The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is a Government programme which is delivered by Forum Connemara CLG in South and North Connemara, County Galway.
Please note: The video above is an interim infographic video which will be updated in due course.
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.
Who is it for?
SICAP has specific ‘target’ groups to ensure it is a targeted and focused programme. People who are from one or more of these groups are eligible for support under the programme:
Long-term unemployed
Living in disadvantaged communities
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection
An International Protection Applicant
Impacted by educational disadvantage
A person with a criminal history
Living in jobless households or households with low income
People with disabilities
Head of one-parent family
From the Traveller community
From the Roma community
Young people aged 12-24
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What can SICAP help with?
Community Groups
- Developing a group
- Accessing funding
- Influencing decision makers
- Hosting a community event/meeting
- Training or facilitating
Individuals
- Improving quality of life
- Identifying next steps
- Exploring educational, training/ employment options
- Accessing a small grant for training
- Applying for The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
- Employment Preparation Skills
Social Enterprise Supports
A Social Enterprise in Ireland is a business run by local people to help their own community. Its main purpose is to support the area, whether by creating jobs, offering services, or funding local projects. Any money made goes back into the community, rather than to private owners. Examples of social enterprises you may be familiar with are charity shops, food banks and community cafés.
Our Social Enterprise supports include:
- Information & Guidance
- Networking with other Social Enterprises
- Information on grants and funding opportunities
- Signposting to Social Enterprise supports
- Customised Training & Mentoring
New Arrivals
We support new arrivals through working with individuals and groups. Members of the newly arrived communities engage with us for reasons, including personal development and improved well-being, to get a job or to set up their own business. We deliver targeted supports to Local Community Groups that represent and/or work with members of new communities.
Our supports for New Arrivals include:
- Paths to Employment
- Integration
- Training
- Networking
- Support and Mentoring
TRAINING
We run a variety of courses to support job seekers, community groups, voluntary groups and start up enterprises, funded through SICAP. We will post upcoming training here and watch out for updates across our social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook). If you would like to enquire about training posted here or other training or educational opportunities that you are interested in, please contact us via the above contact form or via the details at the bottom of the page.
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) – Delivered under SICAP
Are you thinking of becoming self-employed or starting your own business? Forum Connemara, through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), offers tailored support to help you access the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) — a scheme that allows you to keep your social welfare payment for up to 2 years while you build your business.
We provide one-to-one enterprise mentoring, help with business planning, and ongoing supports to guide you on your journey to self-employment.
Whether you're a long-term jobseeker or looking to turn a passion into a business, Forum Connemara is here to support your next step.
Contact us today to find out if you’re eligible and how we can help you succeed!
L-R: Nórah Ní Cheannabháin, Eithne O’Halloran, Sharon Coyne Duane, Yevheniia Bohachova
Contact Us
We offer a wide range of free supports to eligible persons, including workshops, courses and community training.
If you are interested in signing up for one of our workshops or just looking to enquire about how we can support you, please contact us.
Nórah Ní Cheannabháin
Project Officer South Connemara,
Ros Muc Office
(085) 179 7723
n.nicheannabhain@forumconnemara.ie
Eithne O’Halloran
Project Officer North Connemara,
Clifden Office
(085) 179 7959
e.ohalloran@forumconnemara.ie
Sharon Coyne Duane
Financial Administrator
Clifden Office
(095) 41116
Peter Lydon
Project Officer South Connemara,
Ros Muc Office
(085) 267 5863
p.lydon@forumconnemara.ie
David Bohan
Project Officer North Connemara,
Clifden Office
(085) 267 6192
d.bohan@forumconnemara.ie
Yevheniia Bohachova
Project Officer New arrivals in Connemara,
Clifden Office
(085) 179 7957
y.bohachova@forumconnemara.ie