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The Share Charitable Fund is a fund designed to be shared amongst the charities listed at this site. If you want to spread your donations across more than one charity then select the Share Charitable Fund. In the event that any donations for any reason cannot be identified as being allocated to any charity, the said donations will be accrued to the Share Charitable Fund.

Age Action is Irelands leading charity working to improve the qualify of life of all older people and their carers. We have members of all ages. Many are older people, some are carers, others are professionals, voluntary groups, statutory bodies and private firms. We want to change attitudes, and tackle ageism in all forms. We believe older people should have the same rights as any other age group, and should not be judged by their chronological age. We promote positive ageing, and organise Positive Ageing Week each year.Visit the website

ALONE was founded in 1977 by a Dublin fireman, Willie Bermingham. Since then we have been working to better the quality of life of older people in our city. Over the years ALONE has witnessed much to celebrate. Advances in health care and improved social services help older people to stay healthier for longer. However, as times change the challenges that face older people change too. ALONE is committed to continuing to work at the forefront of services for older people, inspired by the same vision and energy that drove Willie Bermingham into action more than 30 years ago. ALONE looks forward to an age-friendly society where older people are never isolated but are included as valued and empowered members of the community.Visit the website

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland. The Society was founded in 1982 by a small group of people who were caring for a family member with Alzheimers Disease or a related dementia. Today, it is a national voluntary organisation with an extensive national network of branches, regional offices and services that aims to provide people with all forms of dementia, their families and carers with the necessary support to maximise their quality of life. The Societys network currently includes 22 branches, 6 regional offices, 33 Day Care Centres, 28 Home Care/Support Services, 28 Carer Support Groups, 3 Social Clubs and one overnight Respite Centre. The Society also operates the Alzheimer National Helpline Service offering information and support to anyone affected by Alzheimers disease / dementia. The Society comprises 3,000 members, 300 volunteers and over 700 full and part-time staff. Visit the website

Arthritis Ireland is Irelands only arthritis charity enabling people with arthritis to take their lives back. We provide real solutions. We empower people with arthritis and those caring for them to take positive actions to manage the effects of their disease on their lives. We dramatically improve the quality of life of people affected with arthritis through the provision of innovative and life changing education and support programmes which are specially designed to give people with arthritis the information and skills they need to take back control of their disease and their life. We actively support research into arthritis to ensure that Ireland is at the forefront of new break-through?s leading to possible cures. We fund training of health professionals through university medical schools to create a direct and positive improvement in patient care. We lobby Government departments to invest the necessary funding in rheumatology services. Visit the website

The Asthma Society of Ireland has a clearly defined role in providing support services for people living with asthma. With over 470,000 people living with asthma in this country alone, we actively engage with the general public, healthcare professionals, the government, third party organisations and other stakeholders to keep asthma high on the agenda. Within the healthcare environment, the Asthma Society of Ireland is encouraged by the fundamental purpose of the Health Service Executive - "to enable people to live healthier and more fulfilled lives." As the HSE Transformation Programme (2007 - 2010) gathers momentum there are clear opportunities for delivery of world class asthma care through the programmes prioritising primary, community & continuing care and prevention & management of chronic disease. Implementation of international best practice models of asthma management will significantly improve the quality of life of asthma patients. Visit the website

Barnardos supports children whose well-being is under threat, by working with them, their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Irelands leading independent childrens charity. We operate over 40 Barnardos Centres in local communities across the country, working with vulnerable children and their families. We also run a number of national services supporting parents and professionals with an information resource network and counseling services dealing with childhood bereavement, adoption and a Guardian ad Litem service representing childrens interests in court proceedings. In addition, Barnardos is using its extensive experience of working on the ground to lead a number of public awareness and advocacy campaigns to help reach the vision of making Ireland the best place in the world to be a child. Visit the website

The formation of the bone marrow transplant unit was made possible by funding from the Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust, a charitable trust founded by Professor Ian Temperley, the late Eugene Murray and other friends. Initially the unit was housed in Hospital One in St. James?s Hospital but in 1995 it moved to a new purpose built unit in the new St. James?s Hospital which in turn was subsequently replaced by a state of the art unit, containing 21 air conditioned, en suite rooms in 2001. The unit carries out stem cell transplantation for patients in Ireland, Northern Ireland and also provides volunteer stem cells from Irish donors for patients abroad. To date the unit has carried out more than 600 stem cell transplants and it is also audited annually for the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry. The results in the unit are comparable with those in any unit in North America or Europe and in some instances the expectation is for a 75% cure rate for certain types of leukaemia. Visit the website

Breast Cancer Ireland (BCI) is a charity set up to raise money for breast cancer research. It is administered through the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland under the direction of Professor Arnold Hill. BCIs ambition is to seek integration and collaboration amongst breast cancer researchers nationally, to improve patient outcomes. We are constantly looking for new and improved ways of treating patients with breast cancer. We conduct relevant biological research into breast cancer, its causes and potential treatments. We aim to provide every patient, diagnosed with breast cancer, with their own personalised and tailored treatment plan. New drugs are being developed that can be targeted to specific parts of a patients cancer tissue. To determine which drugs may be effective for a patients cancer requires sophisticated analysis which it is hoped will be made available to all patients.Visit the website

The BubbleGum Club is an Irish registered charity whose mission is to provide extraordinary outings for extraordinary children, many of whom suffer from life threatening illness, long term debilitating illness or are disadvantaged in some other way. The Bubblegum Club provides professional care in a fun environment ? giving kids a great boost, but also providing a well-earned break for the parents, family and carers. The Bubblegum Club was founded in 1994 by Peter Harris and has now helped over 15,000 children. Each year the club runs a number of major events including the Ski Trip to France, the break to Alton Towers, the HeliCruise, the Garden Party and the spectacular Winter Wonderland. As important as these events are, the myriad of one-off days we organise for children with exceptional requirements ? we prepare and deliver around 20 specials each year ? every one unique and probably the last defining day in that child?s life. Visit the website

The Carers Association is Irelands national voluntary organisation for and of family carers in the home. Family carers provide high levels of care to a range of people including frail older people, people with severe disabilities, the terminally ill and children with special needs. The Association was established in 1987 to lobby and advocate on behalf of carers. While the government has begun to initiate some services for carers, we believe that the vast majority of Ireland's family carers still remain without vital services. These services, such as in-home respite, are essential to family carers. They allows us to continue in our roles as family carers, thus implementing government policy to care for people in their own homes for as long as possible. Today, The Carers Association has 16 Resource Centres and two Service Projects from which it delivers our range of services.Visit the website

The Central Remedial Clinic is a non-residential national centre for the care, treatment and development of children and adults with physical disabilities. Services are provided for people with physical conditions ranging from the very rare to the more familiar, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and arthrogryposis. Services at the Clinic include clinical assessment, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, social work, psychology, nursing, dietetics, orthotics, technical services, seating services, orthopaedics, paediatrics, parent support, vision and hearing specialists, transport and catering. The Clinic has four Dublin-based Day Activity Centres located in Clontarf, Coolock, Firhouse and Hartstown. These centres provide social, physical, educational and recreational activities for adults whose disabilities prevent them from participating in other training or work programmesVisit the website

Every year, the Children to Lapland Appeal takes long term, terminally ill, sick children from many hospitals countrywide to Lapland. Santa's send out his helpers to meet these special children in Dublin Airport and fly with them on their fantasy trip to Lapland. The entire flight is dedicated to having fun on board the aircraft with a movie selected for the children, singing painting and of course regular updates on our exact location from Santa's chief Elf "the Pilot". On Arrival, we transfer by coach to Santa's Village for reindeer and sleigh rides, Huskies rides and visit with the Head elf who talks about the magic of Christmas, Lunch and a magic show. Each Child gets a private Visit with the Big Fellow himself Santa Claus who gives them a special gift. He tells all the special children that he will visit them on Christmas eve and gives them a special pieces of hay for his reindeers.The journey home is a much fun with goodies to eat; party atmosphere songs. Visit the website

Depaul Irelands journey began in a small village on the French side of the Pyrenees where St Vincent de Paul was born in the spring of 1581. Depaul Ireland continues to work in the spirit of St Vincent de Paul in a practical, non judgmental way with people on the margins of society, wherever there is need. Depaul Ireland celebrates the potential of people, we celebrate the potential of people, we put our words into action, we aim to take a wider role in civil society, we believe in rights and responsibilities. Over the last 7 years Depaul Ireland has grown from a small Dublin based charity to become a significant leader in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in addressing homelessness. Depaul Ireland reflects this growth and our increasing reach and potential to develop services across the island.Visit the website

The Diabetes Federation of Ireland was born after a public meeting in 1967. The organisation was initially registered as a charity called the Irish Diabetic Association and was based in the front room of a house in Clontarf, Dublin, until it moved to Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1 where it remains today. Since 1967 the Diabetes Federation of Ireland has been dedicated to helping people with diabetes. Through its network of support branches throughout the country, people who have an interest in diabetes are dedicated to sourcing and sharing information on diabetes and related matters. It's Mission is to provide a quality service in improving the lives of people affected by diabetes, and working with others to prevent and cure diabetesVisit the website

Down Syndrome Ireland is an organisation of people with Down syndrome and their parents and guardians. It has over 3000 member families with 25 branches nationwide, and is funded by voluntary contributions and events organised by its members. Down Syndrome Ireland has grown from modest beginnings in 1971 into a truly national organisation. It is the biggest single group concerned with the welfare of people with a learning disability in Ireland. The purpose of the association is to find ways to improve the lives of those with Down syndrome and to help them reach their full potential. People experience many great things and also face many challenges throughout their lives. People with Down syndrome are no different, but may need a little extra help and support along the way. Down Syndrome Ireland's goal is to help people with Down syndrome make their own futures as bright and independent as possible by providing them with education, support and friendship every step of the way.Visit the website

Enable Ireland provides free services to over 3,500 children and adults with disabilities and their families from 15 locations and in local communities countrywide. Covering childhood to adulthood our expert teams work with the individual and their family on a plan for each life stage. Our services for children and their families cover all aspects of a child's physical, educational, and social development from early infancy through adolescence. For adults we offer a range of services covering personal development, independent living, supported employment, social and leisure activities. The demand for our services continues to increase throughout Ireland. We have set ourselves the challenging goal of meeting these needs by providing a full range of high quality services, and expanding into local communities. Enable Irelands mission is to work in partnership with those who use our services to achieve maximum independence, choice and inclusion in their communities.Visit the website

Focus Ireland was founded by Sr Stanislaus Kennedy as a result of the findings of research into the needs of homeless women in Dublin. Through listening to the experiences of the women, the research team realised the importance of involving people who were experiencing or had experienced homelessness, in the development of services for people out-of-home. In 1985, two years after the initial research Focus Point (now Focus Ireland) opened its doors in Eustace St, Dublin. The agency provided streetwork services to young people, advice, advocacy, information, help with finding a home and a warm and welcoming place to meet and have a low-cost meal. Since 1985, Focus Ireland has continued to grow and expand its services. In 1988, the organisation opened its first development of low rent, good quality long-term and short-term housing in Dublin. Focus Ireland now has additional housing and service projects in Dublin as well as housing developments in both Limerick and Waterford.Visit the website

Autism is a disability that affects the normal development of the brain in areas of social interaction and communication. The first signs of autism usually appear as developmental delays before the age of 3. Autism is described as a 'spectrum' disorder. This means that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations and can range from mild to severe. Opinions are very divided on what defines autism. Parents may not recognise the developmental delays that are obvious to a professional as "milestones" which should be achieved by a certain age. There is also a belief that many children with autism have a learning disability that precludes intellectual achievement. However, there are others who work with autistic children in specialised settings who will tell you it is possible to be very autistic AND very intelligent. They may require intensive teaching, but they will all have the ability to learn.Visit the website

Founded in 1989, Irish Blind Sports caters for the competitive and recreational needs of its members, who participate at all levels from have a go days to elite Paralympic competition. IBS offers many different sporting activities from athletics to judo, water skiing to football, swimming to tandem cycling and tenpin bowling; as well as the more sedate activities of chess and walking. Overall responsibility for the strategic direction of IBS rests with the Chairman and board of directors. The directors of IBS represent a cross-section of its membership. Blind and visually impaired members hold positions on the board, supplemented by sighted people possessing unique skills and competencies, relevant to a progressive sporting organisation. Typically, directors hold office for a period of two years. Responsibility for day-to-day management of IBS rests with the executive director.Visit the website

The Irish Blue Cross is an animal care charity dedicated to the needs of sick and injured animals. The charity is recognised as one of Irelands foremost welfare organisations and has treated well over half a million sick animals since its foundation in 1945. Annually, up to 10,000 pets are treated and vaccinated and restored to full health at our mobile clinics and arising from our referrals to private practice. Today, there are ten mobile clinic locations in operation at Ballybrack, Ballyfermot, Blanchardstown, Cabra, Crumlin, Donnycarney, Finglas, Smithfield, Tallaght and Walkinstown. All clinics are operated in the evenings by dedicated teams of volunteers, including drivers, veterinary surgeons and helpers. The administrative activities of the Irish Blue Cross are carried out at the office by a small team of staff backed by a voluntary management committee. The Irish Blue Cross horse ambulance service now operates at twenty-four Irish racecourses.Visit the website

The mission of the Irish Cancer Society, the national cancer care charity, is to play a vital role in achieving world-class cancer services in Ireland, to ensure fewer people get cancer and those that do have better outcomes. Our goals are focused around prevention, early detection and fighting cancer with three programme areas to achieve them; advocacy, cancer services and research. Over the next five years (2008 - 2012) our goals will centre around implementing a zero tolerance approach to smoking in young people, reducing the incidence of advanced colorectal cancer and mortality from that cancer and ensuring every member of the Irish public has access to the information and support they need. In tandem we will continue to deliver a range of hospital and community based nursing services to people with cancer and their families across Ireland, including the delivery of our flag ship community based night nursing service. Visit the website

The Irish Deaf Society (IDS) is the national representative organization of Deaf and hard of hearing people, serving the interest and welfare of the Deaf community. The Irish Deaf Society, wants to see a society where Deaf people have full and unrestricted access to all walks of life thus becoming equal citizens, contributing and participating freely. The IDS represents the Irish Deaf community on an international level through its membership of the World Federation of the Deaf and the European Union of the Deaf. The Irish Deaf Society also upholds the status of Irish Sign Language (ISL), which is the first and preferred language of Deaf people in Ireland. The IDS took a huge leap in this direction in 2006 with the establishment of the ISL Academy. Building on the successes of our fund-raising team and service teams with their range of innovative projects we will promote equality and excellence for the Deaf community.Visit the website

The Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) was formed in 1981 by a group of foster carers and social workers. The Association offers its members support and information and keeps them up to date with regard to changes in the law in relation to foster care. We lobby with the Dept. of Children & the HSE on all issues in relation to the best service for children in care. IFCA provides general information for callers inquiring about becoming foster carers and to students from junior certificate to university level. We also provide information to Families with Children in Care. The Irish Foster Care Association works in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to promote foster care as the best alternative for children who cannot live with their own families. The Association provides situations where all those who are interested in foster care can get together to support one another, air their views and where necessary, campaign for improvements in the regulations.Visit the website

We receive approximately 85% of our income through donations and fundraising by a network of almost 100 voluntary fundraising branches around the country. It cost over 5.2 million to run the organisation in 2009. It costs over 38,000 to breed, train and support a guide dog partnership. Founded in 1976, by the late Mary Dunlop and our current President, Jim Dennehy, we are a unique organisation dedicated to providing services which bring mobility and independence to blind and visually impaired people as well as people with other disabilities. Our services include guide dog training, long cane training, courses in independent living skills and child mobility programme. We also provide Assistance Dogs for families of children with Autism, a first for Europe. All our services are provided free of charge. We rely heavily on volunteers to support us through fundraising, the raising of our dogs and in many other ways. Visit the website

The Irish Heart Foundation is the national charity fighting stroke and heart disease, funded up to 90 per cent by public and corporate donations. Our vision is that every person living in Ireland will live a long, active and healthy life free from heart, stroke and blood vessel disease. Our mission is to lead in improving the cardiovascular health of people living in Ireland so they do not experience disability or die from preventable heart, stroke and other blood vessel diseases. The Irish Heart Foundation provides information on heart health to the public and media, supports patients in managing heart disease and stroke, provides heart health programmes in schools and workplaces, co-ordinates the training of medics and the public in emergency lifesaving skills (CPR), supports research, education and development in the medical profession and advocates better patient treatment and services Visit the website

The Irish Hospice Foundation supports the development of hospice care and promotes the hospice philosophy. Hospice care is the specialised care of people with life-limiting illness. The hospice philosophy is based on the principle of wholeness, expressed in many ways, for example, it gives equal emphasis to the physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of the patient. The hospice philosophy takes as its starting point that death is a natural part of life; that dying is an integral life experience. Our aim is to facilitate the practice of hospice care in all its aspects. We do this by working independently as well as in partnership with the statutory, voluntary and professional bodies concerned with hospice and palliative care in Ireland. Visit the website

The Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) was founded by Professor Moira O Brien in 1996 as a patient support organisation for those suffering with Osteoporosis and their families. From the outset, the IOS has been dedicated to reducing the incidence of Osteoporosis, a preventable bone disease in most cases, and promoting bone health. The IOS provides information to the public and health professionals on all aspects of the disease and offers support to people with Osteoporosis and everyone at risk from the disease. The IOS has the following aims: Significantly decrease the number of people affected by Osteoporosis, Increase the awareness of the problem of Osteoporosis in Ireland, Provide support, advice and information for people suffering from Osteoporosis, Establish a network of local support groups, Distribute up-to-date information to doctors and healthcare workers on current methods of prevention and treatment, Encourage research into this area in Ireland.Visit the website

For nearly sixty years the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has worked locally and nationally rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals. The ISPCA has continued to develop its facilities and staff functions in order to fulfil its core function, the rescue, rehabilitation and responsible rehoming of cruelly treated and neglected animals. In 2002 the National Animal Centre in County Longford was opened. This purpose built animal rehabilitation centre is home to some of Ireland's most abused animals. The ISPCA also provides schools and universities with a centre where students of all ages can visit. We provide educational tours where students can gain knowledge of animal welfare issues and we also offer work experience programmes to transition year and college students. Our Mission is that through education, legislation and ongoing support for our 21 Member Societies we can Prevent Cruelty to All AnimalsVisit the website

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) was founded in 1889. It is Irelands oldest and most well-known childrens charity. The ISPCC has a long, proud history of service delivery and advocacy on behalf of children. The ISPCC exists to ensure all children are given the chance to feel love and happiness, stop discrimination and exclusion of children and end cruelty and injustice to children. Our vision is to see an Ireland where all children are heard and valued. Our Mission is to advocate on behalf of all children in Ireland, and to provide a range of independent and unique services which are preventative and empowering in nature.Visit the website

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA)was founded in 1960 by a small group of wheelchair users committed to improving the lives of people with physical disabilities in Ireland. IWA has gone on to become an important provider of quality services to people with limited mobility throughout the country. Today, our association is made up of a vibrant network of 20,000 members and 2,000 staff, as well as many dedicated volunteers. Together we work to achieve greater independence, freedom and choice for people living with a disabilityVisit the website

The Jack & Jill Foundation provides care and support for children with severe neurological development issues, as well as offering some respite to the parents and families. This could be through home visits from nurses, with practical tips on how to access the services a child will need. Listening to what parents want for their child and making representations on their behalf. Bereavement support and an online forum for parents. Lobbying the Government and the HSE. Jack & Jill also provides direct funding to families, enabling them to buy home respite care to give them a break. The Foundation cannot cure the children. But it can help to alleviate some of the difficulties that exist.Visit the website

NCBI is a not for profit charitable organisation which offers support and services nationwide to people experiencing difficulties with their eyesight. About 18 per cent of people using NCBI?s services are completely blind, while 82 per cent have varying degrees of usable vision. Established in 1931 to promote the full independence of people who are blind or vision impaired, NCBI now provides a range of services to over 14,000 people. NCBI also provides a range of services to public and private organisations so that their services are accessible to people who are blind and vision impaired. We have over 150 staff who deliver our services and are supported by a team of dedicated volunteers throughout the country. Our vision is for people who are blind or vision impaired to have the same opportunities, rights and choices as other to fully participate in society. Visit the website

One Family is a leading national organisation for one-parent families in Ireland. Progressing the work of Cherish, we work with all types and all members of one-parent families, respecting the realities of family life in Ireland, to affect positive change and achieve equality and social inclusion for all one-parent families in Ireland.Visit the website

Rehab is a leading non-governmental organisation which works towards a world where every person has the opportunity to achieve their potential. We work in local communities to provide high-quality services and opportunities to people who need them. These services enhance the quality of people?s lives, by supporting people in fulfilling personal goals, in accessing new opportunities and in playing a more active role in their communities. Rehab enables people to make the most of their skills and talents, to take up employment or further education and to live more independent lives. This year alone, in Ireland, Rehab will train 5,000 people, many of whom require additional supports, and set them on the path to further education, training and employment. We will continue to support 200 people who use our services in part-time employment, while directly employing a further 200 people with disabilities in our commercial division. Visit the website

Samaritans is a charity which provides completely confidential emotional support 24 hours a day by telephone, email, face to face, SMS and letter. Samaritans believe that being listened to in confidence, without fear of being judged can alleviate feelings of distress, including those which may lead to suicide. Samaritans vision is that fewer people die by suicide, we work to achieve this by making it our mission to alleviate emotional distress and reduce the incidence of suicidal feelings and suicidal behavior. There are over 2,000 Samaritans volunteers in Ireland and twenty Samaritans branches across the island of Ireland. Although we are best known for our 24 hour telephone help lines, Samaritans work in schools, prisons and the workplace. Samaritans also and have a range of outreach services including Feet on the Street and Festival Branch where volunteers are out on the streets and at festivals, concerts and gatherings offering 24 hour emotional support, face to face.Visit the website

There are hundreds of children in Ireland fighting terrible illness and disability They spend many weeks, months, years of their young lives, in and out of hospitals undergoing serious operations and painful treatments just trying to hang onto life, depriving them of even the simplest of pleasures that most of us take for granted. At Share a Dream we are creating smiles for these children. We are doing everything in our power to make life more enjoyable and making dreams come true for the many thousands of these special children all over Ireland - North & South. Share a Dream organise parties, concerts, outings, holidays, special events. One child may wish to meet their favourite character, another wants to be a fireman for the day. Share a Dream makes individual dreams come true for sick children no matter what their illness or disability, Share a Dream wants to help. Visit the website

Shine supports people with mental ill health and their families and friends in a number of different ways. We have Regional Development Officers based in Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork, Ennis, Galway, Tullamore and Dundalk. The Regional Development Officers can deal with your questions and queries in person or on the phone and provide you with more detailed person specific information. They can also introduce you to a suitable support group if you feel that would be helpful. The Regional office will also have relevant and up to date information on local mental health services, information resources, training and employment services and other community resources. In Dublin and Cork we have resource centres for people with self experience of mental ill health which are open Monday to Friday. In Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny and Galway we have the Ar nglor Advocacy Service. Shine also has a Counselling service in Dublin and Cork.Visit the website

The Simon Communities of Ireland is an organisation based on an affiliation agreement between the eight independent Communities in Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, the Midlands, the Mid West, the North West, and the South East. Simon work with people who experience homelessness and housing exclusion in Ireland by assisting people at risk of becoming homeless, campaigning for legislative and policy changes and resources that will deliver on a right to housing and responsive services for people who have no homes, providing quality care, accommodation, projects and services, which support people and enable them to acquire and sustain an appropriate home of their own. Our Communities make a significant impact in addressing homelessness in Ireland, including working with 3,346 service users in 2006. Over 800 volunteers giving support to our services, including 46 full-time volunteers placed with our Communities in 2006. Visit the website

The mission of Special Olympics Ireland is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. There are over 34,000 people with in intellectual disability on the island of Ireland. With over 11,000 athletes participating in 12 sports through 402 clubs, supported by 100 community networks and 18,000 volunteers, Special Olympics Ireland is now one of Irelands largest community and voluntary organisations reaching 27% of persons with intellectual disabilities all over the country. Special Olympics athletes benefit socially, emotionally and physically as a result of participation in the programme. The theme of Special Olympics Ireland is Changing Lives. Visit the website

In 1968 a small group of parents whose children had Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus established a voluntary organisation which would highlight awareness of these two conditions and support families, individuals and carers who were affected. Their determination and dedication resulted in the establishment of The Irish Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus (IASBAH). The association was formed by parents who were committed to taking action to improve the prospects of people who were living with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus in Ireland. In April 2008 the National Association of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland Ltd was formed, and trades as Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI). Today Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland continues its tradition as a voluntary organisation, with an elected Board of Directors made up of voluntary members and parents as well as branches in all four provinces which are run by groups of local volunteers. Visit the website

SARI has harnessed the powerful potential of sport in its universal application -as a vehicle for positive integration of all communities island wide. It has developed its grassroots projects and built its volunteer capacity based on trust and deliverables. It creates safe spaces free from discrimination and xenophobia always mindful that integration and engagement off the playing fields is equally important. SARI projects and events create a cohesive platform for individuals from the new and local and cross border communities to participate in sports, mainstream into sports clubs, meet and engage, develop leadership skills, value cultural diversity and increase social capital gain. Through its events and programmes it encourages new communities and local communities to share commonalities and value difference.Visit the website

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a direct service non-profit organisation whose work primarily involves person-to-person contact with people who have a variety of needs. In addition to direct assistance we try to promote self-sufficiency, enabling people to help themselves. Any assistance offered by the Society is given in a non-judgemental spirit of compassion based on the need of the individual or family. A key strength of SVP is in the personalised delivery of help which makes it unique in its role as a charitable organisation. We accept people as they are and try to create a caring, non-threatening environment respecting the dignity of those who seek our help. We only offer advice when it is asked for and do not believe in telling people what they should do. Our aim is to maintain the dignity of the individual and to promote long-term self-sufficiency. We do so by treating people with respect while endeavouring to build a relationship of friendship, trust and confidentiality.Visit the website