Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week launched

MAYO Social Inclusion Awareness Week takes place from October 10 to 16, and was officially launched by Councillor Al McDonnell this week.

The aim of Social Inclusion Awareness Week is to highlight and support initiatives throughout the county that foster inclusion and equality. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of people in Mayo.

The theme this year is 'Arts as a social inclusion tool'.

Recognising the arts by giving life to multiple forms of expression can become a tool to improve social inclusion and to create bonds between people. Through the arts we can make connections, facilitate well-being, be empowered and strengthen our self-confidence. It helps people to express themselves, be authentic and provides opportunities to celebrate our uniqueness.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor McDonnell, vice-chairperson of the Mayo LCDC Social Inclusion and Community Development Working Group, said: “Social Inclusion Awareness Week promotes the very positive work that the voluntary and community sectors do daily to reduce discrimination, racism, poverty and social exclusion. It also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the many challenges faced by vulnerable members in our community.”

Councillor Neil Cruise thanked the many agencies and organisations involved in bringing together the brochure of events for the week.

Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week is an initiative of the Mayo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). It is organised by the LCDC’s Social Inclusion and Community Development Working Group with Mayo County Council. The working group comprises representatives from many community groups and organisations throughout Mayo.

For a full list of events you can view this year’s brochure on https://www.mayo.ie/en-ie/social-inclusion-week/what-on.

For more information about Mayo Social Inclusion Awareness Week visit https://www.mayo.ie/socialinclusionweek or email community@mayococo.ie.