Cavan Community ENews 10.4.26
- 7 hours ago
- 26 min read
Welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups (564 as of this week!), 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 (Shaded are new items this week, but all are still relevant/in date)
FUNDING
1. FUNDING: Media Literacy & Disinformation
2. FUNDING: AI For Good Fund
3. FUNDING: Six Open Calls & Opportunities Locally
4. FUNDING: Community & Voluntary Grant Scheme 5. FUNDING: Community Services Programme
6. FUNDING: LEADER Programme Open 7. FUNDING: Outdoor Swimming Funds
8. FUNDING: LGBTIQ+ Fund
9. FUNDING: Animal Welfare Fund
TRAINING
10. TRAINING: Applied Community-Led Development for Wellbeing
11. TRAINING: Active Citizenship
12. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups
13. TRAINING: Cross-Border Funding Application Training
14. TRAINING: Invasive Species Training
15. TRAINING: Cavan Arts Festival Carnical School 2026
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: New Government Digital Wallet Consultation
17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Squirrel & Pine Marten All Ireland Survey 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Community, Enterprise & Volunteering Survey 19.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Diversifying Sports Volunteering 20.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: 7 Minutes to Change Social Innovation in Ireland 21.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Healthy Ireland Framework
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
22. Age Friendly & AI 23. Cavan Outdoor Recreation Forum Next Meeting 24. Autism Awareness Coffee Morning 25. Maximize Community Space Along Our Border 26. StreetFeast 2026 27. Refresh & Refocus Wellbeing Event 28. Discuss Rural Isolation in Swanlinbar 29- SunSmart 2026 Campaign 30- National Learning Network Open Day
31- Mental Health Matters Campaign 32 Improved Care for Older LGBTQIA+ People 33 Cavan Arts Festival 34- Supports for Social Enterprises 35- Nature Ireland's New Digital Hub
36- Calling Adult Educators Supporting Older Adults... 37- Save the Date: Cavan Community Summer Conference June 27th 38- Cavan's Best Kept Estate... Who Will It Be?
39 Cavan's Old Cures Event 40 Free Electric Recycling Day 41 Save the Date for Belturbet Spring Festival!
FUNDING
Media Literacy & Disinformation
Media Literacy and Countering Disinformation projects in 2026 - 13th Apr
Coimisiún na Meán has issued a call for submissions for funding to support Media Literacy and Countering Disinformation projects in 2026.
Media literacy describes a critical set of skills and knowledge that people need to navigate a complex
information environment. At the heart of media literacy is the ability to understand and critically evaluate media content - whatever the source - in order to make an informed decision about the use of media. These critical thinking skills are also at the heart of maintaining information integrity and media literacy is increasingly being recognised as a tool for helping to counter disinformation.
Deadline: 13th April 2026
More info: https://www.cnam.ie/media-literacy-countering-disinformation-call-for-submissions/
2. AI For Good Fund
Deadline 15th Apr
The AI for Good Fund is a capacity-building initiative to empower the nonprofit, social enterprise, community, and voluntary sectors, with the outcome of amplifying missions, strengthening communities, and advancing social innovation across Ireland.
This new initiative, with support from Google.org and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, will build pathways for responsible AI learning and adoption in Ireland. This is a €1.5 million total investment, with €750,000 matched by the government via the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Rethink Ireland want to hear from you on how best to tailor this project to harness AI in ethical, inclusive and impactful ways, to suit your needs.
This survey asks about your organisation profile, your current level of AI knowledge, understanding, and adoption in the workplace setting, and provides space for questions about AI technology that you might have.
At the end of the survey, you will have the exclusive opportunity to register interest for “Discovery Days,” a series of free, experiential AI learning workshops to be held nationwide across Ireland in 2026.
Deadline: 15th April 2026
3. Six Open Calls & Opportunities Locally
OPEN CALLS & OPPORTUNITIES 2026–2027
Six opportunities are now open for artists, youth groups, drama practitioners and creative communities across County Cavan.
Please share widely!
Townhall Arts Centre Gallery – Exhibition Proposals
Open to emerging, mid‑career & established artists in all visual artforms. Includes a €1,000 bursary.
Deadline: 24 April, 5pm
Townhall Arts Centre & Cavan Arts Studio Awards 2026–2027
3‑month studio residencies with a €6,000 bursary for professional artists.
Seeking work exploring contemporary culture, Cavan themes, or interdisciplinary practice.
Deadline: 24 April, 5pm
Ramor Arts Centre Gallery – Exhibition Proposals 2026–2027
Open to artists at all stages; selected on artistic merit, clarity and feasibility.
Deadline: 24 April, 5pm
Cavan & Monaghan Youth Arts Bursary 2026 – €1,600 Awards
Six bursaries (3 per county) for youth arts projects with a professional artist.
Deadline: 24 April, 5pm
Apply:https://www.youth.ie/.../cavan-monaghan-youth-arts... applications/
Cavan Co. Co. DLI Summer School Scholarships 2026
Two full residential scholarships for the DLI Summer School, UL (1–8 Aug 2026).
Includes tuition, accommodation & meals. Must already be booked on a course.
Deadline: 24 April, 5pm
Info: Drama League of Ireland – Summer School
Arts & Disability Connect – Round Two
Awards for artists with disabilities: New Work, Mentoring, Training & Research.
Deadline: 12 May, 4pm
4. Community & Voluntatry Grant Scheme 2026 Open
Community & Voluntary Grant Scheme 2026
The members of Cavan County Council have created a funding scheme in each of the three Municipal District areas for the purpose of supporting community groups in delivering and promoting projects in their areas such as small-scale amenity projects, purchase of equipment for community halls/groups, and materials, etc.
5. Community Services Programme
Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD has announced an Open Call for Applications under the Community Services Programme (CSP). The CSP Programme currently supports over 420 community-based organisations.
The overarching vision of the CSP Programme is to support community organisations that operate to deliver a social purpose, to offer services that meet identified needs and provide employment locally contributing to sustainable, inclusive and empowered communities.
Pobal will provide support to organisations interested in making a preliminary application to join the CSP Programme from today until the closing date for applications on 8 May 2026.
Following submission of a preliminary application that meets all eligible criteria, shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a full application to Pobal by 28 August 2026.
Information Events will be held for successful applicants applying for the programme on the week beginning 27 July 2026. This will ensure those applying to the CSP Programme are fully equipped with the information that they need to apply for this funding.
Information Session for Prospective Applicants
Pobal, on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, invites you to attend an Information Session for prospective applicants.
You can choose one of the following sessions:
Session 1:CSP Open Call 2026 Information Session 1Wednesday 8 April 2026Online, via MS Teams10am – 11:30amRegister here: Morning Information Session
Session 2:CSP Open Call 2026 Information Session 2Wednesday 8 April 20267pm – 8:30pmOnline via MS TeamsRegister here: Evening Information Session
We strongly encourage you to attend one of these sessions if you are interested in applying for funding. They will give you the information you need to prepare your application.
Please click on the relevant form title to view or download: Preliminary Application Form, Guidelines and a Frequently Asked QuestionsAn Irish version of the application from will be available from 10 April.
Closing Date for applications: 5pm, Friday 8 May 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Programme Manual
The CSP Programme Manual (version 6) brings everything you need to comply with the programme into one easy-to-use document, including: the programme’s Rules and Regulations, the Key Financial Requirements, Audit Guidance and Communication and Publicity Guidance.
Information Session for Successful Applicants
Information Events will be held for successful applicants applying for the programme on the week beginning 27 July 2026. This will ensure those applying to the CSP Programme are fully equipped with the information that they need to apply for this funding.
Details are available on the Pobal CSP webpage and on the Department's website and social media channels.
How to apply
Eligible groups can apply online at https://submit.link/4MD.
Please note that this scheme is retrospective. The festival or event must be between the period of 1st April 2026 –31st December 2026.
Please use the links provided to access the application form and any queries should be directed to Kimberly Tweedie on 049 437 8588 or by email ktweedie@cavancoco.ie
6. LEADER Programme OPEN
Cavan LEADER Programme 2023 - 2027 is OPEN and
accepting ‘Expressions of Interest’.
Unlock Funding Opportunities for Your
Community, Youth or Environmental
Project Today!
Cavan LEADER funding is available locally for community and other
voluntary groups to apply for support for a range of possible projects to a
maximum of €200,000 on an ongoing basis until the budget is exhausted.
In order to decipher if your project is eligible to progress to application
stage, FULLY complete an ‘expression of interest’ form and send to CCLD.
Submit your ‘expression of interest’ form now for funding to support your
community initiatives and make a difference. Full details on Cavan LEADER
23-27 and ‘expression of interest’ form is available from this link
https://www.ccld.ie/apply-for-leader-funding or the QR code below.
7. Outdoor Swimming Funds Announced
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy announces €400,000 funding for outdoor swimming initiatives
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has today announced €400,000 in funding to support participation in outdoor swimming across Ireland.
This is the third year of the Healthy Ireland initiative, which aims to support the growing popularity of outdoor swimming. Funding will be allocated to swimming projects nationwide to make them more accessible so that more people can enjoy the many health benefits of outdoor swimming. Applications for funding will be considered for designated swimming sites that wish to improve access, develop or improve changing facilities or purchase equipment to assist people with disabilities.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“This scheme will enable more people to enjoy swimming at Ireland’s many designated outdoor swimming locations.
“Open water swimming has many benefits for our physical and mental health and wellbeing and provides an opportunity for people to connect with others.
“By again improving the accessibility of our range of swimming locations at rivers, lakes and coastal spots, we can continue to build on its growth in popularity and support as many people as possible, across all ages, to participate.”
The funding will be administered by Sport Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health.
CEO of Sport Ireland Dr Úna May said:
“We're delighted to be working with the Minister and the Department of Health again following the 2026 funding allocation. Together with the National Swimming Strategy, these initiatives will help more people swim outdoors - including those who live far from a pool or face economic barriers to swimming.
"Our Local Sports Partnerships have already made real progress with local authorities on access, and we look forward to building on that with Healthy Ireland and Swim Ireland in the year ahead.”
Data from the Irish Sport Monitor 2024 confirms that swimming is the second most popular participation sport in Ireland, offering a unique opportunity for inclusivity across all of society. Sport and physical activity are hugely important for our population’s physical and mental wellbeing. The administration of this fund though Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships ensures that local needs and challenges are to the forefront of ensuring that the maximum return from this investment is achieved.
Following the receipt of applications, a determination of the allocation of funding will be made jointly by the Department of Health, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Sport Ireland, and Swim Ireland.
Applications for Healthy Ireland’s Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure Fund can be made to Sport Ireland via Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships.
In 2025, Healthy Ireland funding was allocated to 17 projects around Ireland, enabling broader participation by improving access, developing and enhancing changing facilities and procuring equipment to assist people with disabilities.
8- LGBTIQ+ Fund
2026 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Funding Call
There are two streams of funding under the LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund:
Scheme A is open to applications from existing LGBTIQ+ NGOs and community organisations working with the LGBTIQ+ community to support new initiatives and to maintain and enhance existing services and initiatives.
Scheme B will provide small grants to organisations for projects that promote visibility and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons.
Deadline: 30 Apr
9- Animal Welfare Fund
The amounts given to charities ranged from €4,000 to €2,606,825, with the average payment being €67,735. This funding recognises the importance of the role such charities play in caring for vulnerable animals, in education and awareness-raising to improve animal welfare, which is particularly relevant, for example, in encouraging responsible pet ownership.
TRAINING
10- Applied Community-Led Development for Wellbeing
The application date (April 15th) for the new Masters in Applied Community-Led Development for Wellbeing is fast approaching.
This part-time, Level 9, two-year programme has a focus on real-world applications and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
The programme, which has been developed in consultation with community development providers across the voluntary and public sectors, has the following design features
You will leverage real-life WORK-BASED challenges to address module assessment requirements and share learning across organisations to build capacity and enhance community well-being.
Using RESEARCH-BASED learning methods, you will explore and address relevant and interesting challenges to develop innovative and sustainable approaches to enhance community well-being.
This programme is suited to GRADUATES FROM A RANGE OF DISCIPLINES (business, social sciences, creative arts, engineering and science), given the multi-disciplinary nature of community development and wellbeing.
There are also programme options available with 60 credits, 30 credits and 15 credits.
Further information is available on https://www.mtu.ie/courses/tlshcwbm/ or make your query by return email. There is also a programme brochure and list of FAQs attached for your convenience.
11- Active Citizenship
This free, online, lunch time session on April 21, from 1pm to 2pm is aimed at demystifying local politics.
Led by SHE Programme Manager Michelle Maher, it will be delivered in an informative and relaxed way.
The Introduction to Politics 1 is for anyone who wants to start to build up a bit of knowledge about what their council does.
We begin by having a look at the idea of active citizenship. It’s a phrase you hear all the time when people talk about ‘getting involved’. But what does it actually mean, and how can you do it in real life? Join us, and become an active citizen.
12- Free Community Training For CavanPPN members Cavan PPN currently has a number of training courses available to our member groups.
They are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.
All the courses are online and places are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Your Move: A Women's Leadership Framework for Today
Upcoming Training:
A-Z of Data Protection – Becoming & Remaining Compliant with GDPR
Cavan PPN provides access to a number of other training opportunities, all focused on community & voluntary groups/organisations. For more information, please click here.
(Please note: you must be part of a member group of Cavan PPN to avail of these training courses).
For more information, and to register, please click on the link below: Events | Cavan PPN | Public Participation Network
13- Fund Application Training
Grants are open for applications to groups in Cavan of between €10,000 and €100,000 through the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme.
The programme is making funding available to support grassroots community groups and organisations to deliver cross community and/or cross border activity programmes.
Representatives of the programme will be in Cavan on Wednesday 22nd April and are facilitating one-to-one meetings with groups interested to apply.
If you would like to book a one-to-one meeting, to talk about a project idea, get advice on how to apply, or access support with a current application you can book a meeting by emailing changemakers@cooperationireland.org or phoning 02890 321462
The one to one meetings will take place at the following venue:
April | 22nd | Wed | 9am to 5pm | Cavan | Cavan County Local Development, Unit 6A, Corlurgan Business Park, Ballinagh Road, Cavan, H12 DP86 |
e
M: 07526 563124 (you can reach me by call, text or WhatsApp)
14 Invasive Species Training
Cavan communities training for the prevention and management of invasive species.
Cavan County Local Development is in the process of creating plans to offer community training on invasive species. This initiative aims to equip community groups, environmental organisations, landowners, and businesses in Cavan with essential skills and knowledge to:
• confidently identify invasive species, record & report species on invasives.ie (National Biodiversity Data Centre – NBDC) website.
• acquire eradication and disposal techniques for most common invasive species in County Cavan.
• establish/adopt a biosecurity policy for their community group & ensure biosecurity measures are followed.
• implement prevention and biosecurity measures to ensure that natural environment or water bodies are free of alien species, with measures in place to minimise risk or prevent unintentional introductions (public awareness campaigns).
• participate in a Training Meitheal. Hands on training at 3 different locations in Cavan to remove, eradiate & disposal of a commonly found local invasive species.
Three separate training programs will be held in County Cavan, featuring classroom sessions (May 26), hands-on workshops at demonstration sites, and a follow-up biosecurity care workshop. Each community group will receive materials to support their efforts, aiming to create a lasting legacy for ongoing biosecurity advocacy.
Further details regarding this free training opportunity will be updated to www.ccld.ie as soon as information is available about dates, times and venues.
If you live in County Cavan and want to receive more information about this training, please add your email address to our INVASIVES mailing list here. We will contact you as soon as details of the course are ready to share with you.
15 Cavan Arts Festival Carnival School 2026
Cavan Arts Festival Carnival School 2026
Drum it, dance it, make it, move it, step into the Carnival spirit this spring with Cavan Arts Festival’s free Carnival School workshops!
Running throughout April and May, Carnival School is a unique opportunity to get involved in a series of creative, hands-on workshops led by experienced artists. Choose from samba drumming, live music, movement, circus skills and creative making, and try something new in a fun and welcoming environment. These workshops are all about creativity, connection and enjoying the process.
Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in the Cavan Arts Festival celebrations this May, bringing colour, rhythm and energy to the town.
Workshops are free of charge, designed for adult participation, and places are limited.
Register your interest: admin@cavanartsfestival.ie
Stay tuned via our Website
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
16- New Government Digital Wallet Consult
We want to build a Government Digital Wallet that people trust and value. To support the development of the Government Digital Wallet programme, including drafting legislation and its rollout, we want to hear from you. To do that, we need to understand what you expect, what worries you may have, and how we can communicate about it in a way that is easy to understand. See full details at: Welcome to the Government Digital Wallet
17- Squirrel & Pine Marten Survey
We invite members of the public to assist with a new survey throughout 2026, to investigate the distribution of squirrels and the pine marten in Ireland. The National Biodiversity Data Centre has teamed up with University of Galway, Ulster Wildlife and Vincent Wildlife Trust in this research, which follows similar surveys conducted in 2007, 2012 and 2019. Since their introduction in 1911, the grey squirrel has spread throughout a large area of the island of Ireland. The red squirrel, impacted by competition and disease spread by the greys, has previously struggled and retracted in range as a result. In the most recent surveys in 2012 and 2019, however, the grey squirrel had been knocked back in certain areas, and this has been attributed to the recovery of another native species, the pine marten. In 2019, the red squirrel had recovered in some areas in the midlands, however, the grey squirrel continued to spread in the southwest and northwest.
Please submit sightings of red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens via the online record form, and include a photograph, if you have one.
18- Community, Enterprise & Volunteering Survey
Dear PPN Leaders,
Given your roles in communities across Ireland, I would like to ask a favour of you please if I may … 5 minutes of your time to contribute to research which is highly relevant for the community and social economy sector in Ireland.
Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI) is leading IMPACT – Integrating reMote Professionals for Action in Community Transformation, a new Erasmus+ project that aims to connect remote professionals, as volunteers, with social enterprises and voluntary groups across Ireland, helping to strengthen local efforts and impact for community-based activities and projects.
We are asking leaders and decision-makers of social enterprise and community organisations across Ireland to complete a short survey (link below) to help us shape tools and supports that will drive these connections for long-term and sustainable benefit to community-based activities.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IMPACT_Ireland_SE
Please also share this link with the community groups you engage with; we are encouraging as many relevant organisations and groups as we can reach to respond so that we can capture a strong response from the sector.
Le dea-ghuí,
With my best wishes,
Siobhán Finn
CEO
Community Enterprise Association Ireland
Tel: + 353 86 2872286
Email: siobhan@ceai.ie
19- Diversifying Sports Volunteering
As you know the consultation for the Diversify the Volunteer Base in Sport Insights Report is now underway. S3 Solutions are delighted to have been appointed by Sport Ireland to undertake this important research study, which aims to broaden the volunteer base.
The input of individuals (both volunteering and non-volunteering) from across the country is vital to inform the development of this research, which will directly influence practice within the sports sector at a local, regional and national level. We would deeply appreciate your assistance in raising awareness of the digital survey across your network of volunteers and any stakeholder organisations within your network who serve the needs of underrepresented groups, such as Women, People with Disabilities, Ethnic Minorities, LGBTQI+, Traveller/Roma Communities, Youth, and Older People.We are really keen to see the views of those currently volunteering and those who face barriers to volunteering reflected in the report recommendations.
This survey will provide us with insights into the experience of volunteers and non-volunteers as well as underrepresented groups which improve our understanding of the barriers to participation and the value gained from participation in volunteering also. It will take approximately 8 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed via the following link and will close on Monday 13th April 2026 at 5pm.
Information in relation to how this data is used is included in the introduction to the survey, please read this and if you have any questions about the survey or the process please do not hesitate to ask.
S3 Solutions and Sport Ireland would like to express their thanks in advance to everyone who completes the survey, sharing insights and recommendations which will help to increase diversity within the volunteer base.
20- 7 Minutes To Change Social Innovation in Ireland
If you’ve seen a problem, a need, or an opportunity to make a change for the better in your community, at any level, we want to make sure you get the support you need.
Whether you’re an established social innovator, supporting others within the ecosystem, or just starting down your path, your insights will help shape:
The supports we offer
How we deliver them
Who we reach
The impact we can make.
Your answers will shape and inform the tools we build and the priorities we adopt.
At the link above you'll find our brief survey which should take you roughly 7 minutes to complete and can be taken in English or as Gaeilge.
All responses are confidential and all responses are welcome!
Thank you for helping the New Solutions team in our mission to support and develop the Social Innovation Ecosystem in Ireland and beyond.
Rob
Rob Brown, Social Innovation Manager, New Solutions Social Innovation Hub
21- Healthy Ireland Framework
The Department of Health is currently undertaking a public consultation on the new Healthy Ireland Framework. They are inviting organisations and their networks to share their views and help shape the future direction of health and wellbeing policy in Ireland. The consultation is open until 22nd of April and submissions can be made online via the following link:
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
22- Age Friendly & AI
We are delighted to invite you to the official launch of the Age-Friendly AI Training Programme on April 13th 2026. Following a year of conversations across Ireland, this training directly reflects the hopes and concerns of older people. An ‘Introduction to AI’ is now being rolled out nationwide throughout public libraries in cooperation with the Local Government Management Agency.
Event Details
When: Monday, 13th April 2026
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm (followed by lunch and a chance to try interactive AI demonstrations)
Where: Johnston Central Library, (Farnham Centre), Cavan Town [Google Maps Link]
Special guest: Minister Niamh Smyth, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
Registration: Free of charge. Please register via Eventbrite via https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1986319089868?aff=oddtdtcreator. Alternatively, you can contact the library directly at Tel: 049 437 8500 to be added to the attendee list.
About Age-Friendly AI
Age-Friendly AI is Ireland’s national AI literacy initiative for older adults. Funded by Research Ireland and run by the ADAPT Centre and TU Dublin, the training initiative is the result of year-long public dialogue that has highlighted the hopes, concerns and vision of older adults for AI in their lives.
Agenda of the Age-Friendly AI Launch Event
The day will start with an introductory workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this session, we will cover what AI is, explore how it is already shaping sectors such as healthcare and banking, and talk about benefits and risks of AI.
Minister Niamh Smyth will then speak about the developments of Artificial Intelligence and the importance of staying informed about new technologies.
You are invited to stay on for lunch after the workshop and try our AI tools first-hand with our interactive AI demonstrations:
‘Spirit of the Radio’ - a vintage radio with a modern twist
Try to can spot the difference between human art and AI art with the Art or AI exhibit
See how your voice can control a lamp
Stay Updated
We will be rolling out this training programme across Ireland throughout 2026. Sign up for our monthly Age-Friendly AI newsletter to receive updates on future workshops and stay informed.
Spread the word about the event
We'd appreciate it if you could help spread the word by sharing this invitation across your networks or reshare on social media:
If you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail (agefriendlyai@adaptcentre.ie) or by phone (087 2815224).
23- Cavan Outdoor Recreation Forum Next Meeting
24- Be Part of Make Way Day
You’re Invited: Coffee, Scones & Community
Cavan Tidy Towns is hosting a special morning to support and celebrate our local autism community.
We’re gathering at the Fairgreen Community Garden. Whether you want to share your own experiences.
It’s also a great chance to chat directly with local council staff, Cllrs, and TDs. If you've been looking for info on available grants or community support, they’ll be right there to help.
Cavan Autism Parents Support (C.A.P.S.), an incredible group doing vital work for families in our county.
Bring the kids, bring a friend, and let’s make Cavan a little more inclusive together. See you there!
25- Maximising Community Space On Our Border
We, at Irish Rural Link along with our partners Rural Action are delighted to forward you a "Save the Date" for our upcoming PEACEPLUS Project Launch on the 29th of April, for Maximising Community Space along the 6 counties North and South of the Border.
Further information will be sent to you this week and we as the Project Officers for Irish Rural Link are available to answer any questions you may have in the meantime at MCS@irishrurallink.ie
With kind regards and best wishes,
Sharon
Sharon Morrissey, (She/Her)
Project Officer,
PEACEPLUS RiSE Project
Irish Rural Link
Unit 2A,
Moate Business Park,
Clara Road,
Moate, Co. Westmeath,
N37W9RO
Tel. 087 49 55 809
26- Street Feast 2026
We have so much to tell you about Street Feast 2026 on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May! We'd love you to join us and over 1,200 Street Feast hosts for Ireland friendliest neighbourly gathering.
First up: We've been working with our partners at Tesco to upgrade our Street Feast packs with a few surprises, including vouchers (you know - every little helps ;)).
AND... we're planning some great competitions with prizes to add a little magic to your Feast. We'll be announcing them on our socials and in our newsletters, so keep your eyes peeled.
It is truly going to be the best year yet and we'd love you to be part of it!
Now the days are getting longer and brighter, its time to seize the moment and celebrate the people who live around us.
Ready to host?
Register for your free party pack with all the essentials - bunting, invitations, posters and more - just go to www.streetfeast.ie
Hosting a Street Feast is easy, all you need to do is:
Pick a place – your street, local carpark, garden or community hall - anywhere will do!
Get inviting – use our party pack essentials to help get the word out!
Bring some food – ask people to rustle up their favourite dish and best baked goods to make a great picnic - or stick on the BBQ!
Enjoy the magic – connect with your neighbours, new and old!
27- Refresh & Refocus Wellbeing Event
We’re really looking forward to our upcoming Refresh & Refocus wellbeing event – a free evening designed to support parents and the wider community.
It’s happening on Tuesday 14th April 2026 in Cavan Library from 5:30pm–8:00pm, and it will be a relaxed, welcoming space to take a step back and focus on your wellbeing.
We’ll have guest speakers joining us to chat about:
Resilience building
Mental strength
Mindfulness and self-care
This event is open to everyone – parents, professionals, and anyone from the general public who feels they could benefit from a bit of time to recharge.
There’ll be refreshments served, and it promises to be an enjoyable, easy-going evening.
Spaces are limited, so if you’re interested, be sure to book your place. You can scan the QR code on the poster to get your tickets on Eventbrite.
We’d love to see you there
Kind regards,
Edel Smyth
Support Officer Co-Ordinator,
Cavan/Leitrim
Mobile: 087 220 2088
Email: edel.smyth@respond.ie
28- Discuss Rural Isolation in Swanlinbar
29- SunSmart Campaign
The annual SunSmart campaign is run by the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners. We are working together to support people to reduce their risk of skin cancer by protecting their skin from the sun.
The aim of the campaign is to reduce your risk of skin cancer by increasing awareness and engagement with the steps you, your family, friends and colleagues can take to protect your skin from the sun
This partner pack contains information, video links and image links for your use and to share with your own networks to support the 2026 SunSmart campaign.
30- National Learning Network Open Day
31- Mental Health Matters Campaign
We’d love to invite you and your network to take part in Mental Health Matters 2026 – a national campaign supporting meaningful, creative conversations about mental health across workplaces, communities and education settings in Ireland.
This is designed to be easy to engage with, whether you participate directly or share it with your clients, teams or communities.
How you can get involved:
Enter as an individual or organisation
Invite your team, clients or community groups to take part
Submit multiple entries across categories (Workplace, Community, Schools, University, Disability)
What makes this different (and easy):
We’ve created a free participation pack to remove the heavy lifting and help you engage people in a meaningful way.
It includes:
Clear, step-by-step guidance on taking part
Ready-to-use conversation prompts and activity ideas
Materials you can share internally or with clients
Simple ways to run this as a team or community initiative
Printable and digital assets to support engagement
This allows you to integrate the campaign into your existing work - whether that’s team wellbeing, client engagement, DEI activity, or community outreach.
No cost. No barriers.
Free to download resources
Free to enter and submit
Free to attend the national awards event
€250 prize per category + national recognition
Winning designs become national resources for World Mental Health Day
Supported by partners including An Post (limited edition postcards each year)
Why it matters for business and community:
This isn’t just a competition.
It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to:
Create space for meaningful conversations
Strengthen connection across teams and communities
Support early help-seeking and awareness
Demonstrate real commitment to mental health in practice
You can access the full resource pack here: https://www.mentalhealthmatters.ie/postercampaignresourcepacks
Whether you choose to take part directly or share it with your network, we would be delighted to have you involved in this growing national movement.
If you’d like support in how to bring this into your workplace or community, just let me know.
Warmly,
Barbara (she/her)
32- Outcomers Louth, Meath, Cavan & Monaghan
Outcomers provides supports across Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan for LGBT+ People and their families, and would love to ensure that while this meeting takes place in our community centre in Dundalk that services from Cavan have the equal opportunity to attend.
On Tuesday, April 14th, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Outcomers and LGBT Ireland are hosting an Information and Networking Event focused on supporting and caring for older LGBTQIA+ people in our community.
The evening will include:
- An introduction to the LGBT Champions Programme and what inclusive practice looks like in real settings
- A panel discussion featuring health professionals, community advocates, and an older LGBTQIA+ community member sharing lived experience
- Opportunities to learn about local supports, referral pathways, and capacity‑building resources
- Time to connect with others committed to inclusive, affirming care
This event is open to health and social care professionals, LGBTQIA+ community members, and anyone interested in strengthening inclusive practice for older people. You can find full details and register through Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/outcomers-caring-for-older-lgbtqia-people-in-the-community-tickets-1984043671029?aff=oddtdtcreator
33- Catch Up On Hedgehogs for a Live Zoom
You are most warmly invited to join us next Thursday 16th April at 5pm for the official launch of the Cavan Arts Festival Programme 2026 at Townhall Arts Centre, Cavan.
Guests will enjoy a first look at our 2026 festival programme, along with light refreshments and the chance to connect with fellow artists, collaborators, and friends of the festival.
We are delighted that Niwar Ismat Issa will welcome guests with a special acoustic qanun performance, followed by the official opening of our visual art exhibition, Retrofits by John Rainey.
We’re aiming, as always, for the perfect balance of the world’s shortest speeches, tastiest bites, and a great atmosphere. Come along, pick up your fresh-off-the-press programme, and celebrate the start of this year’s festival with us!
Please RSVP by emailing admin@cavanartsfestival.ie
Le gach dea-ghuí,
Cavan Arts Festival Team
--
A magical four days and nights of art and culture in the heart of Cavan Town
14th - 17th May 2026
34- Supports for Social Entrepreneurs
At Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI), we believe that those closest to the problems in our society are often the ones with the most innovative solutions. Local Development Companies are at the frontline of this work, and we know that many of the individuals you support in Cavan County Local Development are already acting as social entrepreneurs, even if they don't use that title yet.
I am reaching out to ask for your help in surfacing these "hidden" entrepreneurs for our National Call for Applications 2026. Applications are officially open from 23rd March to 20th April.
Why this is a fit for your clients:
The Ideas Academy: Perfect for individuals you work with who have a "spark" of a social idea but need a structured learning journey to move from research to a pilot phase.
The Impact Programme: For more established local projects ready to scale, offering funding and professional mentorship to ensure long-term sustainability.
How to share (Partner Toolkit): To make this as easy as possible, we’ve created a Social Media & Communications Toolkit. It contains ready-to-use captions, graphics, and stories of past participants like Tammy and Kim.
We would be incredibly grateful if you could include a mention of the National Call in your next community newsletter or share a post on your social channels.
Together, we can ensure that the most impactful ideas in Cavan County Local Development area get the support they deserve.
Warm regards,Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Team
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
Tel: 01 6853191
35- Nature Network Ireland's New Digital Hub
Nature Network Ireland is launching a Digital Hub. This will be a national home for groups working together to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Funded by Community Foundation Ireland and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the Digital Hub is a free-to-use directory, sharing space, and interactive map. We are inviting you to join this collective movement today.
Why should your group join the Hub?
Increase Your Visibility: Pin your location on our national map so the public, stakeholders, and partners can uncover the work happening in their own backyards.
Share and Access Resources: From event spaces and restoration sites to technical biodiversity training and collaborative campaigns, the Hub is a space to give and get support.
Work Together, Not Alone: Move from isolated local effort to a national network.By sharing knowledge and supporting each other, we can work collectively to reduce the effects of climate change across Ireland.”
Registration is free. Join the Digital Hub today and help us strengthen the national movement for nature:
Join the Digital Hub Here
36- Calling Adult Educators Suporting older Adults...
Limited spaces available — secure your spot today on the link below before doors close on Monday 6th April:
37- Save the Date: Cavan Community Summer Conference June 27th
38- Cavan Best Kept Estate
Calling all Cavan estates, we have seen and heard about great work being done in estate by their residents and have been decided to look for Cavan Best Kept Estate.
Send us photos, summary or any information you have on work that has been done in your estate since last summer by May 1st
We will be naming the winning estate and providing them with an award.
39- Cavan's Cures Event
Join us as Sarah McKenna Dunne launches her powerful new book exploring the people of Cavan and surrounding counties who hold “the cure” — an ancient tradition still alive in modern Ireland.
For two years, Sarah travelled the region meeting healers, collecting stories, and asking:
Who are the people with cures?
How did they get them?
Why do they continue the practice?
Can these traditions be passed on?
Featuring artwork by Margaret McKenna and photography by Lorraine Teevan, this book offers a rare insight into a disappearing tradition.
Cavan County Museum
8 May 2026
7:30pm
Suitable for all ages — especially those who love storytelling, heritage, and local history.
Booking advised - contact Cavan County Museum
049 854 4070
This project is funded by CreativeIrl and Cavan County Council through Creative Cavan Open Call Grants.
40- Free Electrical Recycling Drop Offs in Cavan
ERP Free Electrical Recycling Drop Off Events 2026
Ballyjamesduff – The Mart
Thursday, 9 May 2026
10am to 4pm
Virginia – Lidl Car Park
Saturday, 20 June 2026
10am to 4pm
You can drop off any household item with a plug, cable or battery — big or small — including TVs, washing machines, IT equipment, power tools, mobile phones, battery‑operated toys, wireless earbuds and even used vapes!
41 Save the Date for Belturbet Spring Festival!
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