Éist – Saying No To Silence launching new initiative at the Greville Arms
It has been a busy year for Mullingar’s new community-driven support and advocacy group for victims of sexual violence.
Founders Sandra, Hazel, and Bairbre have been working tirelessly to become an integral part of the Midlands community.
They have been continuously fundraising in all weather, and earlier this year, the group finally managed to secure a new base for their work.
The hard work continues, and the group is now launching a new initiative called the “Zero Tolerance Midlands Campaign”.
The official launch of the campaign will take place on Friday, November 21, at 7pm in The Greville Arms Hotel in Mullingar.
This new campaign is following on from the “Zero Tolerance Dublin” initiative, and is centred around community-wide understanding and commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
It also aims to promote equality, respect, and accountability through all levels of society.
The campaign itself is being led by a committee of Midlands community members, which will bring professional and personal experience to the table.
On the campaign, the group said: “The campaign will include awareness initiatives, education programmes and partnerships with local organisations and businesses to build a region that says no to silence and no to violence.”
Each of Éist – Saying No To Silence’s founders offered their thoughts on the new campaign.
Sandra said: “Zero Tolerance isn't just a slogan, it is a promise to one another. Every person in the Midlands deserves to live without fear, and every member of our community has a part to play in making that possible. We want people to speak up, stand up, and say no to silence.”
Hazel said, “When communities come together, real change happens. This campaign is about local people taking local action in schools, clubs, workplaces, and homes. Violence against women, girls, and queer people is not inevitable; it's preventable. We all have the power to help end it.”
Bairbre added: “We are calling on businesses, community groups, and sports clubs across the Midlands to take the Zero Tolerance Pledge. Let’s make it clear that our towns and villages are places of safety, respect, and equality. Together, we can create a Midlands where violence and silence are no longer tolerated.”
This is Éist – Saying No To Silence’s first year as an organisation, and it has been a busy one. The group shows no signs of slowing down, and they are aggressive in their pursuit of a safe society for everyone, while also establishing themselves as a key community organisation.