Team Meet & Greet: Ann & Debbie, RCN

L: Debbie , R: Ann - Rialto Community Network

We recently caught up with Ann & Debbie, the team behind Rialto Community Network (RCN)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – What’s your role at St Andrew’s, and which project are you involved with?

Ann Swords and Debbie Lynch here community workers working with Rialto Community Network for a number of years.

We are employed by Dublin South City Partnership to work with Rialto Community Network. Rialto holds a very special place in our hearts as the local community have supported our work over the years.

We are here to support groups in the local area with a particular focus on older people the Rialto’s men’s social and gardening group, Rialto Day Care centre Dolphin House and Dolphin Early Years project.

We work closely with the RDA supporting the community events and work of the RDA.

2. Can you give us an overview of what your project does within the centre?

Rialto Community Network, based in St. Andrew’s Community Centre, is dedicated to supporting local groups and strengthening community connections, with a particular focus on older people. We work closely with a range of initiatives including Rialto Men’s Social and Gardening Group, Rialto Day Care Centre, Dolphin House, and the Dolphin Early Years Project, helping to coordinate activities and provide practical support. Our role is to foster inclusion, wellbeing, and participation by creating opportunities for people to come together and engage in meaningful ways. We also collaborate closely with the Rialto Development Association (RDA), supporting community events and contributing to the wider development work that benefits the area. Through this coordinated approach, we help build a more connected, active, and supportive community within the centre.

‍3. What have been some recent highlights or challenges in your role?

Recent highlights in our work centre on the strong sense of community and engagement we see every day.

The day-to-day interactions with people remain a key source of energy and motivation. The enthusiasm of the Rialto Men’s Gardening Group has been particularly uplifting; their commitment has helped create a welcoming haven in the garden space, made possible through their efforts and the continued support of CDETB.

We have also seen great participation in our annual social activities, including the Love Your Heart event, the summer day trip, and our Christmas celebration. These events continue to bring the community together and foster a strong sense of connection.

Another significant highlight is the continuation of our Interfaith meetings, which have been running every six weeks for the past 12 years. These gatherings have nurtured meaningful friendships, promoted understanding, and encouraged new members to share their lived experiences, enriching the group as a whole.

The biggest challenge we face is capacity. In an ideal situation, the area would benefit from full-time community development workers to meet the level of need. However, ongoing cuts to programmes over the years have significantly limited the resources available to all projects, including ours. As a result, our ability to respond to growing demand and expand our work has been constrained.

‍4. For anyone interested in learning more or getting involved with your project, what’s the best way to get in touch?

Phoning 01 4732003 ask for Ann or Debbie

You can also find us on our website

Or email  annswords@rcn.ie  / debbielynch@rcn.ie

5. Lastly, do you have a fun fact, favourite memory, or something that’s inspired you lately that you’d like to share with our readers?

Favourite memory summer last year as people were getting off the bus following the day trip out for older people.  Debbie organises the best day trips out……. We had a great day.