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Simon Communities of Ireland

@simoncommunity.bsky.social

Working with people experiencing homelessness & housing insecurity. Registered Charity Number: 20020125

120 Followers  |  117 Following  |  133 Posts  |  Joined: 10.02.2025  |  2.1039

Latest posts by simoncommunity.bsky.social on Bluesky

It's National Lived Experience Day!

SCI strive to keep people with lived experience at the centre of our work.

We believe it is crucial that these perspectives are the core focus of our policy, research and advocacy, as it would be impossible to create impactful change otherwise.

15.10.2025 09:18 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Key Highlights of Budget 2026 & Its Impact on the Community and Voluntary Sector | The Wheel How did the Irish community and voluntary sector fare in Budget 2026?

How did the Irish community and voluntary sector fare in Budget 2026?

SCI's Executive Director, Ber Grogan, will feature on @thewheelireland.bsky.social's webinar tomorrow to share reflections and analysis of Budget 2026.

Register your place ๐Ÿ‘‡
www.wheel.ie/training/202...

13.10.2025 10:27 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Budget 2026: Post Budget Analysis
YouTube video by Simon Communities of Ireland Budget 2026: Post Budget Analysis

Couldn't make our Simon Talks webinar?

Our full discussion on Budget 2026 with Louise Bayliss has been uploaded to Youtube ๐Ÿ‘‡
youtu.be/9RsHPtMpGjw

09.10.2025 10:52 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Don't miss our on next week's webinar as Simon Talks Budget 2026!

We are thrilled to be joined by Louise Bayliss, Head of Social Justice and Policy, SVP.

Tune in to hear more about the impact of #Budget2026 from an NGO perspective.

๐Ÿ”— us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

02.10.2025 08:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
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Tune in to the news this evening to hear our team's reaction to Budget 2026

๐Ÿ“บ @virginmedianews.bsky.social 17:30
๐Ÿ“ป @drivetime.bsky.social 17:30
๐Ÿ“บ @news.rte.ie Nuacht 17:45

07.10.2025 15:49 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 2

The measures announced today will do nothing to reduce the numbers of people being forced to experience the trauma of homelessness unless developers and landlords are obligated to provide social homes and those affordable under HAP.

๐Ÿงต 6/6

07.10.2025 14:40 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

It's disappointing to hear the Government talk about running surpluses whilst the number of people being forced into homelessness grows. 5,000+ children are living in homelessness & are being robbed of their childhoods. This is not just an economic issue - but a moral one.

๐Ÿงต5/6

07.10.2025 14:40 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

We urgently need a clear commitment to increasing homeless prevention funding to prevent people from entering homelessness in the first place.

๐Ÿงต4/6

07.10.2025 14:40 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

It is deeply disappointing that, yet again, that there was no mention of homeless prevention and homelessness remains invisible within the Budget, and also, in the ever-present conversation around housing.

๐Ÿงต3/6

07.10.2025 14:40 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

While the SCI welcomes progress, we want to see clear and measurable commitments to delivering affordable homes, alongside stronger protections for those at risk of homelessness. We also welcome social protection increases.

๐Ÿงต 2/6

07.10.2025 14:40 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

While itโ€™s refreshing to hear that housing has been at the forefront of Governmentโ€™s minds, #Budget2026 seems to be focused on landlords and developers, with many measures being announced to encourage housing construction.

๐Ÿงต1/6

07.10.2025 14:40 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Check the Register

Donโ€™t miss out on your opportunity to vote!

Tomorrow is the voter registration deadline for the Presidential Election.

You can also update your details (e.g. change of address) online.

It takes two minutes to check that your details are up to date!
www.checktheregister.ie

06.10.2025 13:09 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Budget 2026 will be released tomorrow! Join us for our Post Budget Analysis from an NGO perspective on Wednesday.

We will be in discussion with Louise Bayliss, Head of Social Justice and Policy at SVP.

Tune in at 2pm on Wednesday 8th of October!
๐Ÿ”— us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

06.10.2025 09:14 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Don't miss our on next week's webinar as Simon Talks Budget 2026!

We are thrilled to be joined by Louise Bayliss, Head of Social Justice and Policy, SVP.

Tune in to hear more about the impact of #Budget2026 from an NGO perspective.

๐Ÿ”— us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

02.10.2025 08:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Press Release: Simon Week Highlights Alarming Rise in Homelessness for Eighth Consecutive Month as Simon Communities of Ireland Warn Budget 2026 Must Deliver Solutions - Simon Communities in Ireland 26th September 2025 Homelessness in Ireland has increased for the eight consecutive month this year, with the latest figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage showing that ...

Read our full press release here: www.simon.ie/press-releas...

26.09.2025 13:42 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Our Executive Director, Ber Grogan commented: โ€œWe are astounded to see the incomprehensible increase in child homelessness in just a month. How has this happened? The Government has serious questions to answer."

26.09.2025 13:42 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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We are pleading with the Taoiseach and Tรกnaiste to show that they care about ending homelessness.

Homelessness in Ireland has increased for the eighth consecutive month, with the latest figures showing that 16,353 people were living in emergency accommodation in August 2025.

26.09.2025 13:42 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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To close Simon Week 2025, we have a panel of today's speakers and people with lived experience. Their stories add depth to our discussion that could not be achieved through statistics alone.

Thank you to everyone in attendence for the engaging questions!

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

26.09.2025 11:42 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Carol Baumann, the new CEO Galway Simon discussed the impactful, life changing solutions being delivered by Galway Simon.

Solutions that are working!

Carol highlighted the growing need for purpose-built accommodation for those over the age of 65.

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

26.09.2025 11:25 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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To provide a local perspective, we are joined by Kieran Walsh, @uniofgalway.bsky.social

In platforming the voices impacted by homelessness and their sense of home, he has brought forward the people behind the statistics.

There is a story behind every number.

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

26.09.2025 10:52 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Today's first speaker @mkushel.bsky.social, University of California, discussed Ageing, Health, and Homelessness.

Margot's message was clear, homelessness is solvable!

Thank you to Margot for contributing your vast knowledge to our dicussion.

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

26.09.2025 10:20 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
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The final day of Simon Week 2025!

Today we are in NUIG for the last event of Simon Week 'Retiring into Homelessness'.

We are delighted to have speakers joining us from the USA and Galway, sharing their expertise on homelessness in over 65s.

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

26.09.2025 10:04 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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We are in Leinster House this morning, joined by local Simon Communities advocating for people impacted by homelessness ๐Ÿ 

We will be in the AV Room from 11 with @mkushel.bsky.social and @orla-hegarty.bsky.social discussing the intersection of health and homelessness.

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

25.09.2025 09:28 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Simon Week 2025 is proudly supported by Cash & Carry Kitchens
#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

24.09.2025 15:01 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
Retiring into Homelessness: Challenges and Solutions Join us as we discuss the challenges and solutions faced by individuals retiring into homelessness in our community.

The week has only just begun!

Tomorrow we will be Leinster House engaging with TDs and Senators on the impacts and solutions to homelessness.

There is still time to register for our event in Galway, Retiring into Homelessness ๐Ÿ‘‡
www.eventbrite.ie/e/1547369767...

24.09.2025 15:01 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
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We are officially halfway through Simon Week ๐ŸŽ‰

We had fantastic discussions in Cork and Limerick so far this week.

Thank you to the teams at Cork Simon Community and Mid West Simon Community, to all of the speakers who have shared their expertise, and everyone in attendance!

24.09.2025 15:01 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
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Our second panel: External Perspectives in the Mid West, dove into the sevices and challenges in the region for families experiencing homelessness.

Appropriate funding of supports & services is the most efficient way to ensure continuity of care.

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

23.09.2025 13:04 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Thank you to Mary Harty, NFRC, for discussing how the community sector can collectively challenge the normalisation of Foodbanks

Poverty should never be normalised in any capacity. No family should be in the position to consistently rely on foodbanks.

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

23.09.2025 11:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Brian Hurley, Case Manager, MWS's Interventions Strategies Food Pilot Programme, shared the stark numbers representing the people accessing services through the Food Poverty Programme.

A cross-goverment approach is necessary to tackle the issue.

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

23.09.2025 11:03 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Our first panel: Internal Perspectives from Mid West Simon.

It cannot be understated how important it is to include people experiencing homelessness in conversations on solutions.
We are grateful to Mid West's client from the Family hub for sharing.

#SimonWeek2025 #SimonCares

23.09.2025 10:23 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

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