Éist offering free ‘Zero Tolerance’ workshops

Mullingar based organisation, Éist, have launched a free national ‘Zero Tolerance’ workshop in an effort to build safer communities across the country.

Éist: Saying No To Silence have inviting individuals, businesses, organisations and community groups to take part in their free online workshop designed to promote a clear, united message: there is zero tolerance for sexual or gender based violence in our communities.

The ‘Take Zero Tolerance Pledge’ workshop is a 90-minute online session. It is accessible and engaging, aiming to equip participants with the understanding needed to recognise harmful behaviour and allow them to challenge them safely and contribute to building safer, more inclusive environments, online and in-person.

Participants who complete the workshop will receive digital Zero Tolerance Pledge certificates and banners showing their commitment to creating safer spaces within their workplaces, organisations and communities.

Sports clubs, community groups and organisations seeking to lead by example are encouraged to participate, as well as anyone who believes in creating environments where harm is not tolerated.

Hazel Behan, co-founder of Éist, said: “This workshop is about giving people the confidence and clarity to say this is not acceptable, not here.

“Creating safer communities doesn’t require perfection but it does require participation. That’s what this is about.”

Bairbre Kelly, co-founder, pressed the importance of participation.

“We know that many people want to do the right thing but don’t always feel equipped to respond. This workshop provides practical, trauma-informed guidance in a way that is accessible, inclusive and empowering.”

One of the board members of Éist, who also sits on the Zero Tolerance Midlands Committee, Damien Rooney, also commented on the initiative. “This is about setting a clear standard across our communities, that harmful behaviour is recognised, challenged and not ignored. When organisations take this pledge, they’re sending a powerful message about the kind of environment they stand for.”

Éist say the workshop is a starting point, a foundational step in a broader commitment to education, awareness, and cultural change.

More in-depth workshops and training opportunities are also available for organisations seeking to deepen their approach.