Lord Mayor Hazel Chu launches Social Inclusion Week

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu launched Dublin City Council’s ‘Social Inclusion Week’ at the Mansion House yesterday.

A variety of live and online events have been organised across the week by the Social Inclusion Unit and other departments.

To celebrate diversity across the city and working with local schools, a poster campaign on Diversity will be exhibited in 5 locations in the greater Dublin area.

Pictured with Lord Mayor Hazel Chu are Emilie Conway, Jazz Musician; Joy Eniola, Integration Officer, DCC; Daithi Downey, Senior Executive Officer, Housing and Community DCC and John Collins, Exchange House Ireland.

Over 40 Pop Up Participation events for people cocooning will be brought to you by the Sports Inclusion & Integration Office; Out at Work is a virtual conference by the LGBT+ Staff Network; The Arts Offices present podcast All Bodies whose participants, producer and presenter are people with disabilities, and the Local Enterprise Office are offering a free Business Advice Clinic, to name but a few events.

The year’s theme ‘Belonging, Including, Participating’ aims to highlight the positive work carried out by Dublin City Council and other agencies to promote social inclusion and diversity in our city.

“Participation, by everyone to work together is critical in tackling the issues around social inclusion and diversity,” said the Lord Mayor.

“Social inclusion encourages the contribution of all persons to social and cultural life. 

“It ensures the marginalised have greater participation in the decision making which effects their lives as well as improving their overall wellbeing. 

“Ultimately being inclusive helps build a united community which is essential through these difficult times. 

“Social inclusion must be a priority in our society and a responsibility for all.”

In conjunction with other agencies the Social Inclusion Unit have also lined up stimulating webinars including Migrant Political Participation with the Immigrant Council of Ireland; three Enterprise Webinars with Inner City Enterprise; Voices webinar focusing on the talents of the visually impaired.

Poetry Ireland bring a podcast as part of The Dublin Book Festival and Refugee Support Centre will have online storytelling events.