New support guide for Donegal’s Black and minority ethnic communities launched

A multi-agency employment support guide highlighting services for people from Black and minority ethnic communities in Donegal has launched.

Supporting Pathways to Work: For Black and Minority Ethnic Communities, is a brief guide into the various services available across the county for accessing pathways to work: including employment supports, education, work opportunities, self-employment, and employee rights.

Led out by the Supporting Pathways subgroup, co-chaired by Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) and Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC), the tailored employment support guide has been developed in collaboration with key agencies and organisations involved in this work.

The agencies include Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Department of Social Protection, Donegal Intercultural Platform, Donegal Education & Training Board (ETB), Donegal County Council, Donegal Traveller’s Project, Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and Donegal Local Enterprise Office.

The new guide offers practical advice and resources to help members of BME communities navigate pathways to meaningful employment and self-employment opportunities in Donegal.

Speaking at the launch event in Donegal Intercultural Platform’s office in Letterkenny recently, Sinead McDaid, Enterprise and Employment Team Lead IDP highlighted the significance of the guide in creating a more inclusive and supportive community in Donegal.

“This guide supported through the EU Belong project through Donegal County Council, will be instrumental in bridging the gap for many individuals who are unsure how to navigate the local employment services and pathways to employment,” said Sinead.

Meanwhile, Balume Dube, an Advocacy Worker with Donegal Intercultural Platform said the guide is designed to empower individuals navigate the supports available towards accessing employment and education opportunities.

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“The brochure provides a roadmap for individuals on their career aspirations and onward journey contributing to the social and economic fabric of Donegal,” added Balume.

DLDC’s CEO Padriac Fingleton thanked the various agencies involved in the ‘Supporting Pathways’ subgroup for their commitment to creating the guide.

“For us we feel that this brochure addresses the unique challenges faced by BME communities in Donegal but it also highlights the commitment of local agencies to fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities,” added Padriac.

Each agency will make the downloadable leaflet available on their websites, and it will also be available via QR Code on Donegal Intercultural Platforms website, www.interculturaldonegal.org, so that it is accessible in various languages.