Economic Inclusion

Helping individuals get ready for work or self-employment through one-to-one support and work preparation programmes.

Personal Growth

Providing workshops and programmes for personal growth, self-advocacy, and life skills development.

Education Support

Assisting people to access education and training, providing guidance on courses and tuition support.

Community Capacity

Supporting community planning and implementation to help local groups take ownership of their future.

Empowering Communities, Supporting Individuals.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is Ireland’s primary social inclusion and community development programme. It aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion by bringing together disadvantaged people, community organisations, and key players to work on local solutions.

About the Programme

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) provides various supports to individuals and communities throughout County Offaly. It is co-funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus.

SICAP is designed to be flexible, allowing Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC) to meet the specific needs of our local communities while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Themes and Focus Areas

Theme 1: Supporting Individuals
We work directly with people to improve their quality of life and employment prospects.

Work & Enterprise: One-to-one career guidance, CV preparation, and enterprise support/advice for those looking to start a business.

Personal Development: Specialised workshops including Equine-Assisted Development, Menpower programmes, and “Realities of Self-Employment”.

Education: Access to Safe Pass, local training initiatives, and referral to other schemes or services.

Theme 2: Supporting Communities
We empower local groups to build resilience and inclusivity.

Community Planning: Facilitation of planning processes and support with implementing community plans.

Group Support: Targeted help for Men’s Sheds, Active Retirement Groups, Traveller and Roma communities, and Asylum Seeker support groups.

Capacity Building: Bespoke workshops and networking opportunities to strengthen local volunteer and community development groups.

Who is Eligible?

SICAP is specifically designed to support the following groups:

Disadvantaged communities and people in jobless households.
Long-term unemployed individuals and single parents.
Refugees, asylum seekers, and members of the Traveller and Roma communities.
People with disabilities or those affected by educational challenges.
Individuals with a history of crime.

Downloads and Resources

Proven Local Impact: SICAP Case Studies

The following case studies highlight the real-world outcomes of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme in Offaly. Each year, we focus on a specific theme—from youth resilience to social enterprise—that reflects the evolving needs of our communities.

Case Study 2025
Title: Growing Strong: The Story of Birr Men Together

Theme: A case study on wellbeing, belonging, and community roots.

Case Study 2024
Title: From Me to You

Theme: Intergenerational stories of life in Offaly.

Case Study 2023
Title: FLOW

Theme: Personal development through nature connectedness and traditional skills.

Case Study 2022
Title: Social Enterprises in Offaly

Theme: A focus on three local initiatives.

Case Study 2021
Title: Momentum

Theme: A virtual youth fest supporting resilience through the pandemic.

Case Study 2020
Title: Communities: Together Yet Apart

Theme: Addressing social isolation during the pandemic.

SICAP in Action: Community & Connection

A visual journey through our local initiatives, showcasing the vibrant communities and individuals we support across Offaly. From group workshops to local community projects, these moments capture the heart of social inclusion in practice.

Contact

Ready to take the next step? Our team is available to provide guidance and support tailored to your needs. Contact your local coordinator directly via the details below.

Louise Larkin

Social Inclusion Team Leader