Community

Weekly payments given to families in direct provision provide less than half of what is needed for the minimum essential standard of living, according to new research. The Children’s Rights Alliance has now renewed its call for the Government to prioritise an increased child payment for children in the direct provision system in Budget 2024.

National Community Engagement Week kicks off today, with events taking place in communities across Ireland to give people the opportunity to get to know their local gardaí and representatives. Previously run over the course of just one day, this expanded week-long series facilitated by the National Rural Safety Forum runs from May 22 to 26 this year.

Communities in Fingal are taking part in a pilot this summer that aims to replace cars with kids, transforming neighbourhood streets into safe places to play. The pilot is the first of its kind in Ireland and sees Fingal County Council partnered with not-for-profit organisation, A Playful City, which works to engage communities to create more playful, healthy and inclusive public places.

National Volunteer Week is a week-long celebration of volunteering that takes place from Monday, May 15 to Sunday, May 21. Each year across Ireland, National Volunteering Week features a range of events that showcase all that is great about volunteering, from yoga to coffee mornings and seminars.

National Bike Week kicks off this weekend, running from May 13 to May 21 this year. A wide range of free events are taking place at locations around the country to promote the benefits of cycling, from leisurely-paced family cycles to more challenging routes for experienced bikers.

by Sorcha Grisewood The town of Monaghan might not be the first place that would come to mind when you think of areas where Irish is spoken. However, there is a growing community of Irish speakers there and huge efforts underway to promote the language.

Community workers tell how LGBT+ organisations are working to tackle rural isolation and what is needed.

When it comes to wellness and mental health, the proven benefits of getting outside and talking to people are well documented. Luckily, with Street Feasts, community pools and a growing network of Greenways, there are plenty of opportunities to partake in some open-air therapy.