Social Inclusion Week is launched in Ballina

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

Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week takes place this week and its theme is Cairdeas (Befriending), a theme acknowledging our new citizens in Mayo as well as encouraging everyone in the county to reach out to others in our communities.

Cllr Loftus said: “Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week 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.”

Up to 40 events are taking place in 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.

Other examples 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 event and LGBTI+ awareness training.

A full programme is available on www.mayo.ie, just search ‘Social Inclusion’.