Community Pop-Up event success
A mix of community interaction, entertainment and information on services available was the menu for a well-attended North Tipperary Development Company (NTDC) Social Pop Up event at Newport Community Centre.
The attendance included Joanne Mulqueen, NTDC; Damian O Donoghue NTDC, music tutor; Community Garda, Brian Mulcahy and Cllr Fiona Bonfield.
Students from the local schools, community representatives and members of the public attended.
NTDC Manager Kate Madden says: “Participating in these kinds of events can strengthen communities, reconnect friends and neighbours and provide information on services and supports available to everyone in the area.”
The aim of the NTDC Community Social Pop Ups is to reach out to people living in rural communities or those who feel they are socially isolated and provide an opportunity for meaningful social interaction.
NTDC SICAP Community Development Worker, Joanne Mulqueen, adds: “We have hosted over 15 Social Pop Ups in the last 18 months showcasing the need. These events allow reconnection for older people, reduce isolation, and make it an interactive and fun experience whilst giving people a chance to play an instrument, sing a song, dance or just enjoy some live entertainment. Music is a great way to get people to socially participate in meaningful engagement but it also has so many physical and mental health benefits.”
NTDC offers a range of services with offices in Nenagh, Roscrea and Thurles and outreach supports to areas across North Tipperary. Services available in the Newport area include, Social Inclusion and Community Activation (SICAP), Rural Development Programme (LEADER), Local Area Employment Service (LAES), North Tipperary Primary Care Services, Ascend Domestic Abuse Services, Employment Programmes such as Community Employment, Tús Employment Programme, Rural Social Scheme, and Enterprise and Social Enterprise Supports.
For more information on all supports and services available go to www.ntdc.ie or call 067-56676. Information is also available on social media - North Tipperary Development Company.