Listen Back: Community groups in West Cavan tackling social exclusion and rural isolation | NorthernSound

Community groups in West Cavan are tackling social exclusion and assisting with rural isolation.A number of local groups have been formed across the area to sup...

Community groups in West Cavan are tackling social exclusion and assisting with rural isolation.

A number of local groups have been formed across the area to support and bring people together.

People living in rural areas and members of the farming community are susceptible to isolation and loneliness.

A number of local volunteer led groups in Dowra like the local men’s shed is helping people feel connected to their local community.

The group has been in operation for over eight years and brings a number of men together and in turn to the betterment of the locality. Eddie Fitzpatrick says the benefits for the men involved had been immense adding that all the men that are involved look forward to meeting up weekly.

Verona Fitzpatrick works in a local shop in Dowra and also volunteers with a number of local groups. She says a conversation with someone can make a huge difference and have a massive impact on their overall sense of belonging in the community.

Ronan Gargan was live from Dowra with the Wider View and spoke to a number of guests throughout the programme.

This outside broadcast was funded by the News Reporting Scheme.