Cavan Community ENews 29.8.25
- Daniel Downey
- Aug 27
- 28 min read
Updated: Sep 1
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: The Hospital Saturday Fund
4. FUNDING: Mace Community Grants 5. FUNDING: Beyond Borders Foundation
6. FUNDING: Disability in Marginalised Groups & Communities 7. FUNDING: Integration Fund
8. FUNDING: ACORNS Programme Application
9. FUNDING: Build Heritage Investment Scheme
10. FUNDING: Heritage Keepers Programme
TRAINING
11. TRAINING: Sports Partnership Courses
12. TRAINING: Healthy Food Made Easy
13. TRAINING: SIXTEEN FREE Community Training Courses for PPN Groups
14. TRAINING: Energy Advice Workshops
15. TRAINING: Youth Environmental Awareness Workshops
16. TRAINING: Traditional Field Gates Workshop
SURVEYS/CONSULTS 17. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: National Obesity Consultation 18. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Ageing Workforce in Ireland 19. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Consult on Cavan County Council Communications 20. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Ballinagh Traffic 21. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: Cavan Views Sought On The European Union 22. SURVEYS/CONSULTS: How Ireland's Health Sector Can Respond To Climate Change
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
23. New Community Groups Elected
24. Embrace Farm Supports 25. Cavan Environmental Event 26. Career Guidance Jobs Fair 27- Your Community Needs Your Driving Skills...Become A Volunteer Driver Today!!! 28- The Brod, The Bold and the Beautiful Comes to Virginia 29- Cavan County Council Estate Awards Event 30- Mullagh Fair Day 31- Ballinagh Culture Night 32- SICAP "In Our Words" Invite to PPN Members 33- Cavan Connects Supports Age Well Europe 34- New Bailieborough Community Garden
35- Planning for Play Seminar 36- September Awareness of Mental Health 37- Older Person's Social Group Event 38- Unmaksed Nature; Neurodivergence & Nature West Cavan Walk 39- Suicide & Self Harm Content On Social Media Platforms 40- Drumming for Communities & Mental Wellness 41- Daniel's Fundraiser for Cavan SOSAD 42 The Nature Restoration Law 43 Green Ribbon Coffee/Tea Morning in County Museum 44. Walk for Ollie Fundraiser 45. Need Board Members, Try Boardmatch
FUNDING
Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026
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.
or you can see the Dept bulletin on this release at:
Opening of funding schemes for built heritage and historic thatched buildings announced
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
3. The Hospital Saturday Fund
For medically related charities, hospitals, hospices and medical clinics:The Hospital Saturday Fund will consider giving grants towards medical capital projects, medical care or research and in support of medical training. The Hospital Saturday Fund will also consider grants for running costs.
For Individuals:The Hospital Saturday Fund will consider giving partial or full grants to individuals for the following:
Specialised mobility equipment, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, car adaptions, medical appliances and aids, hearing aids, nebulisers, specialised vision aids, specialised computer equipment, therapeutic equipment/treatment, orthopaedic beds, mattresses or pillows, riser /recliners chairs, lift hoist/aids.
Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy, Acupuncture, Speech Therapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic treatment, Reflexology, Massage Therapy and Aromatherapy.
Home adaptations, walk in showers, accessibility adaptations to bathrooms, access ramps, non-slip flooring, stair lifts.
4. Mace Community Grants
Mace Community Grants - 10th Sept
MACE Community Grants scheme 2025 is open for applications. There are fifty grants with a prize of €1000 to be won. Community groups and clubs can enter by scanning the QR code in-store or visiting mace.ie/mace-community-grants.
Applications are open to residents of the Republic of Ireland, excluding MACE employees, agents, retailers and their staff. Individuals are not eligible. Charities must provide a registered charity number.
To enter you provide your contact details along with the name of the group/club that you are entering on behalf of, a contact and contact details for the group/club; in less than 150 words tell them why you believe you deserve to win a MACE Community Grant.
Deadline: Midnight 10th September 2025
5. Beyond Borders Foundation
Beyond Borders PRS Foundation - 15th Sept
Beyond Borders stimulates and strengthens cross-border collaborations between music creators, performers and presenters. It supports the creation, touring and promotion of innovative and high-quality new music across all genres and encourages engagement with audiences across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland through multiple performances and digital activity.
Funding of up to £20,000 is available for projects that include new commissions, recordings and repeat performances of music written in the past five years.
Deadline: 15th September 2025
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
7. Disability in Marginalised Groups & Communities
The National Disability Authority (NDA) is inviting proposals for our Research Promotion Scheme (RPS) 2025-26 from researchers, academic institutions, advocacy organisations, Disabled Persons Organisations, service providers or other relevant bodies.
The RPS 2025-26 theme is Disability in Marginalised Groups and Communities with particular interest in proposals focused on disability issues in Traveller and/or Roma communities.
We anticipate awarding up to three grants and are open to individual grant applications for varying amounts between €15,000 and €40,000 with the total funding available not exceeding €80,000.
Applications are required to demonstrate meaningful involvement of disabled people in the research process as appropriate to the design of the study.
8- ACORNS Programme Application
I hope you are keeping well.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have asked us to share the following information in relation to a new call for applications to the ACORNS programme.
ACORNS is a highly successful peer support initiative, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is focused on early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland.
ACORNS is now open for applications until midnight on Monday, September 22nd 2025. We would appreciate if you could alert the relevant members of your wider network, so that they are aware of the opportunity and in turn can spread the word.
For eligibility criteria, please see below:
· To be considered for ACORNS 11, applicants must (i) have set up a new business (sales generated no earlier than the end of June 2022), or (ii) be actively planning a new venture and have made good progress towards getting the new venture off the ground. Indicators of actively planning a business would include organising the start-up team, sourcing equipment / facilities, money saved for the start-up, writing the business plan, etc.
They must own or part-own the business which must be located in a rural area, that is in an area outside the administrative city boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
If selected, applicants must be available to attend the launch Forum and first round table session on October 20th and 21st, 2025.
They must expect to become an employer within three years.
· There is no restriction on sectors.
· The deadline for application for this year’s ACORNS programme is midnight on Monday, September 22nd 2025.
Interested female entrepreneurs can access information and should register their interest at www.acorns.ie to receive an application form.
9- Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026 Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026 - 26th Sept
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026 is now open for applications, including a dedicated funding stream for historic thatched buildings. BHIS supports owners and custodians of historic buildings to maintain and conserve the important structures which form an essential part of Ireland’s cultural landscape.
The funding is administered through the Local Authorities. Grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 are available for works to buildings which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts, and to vernacular buildings or historic shopfronts lacking in statutory protection but which remain essential to our architectural heritage. Owners of thatched buildings can also apply for dedicated funding for their heritage structures under the separate thatched buildings stream, though only one grant may be awarded per applicant.
Deadline: 26th September 2025
More info: https://grantsandfunding.ie/built-heritage-investment-scheme-bhis-2026-open-for-applications/
10- National Heritage Keepers Programme
Dear PPNs,
I am emailing you to let you know our new round of the National Heritage Keepers Programme under the Environmental NGO Burrenbeo Trust is open for applications! This programme is a great opportunity any community group across the country to celebrate their local heritage.
The programme consists of 5 short online workshops, followed by a €1000 grant for the group to carry out an action (and optional fieldtrip) for any aspect of local heritage, for more information on the programme visit www.heritagekeepers.ie/ Insta: @heritagekeepers/ FB: Heritage Keepers.
Attached is a poster for our new round, I would appreciate if you could share it via email or social media, and to send this information around to any relevant group in your area that you think would be interested in taking part!
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me via email if you have any further questions about our programme.
Thank you and all the best,
Ailbhe
-----
Ailbhe Doyle
Programme Support Officer
Burrenbeo Trust
Glebe Road, Kinvara, Co. Galway 091 638096.
Office Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Thursday.
SUPPORT our work in the Burren by becoming a member! Sign up by clicking hereds
TRAINING
11- Sports Partnership Courses
Sports First Aid course is aimed at anyone involved with any Sports team whether you are a coach, player or parent. This course will give particular attention to applying information to sport specific scenarios and incorporates real life situations on a pitch.
On completion of the Sports First Aid course participants will have the skills to:
An understanding of the principles of first response.
The skills to provide necessary first aid until the arrival of qualified medical personnel.
Necessary skills with dealing with emergencies.
Essential life saving skills
All participants who pass the course successfully receive a certificate.
Date: Saturday, September 13th 2025
Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Location: Council Chamber, Cavan Courthouse
Cost: €20pp
Booking link: Sports First Aid Course - Cavan Sports Partnership
Safeguarding 1 - Code of Ethics Basic Awareness/Child Protection Workshop
This online workshop is for the benefit of everyone involved in children's sport (children, parents/guardians, sports leaders', etc). It provides introductory information on codes of conduct, bullying, recruitment, etc. as well as child protection guidelines.
By following the principles, policy and practical guidelines contained in the Code, sports leaders are playing their part in providing a safe and enjoyable environment in which children can learn and thrive.
Date: Monday, September 8th 2025
Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: Bridge Street Centre, Cavan Town, H12 TK27
Cost: €15pp
We are delighted to offer this FREE four-part workshop series to support local clubs in strengthening governance, improving strategic planning and accessing funding opportunities.
Two sessions will be in person, and two will be online. Each participating club is required to attend all four workshops. We ask that a minimum of two representatives from each club participate - 1 ticket covers both people.
This is a 4 week workshop and topics include:
Funding Application Support
Action Planning
Club/Community Consultation
Governance
Dates: Wednesday September 17th & Wednesday October 29th - Cavan Town in person (venue TBC)
Wednesday October 1st & Wednesday October 15th - Online
Time: 7pm
Cost: FREE (pre-registration is essential)
Booking link: Free Club Development and Capacity Building Workshops
For these and a WHOLE LOT MORE go to wwwcavansportspartnership.ie
12-Healthy Food Made Easy
13- 16 Free Community Training For CavanPPN members As of this week, Cavan PPN has sixteen (yes, sixteen!) training courses available to our member groups.
Some of these are provided by The Wheel and are available FREE OF CHARGE for member groups.
All the courses are online and places are available for a limited number of attendees.
Please click on the links below for more information:
Finance for Non-Financial Managers
Empowering Communities, Protecting Lives: Safeguarding Training for Adults at Risk in your
Community
Growing Your Community Fundraising
… and more!
(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 here. Events | Cavan PPN | Public Participation Network
We also have a number of courses provided by The Carmichael Centre. These are also available FREE OF
CHARGE for member groups.
All the courses are online and self-paced (with a period of access to each course).
We have a number of places on offer for 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
(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 here. Events | Cavan PPN | Public Participation Network
Kind regards,
The Cavan PPN Team.
14- Energy Advice Workshop
Register here:
Tea and coffee Provided
15- Youth Environmental Awareness Workshops
16 - Traditional Field Gates Workshop
SURVEYS/CONSULTATIONS
17- National Obesity Public Consultation
The Minister for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has today launched a public consultation to inform the development of Ireland’s next Obesity Policy and Action Plan.
This consultation invites individuals, communities, healthcare professionals, and organisations to share their insights, experiences, and recommendations in shaping a new, inclusive strategy to tackle obesity. All submissions will be reviewed and compiled into a report, that will guide the drafting of the new strategy.
Minister Murnane O’Connor, said:
“Obesity is one of the most pressing public health challenges facing Ireland today, with over half of our adult population affected by overweight or obesity. This is not just a personal health issue—it’s a national concern that impacts our healthcare system, our communities, and our future.
“Thanks to the current strategy, we’ve made important progress in stabilising obesity rates and implementing key actions, but now we must go further.
“That’s why we’re launching this public consultation—to ensure the next national obesity strategy is informed by the voices of those it will serve. We want to hear from everyone—individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and community organisations. Your input is essential to creating a strategy that is both effective and inclusive.”
Ireland’s leadership in obesity prevention and treatment has been recognised internationally. At the European Congress on Obesity held in Dublin in 2023, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO-Euro) launched its integrated service delivery framework for obesity management, highlighting Ireland’s approach as a core example of success. WHO-Euro commended Ireland’s model of care for offering scalable and effective solutions through coordinated efforts across all levels of the health system—providing valuable lessons for other countries seeking to strengthen their own obesity management frameworks.
The consultation is open until 18 September 2025.
18- Ageing Workforce in Ireland Survey
Please find enclosed a short survey complied by Age Friendly Ireland. The purpose of this survey is to gather a deeper understanding of the diverse perspective and needs of older workers in our current workforce.
As we all know, Ireland is facing the significant challenge of a rapidly ageing population. The data collected from this survey will be instrumental in ensuring that our workforce is prepared to support and retain employees of all ages.
You can access the survey here https://forms.office.com/e/9SBiKma0Gu
19- Consult Cavan County Council's Communications
Cavan County Council wants your views on how we communicate with the public. You can help us improve our communications by completing a short online survey. You can access the survey at the following link: Have your say! - Communications Survey - Cavan County Council
20- Ballinagh Traffic Public Consultation – N55 Ballinagh Traffic Relief Scheme
Cavan County Council, in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is
progressing the N55 Ballinagh Traffic Relief Scheme, aimed at addressing the
numerous day-to-day operational and safety issues associated with this section of
the N55 national secondary road.
This project represents the final link in a series of upgrades to the N55
between Cavan Town and the Longford border. Sweco Ireland Ltd. has been
appointed as Technical Advisor to investigate, develop, and assess route options for
the scheme.
The project is currently in Phase 2 – Options Selection, which involves identifying
potential route options and assessing environmental and physical constraints within
the study area.
As part of this phase, the public is invited to participate in a consultation process to
help identify any key issues or constraints that may affect the development of the
scheme. All feedback will be considered as part of the Options Selection process.
Submissions or observations can be made until 30 September 2025 by:
Email: info@sweco.ie
Post: N55 Ballinagh Traffic Relief Scheme
Sweco Ireland Ltd.
Glandore Business Centre,
3rd Floor, City Quarter,
Lapp’s Quay, Cork, T12 Y3ET.
The Study Area Map is shown below and is also available on the Council’s website.
21- Cavan Views on European Union Sought
22- How Ireland's Health Sector Responds To Climate Change
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, has today launched a public consultation on the draft 2025 Health Sectoral Adaptation Plan. This consultation will help shape how Ireland’s health sector responds to the growing impacts of climate change.
It aims to gather views on the proposed approach, the risks identified, and the level of ambition in the plan, ensuring that climate adaptation measures are aligned with public health priorities and that the sector is equipped to build resilience against future climate-related challenges.
The draft 2025 Sectoral Adaptation Plan sets out a broad range of risks faced by the health sector and contains recommendations and actions to address these. It is informed by the National Climate Change Risk Assessment, which was published in June 2025, and will align with the range of Sectoral Adaptation Plans currently under development.
This consultation seeks feedback on the approach taken in the development of the Plan, the range of risks identified, and the overall ambition for health sector climate action.
The consultation will be open for four weeks – the closing date is Tuesday 23 September 2025.
The public consultation can be accessed here.
The Draft Plan is available here.
EVENTS & OTHER NEWS
23- New Community Representatives Elected
CavanPPN has elected new representatives to add to its membership. The following were nominated and elected by member groups in an election in August. Many thanks to all the nominees who put themselves forward for these positions, your volunteerism continues to inspire:
Seamus Quinn of Cavan Poitive Age was elected to The Older Person's Seat of Cavan LCDC
John Brady of Denn Development was elected to The Community & Voluntary Secretariat Seat of CavanPPN
Margaret Bannon of Cootehill Seniors was elected to the Bailieborough/Cootehill Municipal District Secretariat Seat of CavanPPN
24- Embrace FARM Supports
I wanted to reach out to you as an introduction to offer the support services of Embrace FARM to any of your members from the farming community whom you feel we could help.
We provide emotional and practical support to farm families in the aftermath affected by serious injury where the person’s life was altered whether physically or mentally/cognitively, and sudden death which includes death by suicide, sudden terminal illness, sudden medical events and farming accidents.
If we can be of any help to you or the communities you support, please do not hesitate to get in touch. All other details can be found on our website—www.embracefarm.com.
25- Cavan Enviro-Network Gathering
Register to info@cavanppn.ie for any member groups interested to attend
26-Courageous Men of Cavan
Are you a job seeker, school leaver, and career changer?
Join us at Your Next Steps: Career Guidance and Jobs Fair on 3rd September!
Join us from 4-7pm at the Cavan Crystal Hotel to see all the amazing opportunities available at our free careers event! Whether you're exploring apprenticeships, Post-Leaving Cert./ PLC courses, volunteering, jobs, or vocational training, this event will help you take the next step with confidence.
What to Expect
Inspiring talks from education providers, including Cavan Institute.
Networking opportunities to connect with local employers, including apprenticeship employers.
Career support from the CMETB Adult Guidance and Information Service.
Grab your FREE ticket by registering on Eventbrite:
27- Your Community Needs Your Driving Skills...Become A Volunteer Driver
Cavan County Local Development are seeking volunteer drivers to support the community members of our county. They are seeking to develop a panel of drivers to support getting people to their crucial destinations, deliver essential drop offs of supports and information. The wider a panel we have, the less demand there will be on each volunteer driver. Your costs will be covered and our vehicles' insurance covers the journeys to be made, making volunteering easier for all.
Cavan County Local Development have this amazing resource to support those in need in our community to reach their crucial appointments but would love to have this supported by experienced, friendly drivers whose community spirit can help those in need.
For more information please reach out to info@ccld.ie or phone 049 433 1029 before the end of August.
28- The Brod, The Bold & The Beautiful Comes To Virginia
Quintessence Theatre and Outcomers LGBT Support Service,
in association with An Táin Arts Centre present
THE BRÓD, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL
Quintessence Theatre follow up the hugely successful THE CURIOUS CASE OF ALBERT CASHIER National Tour and Irish premiere of Jaki McCarrick’s BELFAST GIRLS with an original new play exploring the love, life, and struggles of the Irish LGBTQ+ community.
FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2025 | 8PM | €18/€16
Ramor Arts Centre, Main st., Virginia, Co Cavan
Tickets: www.ramorartscentre.com / 049 8547074
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
E.E. Cummings
Inspired by true stories THE BRÓD, THE BOLD, & THE BEAUTIFUL is an original, raucous new comedy drama spanning 30 years of Irish LGBTQ experience, and exploring the
challenges and joys of living as a young LGBTQ+ person today.
Using their innovative physical ensemble storytelling techniques Quintessence Theatre
examine and celebrate the lives of 3 LGBTQ+ people: each born into a different generation,
and each navigating new and ongoing issues of prejudice, pride, identity, love, and legacy.
Directed by Anna Simpson and devised by the Company, THE BRÓD, THE BOLD, & THE BEAUTIFUL is created in association with Outcomers LGBT Support Service, An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, kindly supported by Louth County Council.
CAST Anthony Kinahan Lorna Fox Andrew Bennetts-Byrne | CREATIVES Directed by Anna Simpson Lighting Design by Dylan Connolly Original Sound & Design by Anna Simpson Produced by Anthony Kinahan Poster Design by Linda McConville |
Cont.
About Quintessence Theatre
Founded in 2015 by director Anna Simpson as the inaugural Theatre Company-in-Residence of the An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, Quintessence dedicates itself to exploring the human condition through the most theatrical means available to us: the actor themselves, their imagination, and embracing the live relationship between actor and audience.
We believe in play; we believe in collaboration; we believe in amplifying voices not always heard; and we believe in the democraticisation of art: that it should reach people beyond the cultural hubs of large urban populations. We believe that great work can be made from modest means if you have those quintessential elements: a story, a performer, and audience.
We harness the full potential of the actor’s body through heightened physical approaches, mime and a playful ensemble. We seek to surprise, move and provoke our audiences, entertaining them and creating dynamic, innovative, visceral, compassionate storytelling that finds the new in the familiar, and touches on urgent issues at the heart of Irish society here and now.
Productions to date include The Picture of Dorian Gray (April 2015), Alice in Wonderland (August 2015), Vessel (November 2015 & May 2016, the New Theatre), Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet (April 2016), Grimm Tales for Young and Old (July 2016), Cracks (October 2016, January 2017 & 18 venue, Island-wide tour of Ireland 2018), The Pink Planet (Scene and Heard, Smock Alley 2017), Dracula ([An Táin Arts Centre & Drogheda Arts Festival] April 2017, & Smock Alley Halloween Week 2018 – Winner of Broadway World’s BEST NEW PLAY 2018/19), Romeo and Juliet (November 2017), Some of Our Children (February 2018), The Deadly Wizard of Oz (July 2018), Warrior of the Táin (February 2019), Boy, Girl, Repeat; #Me Too, Three, Four… (November 2019),The Star of Chester’s Lane (Commission of Drogheda Arts Festival 2018, & National Tour of Ireland 2021), Behind Locked Doors (April 2022, & June 2022); Into the Dark (October 2022), The Midnight Scalping of Peg Carroll (May 2023), The Curious Case of Albert Cashier: Lincoln’s Lady Soldier (National Tour, Autumn 2023), and the Irish premiere of Jaki McCarrick’s Belfast Girls (January & February 2024).
For more information about Quintessence Theatre & our catalogue of previous productions, check out
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/quintessencetheatreco
Twitter: @QuintessencePro
Instagram: quintessencetheatreco
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/QuintessenceTheatre
29- Cavan County Council Estate Awards Event
30- Mullagh Fair Day
31- Ballinagh Culture Night
Ballinagh Culture Night 2025
Celebrate Ballinagh Culture Night with a hands-on clay wreath workshop! Hosted by Ballinagh Community Enterprise Association and led by Louise from Make It Clay, this inclusive event invites kids (5+) and adults to sculpt pieces that reflect our local culture - sports, biodiversity, history & more! So please join us for an evening of creativity and community spirit
Reserve your spot using the QR code provided! Alternatively you can use the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/ballinagh-culture-night-2025-tickets-1515837543899?aff=oddtdtcreator
32- SICAP "In Our Words" Event
You are invited to join us at our SICAP “In Our Words” Event – an inspiring showcase of community led Social Inclusion projects and initiatives supported by the
Government of Ireland, European Union and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and shared through the voices of those with lived experience.
Date: Thursday 2nd October 2025
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone
Time: 10:00 – 16:00, registration opens at 09:00
This event aims to create a shared sense of purpose among stakeholders and open the door to meaningful collaboration to improve social inclusion and community initiatives.
We promise a dynamic event focused on lived experience, innovative initiatives, and collaborative approaches to building more inclusive communities.
Please note numbers are limited (maximum of two per organisation).
Register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
A waiting list will be in operation when capacity at the venue is reached.
Please email any queries in relation to the event to: drcd_events@drcdg.gov.ie
We hope you are able to join us!
33- Cavan Connects Supporting Age Well Europe in Cavan
At Cavan Connects, we’re always looking for ways to support the wellbeing of our community—especially our older adults. That’s why we’re excited to share an incredible free resource now available to residents in Cavan: AgeWell Europe.
Participants gain access to:
16 on-demand exercise classes (25–30 minutes each) combining aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility training.
10 health education workshops (10–30 minutes each) covering topics like nutrition, arthritis, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, mindfulness, and more
Check it out at Empowering Healthy Ageing
34- Bailieborough's New Community Garden
35- Planning for Play Seminar
We are pleased to invite you to attend a one-day seminar entitled Planning for Play on the 14th of October in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone.
The event has been designed with a focus on how children and young people’s right to play and recreation can be realised during the Local Authority planning process.
Engaging and interactive presentations throughout the day will also explore play and recreation opportunities outside of the traditional playground space.
We hope that you can accept this invitation and join us in person. Further details on the final schedule for the day and venue specific information will be shared closer to the time.
We hope that a cross-sectoral representation of local authority staff and those who work alongside local authorities will come together for a day of inspiration, information sharing, and networking.
Please feel free to share this invitation with any relevant colleagues or contacts. Apologies for any cross-posting of this invitation.
Registration is now available from this link: https://www.ticketsource.com/participation-play-and-recreation-unit
We look forward to meeting you at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone on the 14 October.
36- September Awareness of Mental Health
September is an important month in the calendar of campaigns related to mental health, stigma reduction and suicide prevention. This year, we are asking staff, employers, businesses and communities to get behind these campaigns to help eliminate the stigma associated with speaking about mental health, including thoughts of suicide and to encourage help seeking. By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express how they are feeling and get the support they need. In order to support communities and businesses to share these messages, we have a number of resources available free of charge that can be displayed or circulated in person or online. These include:
Green Ribbons - Wear the green ribbon to show you are open to talking about mental health. Order a supply here and share them with your friends, family and colleagues.
Samaritans Poster – Finding a way to say it. The poster at the following link can be shared electronically or downloaded and printed.
For World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) has created content including a downloadable slide deck and folder of social media images for sharing via email and across social media: NOSP WSPD Slide Deck
Free Suicide Prevention Awareness Training scheduled across the North East can be accessed via the following link: Suicide Prevention Training Cavan Monaghan
Window sticker – Supplies of the window sticker below can be ordered by sending an email to emer.mulligan@hse.ie. These can be displayed in business or community settings or shared with staff for displaying on car windows.
Details of events taking place and supports available can be accessed on our local Cavan Monaghan Connects website and social media platforms – https://cavanmonaghanconnects.ie/
37- Older Persons Social Group Event
I hope this email finds you well.
Cavan County Local Development & Monaghan Integrated Development would like to invite you to our annual older persons social group event. We want to acknowledge the vital role that the groups play in enriching the lives of older people right across Co. Cavan and Co. Monaghan. It is because of volunteers and community groups that older people are in a position to take an active role in their community and furthermore enable them to remain independent and living in their own homes for longer.
An informal event taking place in the Errigal Hotel, Cootehill, Co. Cavan on Wednesday the 1st of October 2025.
If interested in having an information stand at our event, please let me know by return email to myself jmccabe@ccld.ie. Setup from 9am and the event will finish by 1pm.
Thank you.
38- UNmasking Nature, Neurodivergence & Nature in West Cavan
Unmasking Nature is a free, guided sensory walk through the ancient landscape of Cavan Burren Park, thoughtfully designed with neurodivergent participants from Cavan, Fermanagh and Omagh region. Along the path, nature reveals itself through touch, sound, scent, and movement, supporting sensory regulation while inviting participants to connect with biodiversity through immersive deep-dive stations exploring nature and neurodivergent perspectives.
When: Wednesday, 10th September 2025. Arrive at 5:30pm, event starts at 6pm.
Where:Cavan Burren Park, Blacklion, Co. Cavan, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark
Book your free place at the following link:
Thanks so much, I'll also share our Press Release and Images folder here:
Any questions at all, just shoot me a message!
Best,
Laura
Laura O'Keeffe (she/her)
Communications Manager
39- Suicide & Self Harm Content on Social Media Platforms
Suicide and self-harm content on social media platforms
Tips and tools for safe and sensitive communication
on Wednesday 10th September 2025 from 10 – 11 am
Learn more about responding to social media coverage on self-harm, suicidal behaviour and suspected suicide. These tips and tools have been developed to raise awareness and offer practical advice on safe and sensitive communication online to:
· Professionals working in statutory, voluntary and community services, in particular, in the mental health area.
· Volunteers, parents, carers or those with an interest in learning more.
to register click the following link:
(registration in advance is essential and is open until 8th of September 2025!)
Details are also attached details on upcoming free suicide prevention awareness training – including the links to register for a place.
Please feel free to share this information across your networks and communities.
Also a reminder that September is Green Ribbon month – you can order a supply of green ribbons here: https://www.shine.ie/advocacy/green-ribbon-campaign
40- Drumming for Communities & Mental Wellness
My name is Aidan, and I facilitate group drumming workshops with a special focus on promoting health and well-being. With 25 years’ experience in the music industry, I have seen the therapeutic potential of rhythm and community connection, which is why I’d like to offer your group the opportunity to experience the benefits of drumming in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Drum circles have been shown to have a profound positive impact on mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing emotional resilience. In these sessions, participants are invited to engage in a simple, accessible way to reconnect with themselves and others, allowing for a sense of grounding, creativity, and joy. The power of shared rhythm fosters unity, which can be especially helpful for individuals navigating mental health challenges.
In terms of staff team building, drumming is particularly suited.
Team Drumming :
Enhances collaboration and communication - essential qualities for a productive and effective team. Members while drumming need to listen to each other, follow a beat and synchronise their actions.
2. Can reduce stress and boost morale.
3. Can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills; can encourage creativity and innovation among team members.
4. Can improve focus and concentration, which helps enhance cognitive function and productivity.
5. Promotes diversity and inclusion.
6. Is a fun and engaging activity, a break from routine, provides an opportunity for connection, building trust and improving communication and morale in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
I would welcome collaboration with your group by offering a group drumming session designed to support mental/emotional well-being and team building. Whether it's through a one-time event or an ongoing partnership, I’m happy to tailor the experience to best meet the needs of your participants.
If this resonates with your organisation’s goals or if you have any questions, I’d be happy to discuss further and coordinate a time that works best.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support the mental well-being of your community. I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards,
Aidan Dunphy..
41- Daniel's Fundraiser for Cavan SOSAD
Support Daniel’s fundraiser for SOSAD as he walks the harsh interior of Spain for 300 kilometres in 13 days in late September/early October, the equivalent of Sligo to Cork. In late September Daniel will put on his boots and backpack and walk the Camino De La Plata from Seville in southern Spain north to Caceres, a distance of 301 kilometres and he’s asking you to support SOSAD as he walks this path in their aid. The De La Plata is renowned as the hardest Camino for its long, isolated stretches across deserted terrain in reflection of the hard isolation felt by those in need of SOSAD’s supports.
Building on his previous charity hikes in Greenland, Svalbard, North Spain and elsewhere Daniel will be undertaking this in reflection of his own past challenges with suicide and for the raising of valuable funds for a local charity that does so much for those in need.
Support Daniel and his footsteps across Spain now by donating today.
All of his expedition is financed by himself, all funds go directly to the local SOSAD charity.
42- The Nature Restoration Law
What is the Nature Restoration Law and how will it apply to Ireland?
The Nature Restoration Law (NRL) was enacted across the EU in July 2024 with the goal of restoring degraded eco-systems. Ireland is now in the process of figuring out how to apply the new law.
Join us to hear from Fintan Kelly, Agriculture and Land Use Policy and Advocacy Officer at the Irish Environmental Network. Fintan has been working closely on the NRL over the past few years and has great insight into what stage it is at here in Ireland and where it is going.
He will introduce the NRL, explaining what it is, what the timelines are and how the Irish Government plan to engage with stakeholders. This webinar will be a perfect introduction to the law and the current plans in Ireland.
This webinar will be recorded, but we would encourage you to attend on the night to take full advantage of the opportunity to ask Fintan any questions about the NRL that you have.
43- Green Ribbon Event in Cavan County Museum
44- Walk For Ollie
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) members, Paddy & Claire Hickey, are planning to walk over 200km from Letterkenny, County Donegal to their home town of Enfield, County Meath this September to raise awareness about the neuromuscular condition, Bethlem myopathy, and raise funds for MDI. The walk is inspired by Paddy & Claire’s son Ollie, who was given the diagnosis of a muscular dystrophy called Bethlem myopathy when he was four years old. Bethlem myopathy is a rare condition affecting the skeletal muscles and connective tissue. The whole idea for the fundraiser was driven by Ollie – first and foremost to raise awareness about the condition and secondly to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. By the end of this year’s walk, the group will have covered over 600km across Ireland to raise awareness of muscular dystrophies and raise monies for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Ollie was four when he was given the diagnosis of Bethlem myopathy, a rare condition affecting the skeletal muscles and connective tissue. Despite his condition, Ollie leads a full life. He loves music and is a keen drummer, guitarist and member of his local music academy, Blast.In December 2024, Ollie appeared on The Late Late Toy Show where he performed and launched the Toy Show Appeal with host Patrick Kielty.
The Walk4Ollie is now in its third year. In 2023, the team walked from Castlebar to Enfield, and last year they walked from Dungarvan. To date, Walk4Ollie has raised over €85,000 for MDI. These monies contribute towards The Ollie Hickey Fund, which MDI members can apply to in order to support their personal circumstances, such as education, the arts and general well-being. So far in 2025, the fund has contributed to supportive therapies, accessible holiday breaks, nutritional & dietetic support in partnership with Siel Bleu Ireland, physical training, hydrotherapy and swimming sessions and they’ve even purchased accessible season tickets for MDI members for the Irish national football team at the Aviva Stadium. The goal of this year’s walk is to raise monies in order to bring the fund above the €100,000 mark.
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland envisions an Ireland where people living with a neuromuscular condition can participate fully in society and reach their full potential. To achieve this, they provide services, support and information to people living with neuromuscular conditions and their families. They also advocate for our members, ensuring their needs are met, and facilitate research that drives greater insight and knowledge into neuromuscular conditions. Commenting on this year’s Walk4Ollie, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland Alan Breathnach said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to the Hickey family for their support through Walk4Ollie, which we are delighted to see return for the third year in a row. Walk4Ollie has raised significant funds for our members, allowing them to access services and supports that greatly improve their quality of life, which is a critical priority for MDI.’
This year’s walk will start from Letterkenny on Monday 22nd September and will finish in Enfield on the 27th, where the first ever Rock4Ollie concert will take place in The Bridge House in partnership with Blast Music Academy, where Ollie is a member. In order to make the walk as accessible to all who would like to join, some of the the walk will be along the Lakelands to Boyne Valley Greenway.
The schedule & route is as follows:
Monday 22nd September - Letterkenny to Strabane
Tuesday 23rd – Strabane to Dungannon
Wednesday 24th – Strabane to Roosky
Thursday 25th –Roosky to Carrickmacross
Friday 26th – Carrickmacross to Navan via Lakelands to Boyne Valley Greenway
Saturday 27th - Navan to Enfield
For information on the walk, visit the Instagram page: walk4ollie
For information on Muscular Dystrophy Ireland: https://www.mdi.ie/
For information on The Ollie Hickey Fund: https://www.mdi.ie/ollie-impact-home
About Bethlem myopathy
Ollie has a muscular dystrophy called Bethlem myopathy, which is a rare condition affecting the skeletal muscles and connective tissue. You can read more about Bethlem myopathy here Bethlem myopathy - Overview | Muscular Dystrophy UK. Right now, there is no cure for Bethlem myopathy but there are ways of helping to alleviate the effects of the condition. Research into muscular dystrophies like Bethlem myopathy is nevertheless developing and it is likely that clinical trials will start in the not-too-distant future.
About Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) is a not-for-profit, voluntary organisation supporting
people with neuromuscular conditions and their families. It encompasses over sixty rare and very rare muscle-weakening and muscle-wasting conditions, many of which are genetic and progressive. MDI aims to support people with neuromuscular conditions to fully participate in society and reach their full potential.
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You can donate to this year's walk at https://www.idonate.ie/walk4ollie25
45- An evening of song & poetry
Looking to strengthen your board with passionate and skilled individuals? Attend BoardMatch Live, Ireland’s only face-to-face board recruitment event for charities and not-for-profits, on Wednesday, 15 October at IMMA, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8.
Formerly known as Charity Trustee Speed-Dating, this high-energy evening connects you directly with dozens of prospective board and committee members – all eager to make a difference.
Why Attend?
Meet motivated candidates ready to join a board – all in one place.
Make real connections that lead to real appointments.
Free trustee training for board members who join your board at the event – ensuring they’re board-ready. Training Course title: Understanding Governance and the Board’s Role.
Proven Success - over 150 charities have found board members through BoardMatch Live events.
Event Details:
🗓️ Date & Time: 15th Oct 5:30pm–8:00pm (Charity setup & networking from 4:00pm)
📍 Location: IMMA, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8
Reserve your table now – spaces are limited!
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