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Cavan Community ENews 19.6.26

  • 2 days ago
  • 25 min read

With over 40 pieces of news this week (including several new funds and new community training) welcome to your weekly ENews. Our news is compiled weekly from our over 500 member groups (569 as of this week!), partner agencies and funders. The deadline for submitting to cavanppn@gmail.com is noon Wednesdays with the title 'ENEWS ITEM' and we can only take community focused news. Please try to ensure that items fit to one A4 page for ease of reading by recipients. 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: Full Circle Sustainability Awards

2. FUNDING: LAWPRO Small Grant Event Scheme

3. FUNDING: National Heritage Week Applications Open

4. FUNDING: BUPA Green Community Awards 5. FUNDING: AIB Community Fund Deadline Today!

6. FUNDING: Power to Participate Disability Fund 7. FUNDING:  Ireland Against Racism Fund

8. FUNDING: Culture Night Open Call

9. FUNDING: Coca Cola Thank You Fund 10. FUNDING: Team Ireland Community Fund 11. FUNDING: Maximizing Community Space Deadline Today!


TRAINING 12. TRAINING: How to Stop the Spread of Invasive Species 13. TRAINING: New Community Training Courses for PPN Groups 14. TRAINING: Upcoming Parenting Programs


SURVEYS/CONSULTS

15 SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Rising Community Insurance Survey 16.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Active Learning Focus Group

17.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Your Experience of Research in Ireland 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Social Enterprise Consult 19.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Public Consultation on Pre-Budget 2027 Submissions 20.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Shape Europe's Digital Future 21.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Traveller Mental Health Consultation 22.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: 1st Consult on Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan 23.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Identify Cavan Bathing Sites Near You NOW! 24.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: The Disability Act Consultation



EVENTS & OTHER NEWS 25. Cavan Social Prescribing 26. How to Respond to Misinformation and Report Disinformation 27. Rural Proofing Webinar 28. Civil Society & EU Sustainability 29-  Nugent 100, A Historic Event in Cavan County Museum 30- Moonwalk At Loughanleagh

31-State of Caring Report on Ireland's Carers 32 -Your Council Day 2026 33 - Three Provinces Festival in Arva 34- Save the Date: Cavan Community Summer Conference June 27th 35- RSA Check If It Fits Comes to Cavan 36- News from Our Local Suicide Prevention Officer 37- Family Open Day In Museum 38- CavanPPN Stands with Pride 39- Ambient Festival in Killykeen Forest!!!







Below: Our Summer Community Seminar is next week. Though it is free, booking is essential:




FUNDING

  1. Full Circle Sustainability Awards

Hi there,

I hope you are well. I am delighted to announce the launch of the Full Circle Awards 2026, Circular.ie's celebration of Circular Champions! These awards recognise outstanding individuals and groups who are making reuse, repair, repurposing, sharing and upcycling part of everyday life across the country.


The winners will receive:


  • €2,000 prize to support their circular work

  • Unique handcrafted trophy made from upcycled materials

  • Media exposure through Circular.ie and associated press

Award categories include:



  • Repair and Reuse Champion

  • Community Circular Champion

  • Creative Circular Design

  • Circular Living Advocate

  • Best Community Campaign

  • Circular Sports Champion


We're looking for people who are genuinely making a difference through their circular practices and inspiring others to follow suit.



We would be grateful if you could help us reach more potential nominees by sharing this announcement with your networks and colleagues who might be connected to circular economy initiatives.  Here is a Google Drive folder that includes a press release with details of the awards, a social media carousel, launch photos and A4 poster PDF's.



Photo caption for launch images: "Eibhlin Fitzpatrick, Community Manager, Circular.ie, launching the Full Circle Awards 2026 at The Rediscovery Centre, Ballymun, Dublin" Photo Credit: Mark Stedman



Nominate your Circular Champion here:   Full Circle Awards 2026



The nomination deadline is July 24th, so we encourage submissions to be made as soon as possible.



Thank you for helping us celebrate and support Ireland's Circular Champions!

 



2.    LAWPRO Small Grants Events Scheme

LAWPRO Small Grants  & Events Scheme - 31st Oct*


This grants scheme is for community groups to apply for small scale initiatives and events outside of LAWPRO's targeted open calls. It covers events such as World Wetland Day, Biodiversity Week, Science Week, etc. It may also be used for small awareness raising initiatives such as surveys and plans, citizen science, hosting a meeting, workshops, litter pick, publications, biodiversity signage, or other such small scale initiatives. Applications must have a water quality or water awareness focus.  


Deadline: *None stated, but all expenditure must be incurred before 31st October and grants must be drawn down before 6th November 2026




3.  National Heritage Week Applications Open

Cavan County Heritage Office, in association with The Heritage Council, invites community groups and organisations to get involved in National Heritage Week 2026! There were over 62 events in Cavan in 2025 and this year promises to be even better!

This year’s theme, “Heritage at Risk", encourages us to explore the aspects of our heritage that are vulnerable or under threat - from historic buildings and archaeological sites to traditions, skills, and natural habitats.

Do you have an idea for an event, talk, walk, workshop, or activity? This is your chance to share your local heritage and be part of this important national celebration. 

Applications are now open.

Closing date: Friday, 26th June 2026




4.     Bupa Green Community Grants

Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants - 30th June


Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants offers funding to charities, not-for-profit organisations, local authorities and social housing providers to make local places and spaces greener – ensuring happier and healthier communities across the UK, Republic of Ireland and the Channel Islands.  


Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants support practical projects which help both people and planet health with grants of up to £2,000 to make a positive difference to local communities. 


The scheme is open to non-fee-paying schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, Republic of Ireland and the Channel Islands.


Deadline: 23:59 on Tuesday 30 June 2026



5.   AIB Community Fund

AIB Community €1 Million Fund 2026 - 19th June


The AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables customers, the public and our employees to support the local charities that matter most to them, within their region. The Fund supports charities across six regions in Ireland, Northern Ireland & Great Britain.


AIB will once again allocate €700,000 to charities chosen by its customers and the community, while €300,000 will be donated to charities chosen by employees. Anyone, including AIB customers, employees, and the general public, can nominate a registered charity


As they celebrate 60 years of AIB in 2026, they’re marking this milestone by strengthening that commitment and adding an extra once-off €60,000 to the AIB Community €1 Million Fund. This will provide an additional €10,000 per region, enabling them to support even more local projects and initiatives in our communities.


The 2026 AIB Community €1 Million Fund is now open.


Deadline: 5pm 19th June 2026



6.        Power to Participate Disability Fund

Power to Participate Fund for Disabled Persons’ Organisations - 26th June


Power to Participate: Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement Fund 2026 will make individual grants available to organisations that are led by and include disabled people so they can work with Government Departments on policies and initiatives to deliver on the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.


This commitment is in line with obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to ensure that disabled people and their representative organisations are included in the development and delivery of policy and legislation that affects their lives.


Grants will help provide Assistive Technology, support training, help the organisation register as a charity, establish their board, support them to grow and more.


Deadline: 26th June 2026



7.      Ireland Against Racism Fund


Ireland Against Racism Fund 2026 - 1st July


€1.4m is being made available to applicant groups operating at national, regional and local level to support the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism.

The overall objective of this fund is to provide funding for national & regional projects, as well as local initiatives, that aim to combat racism and foster racial equality and community cohesion.

The grant scheme is open to applications from existing non-government organisations and community organisations that have a specific focus on anti-racism initiatives.


Deadline: noon on Wednesday 1 July 2026



8- Culture Night Open Call


 Call for Applications – Culture Night Cavan 2026!

Cavan Arts and Cavan County Council are delighted to announce Culture Night 2026 will take place on Friday 18 September, from 4pm until late!

Tá lúcháir ar Ealaíon an Chabháin agus ar Chomhairle Contae an Chabháin a fhógairt go mbeidh Oíche Chultúir 2026 ar siúl Dé hAoine, an 18 Meán Fómhair, ó 4in go déanach san oíche!

We’re inviting artists, creatives, community groups and organisations across County Cavan to get involved in this vibrant, all-island celebration of culture, creativity and the arts.

 Funding available: €250 – €1,200

 Deadline: Sunday 28 June at 8:00pm

Culture Night brings people together to experience culture in all its forms – from arts and heritage to music, performance, Irish language, community initiatives and more. Please ensure where possible projects that inclusive, accessible, and engaging for diverse audiences.

 To apply, you will need to upload:

• A budget (Word or Excel)

• An image you have permission to use promoting the event

To apply scan the QR code or Click: https://forms.office.com/e/N8Bu5yrmLy

 Please ensure all sections of the application form are completed and submitted.

Let’s make it a night to remember!




9- Coca Caola Thank You Fund


Coca Cola Thank You Fund 2026 - 26th June


Grants between €5,000 and €15,000 are available to support community-based projects focused on inclusion, wellbeing and future work readiness.


These projects should empower young people aged 16–25, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, to become work-ready, skilled and engaged citizens.


Projects may include initiatives focused on employability and skills development, education access and progression, or wellbeing and personal development.


In 2026, over €2 million will be invested in almost 200 non-profit organisations across the island of Ireland.


Deadline: Friday 26th June, 2026




10- Team Ireland Community Fund

SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund 2026 - 8th July


SPAR and EUROSPAR, proud partners of Team Ireland, are delighted to launch the Team Ireland Community Fund – a €60,000 fund designed to support local sports clubs across Ireland.  We’re looking for clubs that are Hungry for Success – groups that are making a real difference in their communities and could benefit from funding to help them go further.


A total fund of €60,000 is available, with 30 clubs set to receive €2,000 each.


If you’re involved with a local sports club, now is your chance to apply for funding to support your future plans – whether that’s new equipment, facility upgrades, or initiatives to help your club grow.


Deadline: 8th July 2026





11- Maximizing Community Space Deadline Today


Maximising Community Space programme aims to support groups who own or manage community spaces and want to increase usage, improve access, and make their space work better for local people, encouraging greater shared use and participation across the wider community. They will be providing Leadership support, Inclusive activity planning, Networking & shared learning.  Specific focus on strengthening women’s leadership within rural community organisations, ensuring women are supported, visible and empowered in decision making roles. There are 40 spaces across the six border counties. Closing date for submitting the Expression of Interest form is Friday 19th June 2026 at 12 noon




TRAINING



12- How to Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

Join Oisín Ó Néill, Nature Advocacy Officer with the Irish Wildlife Trust, and Mary Reynolds, founder of We Are The Ark and nature activist, for a webinar discussing current invasive species policy, invasive species management, and the Nature Restoration Law, plus what to avoid planting in your garden and the importance of planting native species.



Oisín has been working hands-on in invasive species removal for many years and advocating for policy change at a national level. Mary has been actively helping people to rewild their gardens for years and is a passionate advocate for the importance of planting native species instead.



Registration essential: Webinar Registration - Zoom






13- 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.


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



14- Upcoming Parenting Programs





SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS



15- Rising Insurance Premiums for Communities Survey

Rising insurance premiums are a major challenge for many charities and community groups. The Alliance for Insurance Reform needs your help by completing its annual insurance survey. 

It takes less than one minute, and the information gathered is shared with government ministers, national media and others to highlight the ongoing challenges that insurance costs pose to community and voluntary groups across the country.


The questions are straightforward and general, with no specific financial information required.

The Alliance has secured major reforms of the insurance and personal injury claims landscape in Ireland, with reductions in the volume of claims and the size of awards. Unfortunately, this has yet to translate into meaningful reductions in premiums for many organisations. This survey helps show what is happening on the ground and supports the case for further action.

Survey link:


16-  Active Learning Focus Group

We are hosting an in-person Focus Group for people who are interested in upskilling and learning and development in the community and voluntary sector. If you are an active learner who works in the sector, we want to hear from you! 

When: 9.30-12.00 on Thursday 23 July  

Where: Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor’s Lane, D08 YPP9 

Your input is really important to us as it helps us to plan our work for the coming years based on what the sector tells us it needs.  

In exchange for your knowledge, we will provide tea and pastries and a lovely opportunity to network with colleagues from across the sector in a central Dublin location, the Guinness Enterprise Centre. 

Just to be clear, you do not have to be responsible for training in your organisation, we really want the lived experience of staff who want to upskill (not just the manager) involved, so we would really love your input. 

Where do I sign up?   

If you wish to attend, please register your interest here by 19 June, 2026:  Online registration form for Sector Training and Skills Focus Groups 2026 

We look forward to welcoming many of you on the day.  

If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to reach out to Ciara: ciarapower@wheel.ie



17- Research in Ireland Consult

Today marks the launch of the Research in Ireland Barometer 2026, a national initiative led by Research Ireland - Taighde Éireann to understand how people across Ireland experience and relate to research in their everyday lives.

 

We are seeking your support, through the Public Participation Network, to share this survey with community groups, voluntary organisations, and local stakeholders. Hearing directly from communities is essential to ensure that research policy and funding better reflect people’s lived experiences, priorities, and needs. This survey is for anyone aged 16 and resident in Ireland and will be open for three months. We are particularly keen to reach voices that are not usually included in conversations about research.

 

We would greatly appreciate it if you could circulate the survey link and QR code across your networks.

 

We are also running community focus groups nationwide over the summer, and this survey will help ensure those discussions reflect a broad and diverse range of perspectives. Your support will help ensure that the findings are inclusive, representative, and meaningful - ultimately informing how Research Ireland and the wider research system engage with society in the future.

 

If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out. You can find more information on our website too.


18-  Consult on Social Enterprise

The National Social Enterprise Census is currently underway and we would highly encourage all social enterprises to take part.The Census is an important opportunity to ensure that the contribution, impact and needs of social enterprises are accurately captured and reflected in future policy, funding and support initiatives.Completing the survey should take approximately 23 minutes and your response will help build a stronger evidence base for the sector.You can access the survey here:https://panel.amarachsurveys.ie/S2/159/SEL37/

We encourage you to complete the survey as soon as possible and to ensure that your organisation's voice is included in this important national exercise.



19-  Public Consultation on Pre-Budget 2027 Submissions

Public Consultation on the Pre-budget 2027 Submissions

The Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development annually invites public submissions as part of its pre-Budget scrutiny of the Department of Social Protection, and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

This consultation allows stakeholders, such as community groups, NGOs, academics and members of the public, to outline priorities, highlight gaps in existing supports and propose policy change. The process strengthens parliamentary oversight and ensures that lived experience and sectoral expertise feed into the budgetary process, particularly on issues such as income supports, poverty reduction, and rural development. The Committee is also interested in hearing how such proposals may be funded or provided for in the context of a defined budgetary package.

The Committee will consider suitable written submissions received and may decide to invite a selection of contributors to public hearings, should it be considered necessary. The Committee intends to publish a ‘Pre-Budget Submission’ Report based on its own knowledge, the information received through these submissions, and its engagement with stakeholders throughout the year. A copy of this Report will be forwarded to the relevant Ministers for their consideration in advance of Budget 2027.

What to include in your submission

Your submission should comprise the submission document and a separate covering letter. This allows the Committee to publish your submission without your contact details. Submissions in other formats (video, for example) can be facilitated subject to communication with and further guidance from the Committee Clerk.

In the covering letter, please include:

  • your name, email address and contact telephone number

  • if the submission is on behalf of an organisation, your position in the organisation

  • a brief outline of why you are making the submission

  • an indication of whether you would be willing to appear in public session at a committee meeting

In the submission document, please include:

  • a brief introduction, for example, explaining your area of expertise

  • any factual information that you have to offer from which the committee might be able to draw conclusions, or which could be put to other parties for their reactions

  • links to any publications you refer to; there is no need to send such publications as attachments

  • any recommendations to the committee; be as specific as possible and summarise your recommendations at the end of the document

  • if your document is more than ten pages long, an executive summary of the main points made in the submission

  • please remember to number your pages.

 

How to send your submission:

Please email an electronic document (searchable PDF or equivalent) to the clerk of the Committee, Eoin Hartnett Eoin.Hartnett@oireachtas.ie

Submissions in other formats (video, for example) can be facilitated subject to communication with and further guidance from the Committee Clerk.

Please do not send hard copies of your submission, as this may cause confusion and duplication.

Please do not send your submission to individual committee members. The Clerk will ensure all members receive copies of all submissions.



20-  Shape Europe's Digital Future

Have your say in shaping the digital future of Europe's social economy!

As part of this study, Eurofound is conducting an online survey addressed to social economy organisations throughout the European Union. 

By taking part, your organisation helps increase the visibility of the social economy within Europe’s digital transformation and ensures that its specific characteristics and needs are adequately reflected in EU-level analysis and policymaking.




21-  Traveller Mental Health Consult


Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler announces a new consultation process to inform the development of the Traveller Mental Health Action Plan

Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler TD today announced a series of consultation sessions with the Traveller community which will be hosted by Traveller organisations, including Exchange House Ireland, Pavee Point, the Traveller Counselling Service and the National Traveller Mental Health Network, to inform the development of a new Traveller Mental Health Action Plan.

In addition, an online survey has been opened for anyone who is interested in contributing to the consultation. The consultation process – including consultation sessions and online survey – will be open between now and the end of July 2026.

The Traveller Mental Health Action Plan is co-developed by the Traveller Mental Health Specialist Group, which was formed by the Department of Health under the structures of the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) for Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy, at the request of Minister Butler, in January 2026. The Specialist Group aims to deliver the Action Plan by the end of the year.

The Specialist Group is chaired by Dr Fiona Keogh and membership is drawn from the NIMC, Government Departments, the Health Service Executive (HSE), Traveller organisations, and members of the Traveller community with lived and living experience of mental health difficulties. The Specialist Group is also supported by a Lived Experience Reference Group which is facilitated by Exchange House Ireland and the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF).

The consultation process will ensure that the lived and living experience of Travellers continues to play a central role in delivering a new Traveller Mental Health Action Plan.

Minister Butler said:

“Publishing the Traveller Mental Health Action Plan is a priority for me. I have listened to and engaged with Travellers from across the country and the message I heard was clear. We need a cross-government and culturally appropriate plan to address the disproportionate rate of suicide in the Traveller Community. The voices of Travellers must inform the plan to ensure it delivers meaningful change. I want to encourage members of the Traveller Community to take part in the consultation and have your voices heard.”

If you are a member of the Traveller community and would like to participate in a consultation session to help develop the Traveller Mental Health Action Plan, you can register your interest at the following link: Traveller Mental Health Action Plan Consultation Sessions – Fill in form.

If you would like to take part in an online survey, which is open to anyone, and to inform the development of the Traveller Mental Health Action Plan, you can do so at the following link: Traveller Mental Health Action Plan Online Survey.

In recent Budgets, Minister Butler has prioritised Traveller mental health and funded a number of dedicated initiatives, with combined additional funding of €780,000 over the past two years. The additional funding has been used to expand counselling service capacity and develop more culturally appropriate mental health supports with the Traveller community. As a result, the number of clients supported by the Traveller Counselling Service increased by 50% towards the end of 2025 compared with the previous year.



22- 1st Consult on Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan

 The Department recognises the importance of consultation and wishes to make the process of preparing Ireland’s draft NRP as open and transparent as possible by allowing members of the public and interested stakeholders to make submissions that will inform and shape the development of Ireland’s draft NRP, specifically to:


23.SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Identify Cavan Bathing Sites Near You NOW!

Local authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use.  To help with this process, Cavan County Council is asking people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing designated bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area designation to areas that are commonly used for swimming, but not identified at the moment.


24- Disability Act Consult

The purpose of this consultation process is to inform the review of the Disability Act in its entirety.

Recent reforms have focused on Part 2 of the Disability Act because of the urgent need to make the Assessment of Need (AON) process more effective and efficient for children and families. Further information on these targeted reforms can be found here. The review of the Disability Act in its entirety will involve a detailed consideration of Part 2 and other reforms that may be needed to advance the implementation of the UNCRPD.

The review will also include examination of the Programme for Government commitment to place an autism strategy on a legislative footing.



EVENTS & OTHER NEWS


25- Cavan Social Prescribing





26- How to Respond to Misinformation & report Disinformation

"Small actions, repeated consistently, help build communities that resist misinformation."

The 'How to Respond to Misinformation & Report Disinformation' brochure is now available on the Cavan PPN website.

Please see the link below - click on the 'Misinformation & Disinformation' tile.




27-  Rural Proofing Webinar


Friday 26 June 10am-12pm

You are invited to ERCA Webinar on Rural Proofing on June 26 2026 11.00-13.00 CET

The webinar will discuss Rural Proofing at both National and European level and discuss the importance of rural proofing by policy makers. The webinar will also hear from member organisations where it is in place at National level.

Speakers:

Kate Clifford (Rural Community Network),

Alexia Rouby (European Commission)

Moderator: Tom Jones (ERCA)

More information and agenda available here



28- Civil Society & EU Sustainability


Invitation

On 30 June 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee’s (EESC) Civil Society Organisations՚ Group will host a high-level conference in Cork, in light of the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Entitled 'Civil society driving the EU sustainability agenda', this event will take place at University College Cork from 10.00 to 13.00 local time.

At a time when the EU’s sustainability policies are facing increasing pressure, the role of civil society has never been more vital. Hard-won commitments on environmental protection, climate justice, societal resilience and other sustainability aspects risk being diluted just when they are most urgently needed. In these complex geopolitical times, Europe must strengthen its strategic autonomy and reduce its energy dependence to progress on its objectives under the EU Treaties. The only way forward is to invest massively and consistently in the energy transition and in a sustainable pathway. Civil society organisations (CSOs) and local communities are best placed to drive this change for the long term.

Civil society organisations, rooted in communities and guided by shared values rather than short-term interests, are uniquely placed to defend these ambitions and to reinvigorate the sustainability agenda with credibility, innovation and public trust beyond 2030. In addition to policy influence, CSOs play a crucial role in fostering public acceptance, implementing policies and supporting personal well‑being, strengthening social cohesion and empowering people to shape their own futures.

This conference will address the role of CSOs in advancing the sustainability agenda and the pivotal role of (local) communities in the endeavour to make European societies greener and more resilient.

Guest speakers include:

  • Christopher O’Sullivan, Irish Minister of State for Biodiversity

  • Frans Timmermans, former Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English and French.

For more information, please consult the programme. Please note that the times indicated refer to Irish Standard Time (IST).

We warmly invite you to join us in person at this event in Cork. Please note that the EESC does not cover travel or accommodation costs.

For in-person participation, please register by 24 June 2026 via our registration form.

The event will also be webstreamed. Prior registration for the streaming is not required.

For further information, please write to: Events-CSOGroup@eesc.europa.eu 


29-  Nugent 100, A Historic Event



30-  Moon Walk on LoughanLeagh

Moonwalk 2026

Saturday June 27th, starting from the Loughanleagh Picnic Area at 8pm (A82 YFY6).


Refreshments available afterwards. The walk will follow the Adrian’s Way Trail (approx. 4.5km) which is a mix of road and trail. 

€10 entry with all proceeds donated to local Cancer Charities. Go Fund Me link also available for those who can’t join the walk on the night.

For more info email: pro.loughanleagh@gmail.com






31- State of Caring Report for Carers in Ireland

The report has now been launched and is available to read on our website. I have also attached a copy of the report as well as a separate page with just our Key Findings and Recommendations should you be interested in reading it or sharing it with your networks. 

Thanks to the support of organisations and individuals across the country, almost 3,000 family carers took part in the survey. Their responses have provided valuable insights into the realities of caring in Ireland today and will help inform Family Carers Ireland's advocacy, policy and development work over the coming years.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who completed the survey and everyone who helped raise awareness of it. Whether you shared the survey widely, circulated it within your organisation or simply engaged with the project, your support contributed to ensuring carers' experiences were captured and heard.

We know that many organisations and individuals receive numerous requests for support, so we are grateful for any assistance you were able to provide.

  • If you would like to stay up to date with Family Carers Ireland's research activities, you can sign up to our  Research Newsletter.

  • If you would like to learn more about Family Carers Ireland and the supports we offer you can visit our website.


32- Your Council Day 2026

We are pleased to announce that Your Council Day 2026 will take place on Friday, 26 June.

Your Council Day is the national campaign coordinated by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), supported by Ireland’s 31 local authorities, to highlight, promote and celebrate the work of local government and its positive impact on communities across the country. The Day aims to increase awareness and understanding of the wide range of services delivered by county and city councils, and the vital role they play in everyday life.

This year’s theme, Supporting Communities Every Day, reflects the breadth of work undertaken by local authorities — from essential everyday services delivered behind the scenes, to supporting communities, shaping places for the future, nurturing cultural and tourism activity, and enabling local democracy.

We would encourage you to take the opportunity to mark Your Council Day by showcasing your work with local authorities and the positive outcomes achieved through this collaboration. Your participation will help to highlight the collective impact of local government and the partners who contribute to supporting communities nationwide.

We would encourage you, where appropriate, to:

  • Share content on your social media channels to mark the Day

  • Highlight initiatives, partnerships or projects delivered in collaboration with local authorities

  • Use the campaign hashtags #YourCouncilDay and #DoLáSaChomhairle to join and support the national conversation

A Your Council Day promo video will be made available to support your communications in the lead-up to the Day.

Your Council Day is an opportunity to positively promote the work of local authorities and the many organisations and individuals who work alongside them. Dedicated staff are integral to this work, and, together, local government has a meaningful and positive impact on communities across Ireland every day.



33-  Arva 3 Province Festival






34- Save the Date: Cavan Community Summer Conference June 27th We will be hosting our Summer Community Seminar at the end of June in Tullyvin Community Centre. Our guest speakers range from the local to the regional to the national. We will have local and international entertainment and refreshments served on the day. It will be a chance to hear about the PPNs work throughout the year for communities and engage with inspiring and interesting guest speakers.





35- RSA Check If It Fits Comes to Cavan


RSA’s Check it Fits service will be visiting County Cavan. 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

Znoogle Baby & Toys (Toymaster Cavan)

Unit 3, Lakeland Retail Park, Dublin Rd, Pollamore Near, Cavan, H12 K265Thurs 9th July


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 County Cavan. 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.


36- News From Our Local Suicide Prevention Officer

Please see details below and attached on the following:

 

·         Launch of Ireland’s new Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm, Connecting for Life 2026–2035;

·         Information on this year's Green Ribbon campaign

  • DCU Farm Families Mental Health Project - A complementary mental health awareness training for farming family members to help them to support those around them.

 

Government launches Ireland’s Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026–2035

The Government has published Connecting for Life 2026 - 2035, Ireland’s new ten-year, whole-of-government strategy to further reduce suicide and self-harm.

The strategy sets out a clear vision of an Ireland where far fewer lives are lost to suicide and where people have access to the supports they need. It includes an ambitious target to reduce the rate of suicide to 7 per 100,000 or below by 2035.

The strategy builds on meaningful progress made over the past two decades, during which the suicide rate has fallen by a third (32%) between 2000 and 2023.

Each death by suicide represents a profound loss felt by families, friends, and communities. The complex range of factors that influence suicide and self-harm underline the importance of continuing to work together in a sustained and determined way across society to reduce suicide and support those affected.

The strategy prioritises compassionate, person-centred care, with a focus on:

  • Strengthened crisis supports in hospitals and communities

  • Expanded community-based services

  • Trauma-informed approaches

  • Improved access to supports for those experiencing self-harm

 

It also promotes open conversation and stigma reduction to encourage help-seeking.

Lived experience has been central to the strategy’s development, informed by nearly 1,900 public submissions.

As a result, there is a stronger focus in the new strategy on supporting people bereaved by suicide, including enhanced bereavement services, a new national postvention framework, and improved inquest supports.

 

Implementation will be supported by strong governance and cross-government collaboration, with the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and partners working together to deliver measurable progress.

Ireland’s Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026–2035 reflects a renewed national commitment to reducing suicide and self-harm through compassion, evidence, and partnership.

 

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Details from the Shine team on this year’s Green Ribbon campaign.

 

You can access the recording of a recent online session on the campaign here.

 

You can also explore further information and resources below:

Register for the Green Ribbon Launch 2026: https://bit.ly/GreenRibbonLaunch2026

Green Ribbon Impact Report 2025: https://bit.ly/GreenRibbonImpactReport2025

 

To stay up to date with Shine’s work and campaign updates, you can sign up to their newsletter here.

 

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Please see below information on mental health awareness training for farming family members.

 

We’ve been contacted by Farm Families Mental Health project based out of DCU to forward on information that may be of interest for you to share with any of your networks, the details are below;

 

  • A complementary mental health awareness training for farming family members to help them to support those around them.

  • This is a 1hr training aimed at equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to support those around them, helping shift the culture of self-reliance and build a community of trust and support in rural Ireland.

  • The training is a 1hr psychoeducational training that explores mental health help-seeking, help offering and stigma among farming populations and provides practical steps on how to engage with someone who may be in distress along with the resources available to rural populations. It is broken up into 4 sections, 1) The who and why; 2) What can be done; 3) What can be done and; 4) How you can help. The training is designed as an upstream population-level intervention to help create the early support capacity within farm family members/rural populations.

  • Attached is a brief document on what the training is and what would be required for participation along with how to get in contact with the organiser Jack Sweeney (jack.sweeney@dcu.ie). He states; As we are targeting rural populations, we do require the participants to come together and organise the times and venues for the training.

 

 Jack has said if any of you want to reach out to him for more details etc he’s always more than happy to help.

(Jack Sweeney , Research Ireland Funded Research Assistant | School of Health and Human Performance | Dublin City University).


37- Family Open Day In Museum



38- CavanPPN Stands With Pride



Members of CavanPPN were proud to be invited to show their support for Cavan's first Pride parade last week. The event was a celebration but also a call to action to support an ever growing society toward a more just and socially inclusive one. A call to shift our culture to one of empowerment and inclusivity for all. It was a beautiful day of positivity and colour, creativity and joy. Well done everyone, all members of Cavan's LBGTQ+ Community and their friends and allies!




39- Ambient Festival in Killykeen Forest!!!

You’re invited to Ambient Music Festival in Killykeen Forest!!! Join us for a full day of homegrown original music on Bank Holiday Monday, 03/08/26. Tickets are limited for this first-time event, so be sure to grab yours early. Click the link below, and see you there!



 
 
 
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