Championing integration and community support at Cara Phort

Thomas Lyons

Family Resource Centre Cara Phort in Ballynacargy has long been a hub for community support, and this year, it received a significant boost with the approval of nearly €100,000 in funding from the Integration Fund 2025.

This funding promises to expand the centre’s outreach and integration programmes, particularly for new arrivals in the area, including the Ukrainian population residing at Mearescourt. Central to those efforts is the work of dedicated volunteers like Paul Heduan, whose commitment to fostering inclusion and community spirit has made a lasting impact.

Paul Heduan’s involvement with Cara Phort began through local sports. As a member of Milltown Rathconrath GAA, Paul initially engaged with Ukrainian refugees at Mearescourt. “It was about making them feel welcome in the community,” he explains.

Through the club and community gym, Paul helped create opportunities for new arrivals to participate in local life, gradually building connections that would lead him to the voluntary work with Cara Phort.

The Family Resource Centre’s integration initiatives coordinate programmes for integration and personal development. “They offer a range of courses – arts and crafts, English classes, and other activities,” he recounts.

Throughout his time volunteering, Paul has seen the immense work the full-time staff at Cara Phort undertake, particularly Anne Finneran, whose dedication he describes as “unbelievable.” He acknowledges that much of the work often goes unseen, and he encourages celebration of these successes. “Maybe it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, but they do phenomenal work,” he says.

Paul’s role has been multifaceted, blending practical coordination with hands-on engagement, ensuring that programmes are accessible and meaningful for participants.

One of the highlights of the volunteer work has been contributing to integration-focused outings and initiatives. A notable example is the Emerald Park visit last year, which provided participants with a chance to experience recreational opportunities while fostering community connections.

Beyond social engagement, Paul has supported skill-building programmes, including barista training, security courses, and child learning programmrs, aimed at equipping participants with practical tools to enter the workforce.

Cara Phort recently secured a significant Integration Fund grant for a range of projects that will benefit greatly from financial support.

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“It’s a huge opportunity, and thankfully, we got the official word in early November that almost €100,000 had been approved,” he says. The funding now enables the centre to expand its courses, training, and outreach activities, helping new arrivals integrate more fully into the community and develop skills that are valuable both locally and beyond.

For Paul, the work extends beyond logistics and planning. He is deeply motivated by the positive impact the programmes have on the individuals involved. “You see people who are keen, enthusiastic, and willing to contribute to society,” he reflects. He emphasises that, despite often negative media narratives about immigrants, projects like those at Cara Phort highlight the generosity, resilience, and potential of new community members.

Looking ahead, Paul is optimistic about the development of integration programmes in Westmeath. With new funding and ongoing volunteer support, Cara Phort is poised to offer even more training, arts and crafts initiatives, English classes, and community engagement activities. For Paul Heduan, volunteering is about building bridges, creating opportunities for newcomers, fostering understanding, and strengthening the social fabric of a small, yet vibrant, rural community.