On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Johnny Sheehan, Member Engagement Manager at The Wheel. Their conversation highlighted the origins of The Wheel, the vital role of Ireland’s non-profit sector, and how the organisation supports groups nationwide—including those working with and for people with disabilities.
What is The Wheel?
The Wheel was established in 1999, born out of a series of “listening conferences” where community and voluntary organisations voiced their needs and challenges. At the time, no single body represented the sector as a whole.
“The idea was that The Wheel would act as a hub,” Johnny explained. “In the centre, you’d have supports and advocacy, and around the rim were all the non-profits—organisations that are the backbone of Irish society.”
Today, The Wheel is Ireland’s national association for community and voluntary organisations, charities, and social enterprises. It represents a diverse mix: from disability and health groups to community gardens, tidy towns committees, and animal welfare charities.
The Scale of the Sector
Ireland’s non-profit sector is vast:
- 34,000+ non-profits nationwide
- 7,800 registered charities (excluding schools)
- 4,300 social enterprises
- Nearly 300,000 people employed—one in eight workers in Ireland
- An estimated €32 billion annual contribution to the economy
“And yet,” Johnny noted, “so much of this work goes under the radar. These organisations are essential, but they’re often taken for granted. Our role is to make sure they’re recognised, supported, and sustainably resourced.”
Advocacy and Sensitive Regulation
The Wheel doesn’t deliver frontline disability services—that’s the role of specialist and disability-led organisations. Instead, its job is to advocate on behalf of the entire non-profit sector.
That includes:
- Promoting sensitive regulation that takes into account the size and resources of organisations
- Campaigning for sustainable, multi-annual funding instead of year-to-year uncertainty
- Highlighting the sector’s contribution to Irish society and economy
- Pushing for fair recognition of voluntary boards and the communities they serve
Supports for Organisations
The Wheel also provides practical day-to-day supports that strengthen organisations from within:
- Governance & Management – training for boards, advice on the Charities Governance Code, access to free or low-cost legal and financial services
- Funding & Sustainability – a national grants database, support with applications, and as Ireland’s national contact point for Access Europe, guidance on EU funding
- Leadership Development – through the Leadership Academy, supporting staff and volunteers at all levels to build skills and confidence
- Storytelling & Awareness – helping organisations communicate their impact more effectively. A key example is the We Act campaign, which showcases the difference charities and community groups make in everyday life
Membership of The Wheel
Membership is open to all non-profits in Ireland. Fees are scaled according to income—free for very small voluntary-led groups, and affordable for larger charities.
Members gain access to:
- Weekly free webinars on topics from Canva design to financial management
- A library of sample policies to guide best practice
- Discounts on training and events
- Peer-to-peer networking opportunities across the sector
For those interested, more information is available at www.wheel.ie, or by contacting Maria Casey, Membership Officer, at maria.casey@wheel.ie.
Current Priorities
In its recent pre-budget submission, The Wheel called for:
- Multi-annual sustainable funding
- Action on rising insurance costs
- Stronger support for public services in health, housing, and mental health
- Greater recognition of the non-profit sector’s contribution
“Ultimately,” Johnny said, “our work is about creating an environment where organisations can thrive—because when they thrive, they change lives.”
Final Thoughts
Johnny emphasised that The Wheel exists to strengthen, not replace, the work of its members. “We’re not the experts in disability or any single area—that’s the role of the organisations on the ground. But we provide the supports, advocacy, and recognition they need to keep making a difference.”
👉 To learn more, or to join as a member, visit www.wheel.ie.
Disability Matters airs every Thursday at 4PM on Phoenix 92.5FM, with repeats on Monday at 3PM and Tuesday at 7AM & 3PM. Podcast available after each show on Mixcloud and on bcil.ie/radio.