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Learning from the Past to Secure a Better Future – Charity Representative Body on the Lessons We Need to Learn
Issues such as migration, social inequality, and climate change are already challenging social cohesion, charity conference hears
The Wheel, Ireland’s national association of charities, has today (29 May 2024) called on the Government to support the community, voluntary, charity and social enterprise sector by developing a long-term, holistic sustainability strategy. Representing over 2,400 charities and community groups, The Wheel emphasised the necessity of harnessing the collective experience of Ireland’s 35,000 charities, community groups, and social enterprises to promote social cohesion.
Speaking ahead of The Wheel’s National Charity Summit at Croke Park on Wednesday, 29 May, Ivan Cooper, CEO of The Wheel, said, “We are living at a time of increasing polarisation and social isolation. Global issues such as migration, social inequality, and climate change are already challenging social cohesion, and the impact of this is already visible in communities across Ireland. Our sector has been to the fore of positive societal change for decades, we are best placed to use our experience to tackle current and future challenges,” said Mr Cooper.
Mr Cooper called for public bodies to focus on the long-term impacts of their decisions and to work in partnership with each other and the community and voluntary sector to address polarisation, inequality, and loneliness.
Representatives from over 400 charities, NGOs, community groups, and social enterprises will attend The Wheel’s Charity Summit on Wednesday, 29 May at Croke Park in Dublin. Speakers will include Dr Larry O’Connell, Director of NESC, Noeline Blackwell, Lawyer and Human Rights Expert, and Derek Walker, Commissioner for Future Generations in Wales. The theme of the Summit is “Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future” and will explore the sector's role, working in partnership, in addressing key societal challenges and how that experience can be harnessed to tackle the current issues faced by Ireland.
“No single public body can address these complex issues in isolation. We need a joined-up, holistic strategy rooted in partnership and respect for the wealth of knowledge and experience of the community and voluntary sector,” said Mr Cooper.
For more information, visit www.wheel.ie/summit2024 and follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #CharitySummit.
Ivan Cooper, CEO of The Wheel is available for comment and interviews. Contact Gert Ackermann on 086 176 9287 or email gert@wheel.ie.
About The Wheel:
The Wheel is Ireland’s National Association of Charities, Community Groups and Social Enterprises. Our membership includes over 2,400 nonprofit organisations of all types and sizes, including most of Ireland’s leading charities. As a representative voice, we provide leadership to the charity and community sector and advocate on behalf of our growing community of members. As a supportive resource, we offer advice, training and other opportunities to people working or volunteering in the charity and community sector. See www.wheel.ie
