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Cavan Community ENews 5.9.25

  • Sep 3, 2025
  • 26 min read


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

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




CONTENTS


FUNDING

1. FUNDING: Historic Structures Fund 2025 OPEN!

2. FUNDING: Twinning Towns Fund 2025

3. FUNDING: The Hospital Saturday Fund

4. FUNDING: Mace Community Grants 5. FUNDING: Beyond Borders Foundation

6. FUNDING: Disability in Marginalised Groups & Communities 7. FUNDING: LEADER Targeted Call Open For Cavan

8. FUNDING: ACORNS Programme Application

9. FUNDING: Cavan Anti-Litter & Graffiti Grant 10. FUNDING: Heritage Keepers Programme

TRAINING

11. TRAINING: Build Trust in Communities Programme 12. TRAINING: Social Media, Misinformation & Fact Checking 13. TRAINING: SIXTEEN FREE Community Training Courses for PPN Groups 14. TRAINING: Energy Advice Workshops 15. TRAINING: Northwest PPN Members Info Workshop 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. Culture Night Listings

24. Embrace Farm Supports 25. Cavan Environmental Event 26. Emergency Alert Test in Border Area 27- Your Community Needs Your Driving Skills...Become A Volunteer Driver Today!!! 28- CORALY Ukrainian Culture Night Event 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- Cavan County Tidy Towns Forum Invite

35- Hands Off Our Nature Call To Action 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 Shantemon Event 43 Green Ribbon Coffee/Tea Morning in County Museum 44. Walk for Ollie Fundraiser 45. Cavan and Meath PPN Staff Meet



Cat Takes Selfie on the River Erne, County Cavan
Cat Takes Selfie on the River Erne, County Cavan


FUNDING

  1. 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.


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.                  LEADER Targetted Call Open For Cavan


Cavan LEADER Local Action Group are now announcing details of a targeted call for Expression of Interests for communities, SME’s and private individuals to prepare feasibility studies or other reports to assist them to prepare proposals for climate-based mitigation or adaptation actions.



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- Cavan Council Anti-Litter & Graffiti Grant DEADLINE TODAY "Applications are now open for the Anti-Litter & Graffiti Grant 2025.



Funding is available for community group projects tackling litter and graffiti in your area.


Deadline: Friday, 5th September 2025 at 5PM


Submit invoices via email to litterplan@cavancoco.ie



Apply online here: https://forms.office.com/e/NeThdPQLaJ or scan the QR code in the poster for more info.



Let’s work together to keep our communities clean and welcoming"

Apologies for not covering this item previously in our ENews, it only just came to us in CavanPPN

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- Building Trust In Communities Programme

 We are excited to share details of a fully funded training opportunity under the PEACEPLUS programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and supported by Cavan County Council.

The BUILDING TRUST in COMMUNITIES programme is a three-part initiative designed to foster belonging, engagement, and resilience in communities through the Circle of Trust® approach developed by the Center for Courage & Renewal.

 

What to Expect:

Participants will engage in reflective practices, storytelling, and group work in a safe, non-intrusive environment. The programme is facilitated by Rita McNulty and Mary Manning, both trained Courage & Renewal facilitators with rich backgrounds in education, peacebuilding, and holistic practices.

 

Eligibility and Registration

This training is open to everyone over the age of 18 years. The maximum number of participants is 22. If demand exceeds this number, a waiting list will be formed. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

To register for a place on this programme, please email 

Jane Crudden at jcrudden@cavancoco.ie before Friday 26th September 2025.

For more information on the programme, you may also contact:



12- Social Media, Misinformation & Fact Checking


Workshop: Social media, misinformation and fact checking 

Monday 8 September is International Literacy Day. The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Programme Office in SOLAS is launching a national and regional campaign. This year’s campaign focusses on media literacy and why it matters.  


To support our campaign, City of Dublin ETB are sharing their resources with you through an online workshop hosted by Adult Literacy for Life. 


Who is this training for?  If you are working in adult education or public services, this training is for you. For example, adult literacy and community education tutors will find this training useful, as will staff in Family Resource Centres, Libraries, Home School Liaisons, and other community settings. 


Our aim for these workshops is to give you the resources and confidence to support yourself and others in areas such as staying safe online and recognising fake news.  

Dee Keating of City of Dublin ETB will facilitate your learning on the day.  


Where: Online 


Date and time: 

  • Wednesday 24 September, 14:30-16:30 or 

  • Wednesday 22 October, 14:30-16:30 

Topics that we cover include:  

  • Cookies and algorithms 

  • Social media 

  • Misinformation and disinformation 

  • Fact checking 

  • Unconscious bias 

You will be invited to share your thoughts and join discussions during our sessions. Please be sure you attend from a quiet and private space so that you can take part comfortably. Please add your details here to register for one of our workshops:  https://forms.office.com/e/Wpaw6Mnb1p

Many thanks,  Adult Literacy for Life   National Programme Office 



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- Northwest PPN Member Info Session

Free Information Session for PPN Member Groups

 

Have you ever wanted to learn how to use data to strengthen your community work and be able to develop evidence based funding applications, strategic plans & programmes?

 

The North West PPN region is partnering with @CSOIreland to deliver an information session to tell you how.

 

The CSO Census Roadshow will:

  • Discuss changes to Census 2027, where the option to complete the form online will be introduced for the first time

  • Offer insights into the 2022 Census results and how they can be used by community organisations

  • Provide a demonstration on how to harness Census data on the CSO website

  • Host a Questions and Answers session

 

This free session will take place on 16th September 11am-12pm and is Open to all

 



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- Culture Night Upcoming... see Listings HWEre

Oíche Chultúir - Culture Night 2025

Join us for an exciting evening of creativity and community as Culture Night returns to Cavan! We’re thrilled to present a vibrant programme of events happening throughout the county, featuring exhibitions, live music, dance, poetry, street theatre, and circus performances.

Celebrate Culture Night with Cavan County Council Arts Office on Friday, 19th September!

All events are free and open to everyone, though some may require advance booking. For full details, visit cavanarts.ie or culturenight.ie



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

As happened during the April 2023 test, people living in, or visiting, border counties may receive a message to their mobile device, followed by an audio alert and a vibration of up to ten seconds. See Anglo Celt article on this here: UK to test Emergency Alert system this weekend | Anglo Celt




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- Coraly Ukrainian Culture Night in Cavan

Українською

АНСАМБЛЬ "КОРАЛІ" (CORALY)

Дорогі друзі, запрошуємо вас на наш виступ у рамках Culture Night Cavan!

Dowra Courthouse, Даура, графство Каван

19 вересня

19:00

Ансамбль Коралі представить яскраву програму:

Українські пісні

Пісні англійською та італійською мовами

Українська та ірландська поезія

Особливою родзинкою стане виконання пісні “The Spinning Wheel”, написаної спеціально для ансамблю Coraly у 2024 році Юлією Бойко – музичним директором і хормейстером Національного Українського Хору Ірландії, який мав честь співпрацювати з відомим ірландським музикантом Філом Коултером та був запрошений виступити на його концерті у Bord Gáis Theatre, Дублін, у 2023 році.

Разом із нами на вас чекає святкування ірландської музики, історії та культури.

Це буде вечір дружби, єдності та натхнення!

---

English

CORALY

Dear friends, we warmly invite you to our performance as part of Culture Night Cavan!

Dowra Courthouse, Daura, County Cavan

19th September

7:00 PM

Coraly will present a vibrant program:

Ukrainian songs

Songs in English and Italian

Irish and Ukrainian poetry

A highlight of the evening will be the performance of “The Spinning Wheel”, a song written especially for Coraly in 2024 by Julia Boyko, Musical Director and Choral Conductor of the National Ukrainian Choir of Ireland, which had the honour of collaborating with the famous Irish musician Phil Coulter and was invited to perform at his concert at the Bord Gáis Theatre, Dublin, in 2023.

The evening will also celebrate Irish music, history, and culture – bringing communities together in a spirit of friendship and unity.



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




34- Cavan County Tidy Towns Forum Invite




35- Hands OFF Nature Call To Action

Hands OFF Nature

Don’t let the EU weaken nature protection

 

Act now, before 10th September!

 

The European Commission has discreetly launched a consultation over August with a view to weakening EU environmental laws. Under the Trojan Horse of administrative burden they are looking for feedback on waste, industrial emissions and environment assessments.

 

We have seen under this and other regressive Commissions that “simplification” will translate into the dismantling of environmental standards and safeguards. According to European Environmental Bureau everything is potentially on the table, including our biggest campaign wins to adopt or defend nature laws such as the Nature Restoration Law, Habitats Directive, EU Deforestation Regulation, or Water Framework Directive. We can see that industry across Europe have already mobilised and the forestry sector in particular are targeting the NRL and the EUDR.

 

We have until September 10th to scupper their plans and change the course of events.

 

The EU NGO coalition has mobilised the Hands OFF Nature campaign to respond to this threat.

  • They have created a tool to facilitate the public in responding to the Commission’s consultation. You simply fill out your details and then opt to write a personal message or choose an auto-generated response.

  • To facilitate engagement in Ireland the Environmental Pillar have created a dedicated webpage to host the tool. You can share the link to our page with your contacts and ask them to use the tool to make a submission.

 

Key Actions

  1. We ask that you submit a response to the Commissions consultation before September 10th calling on the Commission to improve implementation and enforcement of existing environmental laws rather than weakening them.

  2. Call on your friends, family and networks to also do the same. We have strength in numbers but we have a lot of ground to make up. 

 



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 :

  1. 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- Shantemon Heritage Event



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- Cavan & Meath PPN Staff Share Some Heritage


CavanPPN sends its staff on a 'staff wellbeing day' once per year. This year they visited MeathPPNs staff. Here they went to The Hill of Tlagchta in Athboy where Cavan Coordinator (and storyteller) Daniel told the staff of both PPNs the mythic origins of the Hill of Ward. At lunch afterwards both sets of staff compared and contrasted their PPNs in a peer learning exchange before moving on to some natural heritage in the gorgeous Girley Bog.





 
 
 

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