Community Group Meeting - Leitrim PPN Plenary Thurs 18th May

Invitation to all Groups in Leitrim

All community & voluntary groups in Leitrim are invited to a Plenary Meeting (Gathering of groups) on Thurs 18th May from 7 to 9 Island Theatre Ballinamore (Community Hall)
Please register by emailing info@leitrimppn.ie  - all attendees will be entered into a draw for 2 x €100 Vouchers for The Landmark Hotel (must be used for your group)
The Theme is funding and applying for funding, Finger Food Served on the night - come meet and network with community, voluntary, social inclusion & environmental groups in Leitrim.
If your group is not registered with Leitrim PPN, come along on the night to register.

The Manager of the PeacePlus Programme will give a talk on the PeacePlus funding.

 

The Economic Development section of Leitrim County Council will talk about upcoming funding in the Council

 

• An overview of the following will be given:
• Building Acquisition Measure 2023.
• CLÁR 2023.
• Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
• Town and Village.
• Other community grants available (sports, community, arts and the walks scheme).

Brian Smyth from Leitrim Development Company will talk about the New Leader Programme 2023 – 2027 for Leitrim

Facilitation Training

Day 2 of facilitation training took place on Sat 13th May provided by Meitheal for facilitators for 3 new Linkage groups

Dates for follow up training are 20th May & 10th June.

Leader funding consultations continue this week:

Ballinamore - The Scouts Den: Mon 15th 7.30pm

Mohill - Canon Donohue Hall: Tue 16th 7.30pm

Kinlough - Community Centre:  Wed 17th 7.30pm

 

Pictured are a group in Carrigallen on Tue 2nd May with staff from Leitrim Development Company & Leitrim PPN.

Linkage Group Dates for Upcoming Meetings:

Planning, Transport and Housing Linkage Group Meeting
Tue 23rd May

Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group
Wed 24th May

Social Inclusion, Disability, Rural Development, Peace and Reconciliation Linkage Group
Thurs 25th May

All the above meeting's are in Leitrim Development Company at 7pm with refreshments served.

All 3 meetings facilitated by Liam Scollan.

All volunteers in the process of being trained to be facilitators should attend their relevant Linkage Group Meeting.

Any person belonging to a group registered with Leitrim PPN is free to attend all or any of the above meetings to help establish Linkage Groups in Leitrim.

Look forward to seeing you there!

WorldWise Global Schools Programme OPEN NOW

WorldWise Global Schools (WWGS) provides grant funding to Schools and Organisations (NGOs & School Networks) working in the post-primary sector in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).

Grant funding can be applied for on an annual basis to assist Schools/Organisations with activities and initiatives, which promote Global Citizenship Education, to take place in the following academic year.

The WWGS Annual Grant Call is an online application process.
Deadline: 19th May.

Agricultural & Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2023 Open for Entries

This year’s theme is ‘Boosting skills for agriculture and rural areas’ and will focus on CAP-funded projects that showcase lifelong learning and empower people to support innovation and competitiveness.

More information, including submission guidelines, can be found on the EU CAP Network website.

The SEAI National Energy Research Development and Demonstration Funding Programme

The SEAI National Energy Research Development and Demonstration Funding Programme invests in innovative energy RD&D projects which contribute to Ireland's transition to a clean and secure energy future. 

Deadline: 29th  May.

The Ireland Against Racism funding

The Ireland Against Racism funding call is an important element in supporting the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism. Grants from €5,000 to €100,000 are available. Deadline:  31st May.

Sports Energy Support Scheme for Sport Clubs & Organisations

This fund is to support the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport.

Community-owned sports facilities not specifically affiliated to an NGB or who do not currently qualify for TBESS or other Government schemes, can now engage with their Local Sports Partnership (LSP) to ascertain if they are eligible to qualify for funding.

This aims to ensure maximum support is provided to grassroots sport.

All queries should be directed to the relevant Sports Ireland Recognised National Governing Body of Sport of Local Sport Partnerships.

Deadline 26th May.

Accessing EU funding for your business

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are an integral part of Europe’s economy and the European Commission provides information, supports and funding sources to help them develop and grow.

Basic Income Support for Sustainability

The BISS deadline of midnight on Monday 29th May is also the deadline for the related submission of applications for a range of other schemes including the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, the National Reserve and Transfers of Entitlements.

The Department has been helping farmers to make their applications in recent weeks through its in-person BISS clinics at locations around the country. The Department has planned further BISS clinics through the month of May.

The BISS clinics will take place from 11am to 6pm.

 

Wed 17th May - Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim Department Office

 

Farmers can also contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057-8674422

 

The Dairy Equipment Scheme Opens

Are you looking to improve equipment on your farm?

• Milk Storage and Cooling
• Water Heating
• Backup PTO generator
• Milk recording equipment
• Milking Machine* (see note below)
• Auto Washer for milking machine

For DES Grant aid will only be paid on approved, completed and eligible expenditure and shall be paid at the rate of 40% up to the applicable maximum investment ceiling of €90,000 per holding.

Mobility Aids Grant

The Mobility Aids Grant scheme provides grant aid to cover a basic suite of works to address mobility problems, primarily, but not exclusively, associated with ageing.

The effective maximum grant under the Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme is €6,000, which may cover 100% of the cost of works.

Types of work allowable you can use this grant to improve access in your home, like adding:

✅️grab rails

✅️a ramp

✅️an accessible shower

✅️a stair lift

▶️The maximum grant of €6,000 may be available to applicants with gross household incomes of up to €30,000 per annum.

You can download the form below or you can get a copy of the form from the Housing Grants Section of your Local Authority or their website. 

✅Fully completed application forms should be returned to your Local Authority Office.

111 projects to be funded under the Communities Integration Fund 2023

▶️€509,415 will be made available to local community-based projects nationwide to support the integration of migrants.

▶️grants of up to €5,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to support integration initiatives.

Full list of grantees 👉 

Community Groups Encouraged to Apply for 2023 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund

The Coca‑Cola Thank You Fund is back with €200,000 in grants now available!

Awards of up to €5,000 and €10,000 will be available to support community-based projects.

Nonprofits and community groups that empower young people through programmes of learning, inclusion, and sustainable development, are encouraged to apply for funding.

Deadline:   15th June.

International Protection Integration Fund 2023 Open for Applications

Now in its second year, the International Protection Integration Fund celebrates rich cultural diversity and enables community based organisations across Ireland to play a greater role in supporting the integration of International Protection Applicants. Successful organisations stand to receive grant funding of €5,000 – €20,000 to support integration initiatives.

Applicants can access a detailed guidance document and complete an online application form online.

 

Purpose of projects/activities

This call is open to community based organisations and centres around 6 key themes to support the integration of International Protection Applicants:

🔹employment

🔹language

🔹civic and legal supports

🔹health and wellbeing

🔹intercultural awareness

🔹children and young people

Projects supporting the following objectives will be given special priority this year and can attain additional marking during the selection process:

🔹mental health

🔹solidarity through sport

🔹inclusion.

Deadline: 24th May.

Department of Rural and Community Development: €20 million available for the construction of new Community Centres

Funding for renovations or refurbishment of existing community centres is not eligible but can still be accessed through the department’s CLÁR Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme or LEADER Programme.

An application form for the 2023 Community Centres Investment Fund can be requested from ccif@drcd.gov.ie

Deadline:  3rd July. 

The AIB €1 Million Community Fund opens in 2023

The AIB Community €1 Million Fund was first launched in 2022 and supported 72 charities across six regions in Ireland, NI and the UK. This year we will continue to support communities through the fund which will support a further 72 charitable organisations in 2023. The AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables customers, the public and our employees to support the local charities that mean most to them, within their region.

Submission

Leitrim County Council is inviting public participation in the Identification of new bathing waters in Co Leitrim,

For more information please visit our website Public Participation in the Identification of Bathing Waters - Leitrim County Council.

Deadline: 28th September.

Irish Stoat Survey

The Irish Stoat Survey invites the public to report sightings of the Irish Stoat throughout Ireland.

‘Despite its long history on the island, currently there are only 2,000 records for it in our national database,’ says Ruth Hanniffy, Species Conservation Officer with the Vincent Wildlife Trust. ‘We hope this survey will encourage people to submit sightings of live and dead stoats so we can fill in the gaps in the distribution and possibly learn more about stoat ecology. Stoats are some of the most elusive small mammals and finding a way to estimate their population is the Holy Grail of mammal recording!’

Leitrim Library Development Plan Survey

This survey is important in that it provides individuals and communities with the opportunity to inform the development of a 5-year plan for the library service.  Information gathered will assist in prioritising areas for the service up to 2027.  The survey should take less than 7 minutes to complete and it would be great to hear from as broad a range of people as possible.

There will also be paper copies of the survey available in all branch libraries.

Free Workshops

The Leitrim Hawthorn Project is a community heritage project which aims to celebrate the Hawthorn tree in Leitrim. Join us to take part in free workshops and events throughout the Summer and Autumn of 2023 where we will be exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the Hawthorn tree through music, dance, printmaking, storytelling events, tree planting, the folklore and medicinal properties of the tree & discovering its key role in supporting biodiversity in nature. Join us on our WhatsApp group and Instagram page where we will be announcing the workshops and event dates as they come up over the next few months.

For anyone who would like their stories documented, or anyone who feels they might bring something of interest to the Leitrim Hawthorn Project, Gerry would be delighted to chat with you. Gerry Bohan: 087 2820556. Email: leitrimhawthornproject@gmail.com

Funded by The Heritage Council & Leitrim County Council Heritage Office

Irish Hospice Foundation: 2023 Scholarships for Postgraduate Course

Irish Hospice Foundation announce 2023 scholarships for Postgraduate courses –

Supporting those who provide care for people at end of life and in bereavement.

Deadline: 9th June.

Are you looking for a fun STEAM project for the coming months?

ReelLIFE SCIENCE is a video / animation competition for youth organisations and schools, which encourages young people to engage with science and technology in a creative way, while developing their digital and communications skills.

Participants are challenged to research a Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM) topic and communicate it for the public via an entertaining and educational 1-3 minute video/ animation. This can be a brand new topic or something the young people are already passionate about or are working on, e.g. documenting and explaining the science behind an environmental or technological group project.

Videos and animations can be made on smartphones, cameras or tablets, in English or Irish and can be live-action or animated. In the Youth Group Category, the best video will win €1000, with €500 for 2nd place and €250 for 3rd place.

Mental Health Ireland Tony Leahy Bursary is now open for applications

Mental Health Ireland’s Tony Leahy Bursary supports a number of students each year on specific courses that support the promotion of mental health, recovery and peer support working.
Deadline: 25th August.

National Volunteer Week 15th - 21st May

Each year across Ireland, National Volunteering Week includes a range of events, stories and videos that showcase all that is great about volunteering. The theme for National Volunteering Week 2023 is 'Connecting Communities'.

here are a few ways you can get involved:

Gather stories of volunteers to share on your social channels during National Volunteering Week.

Plan an event – could you give your volunteers an opportunity to upskill? Maybe a social coffee morning or afternoon tea for volunteers to get together.

Think of ways you can show appreciation for your volunteers. We have lots of ideas here on our website like throwing a thank you party, making recognition certificates, or showing volunteers the impact they have through numbers.

Spring Sign Clean – sharing on behalf of Muintir na Tire

Why not take advantage of the better weather to clean your Community Alert and Text Alert signs, and the areas around them? Apart from showing pride in your community, clean signs also show an active group – a good message to give to potential unwanted visitors to your area!

We would love to show your before and after pictures or video and will give a community care pack for each one we show. We will even give a small cash prize for the best effort! See here for more.

Derrycarne Nature Walk for Biodiversity Week

Take part in a FREE nature walk at beautiful Derrycarne Woods in Leitrim during Biodiversity Week to learn about this special woodland and the biodiversity restoration works planned here. Booking is essential as spaces are limited.

Are you registered to vote in Co Leitrim?

☑️Have you checked that your details are correct and up to date? Visit www.checktheregister.ie now.

☑️Make sure your details, including Date of Birth, Eircode and PPSN are up-to-date to help ensure an accurate Register of Electors.

Free Cancer Screening Programme

Cancer screening is provided by the National Screening Service (NSS). The NSS is responsible for Government funded population based cancer screening programmes:

✅️BreastCheck - free breast x-ray for women aged 50-69 years every two years.

✅️CervicalCheck - free smear tests for women aged 25-60 years.

✅️BowelScreen - free bowel screening for men and women aged 60-69 every two years.

✅️Diabetic RetinaScreen - The National Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme

Call Freephone 1800 45 45 55.

Registrations for Street Feast 2023 are now open!

On June 25th, we're inviting neighbours across Ireland to come together for a day of not-for-profit, all for fun neighbourly lunches - it’s about community, having the craic and sharing great food

Hosting a Street Feast is easy - all you need is a few neighbours, some food, and a spirit for fun! Whether it's a picnic in the park, a barbecue on your street, or a potluck in your garden, every feast is unique and special because it’s YOURS.

Our poster this year show that it's all about the contributions that everyone can bring to the table, and the little wonderful bits of chaos that happen throughout the day Big thanks to @Steve McCarthy for the gorgeous illustrations!

So what are you waiting for? Register now at streetfeast.ie to get your free feast pack and start planning your own Street Feast 2023. Let's make this year's event the biggest and best yet!

LEITRIM COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME Needs your Help

Leitrim Volunteer Centre is raising money in aid of the LEITRIM COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME. Since their first journey on March 09th, 2022, they have completed over 500 trips with older people, people with disabilities, and families at risk to hospital appointments in Mullingar, Galway, Sligo and Dublin, GP, Physiotherapy as well as other more local trips for essential services.

To date, they have recruited 30 Volunteer drivers who have all been Garda vetted and trained. These amazing Volunteers give their time generously for free. However it would be wrong to expect them to be out of pocket so they are currently receiving 32 to 45 cents per kilometer and receive out-of-pocket expenses for food and parking and the maintenance of their cars.

Referrals have come mainly from Public Health Nurses, Social Workers the County Council, and the Local Development Company. There is a desperate need for a Social Car Scheme in County Leitrim. As one of the most rural counties in the country, it is very difficult for older and isolated people to get to medical appointments and access essential services, Leitrim Volunteer Centre would appreciate your support very much, if you cannot afford to give financially, you can still help greatly by sharing this cause far and wide! Thank you!

New Organisations wanted to join the Leitrim Volunteer Centre

Leitrim Volunteer Centre are on the look out for NEW organisations to join.

If you are a NOT FOR PROFIT club, organisation or group then sign up today to avail of free training, rewards schemes, access to volunteers and much more all with the Leitrim Volunteer Centre.

The Family Resource Centre (FRC) programme

Representing 121 Family Resource Centres in Ireland.

Our Interactive map allows you to easily locate your nearest FRC here