Over 55,000 people were supported by the Government’s main social inclusion programme, report finds
- Published on: 25 August 2020
- Last updated on: 25 August 2020
The Minister of State for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, TD launched the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) Annual Report 2019 today, 25 August 2020.
The report details how the most vulnerable groups in Irish society are helped through a programme delivered by development companies in their local areas.
SICAP supports those who are most marginalised in Irish society and unlikely to use mainstream education, training and employment services. Since 2018, SICAP has tackled social exclusion and inequality, supporting over 3,500 community groups and 55,000 individuals.
Groups supported by SICAP include people with a disability, disadvantaged young people, Travellers, Roma, new communities, lone parents and the unemployed.
In 2019, SICAP provided supports to 2,636 Local Community Groups, 370 Social Enterprises and 30,280 individuals. 46% of individuals participated in a lifelong learning activity (i.e. course placement, apprenticeship or work experience), 6% got a job and 8% set up their own business.
Speaking at today’s launch, Minister Joe O’Brien said:
“I am proud to launch the SICAP Annual Report for 2019. This report shows that SICAP is continuing to reach people experiencing social exclusion and inequality in every part of Ireland. I commend the 46 Local Development Companies who work with those most in need through SICAP and I am very happy that we fund this important programme.
“As Ireland emerges from Covid-19, SICAP will be playing a key role in ensuring that those on the margins will be included in the recovery”
Anna Shakespeare, Pobal CEO said:
“I believe that this report shows the key role played by SICAP in delivering important supports to individuals and groups throughout the country and also highlights the critical role of the community and voluntary sector, and programmes like SICAP in working to combat social exclusion and improve outcomes for those in our society who need our help most”.
The full report can be downloaded at this link.
Find out more about the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) on Pobal’s website.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
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.