Kildare PPN announces launch of Social Inclusion Week 2025

The Kildare Public Participation Network (PPN) has officially announced the launch of the ninth annual Social Inclusion Week 2025.

The week-long celebration, which is being held in collaboration with County Kildare LEADER Partnership, will take place from September 22, 2025 to September 26, 2025.

According to the organisers: "Since its inception in 2017, County Kildare Social Inclusion Week has become a significant platform for education and insight, providing opportunities for services, organisations, community groups, and educators to showcase their impactful work.

"The county boasts numerous initiatives supporting individuals and communities facing issues that can lead to social exclusion, such as poverty, unemployment, homelessness, disabilities, and migrant re-location."

READ NEXT: Power outage reported in near this Kildare region

They also said: "Social inclusion groups and local community groups play a pivotal role in fostering inclusion, acting as the conduit for welcoming, engaging, and offering a sense of belonging.

"This week serves as an opportunity for these groups to welcome new members and extend their reach within the broader community."

A total of 23 events will be running across the county, including in Naas, Newbridge, Celbridge, Kildare town, Athy, Leixlip and Maynooth, with events catering for all age groups. 

All events are open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend and participate.

Social Inclusion Week 2025 begins on Monday, September 22, 2025 with the official opening hosted by County Kildare LEADER Partnership at the Kildare Community Development Centre. The opening will notably feature displays from local groups.

READ NEXT: PHOTOS: Kildare man runs 15K for charity

Throughout the week, a wide variety of events will take place across the county. 

These include:

• An inclusive Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Social Morning in Newbridge Town Hall (Wednesday, September 24, 2025), with local artwork and live music.
• The energetic Around the World Dance Rap (Wednesday evening, Kildare town), where young people will blend Irish, Indian, Ukrainian, African, Moldovan, and Brazilian dance traditions.
• Opening Doors to Inclusion with Kildare Traveller Action (Thursday, September 25, 2025), a coffee morning of storytelling, songs and crafts.
• Positive Wellbeing and Mental Health Day hosted by the Irish Red Cross at Whitewater Shopping Centre (Thursday afternoon), featuring CPR demonstrations and community wellbeing tips.
• A Social Inclusion Garden Party with Naas Community Men’s Shed (Friday, September 26, 2025), bringing together residents, local groups, and nursing home communities for food, music, and fun.
• Building Bridges through Dialogue in Leixlip (Friday afternoon), exploring lived experiences of racism and discrimination while fostering stronger community connections.

A calendar of events can be viewed on www.kildareppn.ie/siw-events.

The organising committee also said that it wished to extend "its heartfelt thanks" to everyone involved in Social Inclusion Week 2025.

READ NEXT: RIP: Woman aged in her 60s killed in Kildare crash