NEWSLETTER WINTER 2013 ISSUE NO. 40
FREE
GROUND-BREAKING THERAPEUTIC RIDING COACHING COURSE BEGINS
On a blustery mid-September morning eleven people from all over Connemara gathered on the scenic Errislannan peninsula to begin a remarkable journey which will equip them with the expertise to harness the legendary qualities of the Connemara Pony with their skill as equestrian coaches to create an innovative form of therapy for people of all ages with disabilities. Therapeutic riding can be described as physiotherapy on horseback according to Jill Carey, CEO of Festina Lente, the equestrian centre based in Bray which is the only mainstream training provider of therapeutic riding in Ireland. She explained that the rider with special needs responds to the movement of the pony under the coaching of the therapeutic riding coach. “It is a highly personcentred intervention which has been shown to increase selfconfidence, self-esteem and self-concept amongst other personal cont’d overleaf development benefits.”
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This unique training programme is phase one of a joint initiative spearheaded by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) in conjunction with Paving the Way (PTW), a support group for people with disabilities and their families. With the guidance and support of FORUM, funds were sourced from LEADER making it possible to access the expertise of the world-class team at Festina Lente and deliver the therapeutic riding course right here in the heart of Connemara. Cathy Keane, FORUM, described how this project came to life: “Bringing this initiative to the area has been the culmination of many months of work by a dedicated team of people committed to ‘doing something different’ for people most at risk of social exclusion.” It demonstrates that when you harness the power of community partnerships, engage in collective action and use government funding programmes, new and exciting opportunities can be created for both the social and economic benefits of communities. “The Connemara Pony Breeders Society is delighted to provide a therapeutic riding coaching programme in Connemara,” commented Andy O’Donoghue, President of the CPBS. Acknowledging the support of FORUM, he highlighted the fact that Connemara ponies with their docile nature and kind temperament are very well suited to therapeutic riding. The course is a combination of classroom teaching and the training of practical skills in the yard. Where needed, one to one education support is being provided by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (VEC). The first two modules of the course have focused on the importance of being aware that people are complex and have different styles of learning, whereas horses are straightforward and need simple, clear and consistent instruction. The participants found the training extremely informative and enjoyable and were thrilled at the opportunity to share in the amazing research and knowledge of the expert trainers from Festina Lente. The next stage of the training took place in November, once again at Errislannan Manor, graciously hosted by Mrs Stephanie Brooks and stable manager, Roisin Pryce. Final assessments will be carried out at Festina Lente in Bray next July. Planning is currently underway with joint participation from CPBS, FORUM, PTW and other interested parties to prepare for the next phase of this exciting project. The objective is to have in place a group of fully trained therapeutic riding coaches and appropriately equipped facilities which can offer a state-of-the- art, modern therapeutic coaching service, working with Connemara ponies as their preferred equine, to benefit people with disabilities in Connemara and beyond.
It’s Sew Easy Most people who enrol in sewing classes are generally there for the simple pleasure to be gained from this relaxing hobby, yet it is a life skill which has several practical functions. Historically in Ireland sewing skills and techniques have been passed on generationally and this connection to the past probably goes some way towards explaining the enduring appeal of the activity. This Autumn saw ten women from Tullyvoheen in Clifden participating in a nine week basic sewing skills course with tutor Rosemary Conneely. This course is funded by FORUM and located in the Further Education Centre (VEC) Clifden. The course, based on a Christmas theme, saw participants using different sewing techniques. Demonstrations were also given with basic repairs including the very useful technique invisible stitching for hemming trousers, curtains etc. At the end of the course participants held a Christmas coffee morning inviting friends and family to an exhibition of their Advent Calendar Wall Hangings and Patchwork Christmas table runners. The group intends to continue to meet in the new year to build on their new skills. 2
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
Supporting new and existing employment
FORUM, as part of its interest in supporting employment and enterprise development in the region, undertook an employers survey in 2012. The purpose of this review was to assist in the identification of possible employment opportunities, skills shortages or gaps and suggestions for training and education programmes to support potential and existing employment. Following analysis of the data, FORUM generated a number of targeted programmes based on local employment needs which were delivered in the region: Website Design and Maintenance, Sales and Marketing and Computerised Accounting.
Basics Of Webpage Design and Maintenance
Sales and Marketing Retreat
‘Grabbing The Oyster’ was an appealing title for the two day Sales and Marketing Retreat given by trainer Pearce Flannery in the Old School in Recess this November. The programme targeted at SME business, new start-ups and well as established businesses who were interested in developing effective sales functions within their business. The two day course covered (a) A Master class in Sales & Sales Skills Development and (b) Marketing Fundamentals for Business and Innovative Marketing Techniques for Businesses on a small budget. The hands-on interactive approach to this two day work shop ensured that the essential elements of the sales and marketing process were covered, understood and practised.
In November FORUM organised a three day introductory course to basic Web Design and Maintenance with Tim Woods from Timfy Designs in the Old School, Recess. The course was aimed at computer literate students with no prior web design experience and covered a brief history of the internet and the evolution of websites, basic website design and coding skills and the use of the latest online tools and content management. Other topics included search engine optimisation, social media integration and domain name registration and its statutes. The participants completing the course were given a solid grounding in the basics of website design and a good understanding of registering a domain, site maintenance and site promotion. A certificate of completion was given to each participant.
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Connemara Childcare Network - AISTEAR training and curriculum planning workshop
Aistear is the Irish word for journey. It refers to the new national curriculum framework for the education and care of children from birth to six years in Ireland and is published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment ( NCCA). Aistear is designed to support parents, early childhood practitioners and teachers in planning for and providing enriching, challenging and enjoyable learning opportunities for children. In October, twenty-five childcare workers and members of the management committees in the region participated in a FORUM supported evening workshop with tutor Mary Skillington from Early Childhood Ireland. Early childhood care and education must support a child’s sense of wellbeing, identity and belonging, exploring and thinking and communication and these are the
four main goals of Aistear. These are achieved through the contexts of play and supported by caring, learning relationships with adults and peers (Early Childhood Ireland, 2013). Feedback from participant was positive and all found the evening useful. For more information on AISTEAR go to the Early Childhood Ireland website: http://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/
Warm cuppa at the Breakfast Club
The Department of Health and Children state in its nutritional guidelines that “Research has shown that children benefit both nutritionally and behaviourally by eating breakfast. Many children come to school without having breakfast. These children will inevitably be hungry in class and therefore unable to concentrate or participate in school activities’. In addressing this, FORUM, together with Clifden Community School have started a Breakfast Club. A warm cup of tea, toast and a variety of cereals are available daily to all students who wish to avail of the facility. This is particularly beneficial for young people who arrive on the early morning bus.
Baby First Aid: Parents to the rescue
Members of the Clifden Parent and Toddler Group recently participated in a one day First Aid workshop tutored by Remote West First Aid. Topics included: Assessment of patient, Respiratory Emergencies, Choking, CPR for children and infants, wounds and bleeding fractures and sprains in young children. Comments on the course included: “this is a must for any parent or carer of babies or small children, this course is invaluable”... “its reassuring to know that my immediate response would have been the right one”... Clifden Parents and Toddler welcomes new members and meets every Wednesday morning 10.30 to 12.00 noon above the Cashel Credit Union office, The Square Clifden.
CLIFDEN CITIZENS INFORMATION CENTRE 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 4
Playing it Safe
Play grounds are ‘a god send’ and surely a statement most parents would agree with. However, for communties maintaining a safe, healthy, fun environment for children to play in can be an ongoing challenge and responsibility and one that perhaps the wider community may not fully be aware of or appreciate. All outdoor playground equipment is exposed to a mix of weather, heavy usage and sadly at times vandalism so constant vigilance is needed. Weekly inspections are carried out by playground committees in the region as well as monthly inspections by the Galway County Council Community Wardens. Inspection reports from both are regularly sent to Galway County Council who provide the umbrella playground insurance. FORUM were approached by several committee members to provide a practical workshop covering all aspects of playground inspection. Mel Cambell, a certified inspector from Play Services Ireland who are an Antrim based company, met with committee reps from six playgrounds at Roundstone playground in November. He took the group through a physical playground safety inspection, discussed accurate reporting, decommissioning faulty equipment and dealt with outstanding queries/uncertainties participants had. Criost Linn/Ability West
Men and Computers
FORUM LCDP Programme provided funding to Criost Linn ADS in 2013 which facilitated the service users of the centre to take part in the following activities: An overnight trip to Westport for five people; Two bowling trips to Galway for six people; Funding of equipment to help individuals learn new skills to promote more independent living and; Purchase of a personal DVD player for a reminiscence programme.
FORUM continue to support the delivery of both basic and accredited computers courses to men in Roundstone, Clifden and Recess. The newest recruits to the programme are twelve men from Recess who commenced their course with tutor Bridgie McTavish in November. These courses have proved very successful in introducing information technology to men in these areas.
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Adolescent Support Programme National Schools Since the last edition of the FORUM newsletter in June, the project has delivered three additional eight week After School Activity clubs to Roundstone, Claddaghduff and Clifden 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, self-awareness, co-operation and most importantly, fun. The projects and other activities within these after school clubs included such projects as stain glass painting, woodwork Biodiversity project, textile design, card making and orienteering. Mid way through the programmes the children went on an outing to the Killary Adventure centre to engage in outdoor pursuits i.e. combat laser questing and the Killary Challenge. At the end of two programmes a parents day was also held, where parents got to see the work the young people completed and an audio visual display of the children throughout the eight weeks. Thirty three young people attended these programmes. Junior Arts Schools Programmes
In addition to the After Schools Activity clubs, two eight week junior arts programmes have been delivered to twenty children during school time in Claddaghduff and Roundstone National Schools. The request for this type of initiative has come from teachers.
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Youth Representative Group/Comhairle na nOg
Two meetings were held in Galway with ten young people from this area with the Galway Comhairle na nOg group and three meetings of the youth group in Clifden. The young people prepared a five minute DVD called Youth Pride & Place to present at the Galway County Comhairle AGM which was held in NUIG on Saturday the 26th of October. Eighty young people from all different areas of Galway made presentations to represent the areas they lived in. County Galway Mayor Liam Carroll was the guest speaker. The aim of the AGM is to bring young people together for new membership to Comhairle and to discuss issues that young people face in Galway County and bring recommendations for change to Dail na nOg, which is 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.
Biodiversity Project in Conjunction with Youth Reach Clifden & Roundstone Tidy Towns Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. Biodiversity is disappearing worldwide at an alarming rate. It is estimated that 1030% of all mammals, birds and amphibians are currently threatened with extinction. Due to this fact many initiatives are being explored to bring wildlife into gardens. As part of the FORUM Adolescent Support Project, Youth Reach, Clifden & Roundstone Tidy Towns, a biodiversity project was included in this term after schools programmes. Students from Youth Reach cut out pieces of wood for over sixty bird houses and this project helped the young people on our after schools programmes to construct and design bird houses for their homes. The Clifden and Roundstone Tidy Towns invited Marie Louise Heffernan into the schools to inform the young people about the different birds that exist in Ireland and how to identify these birds in your gardens. In totality over sixty young people were involved in this worthwhile project, as can be seen from the photos the young people created beautiful birdhouse and hopefully will bring more birds into their gardens.
Clifden Community School
A six -week personal development programme was delivered to eight students of Clifden Community School this Autumn. 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. 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 six session during the period of June-December to cater for young people between the ages of 15-25 years. A reminder email has also been set up for professionals to notify them of the service and Clifden Community School has set up the same for parents in their school. A network meeting of service providers was held on September the 24th, to review the Jigsaw service so far and to look at the purpose of the network. The terms of reference of the group was established and it is planned to meet with focus groups of young people again to discuss what young people need from the Jigsaw service. To date in 2013, 38 young people have used the Jigsaw Galway Service and the satellite service based in Clifden, which is 11% of their clients. 7
Two Summer Camp 13+ Hairdressing Course Two hairdressing courses were organised for twenty four young people in the 15-17 age group. These programmes were organised for young people who attend Clifden Community School, Corr na Mona and Carna Post Primary Schools. The young people, on these two day courses, were taught scalp analysis, blow drying, up styling, straightening and curling hair. The young people attending felt the course would benefit them into the future personally. These programmes were funded by the North West School Completion Programme.
13+ Summer Camp Adventure Programme Programme
The young people engaged in different activities during the two days e.g. archery, rock climbing, combat laser questing, canoeing, raft building and the Killary Challenge. Support to this camp was also provided by the School Completion Programme.
A two day event was held in the Killary Adventure Centre for fifty young people during July. This was the most cost efficient programme to run for the older age group and interest in this type of programme was flagged by the Youth Representative group, as being the most suitable.
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Youth in Action
Summer Camps
Youth in Action 7+ summer camps were held through the months of July and the first week in August. Camps were held in the following areas Tullycross, Roundstone, Claddaghduff, Cashel and Clifden. The main activities for all camps were arts, crafts and sports. Morgan Darcy from the Galway Sports Partnership ran a GAA hurling programme in each camp. All camps finished with a barbeque. Over 200 Children attend across the locality.
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Calendar
The sixteenth edition of the Youth in Action calendar 2014, “Hay Days in Connemara” is now available in the local shops. The project would like to thank the businesses for their generous support and everyone who provided photos. All proceeds from the sale of the calendar goes towards activities for the youth in the area.
Primary Schools
The Youth in Action Programme provides workers to twelve national schools to assist with all elements of sport training. Children are preparing for Olympic Handball under 11 age group play- offs, to take place in December and under 12/13 age group to take place in January/February. Over 450 children benefit from the sport programme in the schools. The Youth in Action scheme assists the FORUM Adolescent Support Project over the year in delivering the Junior Activity Club programme within school time and After Schools Activity Programme from 3-5 pm in different schools in North West Connemara. Support was given to the annual Water Sport day held in August in aid of Child Line at Glassilaun beach and to the fifteen National Schools in North West Connemara for extra curriculum activities. Support was given to Rainbow’s End Playschool towards their summer camp they run for children age 4 to 12 years, activities include drama, arts and crafts. Healthy Lifestyles Programme
Transition Year, St. Paul’s Oughterard
The Healthy Lifestyles programme for transition year in St. Paul’s secondary school, Oughterard has been very successful this academic year. The current programme has 72 transition year students participating in a Healthy Lifestyles programme that is being supported by FORUM Connemara Ltd. The first group of 22 students (12 girls and ten boys) have chosen a range of activities that would not be available to them in a secondary school physical education programme. These activities include horse riding, using aerobic and resistant training machines in the local gym, coaching first year students in Gaelic football skills and badminton. The students are looking forward to having a go at archery and Zumba over the Winter months. By engaging in a wide range of sporting events it is hoped that everyone will experience an activity that they would like to continue with well beyond the years in secondary school. The programme was designed and set up to encourage young people, particularly young girls to engage in sporting activities. In December, transition year students took part in First Aid and Defibrillator training, as part of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme. 10
This year FORUM invited some of those who benefited from LEADER over the last 4 years to submit a brief article on their experience of the programme and how things have progressed for them. Here are some of the responses…..”
Killary Sheep Farm
My name is Tom Nee and I run Killary Sheep Farm in Bunowen, Leenane, overlooking Killary Harbour. It is an eco-tourism project which allows me to farm full-time while showing visitors around my farm and introducing them to traditional farming in Connemara – where they can see sheep-dog skills, traditional hand sheep shearing, and traditional turf cutting.
In 2011, with a poor economy and little available work I had an idea for an open farm which welcomes visitors to enjoy the traditional skills of a Connemara farm. I believed that there was a demand for the project. I spoke with friends in Connemara – local business people who put me in touch with Failte Ireland. Failte Ireland told me about LEADER. I knew little about LEADER before this. I went over to FORUM in Letterfrack. Photo: Paul Phelan, Walk Connemara
LEADER are helpful and give out paperwork for you to fill in initially to see if your project meets a certain criteria. I found the paperwork extremely difficult because I had never done anything like this before. LEADER help as much as they can but they aren’t going to hold your hand either – which is good because it means you have to work for it and learn the process. I met with one of the Rural development officers of FORUM Connemara who advised me to attend the “Start your own Business Course” hosted by FORUM Connemara. This course was invaluable for me as I wouldn’t have a business mind!! I asked contractors to my farm to price the project and then made up my business plan which detailed what I wanted to do and the costs involved. It also involved future predictions about visitor numbers. Waiting for the board to meet and make a decision on my application was nerve wrecking!! Once I was approved and the funding was made available I started work on the improvements I needed to make around the farm. Then the really hard work begins in advertising and making your business work. The process with LEADER is very long and detailed which takes adapting to. In hindsight I would do nothing differently. Thanks to going through the process with LEADER I now find that I am living and working all year round on my farm – living the life I always wanted to. I am very happy with the results of the business and hope to continue to improve Killary Sheep Farm with new projects in the future. 11
Monitoring Raptors in Connemara
PHOTO: SHAY CONNOLLY
Birds of prey are one of the most iconic features of our natural landscape. To witness a Kestrel hovering motionless in an updraft of wind as it meticulously scans the ground for potential prey far below, or the elusive Merlin dart with lightning speed across the open bog in agile pursuit of its quarry is to observe nature in its purest form.
As top predators, birds of prey are excellent sentinels of the health of our environment and are an essential part of a functioning and well balanced ecosystem. They have a significant historic and cultural relevance in Ireland, and a fascination for raptors still remains in modern times. However, despite this, our knowledge of certain birds of prey in Ireland is very limited, and several of our birds of prey have experienced worrying declines in recent decades and are priorities for conservation action.
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PHOTO:CLIVE SIMMONS
The Connemara Raptor Conservation Project aims to gain a better understanding of important bird of prey populations in Connemara and to increase awareness and appreciation of these species and the conservation challenges they face. Previous research in Connemara indicated that the area is nationally important for Merlin and Kestrel; two small falcons which appear to be in decline. The project which was launched last summer is coordinated by BirdWatch Ireland in collaboration with the Inagh Valley Trust, with the support of FORUM Connemara through the Leader 2007 – 2013 Programme and will help ensure that Connemara remains a stronghold for Kestrel and Merlin populations, thus providing benefits for the local ecosystems. John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland commented “birds of prey are really useful species to study, not only can we learn a lot from them about the health of our countryside, but because they are so impressive, we can use them to help connect and engage people with nature”. A strategic survey and monitoring protocol was initiated during the nesting season and essential insights on these species, which are notoriously difficult to study, has already been obtained.
The summer of 2013 was very poor for most breeding birds, however initial findings from the monitoring work on Kestrel in Connemara is reasonably positive. With assistance from NPWS rangers a total of 17 breeding territories were confirmed in 2013, of which 13 successfully raised young. Kestrels are known for their adaptability, and a wide range of nest site types were recorded throughout Connemara which included ruined buildings, old stick nests in trees, cliffs, rocky outcrops and quarries. It was possible to visit the majority of these nests under licence, and specialised nest cameras were installed at selected sites to record behaviour and diet. Specially designed nesting boxes will also be installed for Kestrels in early 2014 to provide nesting opportunities in areas of suitable habitat.
PHOTO: SHAY CONNOLLY
Although Merlin are a close relative of the Kestrel, their elusive behaviour means that they are much more difficult to detect. They are also more specialised in their habitat requirements and occur at lower densities, meaning significantly more time and resources are required to establish even basic information on their ecology . An intensive survey, which was more akin to a painstaking test of endurance was carried out to locate Merlin nest sites in Connemara in the 1980s, and this work has provided a good baseline for the current efforts. Merlin traditionally nested on the ground in heather moorland, however due to the loss of suitable heather cover across large parts of their breeding range, the disused nests of Hooded Crows at the edges of forestry plantations are now the most popular nesting sites. In Connemara however, pairs are also known to nest on small, densely vegetated islands on the lakes scattered over the vast areas of bog. After surveying over 75 island sites during the summer of 2013, four Merlin nests were recorded. Lusby noted “Merlin are a species about which we know very little in Ireland, and this is mainly due to the fact that they present real challenges in terms of survey work, so even obtaining basic information is really valuable and allows us to build up a picture of what is happening the population and to figure out how important Connemara is for this endangered falcon�. This monitoring work will be expanded in 2014, which will be combined with a promotion and awareness campaign including events and school visits to raise appreciation of the value of raptor populations and wildlife in general and the importance of Connemara for their populations.
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Marian Hall Tullycross
In August 2012 the Board of FORUM Connemara Ltd. committed €143,690.69 under the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013 (LEADER) for the refurbishment of the Marian Hall in Tullycross village. The hall was built in 1959 adjacent to an existing sports field. It was developed by the local community without any grant assistance. In 1988 Renvyle Sports and Social Club Co-op was formed to develop and maintain the facilities in Tullycross. The promoters have completed a number of projects over the years including the development of a community sports field and an addition of dressing rooms and toilet facilities to the existing Marian hall. An extension was developed in the subsequent years to housing changing room facilities.
The hall has been used for various activities over the years and currently the following groups use the facility: • The Curley School of Dancing • Renvyle GAA Club • Grainne Mhaoil Ladies Football Club • West Coast Utd. Soccer Club • Local Badminton Club • The National Schools Concerts • Tullycross ICA Group activities • In addition to the above – to provide office space for the local development Co. Connemara West Ltd.
The funding committed by FORUM was used to undertake refurbishment works to the Marian Hall predominantly: 1. Removal of an asbestos sheeted roof 2. Placing of a new metal deck roof including welded structural steelwork 3. Internal reconstruction work 4. Electrical work 5. Gas fired heating system 6. General building works The evidence of this work is plain to be seen in the now nearly finished structure and has secured this hall and its activities within the community for the foreseeable future.
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Social Care Programme
Respite Break Forty six older people from Roundstone, Ballyconneely, Cleggan/Claddaghduff, Letterfrack, Leenane, Maam and Oughterard took part in a four day respite break to Kildare in October. This year the highlight of the trip was a visit to the Chocolate Garden and Factory in Carlow, we learned all about chocolate making, cocoa growing, how Easter eggs and other chocolate products are made. All products are still made by hand in the factory, and the group members had a go at making and decorating their own chocolate Houses’, which they could bring home in the mould and use again and again. The group watched a short video about how ice cream is made in the Chocolate Garden and then visited the garden Centre next door for lunch. On the second day the group visited Castletown house in Kildare and had a guided tour of the house and heard the history of the building, viewed the fine Architecture, the original furniture and vast collection of paintings. The group enjoyed a lovely lunch restaurant after the tour. There was a shopping trip to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre on the way home and a great time was had by all.
Resource Groups
All eleven resource groups continue to meet at coffee mornings and lunch clubs around North West Connemara. The groups enjoy weekly activities at their clubs, which can include keep fit, arts and crafts, music, cards and bingo. In conjunction with FORUM and the Clifden Arts Week all eleven groups attended the annual Arts Week Event for older people in the Station House in September. Forty-six members of the groups along with a number of carers took part in the annual respite break to Kildare in October. The respite break included activities such a visit to the Chocolate Garden factory and workshop and Castletown House. The Roundstone Senior Citizens have commenced their coffee morning and visited the Christmas market in Galway. Fuel Scheme The annual delivery of the free fuel took place in December and eight bales of briquettes per household were delivered in the Ballinakill area. The Society of the St. Vincent de Paul funded this venture with the assistance of Ballinakill Active Age Club and the FORUM Social Care Scheme in the delivery. 15
Clifden Arts Week
The Annual Arts Week Lunch took place in the Station House Hotel Clifden on September 26th. Sixty eight elderly and carers attended from Ballinakill, Clifden, Ballyconneely, Leenane/Maam and Oughterard for Lunch and an afternoon of music and Dance. 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 the community.
Traditional Craft Club
Bealach (Rural Transport Initiative)
Open House Traditional Craft Event takes place every Wednesday in Ellis Hall Letterfrack from 2 to 4 pm. The purpose of this club is to have a space for like-minded people to meet up, learn new skills or pass on skills to others. This Club is supported by the FORUM Social Care Programme in conjunction with Ballinakill Active Age Club and is open to everyone. This club is proving to be very successful and popular with a core attendance of fourteen members every week. For more information contact Martina Gavin 087 9633970 or Jean Wallace 086 3087619.
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 twelve 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. Major restructuring of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) is underway. The 38 existing companies will be replaced by 18 Transport Coordination Units (TCU) and the National Transport Authority will hold the contracts for routes with the transport operations. Applications can only be submitted from the 38 existing transport groups and groups can work together to put in a join application for a designated area. There will be one TCU for Co. Galway and three RTP groups are currently working on a joint application for rural transport services in the county.
Clifden Day Hospital The FORUM Social Care Programme continues to support the work carried out by Clifden Day Care in the provision of elderly day care services. 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.
Security The Socially Monitored Alarms Systems and security lighting continue to be installed throughout the NW Connemara area. Clients interested in receiving a service should contact 087 9633970. 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 clients door. At present meals are delivered to Clifden, Cleggan, Claddaghduff, Moyard, Renvyle and Kylemore areas. Ballyconneely, Recess and Roundstone meals are delivered through the CE workers and local catering business. Leenane meals are delivered from Leenane Community Centre by a voluntary worker. This service is provided mainly for the house bound and people that can no longer cater for themselves, but the service can also be provided to carers or to anyone that feels they need the service to help promote independent living. For further information contact 087 9633970.
Disability Support/Diabetic Support Disability Support continues to be available through the Social Care Programme. The service is based in FORUM’s Letterfrack office and offers information and form filling service to clients with disability. Information on the Connemara Diabetics Support can also be sourced at FORUM Letterfrack by contacting 095 41064 or 087 9633970. 16
Carers Support
The Clifden Carers group continue to meet every Wednesday night from 8 – 10 pm in the Elm Tree Centre in Clifden, for more information contact: Geraldine Kelly 087 9633253 The Carers group attended a therapeutic day in Kilcuan, a quiet retreat centre on the beautiful woodland in Clanbridge, with carers’ from the Oughterard/Moycullen group. The Day was designed for full time carers to provide much needed space to relax and take time out for themselves. Throughout the day the carers had candle ceremony, yoga, meditation, gardening workshops and following lunch they had a tour of the walled garden. The Carers group also had their annual Christmas dinner in Renvyle House Hotel in December. Thirty carers attended.
Presentation of FETAC Certificates Ceremonies for Family Carers in Letterfrack
Nineteen family carers have been presented with certificates for undertaking a 14-week FETAC Level 5 Practical Home Care Skills module at a ceremony in Letterfrack, on Monday, 25 November.
minor awards in health care subjects to give learners the complete Major Award in Healthcare Support Certificate.”
Ms. Deering further explains; “All courses included an appraisal of the following topics pertinent to family care-giving: first aid and emergencies, practical care skills, healthy lifestyle/nutrition, safer patient moving and handling, caring for a person with dementia, terminal illness and bereavement, safety first- fire safety and accident prevention, stress management, communication and listening skills, benefits and entitlements for carers, support services for carers, overview of the Home Help service, role of the Public Health nurse and continence promotion”.
The FETAC accredited training course for family carers was delivered by the Carers Association and the Carers Department, HSE West, Galway PCCC, in partnership with FORUM Connemara Ltd. and Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board. This course was co-funded by the Carers Department, HSE West and FORUM Connemara Ltd.
Sharon Deering, Training Manager with The Carers Association, presented the Certificates to the family carers at the ceremony, and explains that; “The ‘FETAC Level 5 Practical Home Care Skills Module’ was specifically designed for those who provide care in the home environment. The aim of this course is to provide family carers with an overview of the roles and responsibilities of caring, the practical care skills and knowledge essential for quality care provision and to raise awareness of the supports that are available to family carers and to look at ways to cope with the caring role. This Module is classed as a FETAC minor or component award, and can be combined with seven other
The Master of Ceremonies was Michelle Harrison, Manager, Carers Department, HSE West, Galway PCCC, and she says that; “The profound physical, emotional, social and financial effects on family carers who provide constant care on a long term basis is well illustrated in the research literature. HSE West recognises that caring for an older person or a person with a disability or mental health problem or chronic illness, often places social, emotional, physical and financial pressures on the carer.”
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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.
In Leenane workers have rebuilt the wall at the Leenane Graveyard, carry out grass strimming all around the village and help with litter control. Workers have also put in place Stiles on the walkways in Leenane. RSS workers have worked on painting of the interior and exterior of the Marion Hall in Tullycross over the last few months.
Workers have helped out with the Clifden and Oughterard Tidy Towns all year, replanting the planter’s around the village of Oughterard and Clifden town, rebuilt stone walls and did maintenance work in St Mary’s Graveyard in Clifden.
Workers have also undertaken work for the elderly at the request of the HSE West. One RSS worker is involved with a Living off the land project in Clifden Community School with the Transition Year Students. The RSS participant works with the students one day a week assisting with the growing of vegetables in a poly tunnel. Maintenance work is ongoing on the sports fields in Clifden, Killannin and Oughterard, the Sensory Garden in Recess and organic Gardens in Tullycross, Clifden and the Clann Resource Centre in Oughterard.
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Tús Community Work Placement Initiative
Beach clean up
Setting walking trail markers
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 three schemes with 60 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 60 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, Renvyle, Callnamuc, Ballyconneely and Leenane.
Trout stripping at Oughterard Hatchery
Rear of Collinamuck Church before and after work
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Rural Recreation and Walks Scheme To promote and develop rural recreation in the Gaeltacht and non Gaeltacht regions of Connemara.
Current Projects: The Western Way is a long distance hiking trail that starts in Oughterard in County Galway and finishes in North Mayo. A map board is very near completion for Oughterard and map boards will soon follow for Maam and Leenane.
Slí Chonamara: Plans for an overview of this walk are currently being discussed between the Rural Recreation Officer and relevant bodies. It is hoped to do an assessment of the entire route and look at where improvements can be made. Roundstone Walks: Roundstone Community Council are developing walks in the Roundstone Area in conjunction with the Rural Recreation Officer. It is hoped that these will be in place in the Spring.
Walks in Carna: Work will commence on a coastal walk in Moyrus, Carna in the Spring. We are looking at other potential walks in the Carna area.
The Blueway will be a network of “free water trails” at selected individual sites, at which it will be possible to experience a variety of water based activities, including kayaking and snorkelling, in a safe controlled environment. It will be possible to experience these sites on an individual basis or as part of continual water based odyssey along the west coast from South Galway to North West Mayo. Signage is currently being designed and the Blue Way will be launch early in the New Year.
New Brochure: The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government published a brochure Recreation in the Countryside, Information for landowners and recreational users; explaining property rights, obligations and responsibilities. For a copy of this brochure, please contact Rosaleen at the below address and number.
Contact: The Rural Recreation Officer would be delighted to hear from Community Groups, businesses and individuals in relation to projects in their area. If you have an idea or plans to develop a recreation project, please feel free to contact Rosaleen for advice and information. Projects need to have full support of the Community to ensure success.
Rosaleen Ní Shúilleabháin, Rural Recreation Officer, FORUM Connemara, Old Boys School, Clifden. Co. Galway. Email: r.nishuilleabhain@forumconnemara.ie Tel: 087 737-5599
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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 FORUM Connemara Ltd., Letterfrack office 095 41116 or 087 9633366 or email b.omalley@forumconnemara.ie
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. FORUM ran a business Enterprise course in Oughterard in November. 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.
BA in Business, Enterprise and Community FORUM, in co-operation with Galway and Roscommon Education & Training Board and EQUAL Ireland, has embarked on an exciting and innovative project for the communities of Connemara. The above partnership is embarking on a Higher Certificate in Workplace and Community Studies. The completion of this Certificate will form a progression route to the BA Degree in Business, Enterprise and Community Development. The higher certificate course is accredited by Athlone Institute of Technology. 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 2 years and also work at their own enterprise. Work plans are completed and participants must register with Revenue.
Agriculture Certificate Fetac Level 5 & 6 (Green Cert) FORUM Connemara Ltd., in co-operation with Teagasc and Galway and Roscommon Education & Training Board, is running a Level 5&6 Agriculture Certification course (Green cert) in Letterfrack. The Green Cert will run for two years and give farmers formal training and certification in their chosen field. At present 23 young men have embarked on the green cert journey, this is the first time the green cert course has been run in the Connemara area. 21
Essential Housing Repair
FORUM Essential Housing Repair Scheme continues to provide the labour and the expertise to improve the living conditions and safety of the elderly, people with disability and vulnerable people in the community. Through this scheme the householders pay for the materials and the work is carried out by part time community employment workers. Since May 2012 we have carried out repairs and various works for 39 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, plumbing, door repairs, installing a bulk water storage tank, and much more essential work. To qualify for this work the householder must be the owner and live in the house that the work is carried out on. We also assist in the installation of smoke alarms..
For information and application form please contact Martin Davis at FORUM on 095 41064 or 0879635144 or m.davis@forumconnemara.ie.
Scheme participants have undertaken training in Safe Pass, Workplace Safety, First Aid, Kerb Laying and Paving and accounting.
The 18 part time workers on the Community Employment Scheme also carry out painting, general repairs and maintenance on the local Health Centres with the materials funded by the HSE, work on local community halls and community buildings, administration, caretaking and environmental work.
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FORUM Management
FORUM Page
FORUM Staff - Full Time
Terry Keenan, Chairperson John Coyne, CEO Chris Curtin, Evaluator Yvonne Keane, Assistant CEO Dan Quaid, Health Services Executive Kathleen Kane, Team Leader/Administration Kevin Heanue, Teagasc Cathy Keane, Team Leader/Community Groups Jim Cullen, Galway County Council Anna Marie Mortimer, Secretary/Administration Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Galway and Kathleen deCourcey, CE Supervisor Youth in Action Roscomon Education & Training Board 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 Marie Feeney, Adolescent Support Coordinator Martin Conneely, Community Representative 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 Noreen Parker, SIPTU Karen Mannion, Leader Project Officer Hugh Musgrave, IFA Joe Conaty, Leader Project Officer Josephine Lally, Community Representative Melissa Wallace, Administration Officer Mary Gannon, Community Representative Rosaleen Ní Shuilleabháin, Breda Fox, County Enterprise Board Rural Recreation Officer Leo Hallissey, Environmental Representative Mairead Uí Dhomhnaill, Employment Mediation Carmel Geoghegan, Youth Service, Gaeltacht Connemara Gearóid deFaoite, The FORUM Project has been Community Development Worker, Gaeltacht funded under the EU Leader Connemara 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 Management and Staff Wish Everyone a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.
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