The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is a Government programme which is delivered by Forum Connemara CLG in South and North Connemara, County Galway.

Two elderly men sitting side by side on a wooden bench outside a building with a corrugated metal wall. Both are wearing sweaters and holding beverages. Engaged in conversation, they epitomize social inclusion through the Community Activation Program

Programme Aim

The aim of SICAP is to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality in Ireland through supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration.

Map of Connemara, showing towns such as Clifden, Recess, and Spiddal. Features roads, including N59, and notable areas like Roundstone and Rossaveel.

Three individuals in red life jackets are seated in white kayaks on a body of water near a rocky wall. Holding paddles, they appear ready to row. The calm water and relaxed atmosphere suggest a recreational outing aimed at community activation

Who is it for?

SICAP has specific ‘target’ groups to ensure it is a targeted and focused programme. People who are from one or more of these groups are eligible for support under the programme:

Long-term unemployed
Living in disadvantaged communities
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection
An International Protection Applicant
Impacted by educational disadvantage
A person with a criminal history
Living in jobless households or households with low income
People with disabilities
Head of one-parent family
From the Traveller community
From the Roma community
Young people aged 12-24

A group of hikers stands on a rocky summit with a clear blue sky in the background.

Contact Us

Name

First Name

Last Name

Subject

Message

What can SICAP help with?

Three people wearing grey shirts and white gloves are picking up litter along a rural roadside. They are placing the trash into large white bags, contributing to a SICAP community clean-up effort. Green vegetation and trees line the roadside — Community Groups

- Developing a group
- Accessing funding
- Influencing decision makers
- Hosting a community event/meeting
- Training or facilitating

A smiling man in a maroon t-shirt and white apron stands with his arms crossed in front of a farmers' market stall, part of the Community Activation Program. The stall displays a colorful array of fresh vegetables and fruits. — Individuals

- Improving quality of life
- Identifying next steps
- Exploring educational, training/ employment options
- Accessing a small grant for training
- Applying for The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
- Employment Preparation Skills

A woman with long brown hair stands in a thrift store, holding a cardboard box containing a teddy bear and various clothes. Another woman in the background is organizing or sorting items as part of the Community Activation Program. — Social Enterprise Supports

A Social Enterprise in Ireland is a business run by local people to help their own community. Its main purpose is to support the area, whether by creating jobs, offering services, or funding local projects. Any money made goes back into the community, rather than to private owners. Examples of social enterprises you may be familiar with are charity shops, food banks and community cafés.
**Our Social Enterprise supports include:**
- Information & Guidance
- Networking with other Social Enterprises
- Information on grants and funding opportunities
- Signposting to Social Enterprise supports
- Customised Training & Mentoring

Two open hands holding a torn piece of paper with the words "Refugee Asylum" written on it, placed over a wooden surface. — New Arrivals

We support new arrivals through working with individuals and groups. Members of the newly arrived communities engage with us for reasons, including personal development and improved well-being, to get a job or to set up their own business. We deliver targeted supports to Local Community Groups that represent and/or work with members of new communities.
**Our supports for New Arrivals include:**
- Paths to Employment
- Integration
- Training
- Networking
- Support and Mentoring

A group of people in a computer lab raise their hands as they face a presenter.

TRAINING

We run a variety of courses to support job seekers, community groups, voluntary groups and start up enterprises, funded through SICAP. We will post upcoming training here and watch out for updates across our social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook). If you would like to enquire about training posted here or other training or educational opportunities that you are interested in, please contact us via the above contact form or via the details at the bottom of the page.

Free Fitness Classes for adults from October 16th in Oughterard Community Centre.
10.30am to 11.30 am.
Contact Eithne on 085 179 79 59
More Details →
Free Training, 3.5 hours with 2 year certification.
Nov 5th, 10:00am - 1:30pm
Clifden Town Hall
To book call Eithne on 085 179 7959
More Details →
Ar siúl ar an 12ú Samhain ón 1.00in go dtí 2.00in sa gCrannóg i Ros Muc.
More Details →
Ar siúl ar an 4ú Samhain ón 7.00in go dtí 9.00in i Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara, Carna
More Details →
Ar siúl ar an 6ú Samhain ón 7.00in go dtí 9.00in i Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua.
More Details →
Ar siúl ar an 5ú Samhain ón 7.00in go dtí 9.00in i nGairmscoil na bPiarsach i Ros Muc.
More Details →

Four women are standing together, smiling at the camera. They are in front of a colorful bulletin board with sunflower decorations and various posters. — **L-R:** Nórah Ní Cheannabháin, Eithne O’Halloran, Sharon Coyne Duane, Yevheniia Bohachova

Contact Us

We offer a wide range of free supports to eligible persons, including workshops, courses and community training.
If you are interested in signing up for one of our workshops or just looking to enquire about how we can support you, please contact us.

Nórah Ní Cheannabháin
South Connemara, Ros Muc Office
085 179 7723
n.nicheannabhain@forumconnemara.ie

Eithne O’Halloran
North Connemara, Clifden Office
085 179 7959
e.ohalloran@forumconnemara.ie

Yevheniia Bohachova
New arrivals in Connemara, Clifden Office
085 179 7957
y.bohachova@forumconnemara.ie

Sharon Coyne Duane
Financial Administrator