SICAP Social Enterprise Grants
Active Connections, Killeagh, Co. Cork
Active Connections is an award winning social enterprise run by Ray Burke since June 2015.
Active Connections CLG uses activity based therapies to support young people experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is the leading adventure therapy programme in Ireland and with a unique community based approach, it is the only activity based social enterprise of its kind in Cork.
Each year the organisation supports up to 130 young people, 95% of whom will not engage in any other therapeutic support. They support young people who are at significant risk of loss of home, criminality or death through suicide. Any profits developed are reinvested back into the company i.e. expanding their service area or by supporting young people who cannot source any other funding.
Active Connections has received Social Enterprise funding from SECAD to purchase outdoor equipment to allow their support staff to work with larger groups, and increase the range of activities on offer for example, canoeing, kayaking, open water swimming, gorge walking, and snorkelling. The social enterprise currently has 1 full-time and 4 part-time employees and anticipates hiring additional staff in the near future.
