Cathaoirleach launches Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week

The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Loftus, has launched Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week 2023 at Ballina Library.

Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week takes place from Monday next, October 9 to Sunday, October 15 (inclusive). This year’s SIAW theme is 'Cairdeas (Befriending)', a theme acknowledging our new citizens in Mayo as well as also encouraging everyone in the county to reach out to others in our communities with the hand of friendship and inclusion.

Launching Social Inclusion Awareness Week Cllr Loftus said: “Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week is a very important initiative within the county. It is an opportunity for those involved in the voluntary and community sectors to showcase the work they do on an ongoing basis around equality, diversity, and inclusion.

“The week is also an opportunity to challenge and question ourselves in this regard. I would like to acknowledge the many people and organisations responsible for organising all the events taking place during this week throughout Mayo and thank them for their valuable work. I would also like to invite the public to come out and attend events and encourage others to do so also.”

Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council added: “Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week 2023 is a very important event on Mayo County Council’s calendar and throughout the week there are many great events for people to attend.

“These include social, training, information and sporting and recreational events highlighting the wonderful work the voluntary and community sectors in our county are involved in on an all-year-round basis.

“Mayo County Council are delighted to coordinate the calendar of events on behalf of Mayo LCDC. I would like to wish all involved the very best with the events during Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week.”

There are upwards of 40 events taking place throughout Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness week all around County Mayo. All events are free of charge, are open and accessible to all and being organised by individuals, organisations and agencies working in the voluntary and community sectors within the county.

One of this year’s flagship events takes place at Ballina Arts Centre on Wednesday, October 11, from 9.30am to 1pm, titled ‘Cairdeas le Cheile’ and features speakers and panel discussion around racism and the lived experience of people in Mayo around racism. This event features a keynote address from Dr John Mulloy ATU, as well as an address from Chief Africa correspondent for The New York Times, Ballina native Declan Walsh, among other contributors on the day.

Paddy Maughan from Mayo North East Development Company and a member of Mayo Says No to Racism group, says that: “Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week is an opportunity for Mayo North East to celebrate the work we already do under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation (SICAP) Programme.

“Mayo North East are involved in the organisation of various events during the week such as a Seminar dealing with Racism which will give voice to many people from various ethnic groups living in Mayo including those from the Traveller and Migrant communities.”

An example of events taking place during the week include: Meet and Greets, Inclusive exercise classes, Looking after your mental health online, Volunteer fair, Mayo Advocacy group ‘our voices from the heart’ event, LGBTI+ Awareness Training, Music, Song and Art social inclusion events, Free Training Session on the Autism Friendly Town initiative, Rural Community Engagement & Wellbeing, Social Prescribing Service Information session, Sporting fun inclusive events, Information Day for people with MS & other Neurological Conditions and much more.

All information is included in this year’s Social Inclusion Awareness Week Brochure and can be accessed www.mayo.ie/socialinclusion. All events are free of charge.