Rehabilitation Plans for these Bogs were circulated to stakeholders circa December 2021, and they were made available for viewing on www.bnmpcas.ie, where they can still be accessed. The outcome of the consultations and observations received were included in the subsequent rehabilitation plans submitted and approved.

As part of these requirements, BnM wishes to invite further communication with you, as an interested stakeholder, to provide any comments and observations on a defined questionnaire, since the completion of the rehabilitation plans. The closing date for receipt of submissions or observations is 4 weeks from the date of this email.

Please make your submission via the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/k8dEn6rMa2

Submissions or observations should include your name and email address and, where relevant, details of any organisation, community group, or company, etc., which you represent.

Written submissions or observations with respect to this consultation, which are made within the period stated, will be compiled and responses included in a synopsis in the review.

Kind regards,

Stephanie Golding

—

Stephanie Golding

Quality & Energy Management Officer

Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland, W12 XR59

www.bnm.ie

21- Soil Health Survey

Dear Public Participation Network,

My name is Aine Sperrin and I am working on a Horizon Europe funded project called E-SPFDigit, https://e-spfdigit.eu/. The aim of the project is to develop technological tools to support soil health. As part of the project we are seeking responses to surveys from as many people as possible who are involved in using soil for work or leisure. This survey targets stakeholders across the entire Farm to Fork chain—including farmers, cooperatives, companies, academia, NGOs, and citizens or their associations.

I would be extremely grateful if you could circulate the survey among your networks. It is a European wide project and I am keen to ensure Irish perspectives are adequately reflected in the project findings.

The survey link is here:

https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Stakeholdersperspectivesonprotectionandmanagementofsoilforfoodproductionandtheuseofdigitaltools

Kind Regards,

Aine

EVENTS & OTHER NEWS

22- Shane's Sponsored Skydive

23- National Permaculture Gathering

24- Tesco Summer Food Collection Cavan, Bailieborough & Virginia

This year’s Tesco’s Summer Food Collection will run from Monday, 28th July to Monday, 4th August, between 11 am and 6 pm daily.

We’d love to invite You to take part in the following location:

Store: Tesco Cavan ,Bailiebrough & ViriginaTime: 11 am – 6 pm (flexible based on your availability)

You’re welcome to choose the days that work best for your volunteers. If you’re unable to attend every day, the donation trolley can remain in place, and we’ll ensure any items collected are stored safely until the next day.

Given the short notice we would need to know ASAP if you are available.

We kindly ask that volunteers engage with customers, thank them for their donations, and take the collected items with them at the end of the day (or earlier if needed). We may need to scan one trolley through the till to record a value, but we’ll make this process as quick and easy as possible.

About the Summer Food Collection: Tesco Ireland is encouraging customers to support local groups by donating non-perishable food items during this week-long Food Collection. A suggested shopping list will be displayed at store entrances to guide donations.

Spreading the Word: If your group has social media pages, we’d love for you to share your involvement and encourage your community to donate. Please tag us so we can help amplify your message:

Facebook: @TescoIreland
Instagram: @Tescoirl
Twitter/X: @TescoIRLnews

For further information contact -

Lisa McEvoy

Community Team – Area 421

Lisa.McEvoy@tesco.com

086 8754024

Tesco Gresham House, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

‘While it suits me to send this email now, I do not expect a response or action outside of your own working hours’

25- The Gathering of the Clans, Celebrate Cavan's Ancient Past

26- Loughanleagh Moonwalk & Bilberry Sunday

Moonwalk 2025 - August 9

This year's Moonwalk will take place on Saturday, August 9, at Loughanleagh. Starting from the main picnic area at 7pm sharp, the walk will follow the Adrian's Way Loop (approx. 4.5km). €10 entry with all proceeds going towards local Cancer charities. Refreshments will be served afterwards. All are welcome.

Bilberry Sunday - a July tradition

Have you ever wandered around Loughanleagh Mountain and noticed the bilberries? Known as fraughan, from the Irish fraochán, these little blueberry-like gems were traditionally picked on the last Sunday of July and during the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh in August. People believed the bilberry crop was a good omen for the rest of the harvest season. At Loughanleagh, the four Sundays leading up to the Fair of Muff (on August 12) were dubbed "Bilberry Sundays", when people from all over would gather to pick bilberries, have picnics, and dance on a makeshift dancing deck.

While the dancing deck may no longer be there, the bilberries are still a welcome annual treat! This recent wet weather has had an impact on the Loughanleagh bilberries, but if you do manage to get your hands on some, Darina Allen from Ballymaloe Cookery School suggests gently crushing them with a sprinkle of sugar and a drizzle of rich pouring cream. Simply delicious!

More info at pro.loughanleagh@gmail.com email and my number if needed 087 3355068 The Eircode is A82 YFY6

27- Mullagh Fair Day 2025

28- Ballinagh Heritage Event

Step back in time and discover some of the history and heritage of Ballinagh! The event is completely FREE and there will be some light refreshments on the night too. So come join us Wednesday August 20th in Ballinagh Community Hall from 7pm to 9pm!

29- We Need YOU To Help Cavan's Tiny Forests Grow

What does a Tiny forest look like? Check out what your tiny forest could look like in just 3 years in this video clip by Daniel our forester; https://youtu.be/PPCJwnfq57w?si=SpEdBcuQne5AYqeg From mown grass to a tiny forest in the making …take a peek at how much these pocket-sized powerhouses look like just a few years after planting! Daniel Monaghan, forester and trainer on the Cavan LEADER Tiny Forest Initiative, shows how your own native mini-forests could soon be thriving with biodiversity!

Only a few spots left! Free training, resources and trees available to plant a tiny forest in your local area (up to 25m2). Create a green space for your community, get outdoors and have fun learning new skills! Training starts this September—don't miss it!

Fill in our quick expression of interest form: shorturl.at/gvxYJ
Or contact: rgrimes02@outlook.com

NOTE: Did You Apply to the Cavan Community Tiny Forest Initiative? Let’s Make Sure We Got It

If you submitted an expression of interest for the Cavan Tiny Forest initiative in recent weeks and haven't been contacted, please email Roisin at rgrimes02@outlook.com. There may have been a glitch with online form. A few spaces are still available, so get in touch soon if you're keen to be involved!

30- Creative Access Production

Open Call: Creative Access Production Programme 2025

Disrupt Disability Arts Festival is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking new professional development opportunity for artists, arts workers, and producers passionate about Creative Accessible Production.In 2025/’26 we are launching our first Creative Access Production Programme, designed to revolutionise the role and skill sets of producers in Ireland by embedding accessibility into every stage of the creative process.offering a groundbreaking opportunity for PAID Professional Development.

Full details on: Creative Access Production Programme 2025 – Disrupt Disability Arts Festival

31- FASD Awareness Day

FASD Ireland (the national organisation based supporting people across Ireland living with FASD) warmly invites you to a special in person event in honour of World FASD Awareness Day 2025, celebrating the lives and contributions of adults living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD):

FASD in Adulthood: Celebrating Lives, Building Inclusive Communities

Date: Tuesday, 9th September 2025

Time: 10am until 1pn

Location: Buttermarket, Drumbiggle, Ennis, County Clare

BOOK: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1484587845209?aff=oddtdtcreator

This event is a celebration of the individuals who live with FASD and a call to action for businesses, employers, community leaders and anyone with an interest to join us in creating more inclusive, supportive environments for neurodiverse adults.

What to Expect:

Personal stories from adults with FASD that highlight their journeys and achievements
Expert insights into how workplaces and communities can better support neurodiversity
Practical tools for improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Networking opportunities with advocates, professionals, and changemakers

Whether you're an employer seeking to enhance your DEI practices, a service provider, a community member passionate about understanding neurodvelopmental conditions or inclusion, this event offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate.

Let’s come together on World FASD Awareness Day to honour the voices of those with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and build a future where everyone belongs.

Please do circulate this to your teams and networks - your support in promoting this event for our organisation would be great appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you, and if you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes

Scott

Scott Casson-Rennie

Director of Operations & Deputy CEO | Stiúrthóir Oibríochtaí & Leas-Phríomhfheidhmeannach

E: scott@fasdireland.ie | T: 065 670 3096 | W: www.fasdireland.ie

51 O’Connell Street, Ennis, County Clare, V95 YY19

32- Check If It Fits RSA Comes To Cavan

This August the RSA’s Check it Fits service will be visiting County Cavan and Meath. Did you know it’s the law that all children under 150cms or 36kgs must use a child car seat appropriate to their weight and height. In Ireland as many as 54% of child car seats are incorrectly fitted which can lead to serious injury or even death in a collision. Since the start of the service, the RSA’s ‘Check it Fits’ Service has checked over 70,000 child car seats and restraints in Ireland.

The Check it Fits service is quick, it’s easy, it’s free. On the day our experts will advise on how to fix any problem, demonstrate how to fit the restraint correctly and answer any queries participants might have. Our experts aim to put parent’s, grandparent’s and guardian’s minds at ease that their child’s car seat is safely and securely fitted in their car.

We will be visiting the following locations in Cavan and Meath:

Aldi Cavan, Co. Cavan	10.00am - 5.30pm	Tuesday 05 August 2025
Smyths Toys Navan RP, Co. Meath	10.00am - 5.30pm	Wednesday 06 August 2025
Aldi Ashbourne, Co. Meath	10.00am - 5.30pm	Thursday 07 August 2025

We would be delighted if you could help us to raise awareness of child safety in cars by letting colleagues, friends, family members and any other relevant contacts know about our upcoming visit to Cavan and Meath. We have included a copy of our poster which may be useful for promoting the ‘Check it Fits’ Service in your workplace and local community also.

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please let us know for more information on the service visit www.checkitfits.ie.

Kind regards

The Check it Fits Team

Click here to view our calendar of locations www.rsa.ie/checkitfits

Click here to like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/RSAIRELAND

33- ALONE Network News letter Link

We’re delighted to share the latest edition of ALONE Network News, bringing you updates from across our partnership network.

You are receiving this newsletter as we value our relationship with you as part of a service collective that works hard to help older people age at home.

This communication serves to build a stronger community where sharing of resources, ideas and learnings can make the process of ageing at home in Ireland improve every day.

ALONE Network News Issue 5, 2025

Also with a stronger community of partner organisations we can create greater change in the areas that we all work in and for the older people that we work with.

We very much want to engage in a two way conversation with all partners and interested parties, that will offer us all endless opportunities for learning, innovating, growth and campaigning together.

Please enjoy the latest edition of our Partnership Newsletter

34- Green Ribbon Campaign

“Step Up to Stamp Out Stigma”

Please find presentations attached and a link below to a Webinar on Shine’s Green Ribbon campaign and how we can all get behind it to play our part in stamping out stigma about mental health and help-seeking across the four north east counties of Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan.

We know that mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to reaching out and asking for help with mental health difficulties.

That’s why the Green Ribbon Campaign is such an important annual campaign. It is a pivotal opportunity for us to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health difficulties and help break down barriers to help seeking by encouraging people to talk more openly about mental health difficulties and to help normalise help seeking.

The Green Ribbon acts as a symbol of solidarity, encouraging us all to engage in open conversations and break down the barriers surrounding mental illness and help-seeking.

The Webinar can be accessed at the link below and has inputs from three Speakers:

Emer Mulligan, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention; presentation on Stigma (from start to 10:32)
Derek Pepper, Regional Manager with Shine; presentation on the work of Shine (from 10:32 - 26:31)
Kieran Murphy, Green Ribbon Co-ordinator with Shine; presentation on this year's Green Ribbon campaign (from 26:31 - 39:04)

https://padlet.com/Green Ribbon Campaign Webinar

Order a supply of Green Ribbons here: https://www.shine.ie/advocacy/green-ribbon-campaign#Green-Ribbon-Order-Form

Download a Green Ribbon Supporters Pack here: https://www.shine.ie/green-ribbon-supporters-pack

Ways to Support Shine | Green Ribbon Campaign 2025:

Display Green Ribbon branding at your business locations, outlets, or offices. Ribbons are provided free of charge — order here
Host a workplace event such as a presentation from one of our ambassadors, a mental health awareness session, or encourage staff participation in external Green Ribbon initiatives. We can provide guidance and support for these activities.
Light up your building(s) in green during September to show solidarity and support.
Join our Workplace Programme, a six-step framework designed to foster an open, honest culture around mental health, supported by expert guidance, research, and resources.

35- Changes to VPRG

36- Loop of the Lakes

Hello everyone we are back with this years Loop the Lakes... so saved the date......

SATURDAY THE 30TH OF AUGUST 2025...

online registration will be up and running soon so keep an eye on our page for updates.

All Proceeds in aid of SOSAD Ireland, Focus Resource Centre and C.A.P.S

37- Blacklion Heritage Week

Blacklion Heritage Week Event, Saturday August 16th

2pm - 4:30pm: Meet at Lough MacNean Recreational Facility for a field trip on the water, guided by Bridget Keehan and Robert Northridge of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI)

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/B8wX8cvnR2xVmqvf9

4:30 pm: Meet at The Market House for refreshments

4:45pm -5:45pm: Cameraless photography workshop in response to the field trip with artist Sinéad Curran.

5:45pm -6pm: Event conclusion.

Dress appropriately, wear wellies, waterproof gear, walking areas will be challenging.

This event has been organised in conjunction with Blacklion Tidy Towns and Sinéad Curran as part of the Vanishing Veins project.

Kindly supported by Cavan Heritage Office and Cavan Arts Office.

To book this event: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1461868480979?aff=oddtdtcreator

The walk will be led by Bridget Keehan and Robert Northridge of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI), a charitable organisation that promotes the study, understanding and enjoyment of wild plants. Bridget is Ireland Officer with BSBI, and coordinates the work of botanical recorders across the whole of Ireland. Robert is an expert botanist and BSBI County Recorder for Fermanagh.

Sinéad Curran is a visual artist with a multidisciplinary practice that intersects histories, science, language, ecologies of natural environments and place. The Vanishing Veins project is supported through Cavan Arts office and brings together a community of care that can come together to better support the biodiversity of wetlands surrounding Cavan’s lakes and rivers: record, develop a greater understanding of how we can conserse water quality and native species through a range of approaches that include citizen science, mapping and local action.

38- Single Use Plastics Initiative

The Killarney coffee cup project is an example of a grass root organisation leading transformative change with over 70 business in Killarney partaking in this initiative. A case study on the Killarney coffee cup project was commissioned by the Department of Climate, energy and the Environment. The results of which are now available as part of an information kit available in the following link: https://localprevention.ie/topics/killarneycoffeecupproject/

Part of the information kit includes an Insights document which outlines the strategic objectives for both Killarney and other towns throughout Ireland. The information kit is a valuable resource for other towns and communities across Ireland who may wish to replicate this initiative. We are also closely monitoring other pilots to enrich the knowledge base and support communities in their sustainable choices.

I would ask you to consider this information as part of your monthly bulletin, we are aware there are many community groups who may find this useful. We would also ask that you further disseminate this Information Kit to businesses or groups that you are in contact with.

39- DFI Newsletter

This month's Disability Federation news is here! Click here to view this email in your browser.

40- Earth Overshoot Day Passes

Earth Overshoot Day 2025:

Humanity Exhausts Nature's Annual Resources by July 24

On June 5, 2025—World Environment Day—the Global Footprint Network announced that Earth Overshoot Day will fall on July 24 this year. This marks the date when humanity's demand for ecological resources and services exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. In 2025, this means that in just under seven months, we will have consumed the planet's annual budget of resources, effectively operating in ecological deficit for the remainder of the year.