Tackling poverty & exclusion locally, & improving people’s life chances.

What is Social Inclusion and Community Activation Program (SICAP)?

SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) helps people and communities experiencing disadvantage by providing one-to-one support, training, mentoring, and community development opportunities.

The Programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training (EIST) Programme 2021-2027 and administered by Pobal and the Local Community Development Committee in Co. Clare.

SICAP events around Clare cater for a large spectrum of different activities serving diverse communities

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.

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is the SICAP programme implementer for county Clare, with national management by Pobal.

This programme will run from 2024-2028.

Who is it for?

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

Disadvantaged Children and Families

People living in Disadvantaged Communities

Disadvantaged Young People (aged 15 – 24)

People with Disabilities

Disadvantaged Women

Roma

Travellers

Lone Parents

The Disengaged from the Labour Market (Economically Inactive)

Low Income Workers / Households

The Unemployed

New Communities

SICAP has two goals:

Goal 1: Supporting Communities

To support communities and target groups to engage with relevant stakeholders in identifying and addressing social exclusion and equality issues, developing the capacity of Local Community Groups, and creating more sustainable communities.

To support communities and target groups to engage with relevant stakeholders in identifying and addressing social exclusion and equality issues, developing the capacity of Local Community Groups, and creating more sustainable communities.

We Support Communities

 – Developing a group

 – Accessing Funding

 – Influencing decision makers

 – Hosting a community event/meeting

 – Training or facilitating

 – Growing a social enterprise

Goal 2: Supporting Individuals

To support disadvantaged individuals to improve the quality of their lives through the provision of lifelong learning and labour market supports.

We Support Individuals

 – Improving quality of life

 – Identifying next steps

 – Finding out about rights & entitlements

 – Exploring educational, training/employment options

 – Accessing a small grant for training

 – Applying for Back to Work Enterprise  Allowance/Enterprise Grant

 – Farm income options

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024-2028

Some of our Success Stories

Helping Students Thrive Through Structured Homework Support SICAP | Clare Local Development Company | Ennis Building brighter futures: Homework Clubs Supporting young people to succeed in school – Boosting learning […]

A Youth-Led Mental Health & Digital Wellbeing Initiative SICAP | Clare Local Development Company | Ennis Ten Golden Rules for Online Safety A team of Transition Year students from Ennis […]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SICAP and who is it for in Clare?

SICAP supports individuals & communities experiencing disadvantage by reducing poverty & promoting social inclusion.

In Clare it supports groups such as the unemployed, low-income families, Travellers, Roma, new communities & lone parents with additional focus on youth aged 15–24.

How do I check if I qualify for support?

You must be aged 15 or over & belong to at least one target group including:

• People living in disadvantaged communities
• Long-term unemployed or those in low-paid or insecure work
• Households with no one in employment
• One-parent families
• People with physical or mental disabilities
• Refugees or asylum seekers

What are the steps to receive individual support?

Contact CLDC at 065 6866800 or sicap@cldc.ie. A Development Officer will arrange a meeting to discuss your needs & register you for SICAP supports if appropriate.

How can community groups access support?

Community groups can contact us for support with group development, training, events, social enterprise initiatives & guidance on accessing funding.

Is there a cost and how long does support last?

SICAP services are free. Support is flexible and can range from one-off advice to longer-term support depending on your needs.

Can I get training or job search help?

Yes. Support includes CV preparation, interview skills, job searching and access to employment training programmes.

Staff Contacts

Darina Greene

Coordinator

Contact me for general inquiries about supports for Children, Young People, Families, and Wellbeing.

dgreene@cldc.ie
087 9582451

Anneli Vaughan

Contact me with questions on supports for community groups, integration initiatives for new arrivals to Ireland, or inquiries related to Fáilte Isteach English conversation classes throughout Clare.

avaughan@cldc.ie
087 1882778

Alina Senkova

Contact me for support with intercultural community initiatives, integration programmes, and cultural exchange events.

asenkova@cldc.ie
087-188-3114

Ruth Underwood

Roma Project Worker

Contact me if you’re a member of the Roma community needing help with housing, social welfare, or health services, or to learn about the Roma project’s activities & events.

Runderwood@cldc.ie
087 9308399

Ailbhe Crowley

Contact me to chat about Homework Projects, Parent Groups or Supports to Homelessness Organisations.

acrowley@cldc.ie
0877953934

Emmet Walsh

Give me a call if you want to discuss Young People's Projects, Youth Activities, Targeted Summer and Holiday Camps or Post Primary After School supports

ewalsh@cldc.ie
0872273178

Hanna Griffey

Contact me to learn about climate justice and Just Transition.

0879039870
hgriffey@cldc.ie

Siobhan Purcell

Contact me for help applying for the Back to Work Enterprises Allowance, to complete a Business plan and info on our ‘Start Your Own Business’ course.

087 2797388
spurcell@cldc.ie