Offaly Traveller Movement

19/10/2026

💜 Forever Loved, Never Forgotten 💜

For our upcoming Mental Health Conference, the Offaly Traveller Movement is honouring the lives of those in our community lost to su***de.

We invite Traveller families to share a special photograph for a memorial slideshow. This is a powerful way for mental health professionals to see the faces, remember the families, and understand the deep impact on our community. Every life matters.

🗓️ Please submit photographs by Thursday 22nd October 2026.

How to share: Text/WhatsApp OTM staff:
Patrice: 087 986 6805
Tracy: 086 102 1855
Ciara: 086 102 1852

Please ensure you have family permission before sending. Photos are for the memorial slideshow only and will not be shared or published elsewhere without your explicit permission.

We understand this may be difficult, and we appreciate your consideration in helping us make this important statement.

15/10/2026

🥣✨ Sweet treats & great company at the Hazel Hub! ✨🥣

Check out the delicious Rice Krispie buns made in our recent cookery session! This is just a little glimpse of all the fun and hands-on activities happening every week.

🗓️ When: Every Tuesday & Thursday
📍 Where: The Hazel Hub

Interested in joining or learning more? Get in touch with us:
📞 Shanna: 085 814 7293
📞 Savannah: 083 041 8496

We’d love to welcome you!

15/10/2026

🎃👻 Spooktacular creativity in Birr! 🎨✨

We recently got into the Halloween spirit with some fun and spooky arts and crafts! Check out some of the amazing creations our group put together. ✂️🕸️

This is just a glimpse of the fantastic activities happening in our group!

📍 Location: Birr, St.Brendan’s Hall
🗓️ When: Every Wednesday

⏰ Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Want to come along, get creative, or see what else we have going on? We’d love to have you join us!

Get in touch with us to find out more:
📞 Shanna: 085 814 7293
📞 Savannah: 083 041 8496

15/10/2026

📢 Important Announcement: Temporary Closure📢

Please note that our Men’s Shed will be temporarily closed from Monday, 12th October 2026 and will reopen on Wednesday, 28th October 2026.

We are taking this brief pause for an operational reset, staff training, and service development to ensure we continue to offer the best possible space and support for our community moving forward. 🛠️✨

Thank you all for your patience, understanding, and continued support!

We look forward to seeing everyone back on the 28th. 👋

14/10/2026

💜 Pregnancy and Baby Loss Awareness Month 🕯️💜

On Thursday, 15th October, we remember all the precious babies who are no longer with us and hold in our thoughts, the parents, families and loved ones who have experienced the heartbreak of baby loss. Every little life is precious, and every loss deserves to be acknowledged with love, compassion and understanding.

To mark this special day, we will be hosting a Heart-Shaped Cushion-Making Workshop at The Hazel Hub in OTM 10-12pm, creating personalised heart cushions in memory of a much-loved baby.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Féileacáin (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support), who have kindly provided candles and information for parents and families who have sadly experienced the loss of a baby. 💜

🕯️ Global Wave of Light – 7:00pm
Féileacáin coordinates the annual Global Wave of Light on 15th October for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. At 7:00pm, families are invited to light a candle in memory of the babies who are forever loved and never forgotten.

💗 Please feel welcome to call in to The Hazel in OTM to:
🧵 Take part in our heart-shaped cushion-making workshop.
🕯️ Collect a remembrance candle.
💜 Pick up information and supports available to parents and families.

https://feileacain.ie/

13/10/2026

🌿💚 WOW – Walk on the Waterway! 💚🌿

Join us for a friendly walk along our beautiful local waterway as part of LOETB Inclusion Week 2026!

📅 Wednesday, 14th October
⏰ Meet at 12 noon
📍 Hazel Hub

Enjoy some fresh air, good company and a chance to connect with others while taking in the beauty of nature. Refreshments will be provided afterwards in the Hazel Hub. ☕🍰

Everyone is welcome, so come along, get walking and enjoy a healthier, happier you!

13/10/2026

📸🌿 Through the Lens of Nature 🌿📸
Our Traveller youth groups have been exploring the beauty of nature through photography, with inspiration from the wonderful Tina Claffey, whose work celebrates Ireland’s boglands and biodiversity.

Using their mobile phones, the young people have captured the beauty in everyday details, developing their creativity, confidence and appreciation for the natural world.

We are delighted to invite you to celebrate their work at our upcoming photography exhibitions!

📍 Birr Library – Wednesday, 21st October at 4:30pm
📍 Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore – Thursday, 15th October at 4:30pm

Come along, support our talented young people and see the natural world through their eyes!

11/10/2026

07/10/2026

🎃👻 Halloween at the Hazel Hub! 👻🎃

Our Hazel Hub window is all dressed up for Halloween! 🕷️🕸️🎃

Children and young people who attend our Tuesday Club (13 years+) and Thursday Club (10–13 years) will get the chance to join our Halloween Party! 🎉👻

For more information, contact Savannah on: 📞 +353 83 041 8496.

We can’t wait to celebrate Halloween with you! 🎃🧡

05/10/2026

Offaly Traveller Movement are delighted to welcome Traveller parents to a series of FREE Parent Support Workshops this October in Marion Hall, Birr.

These workshops are designed to give parents practical advice, information and support in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Come along, have a chat, ask questions
📍 Marion Hall, Birr
🕥 10.30am – 12.00pm

Workshop Schedule
💚 6th October – Children’s Disability Network Team & Family Carers Ireland Information, supports and resources available for children and families.

💜 13th October – All Abilities Ireland Regulating Your Child’s Emotions – Practical tools and strategies to support your child’s emotional wellbeing.

🧡 20th October – Jigsaw Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health & Minding Yourself as a Parent.

💙 27th October – Workshop on ADHD Understanding ADHD, practical strategies and supports for your child and family.

These workshops are a welcoming space for Traveller parents to learn, ask questions, connect with services and meet other parents.