Some 70 events will take place around Galway next week as part of national Social Inclusion Awareness Week.
County Galway Social Inclusion Awareness Week aims to highlight the positive work carried out by Galway County Council, and other agencies and groups, to reduce social exclusion and improve the quality of life for all living in County Galway. The week also aims to promote greater understanding of social inclusion and diversity.
The week will run from Monday October 17 to Saturday October 22, with a variety of free events including hearing checks, photographic exhibitions, organic gardening workshops, digital photography workshops for older people, and Latin American culture workshops taking place throughout the county.
One of the flagship events of the week will be the official opening on Monday of Parkmore Community House and Allotments in Tuam by Minister for Housing and Planning Willie Penrose. An innovative collaboration between Tuam RAPID, the local residents’ association, and other community and statutory partners, this community resource will support local residents and facilitate community development initiatives. Minister Penrose will also officially launch County Galway Social Inclusion Awareness Week at the event, which will take place at 4pm.
County Galway Comhairle na nÓg will host its annual general meeting on Saturday October 22 in An Spidéal, and a great day of workshops and activities for young people is being planned for this.
“Social inclusion is about creating a fair and inclusive society, where all members of our community have the opportunity to participate in community life,” said Catriona McQuillan, Galway County Council’s social inclusion officer. “We are delighted that the week of events has continued to grow and this year there are over 70 events taking place.”
Congratulating those involved in organising and participating in the Social Inclusion Week’s events, Mayor of County Galway Michael Maher said: “Galway County Council plays a key role in the delivery of social inclusion actions and support to communities. I congratulate all those involved in organising and participating in the programme of events for Social Inclusion Awareness Week 2011.”
A full programme of events is available on Galway County Council’s website www.galway.ie or by contacting the council’s social inclusion unit at (091 ) 476510.
