Cultural Champions Programme in County Cavan: Strengthening Inclusion and Supporting New Communities

Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) is dedicated to building an inclusive, connected and resilient County Cavan. As the county continues to welcome a growing number of families from diverse cultural backgrounds, the need for accessible support services and clear communication has never been greater.

The Cultural Champions Programme, delivered by CCLD, has emerged as one of the most effective models for community integration and social inclusion in rural Ireland. This initiative empowers trained members of Cavan’s migrant communities to act as cultural mediators, advocates, and community connectors — bridging language, cultural and communication gaps.

What Is the Cultural Champions Programme?

The Cultural Champions Programme is a CCLD-led initiative designed to support individuals and families from “new communities” living in County Cavan. These Champions come from various cultural backgrounds and speak multiple languages, making them uniquely positioned to assist newcomers who may face challenges navigating Irish services.

The programme aligns with CCLD’s mission of promoting:

• Social inclusion

• Community engagement

• Access to essential services

• Rural development and wellbeing

Cultural Champions help residents connect with:

• Health and social services

• Tusla Child and Family Agency

• Education and early-years settings

• Social welfare and housing supports

• Local community groups and activities

This model ensures that CCLD delivers more accessible, culturally competent support to individuals and families who may otherwise feel isolated.

Why the Programme Matters in County Cavan

Cavan has experienced increasing cultural diversity as families from Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Ukraine settle into local towns and rural communities. Many of these families face challenges such as:

• Language barriers

• Unfamiliarity with Irish systems

• Cultural differences in education and family life

• Anxiety about engaging with public services

• Social isolation due to rural living

The Cultural Champions Programme addresses these issues through a person-centred, community-based approach that improves communication and builds trust between families and service providers across County Cavan.

How Cultural Champions Support New Communities

1. Culturally Sensitive Translation and Interpretation

Champions provide accurate, contextualised explanations of school communications, medical letters, appointments, welfare processes and more — ensuring families understand not just the words, but the meaning behind them.

2. Advocacy and Support at Appointments

They accompany individuals to meetings with schools, the HSE, Tusla, social welfare offices and other public services, helping them participate confidently and fully.

3. Early Intervention for Family Support

Champions identify potential issues early and help families access the right supports before challenges escalate.

4. Connecting People to Local Community Activities

By linking families with community groups, local events and multicultural networks like 4C (Cavan Cross Cultural Community), Champions help newcomers feel welcomed and involved.

5. Practical, Everyday Assistance

From helping with school enrolment to offering guidance on local resources, Champions provide real-life support that helps families settle successfully in County Cavan.

Impact of the Cultural Champions Programme in Cavan

The programme has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the increasing diversity of the county and the strong demand for culturally informed community support.

Key impacts include:

• A diverse team of trained Cultural Champions representing many nationalities

• Support for hundreds of families across Cavan’s towns and rural areas

• Improved communication between service providers and new communities

• Stronger partnerships with schools, health services and community groups

• Increased participation in local activities, improving social cohesion

• Reduced risk of misunderstandings in sensitive areas such as child welfare, healthcare and conflict resolution.

This proactive approach supports the wellbeing of residents while strengthening community development across County Cavan.

Strategic Alignment with CCLD’s Vision

The Cultural Champions Programme is an integral part of CCLD’s five-year strategy to build an inclusive, sustainable and enterprising Cavan.

It supports CCLD’s wider goals in:

• Social inclusion (SICAP)

• Rural development (LEADER)

• Community capacity-building

• Youth and employment supports

• Integrated family and community services

By embedding Cultural Champions within these programmes, CCLD ensures consistency, long-term sustainability and measurable impact.

Partnerships That Strengthen the Programme

The success of the Cultural Champions Programme is driven by strong collaboration between CCLD and key agencies, including:

• Tusla Child and Family Agency

• HSE services

• CMETB (training and education)

• Local schools and early-years centres

• Community and voluntary organisations

• Cavan Cross Cultural Community (4C)

These partnerships ensure a coordinated approach to supporting individuals and families from new communities in Cavan.

Looking to the Future

As County Cavan continues to evolve, CCLD is committed to expanding and strengthening the Cultural Champions Programme. Future priorities include:

• Recruiting and training additional Champions

• Enhancing professional development and wellbeing supports

• Building stronger links with local authorities and statutory agencies

• Increasing intercultural community events across the county

This work will help ensure that every resident — regardless of language or background — can access the supports needed to thrive.

Conclusion

The Cultural Champions Programme reflects the core values of CCLD: empowerment, inclusion and community development.

By connecting people across languages and cultures, the programme strengthens the social fabric of County Cavan and supports newcomers to participate fully in local life.

It is a shining example of how community-led initiatives can create meaningful, lasting impact.

For more information or to book a Cultural Champion: 049 4331029, info@ccld.ie