An opportunity to walk in the shoes of others

By Maurice Garvey

PARISHES in Tallaght have united to create a two-day event this weekend (October 1-2) – documenting the real-life stories of those in homelessness, people living in reception centres, and Syrian refugees.

Come Walk In My Shoes will feature a variety of stories, told by people who are looking for a home, and individuals with refugee experience.

The community-led event has been organised by the parishes of St Kevin’s, St Kilian’s, St Mary’s, St Aengus’s and St Dominic’s, with support from St Maelruain’s Church of Ireland – in collaboration with Tallaght Community Arts, Focus Ireland Tallaght, the Intercultural Centre, local social justice groups, and The Echo newspaper, the project’s media partner.

The parishes have been working with Tony Feegan, TCA Director, who facilitated storytelling workshops which brought together community members with people who have experienced homelessness.

Residents are invited to pop into any, or all of the churches over the weekend, to gain an insight into what it is like to be homeless, and visitors will have the opportunity to engage and interact with participants.

Organisers invite people to walk from church to church, to hear and engage with the different stories, and ‘walk in their shoes’.

On Saturday, from 2pm to 5pm, storytelling will take place at St Mary’s Priory, St Dominic’s, and St Maelruain’s Church of Ireland.

A cup of tea will be served in St Maelruain’s from 5pm to 5.45pm.

A live performance by the High Hopes Choir will also take place at St Maelurain’s Church of Ireland from 6pm to 7.30pm.

On Sunday, from 2pm to 5pm, there will be storytelling at St Aengus’s, and St Kevin’s and St Kilian’s. Visitors are invited to Kingwood Community Centre from 5pm to 6pm for tea and a chat.