About Us
Marie Carroll,
Founding Member and Chairperson of Changing Lives DLR’s Expert Advisory Group:
What is Changing Lives DLR?
In Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown affluence and deprivation exist side by side. In some parts, and for some people, opportunities are limited, and everyday living is challenging and difficult. In disadvantaged neighbourhoods throughout the county young people attain far lower levels of education than the county average. They usually work in low skilled jobs and seldom break out of the cycle of disadvantage. At the other end of the age spectrum, DLR county has a higher than average proportion of people aged over 65. Many live healthy, independent lives, but others need support to enable them to continue to age well in their own communities.
Despite the many good programmes and initiatives underway, there are gaps that could be filled by flexible and targeted funding. This has motivated a group of individuals who are familiar with disadvantage and social exclusion in the county to come together to establish a Community Fund, which we have called Changing Lives DLR, so that those who live and work in the county can contribute to its betterment.
We know from experience that well-targeted philanthropic support can make life-changing differences to some of our more vulnerable citizens. The pandemic experience revealed how connected we are by place, and the capacity and potential of local communities for mutual support. Changing Lives DLR looks to build on our sense of place by facilitating those with resources to contribute to their county and help create sustainable connected communities and a sense of belonging and connection within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
