NEWSLETTER FREE
SUMMER 2013 ISSUE NO. 39
Follow the Leader
Leader Exhibition in Brussels
On Monday May 27th, representatives from FORUM Connemara travelled to Brussels as part of a national delegation of ten Leader companies to showcase the resounding success of the Leader Programme in Ireland. Representatives from FORUM Connemara Ltd. and Galway Rural Development who attended the Leader exhibition which was held in Brussels, in May with Jim Higgins MEP
This event, which took place on 28-31 May, was hosted by MEP’s Jim Higgins and Phil Prendergast. It provided companies with a prime location in the main European Parliament buildings to exhibit Leader supported projects. Up to 30,000 people, including many national and European MEP’s and officials, attended the event which included displays of traditional music, song and dance provided by IRD Duhallow, the North West Cork/South East Kerry Leader company.
Terry Keenan FORUM Chairperson, Jim Higgins MEP and John Coyne CEO
MEP’s were highly complimentary of the projects supported under the Irish Leader Programme which have proved to be extremely successful in providing community facilities and supporting job creation in rural Ireland. Irish Leader companies also have an cohort of highly trained professional and committed staff, experienced voluntary boards and committee members. The bottom up approach by Local Development Companies is recognised by the EU as an efficient model which many EU countries now wish to adopt. Speaking at the event Jim Higgins MEP said “I have continuously highlighted the excellent work done by Leader in Ireland. Other member states are envious of our fantastic programme, which acts as a poster boy for excellent implementation. The Irish Leader programme boasts 20 years experience working with communities and has been highly effective in drawing down and distributing EU and national funding”.
Meanwhile FORUM Connemara has committed €4.3 million of its funding to date and we are confident that we will have the full uptake of project funds €6.1 million committed by the end of December 2013.
FORUM are currently processing applications for the remaining budget of €1.8 million. If you are interested in applying for Leader funding, or for further information on the Leader Programme, visit our website www.forumconnemara.ie or contact FORUM on 095 41116/7
Leader Exhibition in Brussels
Representatives from Leader companies in Clare, FORUM Connemara Ltd., Galway Rural Development and SW Mayo with MEP Jim Higgins
Dancers from IRD Duhallow
Projects displayed at Brussels Exhibition
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The Local & Community Development Programme (LCDP) in the Connemara Gaeltacht The Local & Community Development Programme (LCDP) is managed by POBAL on behalf of the Department of Community, Environment and Local Government. It forms part of the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013. FORUM administers LCDP in non Gaeltacht Connemara and was asked by POBAL to manage LCDP in Gaeltacht Connemara June 2012 to December 2013.
The groups targeted by FORUM, under LCDP are as follows: older people, young people and families, community groups, people with disability, under and unemployed, lone parents. Two workers were employed by FORUM to administer LCDP in Gaeltacht Connemara from July 2012 to December 2013.
A range of actions have been carried out with groups and individuals in the Connemara Gaeltacht. A news sheet has been produced in Irish outlining these actions. For a copy please contact Gearoid DeFaoite – 087 6921211 or Mairead Uí Dhomhnaill – 087 7952747
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Sustaining a living countryside resilient communities at the edge On Thursday June 6th, FORUM staff attended a conference in Cork, organised by Phil Prendergast, MEP. A number of speakers addressed the conference. The first topic looked at “The potential of local government” and Dr Brendan O’Keefe delivered a position paper outlining alternatives to the proposed Socio Economic Committee (SEC’s). Dr O’Keefe raised the point that participative democracy as represented by the Local Action Groups (LAG’s) and representative democracy are complimentary and the proposals in the “Putting People First” document actually divides them. He also pointed out that “Putting People First” was published with no costings and referred to this as “blind up-scaling”. He acknowledged that participatory planning allows community involvement through the LAG structure to facilitate and implement local plans and in turn, in partnership with the local authority, feed in to county plans and policies. Another topic was entitled “Inspiring Sustainable Communities” and recounted how the EU court of auditors held up the Irish model of delivery of the Leader programme as the example of good practice and also pointed out that added value of the programme was not achieved when decision making was dominated by the local authority. Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow, spoke about building resilient communities and emphasised the importance of balanced development and the synergy between social inclusion work and economic programmes to ensure balanced and sustainable development. Ryan Howard, South East Cork Area Development, spoke on the topic “From Leader to Community led local development” (CLLD) and outlined the opportunities post 2014 for LAGS to be involved in the delivery of programmes under a range of funding streams, e.g., European Social Fund, European Regional Development Fund, European Fisheries Fund. The idea being promoted through the EU involves one reporting system and one development plan at EU level. Ireland’s strengths in this scenario are that there are LAG structures everywhere, the multi fund approach with the mix of social enterprise, education programmes is what is required and is already the model in place in Ireland. In order to capitalise on these funding opportunities, the Irish Government must engage in discussions with the EU and develop a plan to administer these funds. The message from “Sustaining a living countryside” conference is:• Respect what is working • Allow LAG’S to do what they have always done • Allow LAG’s to retain and manage the contracts Joe Dermody, Irish Examiner, Phil Prendergast, MEP, Cathy Keane, FORUM to development programmes 3
CLIFDEN CITIZENS INFORMATION CENTRE May 2013 was the busiest month for Clifden CIC since we opened back in 1997, with some 130 queries being dealt with, either in person or by telephone. A large number of those queries were concerned with the Local Property Tax and we were able to help many people to register for the tax before the final deadline of 28th May. Apart from the Local Property Tax, we have been dealing with significant numbers of people who continue to be affected by the ongoing economic problems in the country. We continue to answer questions on matters as diverse as redundancy and other employment concerns; qualifying for social welfare payments; and how to go about claiming tax rebates. It’s always important for people to realise that much of what they hear ‘on the street’ is not always right, and we have provided correct and up to date information and advice on a wide range of supports and services to many people who were convinced that there was no help to be had. As we go through the summer, here are some topics worth bearing in mind… o Back to School Clothing and Footwear Scheme runs until 30th September o Income limits for medical cards for the over-70s have been reduced. o Rent Supplement limits around the country are being revised from June 2013 to reflect the recent trends in the rental market For further information about these, and for free, confidential and impartial information on all your rights and entitlements, contact Clifden Citizens Information Service. Tel: 076 107 7580 & 087 1301100 / Email: clifden@citinfo.ie OPEN: Thursday 7pm to 8pm, Friday 10.30am to 3.30pm 2nd Floor, Cashel/Connemara Credit Union, Seaview, Clifden Regular twice-monthly outreach service to Letterfrack, call Declan on 087 1301100 for details Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, Lo-call 076 107 4000
Leenane Takes on the Pride of Place Competition In June the judges from the All-Ireland Pride of Place Competition 2013 visited the community in Leenane. Representatives from many of the groups, services and projects were present as well as public representatives who were there to showcase and support this vibrant community as they made their pitch in this year’s competition. The excellent presentation delivered by Martina Gavin demonstrated clearly how a small rural community can come together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It recognised and celebrated the vital contributions that community partnerships had made to their community and the wider society. A moment was taken to acknowledge the tireless work of those, in particular Micheal O’Toole Chair of the Leenane Development, who had gone before and provided the foundations for many of the achievements presented. The involvement of local people in all aspects of this community’s rural life, heritage and environment shone through, with the judges clearly impressed commenting on the outstanding presentation. Judges were then treated to a tour of the village and hinterland followed by refreshments; they will undoubtedly take away images and information which will leave Leenane as a serious contender for the national awards to be held in November. Well done Leenane! 4
Clifden Baby and Toddler Group Parent, Baby and Toddler Groups are local support groups where parents and carers have an opportunity to meet and develop friendships in a safe and friendly environment while their children play and socialise together. Mairéad Heanue had this to say about the Clifden Parent & Toddler Group ‘Clifden Parent and Toddler group meet every Wednesday morning 10.30 to 12.00 noon above the Cashel Credit Union office, The Square Clifden. The children and babies have lots of fun interacting in the spacious room we meet in with lots of toys, changing mats and baby walkers “go leor”. Mums, dads, grandparents and minders get time to chat as well with a nice cup of tea or coffee and sometimes a cake someone has baked. It’s a great way to get to know new people. In May we held our first fundraising coffee morning, in Foyle’s Hotel which was a huge success. A delicious array of home baked cakes, buns and scones, and even a Japanese cheesecake was on sale. The much needed funds will be used to support our groups activities. Thank you all in Foyle’s Hotel and FORUM for your support. So come and join us, all welcome’. PAVING THE WAY - Advovacy Skills Course “Advocacy literally means ‘giving a voice to’ and it is widely used as a tool to enlist public support for a cause or policy and, in this context, it refers to enabling and empowering people with disabilities and their families to access their rights and entitlements. In April, Paving the Way ran an advocacy skills course in Clifden which was sponsored by FORUM Connemara and presented by Mary Conneely. The course comprised of two workshops which focused on explaining different methods of advocacy and teaching basic advocacy skills and techniques to deal with schools, health- care professionals etc. in order to obtain the best possible services and support for your child or family member with disabilities”. Jean Mullan
Engagement and Participation in Family Support FORUM staff attended the sixth international two day conference in NUI Galway organised by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, under the directorship of Professor Pat Dolan. Key note speakers from the UK, USA and Ireland discussed the trends, challenges and options involved in creating citizen engagement and participation in the field of Family Support. Key note speakers talked about the importance of citizenship to Family Support , and explored the potential and limitation of community and volunteer lead services, the challenges facing workers - citizen’s in their work, the role of advocacy and protest in family support work and overall meaning and value of including children and young people’s voices in family support.
Therapeutic Riding Coaching Programme The Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, in conjunction with ‘Paving the Way’, recently held interviews to select suitable candidates for the Therapeutic Riding Coaching Programme. Twelve students will commence practical and classroom learning in September. ‘Paving the Way’, based in Connemara, are a support group for families with children or adult family members who have a disability and partnered the Connemara Pony Breeders Society in the development of this initiative which is funded by FORUM Connemara under the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013 (LEADER). The aim of this highly interactive programme is to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to enable them to work as a Therapeutic Riding Coach. The programme uses Equine based learning techniques together with knowledge of disability to design and develop learning and therapeutic interventions for people with special needs. It also offers the learner an exciting and innovative journey over a period of months during which the following topics will be explored; Human and Equine Learning, Understanding Disability, an appreciation of Therapeutic Riding and its impact, Designing Therapeutic Riding Sessions and Teaching/Evaluating Therapeutic Riding Sessions. On completion of the course, successful participants will be awarded FETAC Level six accreditation minor award. For more information contact Niamh Philbin, Secretary, Connemara Pony Breeders Society, The Showgrounds, Clifden, Co. Galway, Tel: 095 21863. 5
Community Mental Health Support
Have a say in your Mental Health Service In a push to increase participation and involvement by users, family members and friends in the development of mental health services, a ‘Consumer Panel’ has recently been set up for West Galway. Poul Walsh Olesen, Senior Operations Officer with the National Service User Executive (NSUE) explains: ‘It is Government Policy that service users and carers should participate at all levels of the mental health system. A Consumer Panel is a group of users, carers and interested members of the community, who come together with mental health service staff and management to share experiences, address concerns and explore ideas for how services might be developed and recovery best supported’. Following a two-day training event in Clifden, a panel has now been formed and a first meeting was held on Tuesday 21 May 2013 where the members had an opportunity to explore priorities for the coming months. NSUE is an independent volunteer-lead organisation set up in 2008 to inform the National Health Service Directorate and the Mental Health Commission on issues relating to user involvement and participation in the planning, delivery, evaluation and monitoring of mental health services, including models of best practice. At a major national event last year, NSUE awarded the Elm Tree in Clifden the 2012 ‘Best Overall Service Award’. If you are interested in learning more about the role and work of the Consumer Panel, please contact Poul Walsh Olesen, Senior Operations Officer, on Tel 085 872123 or pwalsholesen@nsue.ie.
Benefits of Counselling Helen Lawless – Pro Consult explains the benefits of counselling: ‘People come for counselling, when they are struggling in their daily lives. They may feel that they are existing rather than living. This poor quality of life may stem from how they have been affected by events of their childhood. They may also be carrying a lot of negative beliefs
about themselves that are preventing them from making positive decisions in their working lives and in their relationships. Counselling and Psychotherapy offers time and an opportunity in a confidential setting to evaluate a particular problem or life situation. Counselling is available in the Clifden Health Centre every Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. The fee is on a
“Towards Healing” Helen Lawless is also one of the Counsellors registered with Towards Healing, an organisation set up by the Catholic Church to provided support and counselling for people who suffered Physical, Emotional or Sexual Abuse as children by persons working for the Catholic Church in Ireland. It has a nationwide network of registered counsellors who provide up to eighty sessions of free counselling to those who have been abused. The service can be accessed by dialling the free phone no. 1800303416 or by visiting the website www.towardshealing.ie If you feel that you can improve the quality of your life by attending counselling, phone Pro-Consult in Galway 091 589581 for an appointment in Galway or in Clifden.
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sliding scale which is negotiated with the counsellor Helen Lawless. She is highly qualified and experienced and an accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. The Clifden service is subsidised by FORUM through funding from the Family Support Agency and is an outreach service from ProConsult which is an adult counselling centre in Galway.
Activities in Achill –Connemara Women’s Group Network In April, 39 women from Roscahill, Cleggan, Tullycross, Clifden ICA’s, the Maam Women’s Group and reps from a number of community groups travelled to Achill to join in the 20th Anniversary celebration of Achill Women’s Group. The group were greeted by a local piper on arrival and welcomed by Chairperson Roisin Lavelle who gave a rundown of the day’s activities including opening presentations by Mary Devins Castlebar District Judge and Marian Harkin MEP. The first speaker, Mary Devins, gave a brief history of her background, going back into her profession after taking timeout to raise her children and her interest in the valuable work by women in the community. She spoke about the current challenges facing the courts, the increase in the level of poverty experienced by families, how difficult it was for them to meet the increased day to day expenses of family living and how society in general had charged . She went on to encourage women in the groups present to use their voices and experiences to lobby for more assistance to be given for family support work and above all for women to get involved in politics where real change could be made. The second speaker Marian Harkin M.E.P. reinforced much of Marys concerns focusing on women’s poverty, an issue which gets little acknowledgement, she stated. She stressed how important it was for women to play a more active role in politics, be this through local groups, regional forums or other community organisations. Marion stressed that women are underrepresented in most countries; with the slow growth in numbers of women in politics in Ireland she welcomed the quota system. The quota system she explained would ensure that women would have at least ‘a critical minority’ of 30 to 40%. At the end of Marian Harkins presentation a question was posed regarding her thoughts on the alignment and the implications for local action groups such as FORUM. Marian responded by saying that groups have influence and should use their voice to make known the concerns they have, to lobby local and national politicians. At the end of Marian’s presentation she spoke to women individually and joined the groups for lunch as well as cutting the cake with Fiona Fadian Treasurer and Roisín Lavelle Chairperson Achill Women’s Group. The afternoon saw the Connemara groups participate in some interesting workshops. The ‘Using Achill Seaweed as a Vegetable’ session with Annette O Leary looked at finding the different types of seaweed along the shoreline around rocks and at low tide. She cooked some samples making Fried Spaghetti Seaweed, Dillish, Sleabhcan (wrapping used in Sushi) and Carrageen. All this information and more can be found in a book written by Annette titled ‘Achill’s Hidden Garden’.
The ‘Make your own Jewellery’ workshop under the guidance of Suzie Sullivan encouraged the creative side of women who participated, with vibrant necklace, bracelet, earrings being made. Working with beads and wire was both enjoyable and play like with items made being brought home. The cooks in the gathering were drawn to the Boxty Making, traditional Irish pancake made from cooked potatoes, buttermilk and raw potatoes were enjoyed some people going back for seconds! At the end of the workshops all the groups came together, much laughter and chat could be heard before thanks and goodbyes to our hosts and took away with us some food for thought from our day. Comments included ‘what a great day out with plenty to learn’ ,’we need to get more involved in politics’, ‘thanks so much for organising this I had the best time’.
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Adolescent Support Programme
National Schools To date, FORUM, has delivered seven eight-week After School Activity clubs to Tully, Eagles Nest, Clifden, Cleggan, Letterfrack, Maam and Leenane National Schools. The main emphasis of these programmes is to enhance the participants self esteem through positive group work and to offer alternative experiences and develop new skills around outdoor education. Activities
include group games at the start of each session. These are designed to help to develop many desirable characteristics in people of all ages. The games that are played by the children help increase concentration, observation, awareness, quick thinking, alertness, strategy, teamwork, trust, laughter, group cohesion, confidence, selfawareness, co-operation and most importantly fun. The projects and other activities
within these after school clubs included such projects as stain glass painting, woodwork project, textile design, card making and orienteering. At the end of the programmes the children went on an outing to the Killary Adventure centre to engage in combat laser questing and the Killary Challenge. Sixtytwo young people took part in these programmes.
Youth Representative Group/Comhairle na nOg Three meetings have been held in Galway with ten young people from this area with the Galway Comhairle na nOg group and two meetings locally in Clifden over the past six months. The group planned and delivered a local young people’s event during the month of May. The aim of these meeting is to bring young people together to discuss issues that young people face in Galway County and bring recommendations for change to another group called Dail na nOg, who are linked to the National Government. The young people from this area can now have their say on issues that affect them, not only locally but nationally.
Comhairle na nOg Educational Event A one day Youth Event was held in the Station House Hotel on Saturday the 18th of May, organised by the Comhairle group. The event was based around education and the first part of the day involved a drama group called Humour Fit presenting a play called ‘The Mighty Bully Brady’. This particular play has been performed to many schools during the last seven years and it has received tremendous press from the Irish Times as well as recommendations from the department of education inspections. The second part of the day involved all the young people contributing their views regarding what contents should be included in a booklet on study skills that is currently being developed, by the County Galway Comhairle. In total 20 young people attended the event. Jigsaw and Friends Services for Young People The Jigsaw & Friends once a month service in Connemara to cater for young peoples mental health issues, advice and guidance has held four sessions during the period of February–June to cater for young people between the ages of 15-25 years. Following discussions with young people in November 2012, their recommendations have been followed through. The young people wanted to change the poster which advertises the service and also to make two bill boards to promote the service in the community. In addition, a reminder web text has been set up for health professionals to notify them of the service and Clifden Community School has set up the same for parents in their school. 8
The Healthy Lifestyle programme, Transition year, St Paul’s Oughterard The Healthy Lifestyle programme for Transition Year in St. Paul’s has been very successful this academic year. Fifty one students took part in the course, 25 females and 26 males. The group was divided into 3 classes each of which got 2 courses geared towards a healthy life skills programme. One course covered the physical life skills and the other covered nutritional information in a Survival cookery course. Based on the evaluation done at the end of last-years programme by the students and the staff, we recommended some alternatives to the course which we have undertaken. Such as, starting the programme earlier in the school year as our funding was secured. The Home Economics teacher embraced the healthy lifestyle idea and covered appropriate topics in the Survival cookery. Central to this course was the worrying trend of the rise in level of obesity in Ireland: • The recently highlighted statistics on the high levels of our population that are experiencing type two diabetes • The increasing levels of teenage girls who are opting out of physical activities. These issues have been discussed in class and practical efforts have been made to show students how to prevent falling into these situations and how to deal positively with such conditions. The participating level in this course is very encouraging. The barrier to typical gender sports seems to have been overcome in this programme. We experienced as many males as females took part in activities that what normally be dominated by males i.e. Gaelic football, boxing, golf and Self-defence. This was very encouraging as the girls appeared to be confident in their participating and they had voted to include these activities on their course and it was something new and exciting to try. “Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh si” Junior Arts Schools Programmes In addition to the After Schools Activity clubs, four eight week one hour junior arts programmes, were delivered to 36 children during school time in Tully, Eagles Nest, Cleggan and Letterfrack National Schools. The request for this type of initiative has come from teachers.
Clifden Community School Two six -week personal development programmes were delivered to 16 students of Clifden Community School. This programme is similar to the National Schools programme, however the content is focused more intensively on personal development activities using arts, team challenges, problem solving exercises and sport as a media. This programme is supported by North and West School Completion Programme.
Summer Camps The Youth in Action 7+ Summer camps will be held throughout the months of July and August. All children must register before camps, registration forms were distributed throughout the schools. Venues and dates are as follows: Cashel National School, Monday 1st to Friday 5th July; Roundstone Community Hall, Monday 8th to Friday 12th July; Claddaghduff National School, Monday 15th to Friday 19th July; Clifden Community Gym, Monday 22nd to Friday 26th July and Tullycross Community Hall, Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August. Activities included marshal arts, drumming, drama, juggling and other arts activities. For information contact Kathleen De Courcey, Youth in Action 087 9634362. 9
Fun Runs The annual Fun Runs took place this year in Cleggan/Claddaghduff and Letterfrack on 26th May and in Roundstone on 2nd June, over 500 people took part. The day was rounded off with light refreshments, prize giving, an open air disco, bouncing castles, face painting, sport events, fun and games for all the family. The Project would once again like to thank all those who took part, the young people who collected sponsorship, the volunteers who helped on the day and the sponsors of the various events. Primary Schools The Cumman na mBunsoils Chonamara Gaelic Football finals was held on the 6th June in Oughterard the hottest day of the year so far, it was 24 degrees. The majority of National Schools in Connemara participated the standard of football was very high results are as follows: Girls Winners Division Championship 1. Cornamona 2. Leenane/Lettergesh A 3. Gort Mor 4. Kingstown 5. Tully 6. Oughterard C
Shield Roscahill Eagles Nest Claddaghduff Derryglin/Cloughbrack Cloughbrack B Cornamona
Plate Clifden Rosscahill Collinamuck Oughterard A Leenane/Lettergesh B Eagles Nest
Boys Winner Division Championship 1. Roscahill 2. Clifden 3. Clifden 4. Collinamuck 5. Aillebrack 6. Cornamona
Calendar
The West Coast United Inter Sport Cup Soccer Finals Took place in Letterfrack 13th June. The weather was not as hot as the day in Oughterard but at least the rain held off. Results are as follows: Girls Winners Division Premier 1. 2. Boys Winners Division Premier 1. 2.
Cup Aillebrack Claddaghduff Cleggan
Shield Leenane Tully A Tullly B
Cup Cashel Inishbofin Eagles Nest
Shield Roundstone Aillebrack A Tullly B
Shield Letterfrack Cashel Eagle’s Nest Turloch Beag Kingstown Eagle’s Nest
Plate Clonbur A Cornamona Clonbur B Eagle’s Nest Derryglin Roundstone
We will be compiling the Youth in Action Calendar again this year in August. We are requesting the help of the people of North West Connemara in supplying photographs of interesting events, such as schools photographs, sport and social gatherings, historical events, or old scenic photographs. If you can help please forward your photographs as soon as possible to Kathleen de Courcey at FORUM Connemara Ltd. Ellis Hall Letterfrack.
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Youth Activities
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Jobs Fair
‘One stop shop for Job Readiness, Education and Training ‘ FORUM Connemara, together with Dept. Social Protection, hosted the first ‘Job Readiness, Education & Training Information Day’ in the Alcock & Brown Hotel, Clifden. Various agencies and organisations were present on the day to advise and assist people who were interested in further education, training or going back to work, or for those thinking of pursuing a totally new career path. It was also aimed at school leavers who needed advice on their “post exam” options. The “CV clinic” proved popular with HR consultants offering appraisals and advice on individual Curriculum Vitae’s. Advice too was vailable on grants, funding and social welfare entitlements and supports from the experts. The VEC Adult Guidance service attracted interest with many people registering for computer assisted guidance using E Guide and Pathfinder. Guest speaker, Ruairi McKiernan, a Campaigner, Founder of SpunOut.ie and member of the Council of State under President Michael D. Higgins gave an inspiring and motivational talk to those at the event. The feedback from the event has been very positive which is encouraging. One hundred and twenty people registered at the event. FORUM intends to provide Job and Education Clubs in the Autumn for people interested in getting further support. Please contact Cathy Keane 095 41117 for more information.
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Jobs Fair
Photographs from Sean Lydon Photography
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Youth Activities
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Social Care Programme Traditional Craft Club The FORUM Social Care Programme, in conjunction with Ballinakill Active Age Club, hosts a Open House Traditional Craft event every Wednesday in Ellis Hall, Letterfrack. The purpose of this club is to have a space for like minded people to meet up, learn or pass on skills to others. The group plan to continue hosting the craft club right through the summer months. For more information contact Martina Gavin 087 9633970 Jean Wallace 086 3087619.
Bealach (Rural Transport Initiative) Ballinakill Active Age Club Mini Bus and one private operator continue to provide the Bealach Transport Service four days per week in NW Connemara. The service is provided for people with reduced mobility and passengers who have no suitable public transport service. The service brings clients to Day Care, Lunch Clubs and Shopping etc. More information on services can be obtained by calling 095 41064. Other Bealach services operating in North West Connemara are as follows: A weekly service in Cleggan/Claddaghduff to facilitate the Cleggan Lunch Club, with up to
12 people availing of this service. A weekly service is running every Friday morning through Roundstone to Ballyconneely to link with the older peoples coffee morning. A weekly Friday service from Cashel to Recess bringing older people to the Post Office. A daily service from Clifden to Letterfrack to bring students to Youth Reach in Letterfrack. A weekly service on Thursday from Cashel, Roundstone, Ballyconneely to Clifden. More information on services can be obtained by calling Bealach directly on 087 6342352. Clifden Carers Group The Carers group continue to meet every Wednesday night from 8 – 10 pm in the Elm Tree Centre in Clifden and carry out a range of activities including talks and short courses. This support group is open to all carers. In June, 16 carers went to the Westport Plaza Hotel for their annual Respite Break and enjoyed the sights around Westport, relaxing spa treatments, dinner and entertainment.
Clifden Day Hospital FORUM Social Care Programme continues to support the work carried out by the Clifden Day Care in the provision of Elderly Day Care services. The social care workers assist with the transport service and activities at the centre. The role of the Day Care is to facilitate and prolong independent living. It is attached to Clifden Hospital and run by the Health Service Executive. 15
Carer Companion Service Up to fifty older people are availing of the Carer/Companion service in Non Gaeltacht Connemara, where Social Care workers visit the home and provide transport for shopping, doctors’ visits etc. This service targets in particular vulnerable individuals who are experiencing loneliness; it encourages independence and increases participation in community.
Security The Socially Monitored Alarms Systems continue to be installed in the NW Connemara area. As a result of increase demand on funding the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government will only be provide funding for the purchase and insulation of socially monitored alarms, no other security objects will be funded at present. Clients interested in receiving a service should contact 087 9633970
Resource Groups All eleven resource groups continue to meet at coffee mornings and Lunch Clubs around North West Connemara. All groups were successful in securing funding from the HSE under the Section 39 funding application. The groups enjoy weekly activities at their clubs, which can include Keep Fit, Arts, Crafts, Music, Cards and Bingo. In June, the Annual trip to Knock was enjoyed by Roundstone, Ballyconneely, Clifden, Cluid, Recess and Ballinakill Active Age Club (BAAC). The
Golden Years and Recess Active Age Club took part in painting classes with Cathal O’Malley. The Golden Years, Cluid and Cleggan groups attended The Gathering information day in the Station House Hotel. To celebrate St. Patricks Day, members of Ballinakill Active Age Club had an outing to Maoilreidh Hotel Tullycross. Roundstone attended their Parade and Ballyconneely celebrated the day in Clifden. The BAAC group also went on outing to Westport in May.
Laundry Service The laundry service is currently in operation in Letterfrack and Leenane, four days per week and is run by Social Care workers. The main users of the service are the elderly, carers, lone parents and students. Funds from the service helps to provide valuable funding for the running of the Meals on Wheels service.
Ballinakill Community Catering/ FORUM Meals on Wheels This service provides a nutritious meal to older people living independently in North West Connemara. The Ballinakill Community Catering Meals are prepared in Ellis Hall and delivered by the CE Workers to the client’s door. At present meals are delivered to Clifden, Cleggan, Claddaghduff, Moyard, Renvyle and Kylemore areas. Roundstone, Ballyconneely and Recess meals are delivered through the CE workers and a local catering business. Leenane Meals are delivered from Leenane Community Centre by a voluntary worker. For further information contact 095 41064/087 9633970.
Disability Support Disability Support continues to be available through the Social Care Programme. The service is based in Letterfrack office and offers information and form filling service to clients with disability. Information on Disability support by contacting 095 41064 or 087 9633970
Age Friendly County Initiative This programme was launched at a public meeting in Galway in September 2011. A commitment was made by the Chair to carry out a countryside consultation process to ensure that the Age Friendly strategy for Galway is informed by the views and priorities of older people and their own organisations
Age Friendly Alliance and facilitated two active listening workshops which were held in Clifden; an Intergenerational event with the Comhairle na nOg group and Cleggan Senior Citizens group and the second involving participants of an Active Citizenship Course in 2012. The results of these consultations will form part of the Galway Age Friendly County strategy which will be launched in September 2013.
FORUM is a collaborative partner in the Galway 16
Under and unemployed Employment Mediation Service The Employment Mediation service is available from the FORUM Connemara Ltd offices in Letterfrack and one day a week (Thursday) in the Further Education centre, Oughterard. Anyone who has queries about employment opportunities, Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or farming issues can contact Brendan O’Malley at the FORUM Connemara Ltd., Letterfrack office 095 41116 or 087 9633366 or email b.omalley@forumconnemara.ie
Connemara Beekeepers Association FORUM Connemara Ltd. has been working with Connemara Beekeepers Association in a mentoring capacity for some time. The Connemara Beekeepers Association has 90 members from the local area and FORUM help by offering funding for courses run by the association. The Connemara Beekeepers are one of the largest beekeeping associations in the country at present and each year continue to attract more members. The beekeeping Association will be holding a further training workshop later in the year.
Safe Pass FORUM ran a safe pass course in Letterfrack in early April with 20 people attending. This course is designed for persons who are seeking employment in the Construction industry. The safe Pass card enables the person who holds it to work on a building site.
BA in Business, Enterprise and Community FORUM, in co-operation with Co. Galway VEC and EQUAL Ireland, has embarked on an exciting and innovative project for the communities of Connemara. The above partnership is embarking on a HETAC Level 6 Essential Skills Certificate in Workplace, Community and Education. The completion of this Certificate will form a progression route to the BA Degree in Business, Enterprise and Community Development. Hairdressing course FORUM provided some financial support to participants to take part on a hairdressing course in Hedz Academy, Clifden. This three day hairdressing course will upskill the participants to progress towards employment. 17
Business Enterprise Training FORUM works with the Galway County and City enterprise Board to help those who have a business idea or have already set up in business through Business Enterprise training. In June a course took place in Letterfrack which catered for 14 participants. The Business training programme consists of talks, lectures, discussions and exercises to encourage participants to discuss their business ideas, plan start-ups, and deal with fears and problems they may have. The course is designed to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and plan a participants route back to work. Following on from the Business Enterprise course participants can avail of one to one mentoring which is also offered as part of a start up package to help budding entrepreneurs.
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance FORUM Connemara Ltd., in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection, run the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme. This scheme allows participants who are on a social protection payment to keep that payment for two years and also work at their own enterprise. Work plans are completed and participants must register with Revenue.
Rural Social Scheme The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides income support to farmers and fishermen, who are currently in receipt of long - term Social Welfare Payments and it also provides services that benefits the local communities. In order to qualify for the RSS, you must be in receipt of Social Welfare payments such as Farm Assist, Jobseekers Allowance or Disability Benefit. • The Spouse of a Qualifying person can apply. • The son or daughter who is resident on the farm and is in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment can apply. • A PRSI contribution will qualify participants for Social welfare payments e.g. pension. • 19.5 hours are worked per week, but the farmer friendly focus of the scheme allows for flexibility to do farm work. • Employment is provided in the local area where other employment opportunities may not exist. At present there are 14 participants on the Rural Social Scheme, who are based in Killannin, Oughterard, Recess, Tullycross, Clifden, Leenane and Ballyconneely areas. Work undertaken includes Social Care work, working with Sporting and Community Groups, environmental work and small organic school Gardens. Killannin workers rebuilt an old wall on Camp Street for Oughterard Tidy Towns and continue to line and cut the Killannin Community Pitch. In Leenane workers have rebuilt the wall at the Graveyard and painted the inside of the Church for Confirmation. The workers continue to strim and keep the Village tidy. Two RSS Workers helped out with parking for the Tour de Connemara Race in May in Clifden and Letterfrack. 18
Workers painted the inside and outside of the GAA changing rooms in Clifden Workers did drainage maintenance on the Rugby Pitch in Clifden and put out sand on the training field. A worker continues to cut, line and maintain the pitch on a weekly basis. One worker has been mentoring Transition Year Students with their project ‘Living off the land’; the students have a range of vegetables growing in the Poly Tunnel at the Community School. Rural Social Scheme workers are also under taking work for the elderly at the request of the HSE West.
The Irish Cancer Society celebrated 50 years with an event for volunteers which was attended by Mary Kirby, Clifden, FORUM Board member and Irish Cancer Society volunteer
Mrs. Sabine Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Mary Kirby, volunteer 19
Tús Community Work Placement Initiative Before
After The Tús Initiative is a Community work placement scheme providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed people. The work opportunities benefit the community and are provided by community and voluntary organisations in both urban and rural areas. The Tús Initiative in non Gaeltacht Connemara is managed by FORUM Connemara Ltd. and involves two schemes with 40 participants in total. Community and voluntary groups were invited to write to FORUM requesting Tús workers to support the work of their organisations. All work carried out by participants must benefit the community. There are 40 participants working on the schemes carrying out community and social care work in the following areas: Killannin, Oughterard, Recess, Ballinafad, Bun Na gCnoc, Roundstone, Clifden, Cleggan, Letterfrack and Renvyle. FORUM Connemara Ltd., will be taking on a third Tús Scheme in July 2013 bringing the number of participants to 60 with three supervisors employed.
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Rural Recreation Scheme
Western Way The Western Way is a name that most people know and many have walked, but out of those many there are plenty who know little about it. This wonderful linear walk stretches from Oughterard in Co. Galway to Ballina in Co. Mayo. It covers 179km, 66km of which are in Co. Galway. This beautiful walk weaves its way through forests, lakeshores, through mountain passes, across bog land, along rivers and streams and down small country roads. How to find it, well this is where the difficulty lies. In Galway, as of yet there is no trail head map board. Since October 2012, the Western Way is on the top of the pile and receiving well deserved attention. Rosaleen Ní Shúilleabháin (RRO Forum Connemara) and Cathleen Fergus (RRO SW Mayo) are working together to promote and develop the Western Way. Mark Conroy from Galway County Council, with support from Mayo County Council are creating the maps for the new map boards. Funding is from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Joe McDermott who wrote the guide book to the Mayo Western Way, has come onboard to write the information for the map boards which should be in place by September, 2013. A great deal of work has been completed on the track itself with help from local landowners, RSS and TÚS. If you are interested in walking a section of the Western Way it is necessary to have two cars, leaving one at each end. However, you can avail of the bus service from Galway-Clifden. For example: You can park your car in Maamcross, get the bus to Oughterard, get off at the main bridge on entering Oughterard and walk towards Glann, the little yellow man will guide the way. At the end, once the board walk of 4 km finishes you will come out on the Maamcross - Maam road, turn left towards Maamcross to your car. This walk in total is about 20kms so you would need a minimum of 4 hours. For more information on walks check out: www.irishtrail.ie Blueway The Blueway will be a network of “free water trails” at individual sites where it will be possible to experience a variety of water based activities, including kayaking and snorkeling, in a safe controlled environment. The Blueway will encourage visitors to engage with the sea in a pilot area along the West coast of Galway and Mayo. The majority of the selected sites are already in place and are used as access points to the water. These sites will be selected to facilitate engagement with water based activities, by mixed levels, at locations that are safe, have open access Community Walks and are selected in accordance with criteria The National Trails Office have a template for the A-Z determined by the National Governing bodies of putting a trail in place. Roundstone Community and other quality standards. The initiative Council are currently implementing a new walk in will build, support and develop local and their area with the help of Rosaleen Ní Shúilleabháin, community enterprises to ensure sustainable, Rural Recreation Officer. If you have an idea for the economical, and environmental and health development of a trail or other recreational projects benefits. Killary, Inis Boffin and Mannin Bay feel free to contact Rosaleen on 087 737 5599 or are among some of the sites currently being r.nishuilleabhain@forumconnemara.ie. viewed. Watch this space! 21
Essential Housing Repairs FORUM Essential Housing Repairs CE Scheme provides the labour and the expertise to improve the living conditions of the elderly, people with disability and vulnerable people in the community. Through this scheme the work is carried out by part time community employment workers and the householders pay for the materials. Since May 2012 we have successfully carried out repairs for 27 householders. The type of work carried out includes; taking out baths and replacing them with a shower or a wet room, constructing ramps and handrails, improving pathways, essential painting, laying floor covering, tiling, door repairs, and much more essential work. To qualify for this work the applicant must be the house owner and live in the house in which work is to be carried out. The scheme also assists in the installation of smoke alarms. Scheme participants have undertaken courses in Safe Pass, Workplace Safety, Kerb Laying and Paving.
Before
The scheme carries out painting, general repairs and maintenance on the local Health Centres with materials funded by the HSE and also carry out work on local Community Halls and community buildings. For information on what work can be done and who can qualify please contact Martin Davis at FORUM on 095 41064 or 0879635144 or m.davis@forumconnemara.ie. 22
After
FORUM Management
FORUM Page
FORUM Staff - Full Time
John Coyne, CEO Terry Keenan, Chairperson Yvonne Keane, Assistant CEO Chris Curtin, Evaluator Kathleen Kane, Team Leader/Administration Dan Quaid, Health Services Executive Cathy Keane, Team Leader/Community Groups Kevin Heanue, Teagasc Anna Marie Mortimer, Secretary/Administration Jim Cullen, Galway County Council Kathleen deCourcey, CE Supervisor Youth in Action Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, VEC Martina Gavin, CE Supervisor Social Care Anne Donald Joyce, Community Representative Martin Davis, CE Supervisor Jenny Conboy, Community Representative Essential Housing Repairs Scheme Mary Kirby, Community Representative Martin Conneely, Community Representative Marie Feeney, Adolescent Support Coordinator Brendan O’Malley, Cllr. Thomas Welby, Galway County Council Employment Mediation Service Cllr. Seamus Walsh, Galway County Council Geraldine Kelly, Cllr. Seosamh O’Laoi, Galway County Council Rural Social Scheme Supervisor Cllr. Eileen Mannion, Galway County Council Brian Conneely, Tús Supervisor Emmet McGloin, IFA Joe Ribbon, Tús Supervisor Hugh Musgrave, IFA Karen Mannion, Leader Project Officer Noreen Parker, SIPTU Joe Conaty, Leader Project Officer Mary Gannon, Community Representative Melissa Wallace, Administration Officer Breda Fox, County Enterprise Board Rosaleen Ní Shuilleabháin, Leo Hallissey, Environmental Representative Rural Recreation Officer Carmel Geoghegan, Youth Mairead Uí Dhomhnaill, Employment Mediation Service, Gaeltacht Connemara Gearóid deFaoite, Community Development Worker, Gaeltacht Connemara The FORUM Project has been funded under the EU Leader Programme and by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013 and a number of State Agencies
Part Time
Brid Staunton, Accounts Tina Jack, Youth Support Worker Sandra Shattock, Administration
FORUM continues to disseminate information through the medium of two newsletters a year and through a weekly broadcast on Connemara Community Radio, which highlights the activities of the FORUM Project. FORUM Website: http://www.forumconnemara.ie Email: info@forumconnemara.ie Printed by Berry’s Printers 23