Community and voluntary groups unite for social justice

The new alliance, Cork Equal and Sustainable Communities Alliance, will see 14 diverse groups which share a common goal of social inclusion and social justice working together on lobbying and advocacy. It is also hoped the partnerships will help improve the services provided by these organisations which are on the frontline of social inclusion services in the city.

By formalising how they work together, CESCA will facilitate the pooling of resources and expertise and help achieve cost savings by maximising existing resources and addressing gaps in services.

CESCA includes groups such as Ballyphehane/Togher Community Development Project, ‘Before 5’ Family Centre, Churchfield Community Trust, Cork Gay Project, LINC Advocating for Lesbians and Bisexual Women in Ireland, Mahon and Mayfield Community Development Projects, Meitheal Mara, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre NASC, the Northside Community Health Initiative Cork, Social and Health Education Project, the Traveller Visibility Group, and Cork YMCA.

CESCA is supported by the HSE’s Social Inclusion Services Cork.

Minister of state for primary care, mental health, and disability Kathleen Lynch launched the umbrella group last night.

CESCA spokesman Dave Roche of the Cork Gay Project said CESCA demonstrated a new way of working for voluntary groups in Cork city.

“As individual groups, we all strive to deliver the best possible service for those who need us,” he said.

“By pooling our resources and sharing expertise and ideas we can be more effective, extend our reach, and work to bridge gaps in existing services.”

CESCA has secured funding from the HSE South and announced plans to take part in the 2014 Interfirm Dragon Boat Challenge on September 13 as a fun team building initiative.