Éist Launches Free National “Zero Tolerance” Workshop to Build Safer Communities Across Ireland

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 is inviting individuals, businesses, organisations and community groups from across Ireland 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 for all participants, aiming to equip them with the foundational understanding needed to recognise harmful behaviours and allow them to challenge them safely and contribute to building safer, more inclusive environments both online and in person.

Participants who complete the workshop will receive a digital Zero Tolerance Pledge Certificate and banner allowing their commitment to creating safer spaces within their workplaces, organisations and communities.

While the initiative has gained strong momentum in the Midlands through the Zero Tolerance Midlands campaign, this workshop is open to people nationwide and aims to create a ripple effect of awareness, accountability, and cultural change across the country.

The organisation encourages participation from individuals who want to better understand how to support safer communities, businesses and employers committed to respectful workplace culture.

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

Hazel Behan, co-founder of Éist is optimistic about the event.

“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.”

Hazel’s fellow co- founder Bairbre Kelly pressed the importance of this 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 emphasises that this 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.

The organisation hopes the national rollout will mirror the strong engagement already seen in the Midlands, where local authorities, businesses, and community leaders have begun publicly committing to a Zero Tolerance approach.