Working in partnership with social enterprise stakeholders, DRCD has developed an Awareness Strategy for Social Enterprise in Ireland. Its main aims are to:
The purpose of the Awareness Raising Initiative for Social Enterprise is to provide funding to social enterprises and their support and network organisations to carry out awareness-raising initiatives that will increase awareness of social enterprises and their potential, in line with the Awareness Raising Strategy. Funding for this scheme is provided by the Dormant Accounts Fund.
In 2022 Ballyhoura Development CLG engaged with social enterprises across the Ballyhoura Region, to create an opportunity to collectively promote and engage with the wider public on the role of social enterprises in our communities.
Focusing on the “Ballyhoura Reimagined” theme for social enterprises video content and a podcast series hosted by Mairead Lavery was developed with the support of the social marketing company “We The People”. Supported through social media toolkits and infographics the aim is to utilise the content and exposure for many months ahead.
This project was approved by Government with support from the Dormant Accounts Fund.
All the Ballyhoura Community ReImagined series content is available to view below:
Mairead Lavery is joined by Marian Clarke, Manager at Doon Social Farm, Laura Foster, Director at The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, and John O’Connell, Enterprises and Estates Manager at Slí Eile. Read more
Mairead Lavery is joined by Jess Angland, Chief Operations Officer at Slí Eile, and Colette Ryan, General Manager at CareBright. Read more
Mairead Lavery is joined by Ciara Maloney, Manager of Friars Gate Theatre, Bill Power, Chairperson at Saint George’s Arts and Heritage Centre, and Tommy O’Sullivan, volunteer at the Old Chapel rooms, Kilfinane Read more
Mairead Lavery is joined by Amanda Slattery, Development Manager at Ballyhoura Development CLG, and Mike Knightson, volunteer and member of the E-Charleville Enterprise Centre. Read more
Set up in 1997, Friars' Gate Theatre in Kilmallock has presented a busy and diverse programme, bringing an eclectic artistic mix and teaching of the highest standards to a wide audience across Ballyhoura and beyond. Read more
Founded in 1992 in Caherconlish, the Millennium Centre is at the heart of the community, providing a sustainable, secure, culturally diverse and accessible space that is valued and supported by the people of Ballyhoura. Read more
Croom Civic Centre is the heartbeat of the community in Croom. Patricia Ryan, CEO of the Croom Community Development, speaks about their work and impact. Read more
A leading provider of homecare in Munster, CareBright provides a supportive environment for people living with dementia, ensuring that all can participate in the warmth and support of the community. Read more
Based on a 33 acre organic farm, Doon Social Farm provides therapeutic services to people in society who are experiencing social isolation, particularly young people. Read more
Jess Angland, COO of Slí Eile speaks on the work they do to support people within the Ballyhoura region and across Ireland. Read more
Bill Power, Andrew Dineen and Anne Morrisson speak about the importance of this building to the wider Ballyhoura region. Read more
Laura Foster, Director at the Donkey Sanctuary Ireland discusses how they work alongside the local community and a worldwide network of partners to transform the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support. Read more
Kay Dawson, Vice Chair of Mitchelstown Community Forum and Norma Harrington, Mitchelstown Enterprise Centre's Office Administrator speak on the importance of social enterprise. Read more
Emma Walsh discusses how a wonderful renovated Church Of Ireland brought to life by a dedicated group of local volunteers has become central to the local community. Read more
John Kennedy of Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment speaks about how the Ballyhoura Outdoor Classroom helps students to learn more about sustainability in the region. Read more
Pat Morris from Charleville Community Care and Garden Services discusses the importance of social enterprises to local communities and how his social enterprise helps people who might be distanced from the labour market to learn key skills. Read more