TIME TO SAY A BIG HELLO

I am urging communities from all over Galway to take time to say a Big Hello this coming May Bank Holiday.
As Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, I am calling on people to come together for Ireland’s first National Community Weekend on May 4-6,
We are calling it the Big Hello and it’s a great opportunity for neighbours and friends to stage community events.
Each local authority has been given €10,000 to allocate funding to support activities.
Events could be anything from a communal cup of tea to picnics, sports days, local history events or anything similar that brings people together.
Community and voluntary groups, organisations and residents’ committees can all apply for funding.
I am encouraging people to take time out of their busy lives to come together in a social setting.
We want to tackle social isolation and loneliness, which is especially acute in our rural communities.
Partners for the Big Hello include representatives from Public Participation Networks, Local Community Development Companies, Volunteer Ireland, Young Social Innovators, Macra na Feirme, Street Feast, An tOireachtas and Change X.
We are hoping that more than 1,000 events will be staged nationwide.
You can get more details on the Department’s website www.drcd.gov.ie/bighello and on The Big Hello! Facebook page.