President of Ireland Catherine Connolly is due in our locality for the first time since her election.
She’s expected to attend the South East Technological University (SETU) backed ‘Supporting Family Carers Across Ireland’ project showcase.
Funded by the Higher Education Authority, the partnership between SETU and Family Carers Ireland aims to make higher education more accessible for family carers.
791 family carers have to date completed 43 programmes through the initiative, gaining confidence, skills, and recognition for their caring roles.
It builds on an earlier collaboration that created a Certificate in Family Caring, and has expanded to include a range of flexible, part-time, and online accredited courses tailored to carers’ needs.
The project removed financial barriers by covering course fees, and provided emotional, educational, and peer support to carers who often face isolation and limited opportunities due to their caring responsibilities. Overall, it highlights the vital contribution of family carers in Ireland, promotes social inclusion, and empowers carers through education, advocacy, and personal development.
Today’s showcase event will celebrate the success of the project to date and will also see the launch of an associated research report, as well as a video featuring the real-life stories of project participants:
