Cathaoirleach Cllr. Terence Slowey will play host at a special event in St. Shannaghan’s House, Ardara on Monday week next (10 October) where he has invited older people groups from Ardara, Glenties and Narin to come along for an afternoon of music, food and chat.
“This is all part of Social Inclusion Week and I am delighted to be in a position to host this event” says Cllr. Slowey.
“I want to host this event not only to provide an opportunity for socialising but also to share ideas on how to prepare best for Winter and to make sure that older people are well aware of their entitlements and how they can keep warm and safe during the Winter months.”
This is only one of a number of events taking place during this year’s social inclusion week which will take place from 7 to 15 October and which will be officially launched in the County Museum in Letterkenny on Wednesday 5 October at 12pm.
Social Inclusion Week is co-ordinated by Donegal County Council and aims to highlight the very positive work being done, not only by the Council, but also by other statutory and community organisations in attempting to raise awareness of social inclusion related issues in Donegal.
Social Inclusion Week coincides with World Mental Health week and to mark this the ‘Connecting for Life Donegal’ conference will be taking place in Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana at 10am on Friday 7 October. This conference is a joint initiative with the HSE and will be followed at 2pm by a visit to Fort Dunree, Linsfort, Buncrana for a showing of the Lived Lost Lives – Youth Suicide Exhibition.
Once again this year, Donegal County Council has introduced a number of themes for Social Inclusion Week including Health and Wellbeing, Family Supports, Cultural Diversity, the Role of Community & Voluntary Sector and the Voice of Older People and Carers.
Other events taking place during the week include Story Party’s by the Donegal County Council Library Service; Harvest Open day by the Ards Walled Community; MABS Open Day – Information Service Letterkenny and Buncrana; Garden outing in Muff – Cara House Family Resource Centre; IT for Beginners – Inishowen Development Partnership; Workshops with the Migrant Rights Centre – Donegal Intercultural Platform; Polish Cultural Evening- Donegal Youth Services.
Sporting events will also be taking place throughout the week including Donegal Sports Partnership’s events Wheelchair Sports Come & Try, basketball and active senior kurling games day as well as a 5km Run/Walk & Talk event hosted by Connect Mental Health and lots more.
For more information on what’s happening contact Charles Sweeney, Social Inclusion Co-ordinator on 087 911 2401 or Mairead Cranley Assistant Social Inclusion Co-ordinator, Donegal County Council on 074 95 61326
The Social Inclusion Week Programme is available at www.donegalcoco.ie or you can pick up a copy at your local Council office or local library.