Theme: The People. The Planet. The Future.

This year we would like to explore the theme of “The People. The Planet. The Future”.

Topics discussed on the day:

Generation Z is going to save the world!
Animal Aid- an end to mental health waiting lists
Ireland let’s get physical, Movement is Medicine
The Future of Education is Critical and Connected
Embracing Your Vulnerability
A blue print for a just world
To save our planet, we must first learn to care for one another
Accessible Education for Sustainable Communities

Droichead Arts Centre
Stockwell Street
Drogheda, Louth, 00000
Ireland

Amy Aylmer

Mental health student

I grew up in Drogheda. I dreamed of leaving, to see bigger and brighter things. I did. Then - I came back. I spent years studying and travelling the world, and learning about us, human beings, and where we came from, animals. The one thing, however which was a constant in a sea of change- was the issue of mental health. I explored jungles and languages, liaised with military police, got lost at sea and even landed in the therapist's office myself. Whether it was others whom I supported, or my own, the subject of mental health was a constant white noise. Upon my return I was diagnosed with PTSD. Three years on, I have healed and developed a passion for that which aided me. Currently I train therapy animals, study psychology and support people.

Austin Campbell

Founder of "MyStreets" movement

I'm very interested in how social enterprise can be used as a tool to deliver sustainable social change and currently spend a chunk of my time running a social enterprise, My Streets Ireland, which provides accessible education and employment opportunities to people who are homeless. It was a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland 2018 Awardee and I'm currently involved in growing it nationally which is fun and challenging in equal measure.

Colm McArdle

Amatsu therapist

My area of expertise is as an Amatsu therapist, the focus of which is body realignment and movement as a route to optimum health. I established my current clinic in Tullyallen in 2012 and it continues to grow year on year. I'm qualified to Orthopath level in the Amatsu discipline. I hold an associate diploma in drama from the London college of music. I've recently become involved in driving the establishment of a musical society in Drogheda, I will be taking a lead roll as society director.

Eilish Dillon

A lecturer in Maynooth University

Dr. Eilish Dillon is an educator and an activist. She is committed to realising the potential of critical global education for creating a world based on equality, justice and sustainability. Having transferred from Kimmage Development Studies Centre in 2018, Eilish is now Head of the Department of International Development at Maynooth University. There she facilitates learning programmes on theories and practices of development and co-ordinates postgraduate research on global development issues.

Eoinn Singleton

Interested in human relationships

I started drinking at 15 along with most of my friends and quit at 29. In that time I went to college, made friends, lived abroad, started my own business, got married. I also fell into drugs, lost friends, became homeless, divorced and depressed. I did what every broken man does and I ran home to Mum. It took time, but I got better. Eighteen months ago I had my last drink and I set about repairing my life, and I succeeded.

Gareth Conlon

Volunteer at Comhlámh

I work with Comhlámh (meaning solidarity) the organisation for development workers and volunteers. I am the continuous engagement project officer. It is my role to support people that have volunteered or worked overseas to remain involved in local and global development issues. This includes working on topics from environmental, to migrations to the sustainable development goals. I have Masters in International Development Studies and an Honours degree in Community Sports Leadership and Youth Work. I have both the theoretical knowledge to go along with my practical experiences. I have a long history of working people around many of the development issues that are causing the social, economical and environmental challenges we now face as a local and global community

Muirenn Mulholland

Generation Z representative

My name is Muirenn Mulholland. I am twenty one years old, making my among the oldest of “Generation Z”. I like learning and feeling inspired to create. I consider myself a Jane of all trades and have many hobbies- painting, public speaking, hiking and learning sign language! My public speaking experience is mostly accidental- the debating team in school was short one member and I was asked to join. From then on I fell in love with trying to get my thoughts out in a coherent and engaging manner. I then accidentally volunteered myself to speak at the European Union in Strasbourg during a school trip there and ended up speaking impromptu for 4 minutes from a few notes I’d taken during discussion! Now, in college, I’m a club ambassador for the SpeakEasy society in DCU- aiming to help and encourage those who want to learn how to get up in front of a room of people and have them listen! Like most students, I am passionate and want to make a genuine change to the world.

Sean McCabe

Scientist

I am a scientist. For the past five years I have worked with former President Mary Robinson. Our work focused on climate justice and in my role as Policy Officer I participated in the negotiations for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. I currently work with TASC, an independent think-tank whose core focus is addressing inequality and sustaining democracy. My work with TASC is focused on bringing deliberative democracy approaches to bear on the Just Transition in Ireland and Europe. I am also a candidate for the Local Elections in May 2019. I am running in the Cabra/Glasnevin ward in Dublin, on a platform focused on community participation, human rights and climate action.