European Neighbour's Day Celebrations

Tuath Community Comes Together to Celebrate European Neighbours Day, Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Tuath staff and tenants around the country gathered for European Neighbours Day celebrations that took place during the week in several counties, including Cork, Kildare, Meath and Dublin. The theme of the day was diversity and inclusion, with the events offering a range of activities for tenants to engage, share, and encourage unity within their communities.

Celebrated since 1999, European Neighbours Day aims to promote community engagement, foster good relations, and enhance social cohesion among neighbours in European countries. In celebration of this day, communities arrange events emphasising the importance of being a good neighbour and fostering a sense of unity within neighbourhoods and communities. It allows people to break down social barriers, build trust, and promote mutual support among residents. Some of the highlights from the week’s celebrations included:

Goolds Hill, Cork
Tenants enjoyed a wonderful afternoon tea and ice cream van for children at The Blue Cube Community Centre. Being one of the bigger schemes in the area, Goolds Hill is a mixed estate with other social housing tenants. The event was a great opportunity to promote the European Neighbours Day theme of inclusivity and diversity by facilitating an event that includes all tenants living in Goolds Hill.

Knightsbridge, Trim, Co.Meath
By organising a planting day and appreciating the beauty of nature, the residents at Knightsbridge Retirement Village Garden Club demonstrated the spirit of their community and inclusivity and diversity for European Neighbours Day. Residents engaged in various activities throughout planting day, such as planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables in the communal gardens. They also shared gardening tips and worked collaboratively to create a vibrant and thriving environment where they live.

Oakpark, Naas, Co.Kildare
A fantastic multicultural day took place in Oakpark as all neighbours prepared traditional dishes and shared stories from their countries. Tenants also celebrated the diversity within their communities by wearing clothing that reflected their culture.

Dublin Area
Several events took place in communities around Dublin. There was a mindfulness self-care morning for residents at the Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre, an Arts and Craft event, at Raeligh Court, an older-persons scheme in Crumlin, while Hansfield residents in Fingal held a neighbours day event with tea, coffee, cake and music.

Tuath Housing recognises it has a role in building sustainable communities by supporting social cohesion and integration where tenants live. As part of the Tenant Engagement Strategy, Tuath continuously promotes integration and understanding of different cultures while celebrating diversity and encouraging a sense of belonging within Tuath communities.