Kildare Social Inclusion Week 2024 launches with Community Arts and Crafts exhibition
The exhibition was organised byKare and Newbridge Disability Access Group
by Ciarán Mather · Leinster LeaderKildare Social Inclusion Week 2024 has officially launched with a Community Arts and Crafts exhibition.
The Week's programme launched last week with a community arts and crafts exhibition organised by Kare and the Newbridge Disability Access Group.
The event, which was held in Newbridge Town Hall on Monday, September 23 last, brought together people from all walks of life in the community in a celebration of creativity.
Broadcaster and Newbridge resident Keith Walsh was present as a special guest at the event, and delivered an insightful talk on inclusion in society, focusing on the small actions we can all take to create a more inclusive community: "If everybody did one nice thing today, imagine the ripple effect that would have in a county like Kildare.
"We do have power as individuals; it’s not just about the big organisations, everybody plays a part when it comes to welcome people into a community."
He also encouraged everyone to 'Break the routine with small interactions; make a little extra effort to engage with someone we don’t usually talk to, with simple suggestions of how to embrace new connections in our daily lives.'
Speaking after the event, Anne-Marie Potter, Social Inclusion Officer at Kare, said: "We were thrilled with the turnout and the level of engagement from the community for this exhibition.
"It was fantastic to see so many groups and individuals come together to showcase their creativity and launch Social Inclusion Week in Kildare."
"Events like this show just how important it is to create spaces where people feel welcome and included, and that’s what Social Inclusion Week is all about."
Ms Potter concluded: "We were delighted to collaborate with Newbridge Disability Access Group, with the support of Kildare Public Participation Network, to host this event."
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The premises was sold in 2017 to a developer by the trustees
ATMOSPHERE
Individuals and community groups showcased their talents with impressive displays of arts and crafts, including sculpture, painting, knitting, and weaving.
There was strong attendance from across the wider community, including schools, arts and crafts groups, local politicians and An Garda Siochana, resulting in a warm and social atmosphere throughout the morning.
Attendees were invited to browse the diverse array of work on display and avail of the refreshments, with many taking the opportunity to chat, make new connections, and catch up with old friends.
Kare was founded in 1967 by a group of parents and friends of children with intellectual disabilities who set out to ensure that children with disabilities could live at home with their family and be educated locally.
The organisation's catchment area is Mid-South Kildare, East Offaly, West Wicklow and North-East Carlow.
Newbridge resident, broadcaster and mental health advocate, Keith Walsh, spoke at the event about the small actions individuals can take to promote inclusion in the community. Photograph credit: Kare.