Community Support Tent At Local Shows

Inishowen Co-Op Creating Community Support Tent and Sensory Spaces at Local Agricultural Shows

Inishowen Co-Op is delighted to support the creation of dedicated sensory spaces at both the Inishowen Agricultural Show and the Clonmany Agricultural Show this summer.Agricultural shows are a wonderful tradition in our communities. They are places where families meet friends, children discover something new, and people of all ages come together to enjoy a great day out. Inishowen Co-Op believes these events should be accessible and welcoming for everyone.

With that in mind, Inishowen Co-Op has chosen to sponsor a larger Community Support Tent at both shows. The tent will bring together a range of community organisations and support services, creating a welcoming space where visitors can connect, learn about local supports and take a break during the day.Within the Community Support Tent, a dedicated sensory space will be created and managed by the team at iCARE Ireland, a local organisation that has been supporting autistic children, young people, adults and their families across Inishowen for many years.The sensory space will provide a calm and welcoming environment with sensory resources and activities where people can take a break from the noise and activity of the showgrounds if they need to. It is designed to help families enjoy the day in a way that works for them.

It is important to note that the sensory space is not a drop-off facility. Children and vulnerable adults must remain with a parent, guardian or family member at all times. However, having this dedicated space available can make a huge difference for families, allowing one family member to stay and enjoy the sensory area while others continue to explore the show, watch competitions, visit exhibits or enjoy the many attractions on offer. Alongside the sensory space, the iCARE team will also have an information table within the area where visitors can call in, learn more about the organisation and find out about the supports and services available locally.

The Community Support Tent will be much more than just a sensory space. Inishowen Co-Op is also bringing together a number of community organisations and support groups, creating an opportunity for visitors to discover some of the fantastic services and supports available across Inishowen. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available throughout the day for a small donation, with all proceeds this year going to support the work of Inishowen Hospice.

Organisers hope the tent will become a place where people can relax, have a chat, connect with others and learn more about the organisations helping to strengthen communities across the peninsula.

For Inishowen Co-Op, this initiative is simply about supporting families and helping more people feel comfortable attending and enjoying these much-loved community events.

"We know how important our agricultural shows are to local families and communities. By providing a larger Community Support Tent and supporting iCARE to create this sensory space, we hope to make the day a little easier and more enjoyable for families who may need somewhere quieter to step into from time to time. Bringing together community organisations under one roof also gives people an opportunity to discover supports and services they may not have known existed. If this helps even one family stay longer, enjoy more of the show or feel more included, then it is worthwhile."

Inishowen Co-Op looks forward to welcoming families to both the Inishowen Agricultural Show on Saturday 18 July and the Clonmany Agricultural Show on 4 and 5 August and is proud to support an initiative that helps ensure everyone can enjoy the experience and feel part of the day.

After all, the best community events are the ones where everyone feels welcome.