We examine the impact Covid 19 has had on marginalised communities and discuss what can be done to address the issues emerging
Cork Equal and Sustainable Communities Alliance (CESCA) is an alliance of eighteen diverse community and voluntary organisations working in Cork city. We work in partnership with and are supported by the HSE Social Inclusion Services in Cork and work closely with the HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Service.
The theme of the annual CESCA Equality Day this year is Equality in a time of Covid.
We know that Covid -19 has had a significant impact on marginalised communities in Cork city and has brought into focus the role of the community and voluntary sector. Evidence from many countries is beginning to show that Covid 19 has had a far greater physical, mental and economic impact on deprived communities than the rest of society. The crisis has shone a light on the enduring and systemic inequalities that exist in Irish society. It has raised questions about the long-term implications of the crisis on human rights and civil society.
Positively we also observed the tremendous effort from the community and voluntary sector in responding to the needs of our most marginalised members of society during the Covid-19 crisis. But this has not come without its challenges and has raised questions about the sustainability of the sector with reduced funding and increased demand.
As the country moves onto the next stages of managing Covid-19 we want to take this opportunity to pause and reflect on the year that was 2020. Together with a panel of expert speakers, we will reflect on what the crisis has meant for the communities we support, to question what it has meant for participatory democracy and equality and to also consider the role the community and voluntary sector now and in the future
Finally, we also want to take this opportunity to discuss with our speakers and with you what can be done as we move into 2021 to ensure that the issues emerging can be addressed locally and nationally.
Agenda
10am -10:10 am Introduction to CESCA and our theme for this year Lord Mayor of Cork City Joe Kavanagh and Brian Kelleher, Manager, NICHE Health Project and Co-chair of CESCA
10:10 am- 10:40 am Reflections from CESCA members on the impact of Covid 19 on marginalised communities Fiona Finn, CEO, NASC The Refugee and Migrant Rights Centre and one other TBC . Chair: Tian Herbert, Coordinator, Shine Resource Centre Cork,
10:40-11:25am Participatory Democracy, Equality and Covid-19 Dr Sean Healy, CEO Social Justice Ireland Speaker TBC Chair:Siobhan O Dowd, Ballyphehane Togher CDP
11:25am- 11:35am Tea Break
11:35 am- 12:40 pm Panel Discussion: The equality and social justice issues of greatest concern in 2020 and what can be done to address these in 2021 and beyond. Paul Ginnell, Director, European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland Doireann Ansbro, Senior Research and Policy Officer, Irish Council for Civil Liberties Final Speakers TBC Chair: Jim Sheehan, Director, Social and Health Education Project (SHEP)
12:40-12:45- Close Brian Kelleher Co Chair CESCA
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