Issue No. 54 | April 2026
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
I.T. and Me goes online for all to enjoy
Photo credit: John Mee & Western Care Association
Western Care’s 60th anniversary celebrations continue with the Mayo Self Advocacy Group proudly launching their new film, I.T. & Me, on YouTube. The project was co-funded by SWMDC’s Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP).
Created by the Mayo Self Advocacy Group — an initiative of Western Care Association and supported by SWMDC SICAP since 2019 — this twenty-five-minute education film showcases how people can use everyday technology for enjoyment, communication, learning, and staying connected with friends and family.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, group members took part in a series of creative workshops where they developed story ideas, wrote scripts, acted, and filmed scenes demonstrating common digital tasks. These include making phone calls, using WhatsApp, searching on Google, and accessing streaming services such as the RTÉ Player.
The group recently travelled to Brussels to present this inspiring project at the European Parliament, receiving warm engagement and recognition for their work.
As a culmination of their efforts, I.T. and Me is now available for everyone to enjoy on YouTube. The film was officially launched at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, by Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP.
Charlestown Community Garden
Pictured from left to right: Willie Doyle, Amanda Culpan, Breda Doyle, Paddy Casey and Ian Isherwood.
Charlestown Community Organic Garden is always delighted to welcome new volunteers.
It is a warm, inclusive and friendly group where everyone is welcome, whether you have lots of gardening experience or none at all. The group meets every Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm just beside St. Joseph’s Church on Church street in Charlestown.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) contributes to building more sustainable, inclusive and empowered communities. If you are a community group that needs support, please contact Corena at South West Mayo Development Company on 086 103 1485 or email cward@southmayo.com.
Progress Update: Balla Town Parks
Here are a few snapshots highlighting the ongoing enhancement works in Balla Town Parks.
These improvements are being delivered with funding support from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
It’s great to see the progress taking shape, with works currently on schedule for completion by the end of April 2026.
Well done to everyone involved in bringing these improvements to life.
Mayo Period Dignity Day 2026
Mayo Period Dignity Day 2026 will be held on 28th May 2026. The theme for 2026 is “Together
for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, focusing on collective action to break stigma, improve access to
menstrual products, and ensure safe, hygienic spaces for people who menstruate.
Mayo Period Dignity Day is a celebration of dignity, health and equality. The day recognises that periods are a normal part of life and that nobody should face shame, exclusion or hardship because of menstruation. It also highlights that period dignity is not just about access to products, but about access to information, appropriate facilities, compassionate support and the confidence to speak openly about periods and menstrual health.
The day reflects a commitment across County Mayo to creating communities where women, girls and all people who menstruate — including trans men, non-binary people and some intersex people — are supported with respect and understanding.
Period dignity matters for the whole population. When people can manage menstruation safely and without shame, they are better able to participate fully in school, work, sport, family life and community life. This is especially important for those experiencing poverty, social exclusion, homelessness, insecure accommodation, poor access to services or other forms of disadvantage. Shame and silence around periods can also stop people from talking about heavy, painful or otherwise difficult menstruation, delaying access to medical advice and support.
Mayo Period Dignity Day 2026 reflects the belief that period dignity is a community issue, not a private burden. It is an opportunity to recognise progress already made, while also calling for continued efforts to make period products, information and support accessible to everyone who needs them.
We hope that Mayo Period Dignity Day 2026 will help spark positive conversations in homes, schools, services, sports clubs and communities across the county, while affirming that menstruation is a natural part of life and that period dignity is essential to health, equality and inclusion.
#MayoPeriodDignityDay2026 #PeriodFriendlyWorld
If you would like to include the Period Dignity work you do in this awareness raising campaign please contact Corena Ward at South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) on 086 103 1485 or email cward@southmayo.com.
Staff Updates
- We are delighted to welcome Corena Ward who joined the SICAP team as Project Development Officer. You can contact Corena at cward@southmayo.com or 086 103 1485.
- We wish John Walsh, FARM-Up | Coimín Beo Coordinator every success as he moves on from SWMDC to take up a new role. During his time with SWMDC, John worked across Mayo and Donegal to get our European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project off the ground.
After 22 years with SWMDC, Norita Clesham retired from SWMDC earlier this month. Most recently Norita worked on the LEADER programme, but previously worked on SICAP, and was instrumental in the development of initiatives such as Social Farming, Community Futures, and Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) projects in south Mayo.
We thank Norita for her signficiant contribution to SWMDC over the years, and wish her good health and much happiness in retirement.
Pictured are David O’Malley (Rural Development Coordinator) and Sabina Trench (CEO) making presentations from Board and Staff to Norita Clesham at her retirement lunch.
Innovative Recovery Hub Showcases West of Ireland Partnership in Action
Friday, 17 April marked a significant moment for community recovery services in the West with the official launch of the COMPASS Recovery Hub, formally opened by Minister Dara Calleary TD. Minister Calleary’s presence and remarks underscored the Government’s commitment to strengthening recovery pathways and supporting collaborative, community‑based initiatives across the region.
The Hub is the result of a strong partnership between South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC), Galway City Partnership, the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, the Health Service Executive, and the Department of Social Protection. Together, these organisations have developed a model that demonstrates how people in recovery can be supported and empowered as they move forward after rehabilitation.
Leadership and Collaboration at the Centre
In her presentation, Mags Dillion, Regional Recovery Coordinator with SWMDC / WRDATF, provided an insightful overview of the Hub’s services and activities. She highlighted the importance of the dedicated Community Employment (CE) scheme, sponsored by Galway City Partnership, which offers structured opportunities for participants in recovery to rebuild confidence, skills, and community connection.
The audience also heard directly from people who have benefitted from the CE scheme. Their stories illustrated the real impact that emerges when local, regional, and national bodies work together with a shared purpose — a point Minister Calleary emphasised in acknowledging the value of partnership and a person‑centred support.
A Celebration of Recovery and Community
The event concluded with an uplifting performance by ‘Back on Track’, the COMPASS Recovery Hub choir, capturing the spirit of hope and community that defines the project.
The success of the launch has already sparked interest in replicating the COMPASS model in Mayo and Roscommon, reflecting growing momentum for recovery‑focused collaboration across the West of Ireland.
Photographs Credit: Dallas Dallaghan and Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force.
MEP Maria Walsh Visits Castlebar Social Services
South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) recently facilitated a visit by MEP Maria Walsh to Castlebar Social Services (CSS), where she learned first‑hand about the vital supports the centre provides to older people and vulnerable members of the community.
During the visit, MEP Walsh was briefed on the significant role SWMDC has played in the development of the centre over many years. Through LEADER funding, SWMDC has supported key capital investments that have strengthened the organisation’s capacity to deliver essential and accessible services. In addition, SWMDC provides ongoing social employment supports that underpin the operation of the Meals on Wheels facility, ensuring the service can continue to meet growing local demand.
Sabina Trench, SWMDC CEO took the opportunity to highlight the importance of retaining strong LEADER funding within the ongoing CAP reform negotiations at European level. She emphasised that LEADER has been central to the growth and sustainability of community‑based services like CSS, and that continued investment is essential to protect rural social infrastructure and support rural communities throughout Mayo and the rest of Ireland.
MEP Walsh expressed her appreciation for the dedication of staff, volunteers, and partner organisations, noting the importance of sustained community‑based supports across the region. She also acknowledged the value of EU programmes that enable local development companies to deliver meaningful, on‑the‑ground impact.
The visit underscored the long‑standing partnership between CSS, SWMDC, and national and EU programmes — a collaboration that continues to enhance the wellbeing of communities in Castlebar and beyond.
SWMDC will continue to advocate for rural Ireland at European level to ensure that LEADER is ringfenced for many years to come.
Pictured with MEP Walsh are members of Castlebar Social Services staff and Board members and South West Mayo Development Company staff.
Photo Credit: Heverin Print & Photography
Tús Information Session at Intreo Westport
Tony Hynes (Social Employment and Health & Safety Coordinator at SWMDC) recently delivered an information session at the Westport Intreo Office highlighting the benefits of the Tús scheme, an initiative of the Department of Social Protection.
Tús provides valuable part-time work placements within local community and voluntary organisations, offering participants the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and gain meaningful work experience while contributing to their community. The session also outlined how the scheme supports individuals in re-establishing a work routine, expanding their networks, and enhancing their prospects for future employment.
If you think Tús might be right for you, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Tony Hynes (thynes@southmayo.com) for more information, to check your eligibility or to register your interest.
Funding Opportunities
CLÁR Programme for 2026
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport.
Applications by 22nd May 2026.
Measure 3: Our Living Islands
Applications by 3rd July 2026
For more details: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/policy-information/cl%C3%A1r-funding-for-small-scale-rural-projects/
Community Services Programme (CSP)
The Community Services Programme supports community-based organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services that meet identified needs and provide employment locally, contributing to sustainable, inclusive and empowered communities.
Applications by 8th May 2026
For more details: https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/community-services-programme-csp/
Community Centres Investment Fund
Funding is being made available under 2 Categories, with grants of between €10,000 and €100,000 available:
Category 1: Small scale projects and improvements to facilities – €10,000 to €25,000
Category 2: Larger scale projects – €25,001 to €100,000
Applications by 13th July, 2026
Community Safety Fund
Applications are invited from community safety initiatives as well as groups co-funded with local authorities, NGOs and community organisations working on issues relevant to community safety and youth justice.
Applications may be submitted by :
- individual organisations,
- by a consortium involving two or more organisations where the lead partner is a community organisation,
- not-for-profit, social enterprise or similar with a remit relevant to community safety and/or youth justice.
Applications with innovative approaches will be afforded particular consideration.
Applications by 18th May, 2026
For more details: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/collections/community-safety-fund/
Phone: 098 419 50 | Email: info@southmayo.com | Website: www.southmayo.com
Together, we’re building stronger communities—one hour at a time.
