Empowerment

Since 2021, 5,500 people have enjoyed exploring Lough Ree on Access for All’s accessible boat. The County Roscommon social enterprise started this year with two more boats and aims to treble passenger numbers. So far visitors have come from every county in Ireland bar one - Antrim.

Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) has launched a new strategic plan, which it describes as “solidifying its commitment to championing the rights and inclusion of disabled people nationwide”.

Members distributed free period packs to schools across Dublin City, the annual Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference heard.

Learners say unequal access to public transport, on-site facilities, and inclusivity and mental health supports are causing regional disparities in their experiences.

By Dr Olive McCarthy and Allen Meagher (pictured below)

Women’s Aid has today welcomed the conviction of Josef Puska for the murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, on January 12, last year. It said the “deep social resonance” of Ashling’s murder should spur us on “in all aspects of Irish society, to do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence - now and for our future generations.”

Social prescribers in 30 locations nationwide help people struggling with social isolation to take part in activities and get out and about

 David Doran worked until recently as an employment specialist with County Kildare Leader Partnership. He provided a new kind of support service for people living with mental illness who wish to gain employment.