Tag: Social

How to Harness the Power of Digital Marketing for Law Firms

With the rise of modern technology, digital marketing has become a valuable tool for law firms to promote their services and reach new clients. By leveraging the power of digital marketing, your firm can create powerful campaigns that will increase brand awareness and bring in more business. In this blog post, you will learn how to craft successful digital marketing strategies to help your law firm build an online presence and drive legal leads. We’ll discuss why it’s important for attorneys to establish an effective web presence through search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, social media engagement, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and other tactics designed specifically for lawyers. With these tips in mind, you should be able to develop efficient methods that attract prospects and generate more qualified cases!

Define Your Brand Identity and Goals 

Defining your brand identity and goals is an essential step of any digital marketing campaign for lawyers. Knowing what message you want to convey and what type of clients you are looking for will help guide your content strategy, SEO keyword research, social media posts, and other online efforts. Once you’ve established the goal of your campaign – whether it be growing visibility in search engine rankings or increasing the number of case leads – you can create campaigns that are tailored to meet those objectives. A law firm marketing budget should be allocated to both short-term and long-term goals in order to ensure consistent results. When setting these goals, remember to be realistic – if you are a small firm, it may take longer to reach the same level as larger firms. 

Create a Website That is User Friendly and Optimized for the Search Engines

Your law firm’s website should be designed with both users and search engines in mind. Search engine optimization (SEO) is a crucial part of any digital marketing strategy, so make sure to prioritize this when building your website. This means utilizing keyword-rich content that correctly uses headers, tags, titles, and meta descriptions, as well as providing an optimized website structure and fast loading speed. Additionally, you should ensure that your website is secure and easy to navigate for users. This will help improve the user experience and increase conversion rates from potential clients. 

Utilize Content Marketing Tactics That are Targeted to Potential Clients 

Law firms should have content marketing strategies tailored to target potential clients. This can include blog posts, infographics, videos, and podcasts that cover topics related to the law firm’s practice areas. Creating content that is educational, entertaining, and engaging can help demonstrate an understanding of the issues facing your potential clients and provide an effective way for them to learn more about your services. If done correctly, content marketing can help you build relationships with new prospects and establish credibility as a law firm. In order to maximize results, be sure to select formats and topics that are likely to resonate with your target audience. 

Take Advantage of Social Media Platforms 

Social media is more than just an online platform for interacting with friends and family – it can also be an effective tool for promoting your law firm. Social media allows you to directly engage with potential clients and build relationships in real-time. Additionally, by using social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, you can share content from other sources that may be of interest to your target audience. This will help establish your presence on the platform as an authoritative resource for legal information, which is likely to attract more prospective clients. 

Make Use of Pay-Per-Click Advertising 

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a powerful tool for law firms looking to generate more qualified leads. PPC allows you to create targeted ads that will appear in search engine results when specific keywords are used. This will help increase brand visibility and ensure that your ads reach potential clients who are actively searching for legal services. Additionally, PPC allows you to track the results of your campaigns and make adjustments as necessary in order to maximize return on investment (ROI). 

Taking the time to create a brand identity for your business and develop marketing plans around these goals can help propel you to success. Once you have a cohesive plan, it’s essential to create a website that is easy to use and optimized for organic search traffic. Additionally, content strategies such as blogging or creating explainer videos can target potential clients who are in need of your services/products. Those looking for further engagement with their clients should consider utilizing social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Additionally, pay-per-click advertising can be leveraged to attract qualified leads and track the results of campaigns. By following these tips, you should be able to create a strong digital presence for your law firm that will bring in more business and generate higher revenue!

ConnectingUs is a new place where we all connect and grow.

Social Media is the thing these days and getting off the ground aint easy starting afresh but it all begins somewhere and of late people are leaving social media in their droves or changing platforms with Musk at the helm of Twitter and Zucks competing with his new take Threads which is limited for most but had a base to begin with being Instagram it will be interesting to see how this works out over time and what changes Musk and Zuckerberg will apply as they compete.

A new idea has been born by where you can have a social network plus more and more is in the works by web designer Adam O Gleason who wants to bring people together in a different way but not only by being a social media outlet it offers more than just what you typically find on your current social media outlets and here is where it got its name from, being a hub for more things than one this is how he hopes to build a nice community overall and take things in a different direction.

Adam tells us

“At ConnectingUs, we believe in the power of connections. We are a dynamic online network that empowers individuals to monetize their content, forge new relationships, and promote their businesses like never before. Our platform is designed to bring together a diverse community of creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are eager to share their passions, expand their networks, and unlock new opportunities.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned influencer, a startup founder, or a small business owner, ConnectingUs is your go-to destination for fostering meaningful connections. We provide you with the tools and resources to showcase your unique talents, engage with like-minded individuals, and take your endeavors to new heights.

https://familypets.ie/ one of Adams websites

What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. We believe that collaboration is the key to success, and by connecting people from different backgrounds and industries, we aim to inspire innovation, creativity, and mutual growth. Our platform encourages constructive interactions, knowledge sharing, and mentorship, allowing you to learn from others and develop your skills along the way.

Monetizing your content has never been easier. With our integrated monetization features, you can turn your passion into a sustainable source of income. Whether it’s through advertising partnerships, sponsored collaborations, or direct sales of your products and services, we provide the tools and guidance to help you monetize your efforts and build a thriving online business.

But ConnectingUs is about more than just financial gains. It’s about fostering genuine connections and building a supportive community. Our interactive features, such as forums, chat rooms, and virtual events, enable you to engage with fellow members, exchange ideas, and find collaborators for your projects. You can expand your reach, gain valuable insights, and connect with individuals who share your aspirations.

ConnectingUS network – https://connectingus.network/

Join us today and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and connection. Whether you’re looking to monetize your content, meet inspiring individuals, or promote your business, ConnectingUs is your gateway to a vibrant network of opportunities. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of your passions and create a world where connections thrive”.

Welcome to ConnectingUs, where your dreams meet limitless possibilities.

How Does Social Media Play a Part in Divorce?

In the digital age, the influence of social media on various aspects of our lives cannot be ignored. It has revolutionised the way we communicate, share information, and stay connected with friends and family. However, the widespread use of social media has also brought unforeseen challenges, particularly in the realm of personal relationships and family dynamics. From flirting on Facebook or gaining traction on Twitter, social media has got its tentacles into almost every aspect of our lives, including our romantic relationships.

This article aims to explore how social media can contribute to the breakdown of marriages, leading to potential grounds for divorce in Northern Ireland.

How can Social Media Play a Part in Divorce?

There are a few ways that social media can have a role in a divorce and we’re going to explore some of these in this section. 

Instigating the Breakdown of a Relationship

Social media is all about connecting people but, in some cases, friending someone can lead to the blurring of the line between friendship and something more. Shockingly, figures show that social media has a hand in one in seven divorces and this is usually down to one spouse believing that the other is ‘cheating’ with somebody online. Often this will lead to that spouse turning detective and scrutinising their wife or husband’s social media presence for evidence which, in turn, can lead to the breakdown of the relationship. 

Quality Time

There doesn’t necessarily need to be infidelity involved for social media to impact on a marriage or relationship. 51% of mobile phone users say that quality time with their partner is often interrupted by social media use and many say that they have regular arguments with their partner over excessive social media use when they’re together. 

During and After the Divorce

As well as being a factor in a divorce happening in the first place, social media can also have a negative impact during and after the divorce proceedings and we’ll take a look at how in this section. 

Emotional Impact 

For many people, a divorce is a stressful time and this can be exacerbated by seeing your soon-to-be ex flaunting a new relationship on social media. A lot of people continue to check out their ex’s social media even though they know that no good can come of it and, similarly, some will choose to deliberately ‘wind up’ their ex by showing off a new partner. 

Unfortunately, even the most innocent of interactions can be misinterpreted on social media and so it’s always best to keep any intimate or romantic pictures close to your chest until the ink is dry on your divorce. 

Child Care and Custody

It’s only natural to want to share pictures of your kids on social media but this can cause problems if your ex is watching your every move. In some cases, a spouse will try to use the most minute detail of a social media post to strengthen their bid for child custody. This can be amplified further if a new partner is, quite literally, in the picture. 

Being Caught Out

It’s extremely common for money to play a huge part in divorce proceedings, and many people don’t realise that their social media presence can leave them out of pocket. For example, one partner is claiming that they need financial help in order to be able to pay the rent and bills and is then spotted on Facebook showing off a new car or extravagant holiday. In 2023, social media is routinely used to ‘catch people out’ and that includes a number of factors relating to separation and divorce. 

Publishing Private Information

For a lot of people, social media offers an opportunity to have a little vent and, while this is fine when you’ve suffered poor customer service or fallen victim to the weather, it can be held against you during a divorce. Unfortunately, we often fail to use the same filters on social media that we would in real life and sharing private information about your divorce or your former partner can land you in hot water and potentially damage your case during a divorce. 

Pause Before Posting

Social media can be an extremely useful tool and a great way of staying connected with friends and family even if you live miles apart. However, when going through a divorce, you should always proceed with caution. We have a tendency to want to give the illusion of living our best lives on our Facebook and Instagram but this can very much work against you during a divorce. 

Where possible, try to take a social media break until your divorce is finalised. If this isn’t possible, try to be mindful of what you’re posting and how those posts might be interpreted by your former partner or a divorce court. While this may be frustrating, it’s worth remembering that it’s only for a few months after which you’ll be starting your brand-new life – both on and offline.

5 Modern Marketing Techniques to Invest In

Did you know that Ireland has nearly 300,000 companies? With so many companies competing, it’s crucial to know the right marketing techniques to stand out. How can you design a marketing strategy that can make you shine amongst the competition?

If you’re curious about perfecting your company’s marketing, we’re here to guide you. Read on to learn more about common marketing techniques.

  1. Automation

One of the first things you’ll learn about in modern marketing is marketing automation. Many companies have found ways to automate their marketing, reducing the cost and effort necessary.

Such strategies uses campaigns across several channels that will help lift the burden of marketing from your shoulders. The most common method is automated marketing emails or calls. These are integral for building your audience and communicating with your consumers.

Automation can help you keep your payroll down and get rid of monotonous work that others may not want to do. Look into automated marketing to see how you can simplify your marketing strategy.

  1. AI in Marketing

While you look into marketing automation, you’ll likely come across several techniques that use AI in marketing. These are effective in multiple ways.

One way is customer service marketing. AI chat bots are exceptionally common as tools to discuss issues with customers visiting the site.

Some techniques also use AI tools to develop marketing content. Videos, voice-overs, and even music are all things that AI can handle.

  1. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is vital for any marketing campaign. Often called “online marketing,” digital marketing uses the internet and other digital platforms to market.

These may include a company website, email outreach programs, and similar tools. You should design these around your demographic so you aren’t using tools others won’t interact with. Older demographics are less likely to engage with some forms of social media, for example.

Working with an experienced digital marketing group can help you target the right platforms and optimize your approach based on user behavior. They can also analyze data to refine campaigns for maximum engagement, ensuring you’re reaching your audience effectively and efficiently.

 

  1. Social Media Marketing

Social media will mix with any digital marketing campaign. For most companies, you’ll find social media marketing indispensable.

Social media focuses on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, YouTube, and other such areas of the internet. These platforms have a ready-made audience you can communicate with.

Businesses in healthcare and addiction can benefit from partnering with an addiction treatment marketing agency to reach and engage the right audience. This approach helps organizations establish credibility while maintaining sensitive communication with potential clients.

  1. Outreach Marketing

Finally, outreach marketing is critical for your modern marketing techniques. An outreach marketing campaign focuses on bringing new customers in.

Some companies focus on servicing the customers you’ve already earned. Doing so is important so you can retain their business, but growing is also vital.

Outreach marketing may also include inbound marketing. Inbound marketing campaigns focus on engagement from the customer, such as with SEO techniques or blogging. You can read more about inbound marketing with this blog from Adobe Experience Cloud.

Mastering Marketing Techniques

Finding the right marketing techniques will require looking at your company and demographic. Research your audience so you know what will most appeal to your consumers. Blend multiple strategies together to create the perfect marketing strategy for your company.

For more informative reads, be sure to browse our site.

Social Media Tips And Tricks To Help You Get Started

Do you want to jump into the social media game but don’t quite know where to start? If so, you’re not alone! With countless platforms out there and oftentimes confusing algorithms, it can be hard to navigate all of the intricacies of posting on social media. Fortunately, whether you’re just starting or need a refresher on the subject, this blog post will provide some tips and tricks for taking your first steps in creating an effective presence across multiple channels. So let’s dive in with this top-notch advice from marketing experts geared towards making sure your content stands out from the crowd!

Develop A Social Media Content Strategy – Figure Out What Type Of Content You Want To Post, How Often, And Where 

A content strategy is the foundation of any successful social media presence. Before getting started, it is important to create a plan on what type of content should be posted, where it should be shared, and how often. Despite the rise of new platforms to consider, it’s best to start by focusing on one or two social networks that are aligned with your goals and strengths. For business owners, this often includes LinkedIn for lead generation or Facebook for targeting customers based on interests or geography. 

To increase reach, consider developing engaging posts – such as infographics or polls – that can be shared across different channels at regular intervals. With a clear content strategy in place, you will be able to maximize your potential to build an online community around your brand. You can also consider buying likes and followers to get more exposure and to grow your following in a more explosive manner. So experiment with different tactics and find out which ones work best for you.

Set Up Accounts On The Major Social Media Networks And Fill In Your Profiles Completely

It’s become essential for anyone exploring business opportunities to have accounts with the major social media networks. You can use these services to showcase your work and build an online audience, as well as stay connected with others. Before you start your journey on each network, though, it’s important that you take the time to properly set up your profile pages. Start by making sure that all of your current information regarding links to your work is posted (including good photos). Use your bio section to explain who you are and what value you offer; make sure things like a contact link or email address are visible so readers can easily get in touch if they want more information about what you do. Finally, fill out the various details and settings each service offers—these will act as important customizable tools as you build an audience and brand going forward.

Schedule Your Posts Ahead Of Time Using A Tool Like Hootsuite Or Buffer

It’s no secret that smart time management is key to a successful social media strategy. Using a tool such as Hootsuite or Buffer will allow you to stay one step ahead and give the purpose and direction of your post. Scheduling your posts ahead of time ensures that content is delivered on an organized timeline instead of in sporadic bursts. Aside from simply scheduling the posts, these tools also allow you to monitor their performance, giving you insight into what types of content resonate most with your followers and providing valuable data for other aspects of your overall strategy.

Monitor Your Conversations And Engage With Other Users As Much As Possible

Social media can be a great way to build relationships and start meaningful conversations with other users, but it’s important to remember that what you say and how you interact on these platforms reflects on you as an individual. As such, it’s crucial to monitor your conversations, especially the types of language you use, in order to maintain a sense of professionalism while engaging with other users. Ask yourself – is this something I’d want my colleagues or employers to read? It can help to think of social media as a job interview – rather than getting carried away in replying quickly or rashly, take some time to thoughtfully consider your words before hitting ‘send’.

Try Out Various Content Types, Including Videos, Images, GIFs, Polls, And Quizzes

If you want to spruce up your content and make it more engaging, why not experiment with different types of content such as videos, images, GIFs, polls, and quizzes? Not only can this diversify the look and presentation of your blog or website, but it gives the reader a richer experience by providing multiple layers of information. Videos form connections because viewers get to see and hear people they relate to while images draw out imaginations in stories they never knew existed. GIFs provide a light-hearted context that encourages readers to laugh—something we all need right now! Finally, polls and quizzes are designed to elicit reactions from readers—great for both understanding your audience and promoting discussion among users. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to producing content; be creative and have fun creating something unique for your viewers!

Track The Performance Of Your Posts Using Analytics Tools Like Google Analytics or Facebook Insights

As a content creator, you’ve probably poured a lot of effort into crafting the perfect post for your followers. One way to optimize your hard work is by tracking its performance using analytics tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Insights. With these tools, you can measure metrics such as the number of page views, sessions, visitors, and demographics so that you can get an individualized report about how your posts are being received. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to figure out strategies to tweak and refine your ideas for maximum impact in the future. Don’t worry if this seems daunting–it’s easier than it looks! There are plenty of user-friendly versions that allow anyone to understand their data and apply it toward their content creation journey. Give it a try today!

Social media can be an incredibly rewarding and powerful tool if used correctly. It opens up the possibility of connecting with customers and people who you may never have been able to reach through traditional methods. By developing a content strategy and developing your skills, you can start to use social media as a powerful tool for driving customer engagement and boosting your online presence. As with anything online, it’s important to do your research before diving in. Invest time into getting to know the platforms that are most applicable to your business and make sure you bring a creative, fun, and professional approach when engaging with other users on social media. With some planning upfront, you’ll soon discover that using social media as part of your marketing plan can really pay off!

How is Technology Being Incorporated into Funerals?

The funeral industry is rapidly changing and being revolutionised by technology. As digital culture becomes more pervasive, we see an evolution in how funerals are organised, celebrated and remembered. From using virtual reality to creating memory boxes instead of headstones to even hosting gravestone unveils through live-streamed events, technology is impacting all aspects of the funeral process—from memorial services to carrying on meaningful legacies left behind. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore how modern technology has made its way into our often sombre traditions surrounding death while still honouring those who have passed away with dignity and respect.

Live streaming and Recording of the Funeral

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many funerals have been restricted to a limited number of attendees. However, technology has enabled people to participate remotely. 

Live streaming allows friends and family to attend the funeral from the comfort of their homes. A camera and an internet connection can broadcast the service on platforms like Facebook, YouTube or Zoom. Recording the service is another option that enables people to watch it later.

Virtual Memorials and Condolence Books

Virtual memorials have become increasingly popular in recent years. They allow mourners to pay their respects online by leaving messages and photos on a digital platform. These virtual memorials can be accessed from anywhere in the world, providing a convenient way for people to share memories and support each other during times of grief. 

Similarly, virtual condolence books are also available online, allowing friends and family to express their condolences and share their memories with others.

Digital Headstones and QR codes

Digital headstones and QR codes are a new addition to funeral services. Digital headstones are screens that display photos, videos and other digital content related to the deceased. They can be customised to display a variety of images, including family photos, religious symbols, or even a slideshow of the deceased’s life. 

QR codes, on the other hand, can be attached to physical headstones, allowing people to scan them with their smartphones and access the same digital content.

Augmented Reality and 3D Printing

Augmented reality and 3D printing technologies have also been incorporated into funeral services. Augmented reality can create a virtual version of the deceased, allowing mourners to interact with them in a simulated environment. This technology can create a sense of comfort for those grieving and even provide an opportunity for closure. 3D printing, on the other hand, can create personalised urns, keepsakes, and other objects to commemorate the deceased.

Conclusion

Funerals are a traditional way to honour the deceased, and the ritualistic process remains an important cultural practice across the world. However, as technology continues to evolve, it has also found its way into funeral services. 

 

Technology has transformed how we live, work and communicate, and it is now making its way into the world of funerals. Technology has revolutionised how funerals are organised and remembered, from virtual memorials to digital headstones.

 

The use of technology in funerals has allowed us to honour the deceased in new and innovative ways while also providing comfort and support to the bereaved. As the world continues to change and technology evolves, more advances will likely be made in celebrating and remembering the lives of those we have lost.

Google.org provides €500,000 to support Ireland’s social entrepreneurs

Google Ireland has today announced that its philanthropic arm, Google.org, is providing €500,000 in funding to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) and INCO. The grants will support social entrepreneur-led organisations in Ireland to grow their impact and those interested in being considered can submit an expression of interest from today, 5 December.

Leveraging the funds from Google.org, SEI and INCO will support underserved social entrepreneurs to scale their organisations. SEI will use the funding to run the Changing Ireland Accelerator Programme (CIAP), a twelve-month initiative for underserved social entrepreneurs needing support to accelerate their impact. Running in parallel to the CIAP, INCO will disperse the funding as cash sub-grants administered to the participants.

Speaking at the announcement in Google’s EMEA HQ, Dublin, Adaire Fox-Martin, President of Google Cloud International and Head of Google Ireland said:

“Social enterprise is an increasingly crucial component of a resilient, equitable, and sustainable economy. By providing the sector better access to capital, talent, markets, and technology, businesses such as Google have the opportunity to meaningfully serve the communities they operate in and advance impactful humanitarian and environmental causes.  These grants reflect Google’s continued commitment to supporting social entrepreneurs around the world and to the principle that entrepreneurship can be the best way to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges. 

“We want to encourage ambitious change-makers to submit their expression of interest in the Changing Ireland Accelerator programme today.”

Tim Griffiths, CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland said:

“Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is thrilled to work with INCO and believe that this catalytic funding will help brilliant, social entrepreneur-led organisations to scale up and accelerate the impact they are having across Ireland reaching the most underserved communities.”

Mathieu Planchard, Global Head of Development at INCO said:

“This initiative represents a concrete step towards building a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The combination of capacity building support and strategic grant funding is the right recipe to break down the barriers faced by underserved founders in Ireland today. It’s a real privilege for INCO to work alongside SEI and to receive support from Google.org.”

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation committed to the vision of accelerated social change through the power of people. Its mission is to harness the cumulative power of people through programmes, direct funding and an experienced community of alumni, funders, and sector leaders. Since its foundation in 2004, SEI has supported more than 550 social entrepreneurs across the country. Alumni of SEI programmes include Pieta House, AsIAm, Irish Community Air Ambulance, GIY, FoodCloud and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.

INCO is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a more socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy. Across 40+ countries around the world, INCO  accelerates the growth of impact-driven businesses, and offers free education programs to the workforce of tomorrow. Since 2021, INCO has been leading StartSocial, an initiative supported by Google.org, to provide funding and capacity-building to over 400 social enterprises across Europe.

Today’s announcement by Google is an integral part of its European-wide commitment to supporting Social Entrepreneurs building on a pledge of €20 million cash funding through the Google.org Social Innovation Fund to support underserved social innovators across Europe.

Expressions of interest in the Changing Ireland Accelerator Programme are welcome via the dedicated page on the SEI website from 5 December 2022. The selection process will launch in February 2023 with successful applicants appointed to the programme from June 2023.

Google.org will be fully funding the costs of this programme in 2023 with a grant of €500,000.

Rethink Ireland award €530,000 to 28 Social Enterprises across the country

Rethink Ireland has announced the 8 Awardees of its Social Enterprise Development Fund and 20 Awardees of its Social Enterprise Start-Up Fund at a lunch event at Airfield Estate, Dublin. These Funds aim to support and develop social enterprises across Ireland who work primarily to improve the lives of people and communities.

The Social Enterprise Development Fund (2018 – 2023) is a €4.4 million Fund created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund that aims to discover and enhance social enterprises that are already creating a social and economic impact on their communities.

To date the Social Enterprise Development Fund has helped over 500 people gain employment through 112 social enterprises and has mobilised over 16,507 volunteers.

The Social Enterprise Start-Up Fund, now in its second year, is an €800,000 Fund developed by Rethink Ireland in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Fund aims to support social enterprises at the startup and early stage of existence, with organisations from 10 counties throughout Ireland recognised as Awardees.

 Awardees include:

  • An Mheitheal Rothar: An Mheithal Rothar focuses on providing bicycles to those who do not have access to cycling, particularly those who are unable to participate in the Bike to Work program, while also creating an impact on the areas of employment and sustainability. Their one-of-a-kind approach combines recycling and waste reduction with delivering affordable bikes, as well as personalised information sharing and problem solutions for each user.
  • Carrickmacross Toy Library: Carrickmacross Toy Library tackles the problem of toy waste by offering a toy lending service to their local area, and offering an affordable and sustainable service to families.
  • Common Ground: Common Ground Community-Led Housing has been working in response to the housing crisis in Ireland since 2018. The project offers a win-win solution for State bodies, households and the wider community for developing a new housing sector for our country. Their replicable and internationally proven model makes housing more attainable, community-focused and sustainable, for the benefit of everyone. They offer a viable proposal for a pilot scheme in North County Wicklow which aims to be the first of its kind in Ireland and to offer a template for other groups around the country to help achieve a similar goal.

Richard Gavin, Assistant Principal at Department of Rural and Community Development stated: “Recipients of this funding and support are playing a key role in developing communities nationwide and I want to extend my congratulations to all Awardees. With their commitment and dedicated work, these enterprises are making a true social and economic impact on their local communities, while also tackling key social issues that we face today. They are inspirations for the next generation of social enterprises and we look forward to continuing to support them as they progress and develop further.”

CEO of Rethink Ireland, Deirdre Mortell commented on the Awardee announcement stating: “This year Rethink Ireland published our 6 Year Impact Report, detailing the level of progress that has been made towards developing a more sustainable and fairer Ireland by supporting social enterprises.  I’m delighted to announce that Rethink Ireland is awarding additional support and funding to 28 social enterprises who are on their journey to creating a lasting positive impact on communities across the country.

“Social enterprises are part of the social fabric  of our communities as they play a key role in developing solutions to the biggest challenges we face on a daily basis. From a toy library that offers rental toys to families to reduce waste, to a therapeutic adventure group focused on tackling youth mental health difficulties, or a heart-warming community centre that is integrating and including immigrants and refugees into Irish society through support and learning opportunities, social enterprises show a deep level of care for everyone in a community across Ireland. We are so thankful to our supporting partners and are delighted to have the opportunity to support these wonderful organisations.”

IPB Insurance Chief Executive Michael Garvey said: “Working alongside our local authority Members, our collaboration with Rethink Ireland and the Department has proven hugely successful in attracting and supporting social enterprises that are making a real difference in addressing social needs in their communities. The social enterprise sector in Ireland is going from strength to strength and is playing an increasing role in strengthening the sustainability and resilience of communities across the country. It is important that social enterprises continue to be nurtured by recognising the importance of the sector and providing assistance through financial and business supports.”

Michael Nicholson, Deputy Chief Executive of Local Authority Wicklow County Council said: ‘We would like to extend our congratulations to each Awardee on their success in receiving a Social Enterprise Fund Award from Rethink Ireland. Coming out of an extremely challenging period for Irish society, we’re delighted with this good news story for Wicklow. Social enterprises have an important role to play in guiding Ireland to become a more inclusive and equal society. Organisations like Common Ground and Rise at the Cove are leading the charge by not only creating jobs but working towards bringing about positive social change.“

For more information on each Awardee please visit https://rethinkireland.ie/our-funds/social-enterprise/

Social Enterprise Development Fund

The Social Enterprise Development Fund is a €4.4 million Fund being delivered from 2018 – 2023 and has been developed by Rethink Ireland in partnership with IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Fund aims to find and support social enterprises that add to the social and economic fabric of their community by way of social impact. Since the Fund began in 2018, it has supported social enterprises in each county of Ireland and has helped to enable 500 people to access employment and to mobilise 16,507 volunteers.

Awardees are:

Name County
Common Knowledge Clare
Together Razem Centre Cork
No Barriers Foundation Donegal
Books at One Dublin
KASI Kerry
Way 2 Work Dublin
An Mheitheal Rothar Galway
Generation: You Employed Meath

Social Enterprise Start up Fund

The Social Enterprise Start-up Fund is an €800,000 Fund to be delivered over two years: 2021 – 2022 and has been created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Fund seeks to support social enterprises at the startup / early stage of their life cycle and will support them to embed strong business principles and, in turn, deliver social impact, create jobs and inspire emerging, next generation Irish social enterprises.

Awardees are:

Name County
Clare Community Energy Agency Clare
KindFolk Cork
Saoirse Ethnic Hands on Deck Cork
The Dialogue Code Cork
Trauma Responsive Education Cork
Pocket Forests Dublin
Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality Dublin
The Bike Hub Dublin
The Good Summit Dublin
The Sustainable Life School Dublin
Community Retrofits Ireland Galway
New Wave Wild Project Kerry
Gorm Media Limerick
Health Hub Limerick
Carrickmacross Toy Library Monaghan
Open Food Network Monaghan
Cycle Up Roscommon
Common Ground Community-Led Housing Wicklow
Rise at the Cove Wicklow

New Privacy Features on WhatsApp

Today, Mark Zuckerberg announced that WhatsApp is bringing three new privacy features to users, giving them more control over their conversations and added layers of protection when messaging. Which ties in well with the news release as I had a new update noted on my phone.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Announcement & Quote: “New privacy features coming to WhatsApp: exit group chats without notifying everyone, control who can see when you’re online, and prevent screenshots on view once messages. We’ll keep building new ways to protect your messages and keep them as private and secure as face-to-face conversations.” – Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO, Meta

  • Leave Groups Silently: Users will be able to exit a group privately without having to notify everyone. Now, instead of notifying the full group when leaving, only the admins will be notified. This feature starts to roll out to all users this month.
  • Choose Who Can See When You’re Online: Seeing when friends or family are online helps us feel connected to one another, but we’ve all had times when we wanted to check our WhatsApp privately. For the times you want to keep your online presence private, we’re introducing the ability to select who can and can’t see when you’re online. This will start rolling out to all users this month.
  • Screenshot Blocking for View Once Messages: View Once is already an incredibly popular way to share photos or media that don’t need to have a permanent digital record. Now we’re enabling screenshot blocking for View Once messages for an added layer of protection. We’re testing this feature now and look forward to rolling it out to users soon.

These new updates join WhatsApp’s growing list of privacy features that users can take advantage of including end-to-end encryption, block and report, two-step verification, end-to-end encrypted backups, disappearing messages, and more.