Eamon Sweeney, Glin Homes and Day Care Centre making a delivery of a Comfort Pack to Joan Hunt, Athea.
West Limerick Resources Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), working with the West Limerick Meals on Wheels Network, delivered a surprise ‘Comfort Pack’ of treats for the mind, body, and sweet tooth to 150 female meal recipients to mark this important day of celebration. The packs brought an extra smile to those who rely on this vital service.
One of the service providers who took part in the project was the Glin Homes and Day Care Centre, which delivers approximately 80 meals per day to individuals living in the communities of Glin, Loughhill and Athea. SICAP Community Development Officer Damien Ahern was delighted to join Eamon Sweeney during his meal deliveries in Athea and witness first-hand the delight these comfort packs brought to recipients.
“It is clear to see that this third lockdown is proving most difficult for those suffering from rural isolation and experiencing loneliness amongst our communities. These packs were greatly appreciated by all who received them, with the contents promising to keep individuals engaged over the coming weeks,” said Mr Ahern. The packs were supported by Section 39 Funding from HSE and SICAP West Limerick Resources and were kindly delivered to the Meals on Wheels centres by Local Link Limerick Clare.
A key theme of this year’s International Women’s Day was challenging inequality, and SICAP also took to social media to show their support. SICAP Development Worker Dee Collins explains, “Each year sees a different focus for IWD. For 2021 women were asked to join online #ChooseToChallenge campaigns and commit to helping forge a more equal and inclusive world.”
Photographs from individuals from around West Limerick were submitted to mark the day accompanied by personal quotes sharing their thoughts on areas of equality and offering words of support and encouragement to women.
The photographic campaign launched on West Limerick Resources Facebook page had a very positive response from the public, with the varied and inspirational contributions serving as a reminder that, though great strides have been taken around equality, there is still more to be done.
“The project was about highlighting inequalities and challenging stereotypes, while celebrating inclusion,” said Dee Collins, SICAP. “We were delighted with both the response and the feedback we have received and are grateful to all who participated in it, making an international project a truly relevant local one.”
A video of all participants is available to view on both West Limerick Resources Facebook page and YouTube channel.
For further information on SICAP, please contact Dearbhla Conlon Ahern SICAP Co-Ordinator on 069 66293 or email dconlon@wlr.ie The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 is funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded by the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020. For further information on International Women’s Day see www.internationalwomensday.com