Kilkenny social enterprise awarded business supports from Rethink Ireland

A Kilkenny social enterprise has been awarded business supports by Rethink Ireland under their Genesis Programme.

The successful Kilkenny organisation is: Buddy Bench. The project strengthens communities by proactively educating primary school students on positive mental well-being with evidence-led lessons on topics like anxiety, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Research has found almost 90% of Irish teachers have not been trained in children's mental health in college, while Ireland rates among the highest for childhood self-harm and suicide compared to the European average.

Rethink Ireland’s Social Enterprise Development Fund has awarded €400,000 to 16 projects around Ireland, while a further 18 projects have been awarded a place on the organisation’s Genesis Programme which provides strategic business support to organisations. The Genesis Programme is an intensive two-day workshop that will focus on building the skills and knowledge needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and to be successful in future funding opportunities.

Speaking at the announcement yesterday Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, Colette Byrne, who said: “We would like to congratulate The Buddy Bench on their success in receiving a Social Enterprise Development Fund Award from Rethink Ireland.”

Coming out of an extremely challenging period for Irish society – and Irish businesses – we’re delighted with this good news story for Kilkenny. Social enterprises have an important role to play in guiding Ireland to become a more inclusive and equal society. Organisations like The Buddy Bench, are leading the charge by not only creating jobs but working towards bringing about positive social change.”