The South Inner-City Community Development Association Tackling social issues in The Liberties Regeneration is very important as it is a change that’s radically needed, and the main aim is to improve the area and the people that live there. The South Inner-City Community Development Association (SICCDA) ethos is that regeneration in people must start from within. The Liberties area is steeped in history, with its traditional bars, weekend markets and other wellknown landmarks like Vicar Street, Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Brewery. This area faces lots of issues they include: high unemployment, drug problems, homelessness, quality of accommodation, and lack of education to get people into the workforce make up the social issues that the area faces. Back in 1982, some residents in the area decided they wanted to help others in their community, they all had the same goal, the one idea and that was creating a better community all round in the Liberties. Community Development Coordinator at SICCDA Kathleen White said, “Our programs are focussed on promoting and contributing to
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the rejuvenation of the area to enhance the quality of individuals lives and families living in the Liberties will have into the future.” “We support increasing access to community services and continuing the development of a strong vibrant community voice.” SICCDA provides education and training, community employment opportunities, programs for children, young people, gender-based groups, and activities for elderly members. White said that “our work is enhanced by building connections with community partners such as the health and well-being team in St. Theresa’s Gardens, local drug treatment, and mental health services.” From chatting with Kathleen I found out about the different programs they run from their Meath Street premises, they include The Over 55s Group which invites individuals from within the community, who are over the age of fifty-five years, to meet weekly for social, cultural, educational and wellness activities. White added that “activi-
Photograph by Joshua Teoh Kathleen White, The Community Development Coordinator at SICCDA
ties for this group have included bingo, quizzes and social outings”. SICCDA’s Men’s Shed creates spaces for men to socialize, focus on their emotional wellbeing and promote good health. In addition to cultural and historical outings around Dublin, White stated that " the focus of our men’s group has been centred on environmental education and gardening at our allotment in the St. Thomas Abbey Community Garden. SICCDA’s Youth Group and Programmes for Young People offers programmes for young adults and older people in the community. SICCDA has traditionally provided a wide variety of programmes targeted towards the youth that are at risk. They engage in social, educational, and community clean up events in collaboration with Dublin City Council. Additionally, they run a youth club that meets weekly for social, educational and wellness activities. SICCDA has an average of 39 employees across all their programs that they offer with about 250-300 people using our services annually. SICCDA participants are made up of local people living and working in the Liberties and take great pride in their community. In April 2019, SICCDA commissioned an independent researcher, to conduct a needs analysis of the Liberties and surrounding areas in the South Inner City of Dublin through statistical data, desk research, interviews, and community surveys. This analysis will be available in the coming months and will give an overview of the needs of the liberties, the changing landscape and how that impacts the area, as well as recommendations for positive change. General findings demonstrate the Liberties and surrounding area while recognizing the issues that must be addressed such as the high levels of drug-taking, lack of green spaces, lack of community centres and lack of accessible and affordable housing. But with groups like The South Inner-City Community Development Association working with the community and being a part of the Liberties community, the future is bright for the people living in these areas even with some worrying social issues. Community wins out and the people living in the area are stronger for being part of a community network group like this one.
ByRonan Gargan
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