The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 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
When Joe was 15, he noticed something missing in his neighbourhood.
Elm Park, a long-established community in South Tipperary, had grown quiet. The residents’ association — once the heart of local activity — had faded away. Meetings had stopped, projects had stalled, and neighbours weren’t as connected as they used to be.
But Joe wasn’t content to just watch things stay that way. He wanted his community to feel alive again.
A Spark of Leadership
Joe had always been interested in how communities work — how people come together to make change happen. So, he reached out to the South Tipperary Development Company (STDC) to see what could be done.
The timing was perfect. Through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the STDC team was already working to support local groups and build leadership skills. They saw Joe’s enthusiasm and recognised something special — the makings of a young community leader.
Together, they began to rebuild the Elm Park Residents’ Association from the ground up.
Learning to Lead
With SICAP’s support, Joe and a small group of neighbours took part in a Governance and Mentoring Training Programme, custom-designed for community groups. Led by governance expert Ciarán Lynch, the training focused on the essentials — understanding roles and responsibilities, managing finances, making good decisions, and communicating effectively.
For Joe, the experience was eye-opening.
“It wasn’t just about meetings or paperwork,” he said. “It was about learning how to make real change happen — and how to bring people with you.”
Slowly, word spread. More residents began to attend meetings. A sense of energy returned. What started as one teenager’s idea was now becoming a community movement.
A Young Chairperson with a Big Vision
By 16, Joe had become Chairperson of the Elm Park Residents’ Association. That’s no small feat for someone still in school — but his confidence, curiosity, and commitment inspired everyone around him.
Under his leadership, the group started planning small local improvements and rebuilding trust among neighbours. People who hadn’t been involved in years began to show up again. For the first time in a long time, Elm Park had a clear voice and direction.
The Ripple Effect of SICAP
Behind the scenes, SICAP’s role was vital. The programme provided mentoring, advice, and access to resources that kept the group focused and growing. The STDC team ensured that Elm Park’s residents had the tools to make their efforts sustainable — from writing a constitution to managing funds and planning projects.
Through regular meetings, hands-on guidance, and practical support, the group became stronger and more confident in representing their community’s needs.
A Community Reborn
Today, Elm Park has a thriving Residents’ Association once again — and it all began with a young person who cared enough to take the first step.
The group now boasts active members, better communication, and a renewed sense of pride. More importantly, Joe’s story has shown what’s possible when young people are encouraged to lead.
Elm Park’s transformation is proof that investing in youth leadership can breathe new life into entire communities. As the Irish saying goes, “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” — praise the young, and they will flourish.
And in Elm Park, they truly have.
