Local development company in operation since 1991, serving communities in southern County Kerry
SICAP Case Studies
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.
Here are some detailed accounts of work SKDP has been involved in through the SICAP programme.
Lauragh Community Centre – Heartbeat of the Community
Lauragh Community Centre have been working with the SICAP Community Development Worker in SKDP since 2019 to assist them to enhance, strengthen and develop their community services. In 2020 they successfully opened a meals on wheels service and have kept the service open during a very difficult time and have accessed supports to ensure the service stayed open through the provision of SICAP grant aid.
Lauragh Community Centre is based in an isolated rural area – it is through the imagination, dedication and energy of the strong committee and the volunteers that the Community Centre has become the heart of the community again. Lauragh is on the periphery of the SKDP geographical remit which reaches out to three separate peninsulas.
In 2019 we documented the work of Kerry Social Farming project, where SKDP acts as lead partner. Across Kerry, there are over 30 people with intellectual disabilities or acquired brain injuries working on 18 farms. It not only helps the farmers who may be otherwise working alone but provides a social outlet to groups who often experience isolation.
We released a short documentary video on our Facebook channel where it proved very popular, reaching nearly 5000 people and garnering 500 reactions.
SICAP Case Study Video
A Lone TOGETHER – NEVER A Lone
In late 2018 the South Kerry Development Partnership initiated the setting up of support groups for Lone Parents. Following the success of the Cahersiveen group, further groups were subsequently established in Kenmare and Killorglin.
Our SICAP officer Mary Gallagher, was instrumental in the establishment of these groups and in line with the principles of Community Development provides a people centred programme and supports for people parenting alone in South Kerry.
This case study documented the importance of these groups and the impact of SICAP programme on people’s lives.
Watch our video to hear compelling real life stories, highlighting the benefits of these supports.
Managing Adolescent Stress
In 2018, we did a Case Study on ‘Managing Adolescent Stress’ which can be viewed in this report.