€10,000 provided to Mayo County Council to support The Big Hello! events

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, is urging people in Mayo to reach out to their neighbours as part of The Big Hello!, the first National Community Weekend, which takes place this May Bank Holiday Weekend (May 4 to 6).

“The Big Hello” supports communities in Mayo and throughout Ireland to host events in their local area in order to strengthen community ties and help tackle the problem of social isolation.

Minister Ring said: “I am challenging people in Mayo to reach out and say The Big Hello! to their neighbours by organising an event, or attending one in their local community. Events could range from a communal cup of tea or a picnic to a sports day or a local history event.

The community decides!

“In order to support these events I have allocated €10,000 to Mayo County Council and asked them to allocate funding to The Big Hello! events in Mayo.

Funding for events is available to residents’ committees and community and voluntary groups through their Local Authorities. Further details can be found on www.drcd.gov.ie/bighello, and on The Big Hello! Facebook page.

Minister Ring continued: “In a world where people are spending less time in their communities and more time at work, it is important to find new ways to connect people and focus on the importance of neighbours. In our busy lives we rarely make time for each other outside of our network of family, friends and social media contacts.

“Sadly, many people in communities throughout Mayo are experiencing social isolation and loneliness. I firmly believe that this initiative can help people to connect or re-connect with their neighbours and communities.”

The event is being organised by the Minister’s Department in partnership with representatives of Public Participation Networks, Local Community Development Companies, Volunteer Ireland, Young Social Innovators, Macra na Feirme, Street Feast, An tOireachtas and Change X.

Minister Ring said: “I’m delighted to have the active support of a working group from across the community and voluntary sector whose input has been crucial to the design of the event. Their support and extensive community networks will be extremely valuable in promoting The Big Hello! throughout Ireland.”