Dear Friends of SHEP,

We are delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Social and Health Education Programme and we express our gratitude to all who have been part of the unfolding journey. Since its foundation in 1974, it has blossomed & evolved, touching countless lives in ways both profound and unforeseen. The positive impact it has had on our community members transcends mere measurement—it’s a legacy etched in hearts and memories. SHEP continues to be a vibrant community, united by purpose and shared commitment. As we reflect on the past five decades, we honour the tireless efforts, the resilience, and the unwavering dedication of all involved. From the SHEP management committee to the dedicated staff and the several hundred people involved with SHEP in the delivery of various programmes, each thread contributes to the rich tapestry of our shared history. We raise our voices in gratitude, celebrating all the milestones, the growth, and the transformative journey that has shaped SHEP. We are very proud of all that has been achieved and we look positively to the future.

Carrie Shanahan, SHEP Chairperson.

Voices from the Heart

‘Voices from the Heart’ is a delightful and important piece created in 2014 as part of our celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Social and Health Education Programme. The voices you  hear include those of the co-founders Fr Donal Linehan and Nuala Rearden as well as a number of people who were involved in the early years of the Programme. These people gathered at SHEP in Ballincollig in late 2013 as part of a ‘memory mapping’ project. A special thank you to Mary Mangan and Fergus Lalor for producing ‘Voices from the Heart’.

Stories and Poems about Change

Stories and Poems about Change is a book produced in 2014 to mark the 40th anniversary. It includes memories, stories, poems and paintings contributed by a large number people who have been touched by the Project. It also includes a summary of the Project’s history from 1974- 2013. Only one hundred copies of the book were produced in 2013. We are delighted now to publish the book as an electronic flipbook which means it can be read and enjoyed by a much wider audience.