Happy Easter from Leitrim PPN

Launch of the Social Prescribing Service

Leitrim/ West Cavan

Leitrim PPN and Leitrim Development Company staff at the Launch of the Social Prescribing Service - Leitrim/ West Cavan at Breffni Family Resource Centre on Social Prescribing Day.  Social Prescribing Day is an annual celebration of the people, organisations and communities who make social prescribing happen.

Social Prescribing is connecting people to activities, groups and support that improve health and wellbeing.

 

Best of luck to all involved and especially Sarah the link worker who can be contacted at sarah.breffnifrc@gmail.com.

Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group Meeting

Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group meeting on Wed 10th April at  7.30pm in Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo.

 

Rebeccah Cogan, Biodiversity Officer with Leitrim County Council and Ashling Cartwright Rural Development Project Officer with Leitrim Development Company will attend to talk about the New Biodiversity plan and how Leitrim PPN member groups can contribute. 

 

All Welcome to attend.

Member Group - Solas Art Gallery launch first exhibition in their new venue

Leitrim PPN would like to wish Solas Art Gallery, a PPN registered group the very best of luck in their new venue in The Island Theatre, Ballinamore. 

 

The launch took place on the 22nd March & was very well attended, best of luck to all involved.

Leitrim PPN Plenary

Thurs 9th May -

SAVE THE DATE

Leitrim PPN Plenary which is a gathering of Community Groups is Thurs 9th May from 7 to 9 pm in Canon Donohoe Hall, Mohill.

Join us to celebrate the 10th anniversary of PPN’s and come meet and chat with various community groups in Leitrim who will be showcasing what they do and find out what the PPN have been up to.

 

There will be presentations from PPN member Groups, networking and Finger food on the night at 7pm.

 

Leitrim PPN will be developing a Strategic Plan this year and we’d love to have your input on the night.

 

 

Please register by e mailing info@leitrimppn.ie or register below.

 

All Welcome

PPN Reps Mentoring & Training

Just a gentle reminder to all Reps who recently received a survey from Liam Scollan to please fill out and return by Thurs 28th March.

The information collated will be invaluable in designing specific training for Reps going forward.

Thank you

Love Where You Live Awards

Just a gentle reminder that the Closing date for nominations is 7th April 2024.

Love Where You Live is run jointly by Leitrim County Council and Leitrim Public Participation Network (PPN) each year.

 

The aim of these awards is to publicly acknowledge the great work of communities and volunteers. Everyone in County Leitrim is invited to take part in these unique awards which celebrate the positive contribution that communities, schools and individuals make to our county.

Diaspora Award:

 

This award celebrates the hard work and dedication of individuals who have

made a significant difference in Leitrim Communities around the world.

It recognises those individuals who have achieved something special by

contributing to the well-being of Leitrim People or causes overseas.

Wiser and Greener Sustainable Community Event Thurs 11th April

Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon

9.30am to 2.30pm

Guest Speaker Seamus O Rourke

Free event with lunch provided

 

Registration essential by emailing community@leitrimcoco.ie

ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund

Calling community groups passionate about #AdultLiteracyForLife you can now apply for funding under the €1.25 million #AdultLiteracyForLife Collaboration & Innovation Fund 2024. If you have a project that can support adults with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs.

 

Deadline: 4th April

Science Week Funding Call

Science Week funding call for public engagement projects that can connect people across society with science during Science Week, using innovative and creative methods. 

 

Science Week takes place from the 10-17 November 2024.

 

The application process for Events is open until the 15th of April if you or any project partners you are aware of might be interested in applying.

Energy For Generations Fund

Charities working in the areas of suicide prevention, homelessness and education access and support can apply to the Fund for project specific funding.

 

Three times a year, ESB allocates an amount from the Fund for disbursement. The amount may vary because of the volume of applications received or seasonal considerations - wintertime and Christmas may require more funding than summer.

Applications submitted during each round are appraised with funding allocated accordingly.

 

Deadline: April 22nd and August 19th

Wildwalls - Biodiversity in Schools

Wildwalls is a nature-themed design competition for young people administered by Biodiversity in Schools and sponsored by Ecocem who provide low carbon cement technologies.

Young people across Ireland are invited to design a wall mural for their school that raises awareness of biodiversity issues but also integrates features to support local wildlife. Open to pre, primary, secondary and homeschools in Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

€5000 worth of prizes to be won

 

Deadline: Tuesday 30th April 

Student Mini Grants to address the plastic crisis

These mini-grants administered by The Wayfinder Society are available to students worldwide looking for financial support for their personal education, school and community projects, internships, networking events, etc. connected to addressing the plastic crisis. Mini-grants range from $300 – $2000.

To apply students must:

Create a Wayfinder Society individual account or student account with your class if you haven’t already.

Complete at least these 2 Actions: The Story of Plastic – Watch the Film and The Story of Plastic – System Mapping.

 

Deadline: April 15th

The Hare's Corner

Applications are now OPEN!

 

The Hare's Corner - An initiative to help landowners make more space for nature through creation of a Mini-woodland, a Mini-orchard, a Wildlife Pond, a ‘Plan for Nature’ and/or a 'Peatland Plan'

 

Deadline: 31st March 

2024 Community Recognition Fund

The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.

 

Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in supporting cities, towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.

A further €50 million is being provided again to deliver projects over 2024 and 2025.

 

Local authorities, in collaboration with communities, will be funded to develop projects that will deliver long term benefits to those living in the areas selected.

BLAST Application

BLAST aims to provide pupils in schools all over the country, time and the space to work with a professional artist/creative practitioner on imaginative and joyful projects.

Arts and Disability Connect

The Arts and Disability Connect scheme is designed to support artists with disabilities to be ambitious, to develop their practice and to connect with arts organisations and arts professionals in Ireland.

There are four different strands within the scheme: Mentoring (€3,000), Training (€1,000), New Work (€15,000), and Research and Development (€5,000).

 

Deadline: 7th May

€825,000 in funding announced for Culture Ireland’s promotion of Irish arts globally

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin has announced funding of over €825,000 for the promotion of Irish arts globally through Culture Ireland’s Regular Grants Programme.

 

The funding will benefit 149 projects spread across 32 countries, covering circus, dance, film, literature, music, opera, theatre and the visual arts.

All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme 2024-2025

Applications are now OPEN for the All-Ireland #HeritageSkills Programme.

 

7 bursaries are available for people studying or working in stonemasonry, carpentry, joinery, bricklaying, blacksmithing, plastering, thatching, roofing, tiling, painting & decorating.

 

The All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme is a 12-month course that offers practical experience and training in a broad range of diverse heritage building skills. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

€1 million investment for Agricultural Shows in 2024

As part of the initiative, each show will receive a grant of €6,000-€11,000 depending on their size.

 

This will support each committee to prepare for the upcoming Show Season, which takes place over the summer months.

 

The funding brings the total brings the total allocated to our Agricultural Shows since 2018 to over €4.3 million.

Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2024

Launch of the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2024, part of the Government’s First 5 Strategy.

 

Funding of €250,000 is allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide.

2024 Summer Programme

The Programme will see all schools have an opportunity to run a programme over the summer months for children with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage, so that they can be supported, nurtured and encouraged to continue to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.

"The Leitrim Gathering" Events Fund 2025

Expression of Interest (EOI) form to gauge from you whether you and/or the group you are involved in would be interested in hosting an event in your local area.  Details of the limited funding stream for events forming part of “The Leitrim Gathering” will be advised in due course. However, in order to ensure that “The Leitrim Gathering” is as successful and impactful as possible, it is important to find out the types of events which you and others around the County would like to host as part of “The Leitrim Gathering”.  Let’s all come together to make this an event of which Leitrim people will be proud. If hosting an event is something you are interested in doing, please complete the EOI.

 

Please also get in touch with the committee if you have any other feedback about “The Leitrim Gathering” or would like to make any comments or suggestions; it would be great to hear from you.  Should you have any questions at all, please get in touch at any time by emailing thegathering@leitrimcoco.ie.

 

Leitrim PPN are encouraging all community groups, classes, schools, sports clubs, businesses, social enterprises etc to organise events to coincide with “The Leitrim Gathering” and apply for the funding.

 

Deadline: 8th April

Employment Programmes - Community Groups 

New community groups are welcome to apply for support throug Employment Programmes by completing an Expression of Interest Form

 

** Please note, this is only to be used by groups who have not applied for support through our Employment Programmes before **

 

Existing groups receive a link to submit an annual application separately.

For more information contact karen@ldco.ie

Arts Festival Investment Programme

Seeking funding for your arts festival in Leitrim? Applications open for up to €5,000 to cover personnel, production, marketing, and more. 

 

Contact 071 96 21694 or email arts@leitrimcoco.ie.

Deadline: 31st March

Access to procurement records on eTenders platform will end in May 2024

IMPORTANT Message from The Community Centres Investment Fund Team

 

You will not be able to access any files that were stored on the legacy system after 21st  May 2024. Access to the legacy platform will cease on 21st May 2024 and any historical documents will no longer be available on that system.

World Heritage Strategy for Ireland

The National Monuments Service are inviting members of the public and interested stakeholders to participate in the development of the first World Heritage Strategy for Ireland.

 

Deadline: 10th April

Leitrim Local Enterprise Office Training Needs Survey 2024

Closing Date for Entries - 12th April 

 

Fill in the survey for the chance to win a One 4 All Voucher!

Sustainable Mobility Community Consultation Events

Have your say on the Revised Energy Poverty Action Plan Consultation.

 

This consultation looks for feedback on the existing Energy Poverty Action Plan and views to assist in the development of a revised plan.

 

Deadline: 8th May

Parent Focus Group on Draft Childminding Regulations 

Online focus groups on the draft childminding regulations are being held for parents to share their insights.

Public Consultation on Shared Mobility Hubs now open 

Shared mobility services will help people to leave the car at home in favour of more sustainable transport choices by making services more widespread and accessible. 

 

Deadline: 3rd May

Upcoming Online Training

Experienced MCP teachers, Peter Hofmann and Paola Bortini will teach the Mindful Compassion Parenting orientation seminars alongside Jörg Mangold, the founder of the program.

 

This programme is suitable for mindfulness trainers, parents educators and coaches, therapists working with parents, family support counsellors.

 

19 – 21 April 2024

Free Upcoming Training

Leitrim County Childcare Committee will be delivering training on the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines for ECCE.

This training is in person and will take place in Drumshanbo.

 

The dates are:

• Sat 13th April (lunch provided) 10am-4pm
• Mon 15th April 6.30-9.30pm
• Mon 22nd April 6.30-9.30pm
• Mon 29th April 6.30-9.30pm

To book a place on this training, email nancy@leitrimchildcare.ie.

Key Findings from the CSO Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) 2023:

• 10.6% of people were at risk of poverty in 2023 compared with 12.5% in 2022.
• If cost of living measures were excluded from income the at risk of poverty rate would have been 13.0% in SILC 2023, higher than the SILC 2022 rate of 12.5%.
• The at risk of poverty threshold (i.e. 60% of the median nominal equivalised disposable income) is €16,558 per annum or €317.32 per week, an increase of 2.8% from 2022.
• Those most at risk of poverty in 2023 were people who were unable to work due to long-standing health problems (27.3%), followed by people who were unemployed (25.5%).
• By age group, persons aged under 18 years had the highest at risk of poverty rate in 2023 (14.3%), followed by those aged 50 to 64 years (11.2%). Those aged 65 years and over had the lowest at risk of poverty rate of 8.3%, which was the largest year on year change, falling 11.8 percentage points from 20.1% in 2022.
• By tenure status, people living in rented or rent-free accommodation were more likely to be at risk of poverty at 19.7%, compared with those living in owner-occupied accommodation (6.5%).
• By household composition, the at risk of poverty rate was highest in households composed of one adult aged less than 65 years (27.1%), followed by households of one adult with children aged under 18 (19.2%).
• 17.3% of people were experiencing enforced deprivation in 2023 compared with 16.6% in 2022
• The enforced deprivation rate for those at risk of poverty was 33.8% in 2023 compared with 38.9% in 2022. The deprivation rate for those not at risk of poverty was 15.4% in 2022, compared with 10.8% in 2021. 
• 3.6% of people were found to be living in consistent poverty in 2023 compared with 4.9% in 2022. Without cost of living measures the rate would have been 4.4%, much closer to the 2022 rate of 4.9%.
• The consistent poverty rate was highest among persons unable to work due to long-standing health problems (16.5%) and people who were unemployed (9.4%).
• By household composition, the consistent poverty rate was highest for people living in households comprised of one adult aged less than 65 years (13.0%) and persons living in one adult households with children (7.1%).
• The consistent poverty rate is 8.9% for persons in households where no one is at work.
• In terms of tenure status, the consistent poverty rate was 8.5% for those living in rented or rent-free accommodation compared with 1.4% for those living in owner-occupied dwellings.
• While 30.7% of the population are living in rented or rent-free accommodation, they make up 72.9% of those living in consistent poverty. 
• The richest 20% of people had 3.8 times the income of the poorest 20%, compared with 3.9 in 2022.

Information Session on Regenerative Tourism

28th Thursday March 2024 from 10:30am - 12:15pm

 

Have you wondered what ‘Regenerative Tourism’ is about?

 

Regenerative Tourism can be seen as travelling sustainably and discovering new places with a goal of having a positive impact on a holiday destination, leaving it in a better condition than how you found it.

 

Leitrim County Council are hosting an on-line discussion session on the subject, with internationally recognised speakers, Jenny Andersson from The Really Regenerative Centre and Tina O’Dwyer from The Tourism Space.

The Network Ireland 2024 Businesswoman of the Year Awards are now OPEN 

Deadline: 19th April

Open Day Drumsna Community Resource Centre

Thursday 28th March 2024 from 11am to 1pm.

 

Drumsna Community Resource Centre little Bunnies 🐰 have been working hard and will have a selection of knitted Chick's for sale.

 

Chef Cathal will have some of his delights ready for tasting.

 

All proceeds will go towards the running costs of the Centre.

 

So please call in for a tea/coffee ... a great opportunity to meet all the staff, clients and a catch up with the neighbours and local community.

 

Further details contact Julie on 087 428 0521.

Leitrim Volunteer Roadshow 2024 Organisation Application

Please note there is a limited number of spaces available for organisations in the county.  Please submit your application to attend and display.  If you are successful our team will notify you in prior to the event.  This event will be the first of its kind in Leitrim and will give organisations across the county the chance to come together and showcase what you do and aim to attract volunteers to your organisation.

New Pollinator Plan guidelines for local Communities

Biodiversity Ireland have released an update of ‘Local Communities: Actions to Help Pollinators’. This free guideline provides simple, evidence-based recommendations for community groups on how to help pollinators and biodiversity. The guidelines are now also available in Irish!

Your Voice, Your Vote: Local and European Elections 2024 and developing an ILMI Political lobbying strategy

In June, Local and European Elections will take place and it will be important as a Movement to build on our collective political lobbying and look to getting prepared in how best to work locally and at a European level to try and influence future politicians. It is vital that as a Movement that a clear collective manifesto is developed. With clear political asks based on the role of local councillors and members of the European Parliament. Developing a collective ILMI manifesto will give ILMI members a strong social model equality analysis that they can bring directly to politicians seeking their vote. It will also support local DPOs to engage in hustings with candidates to bring a shared collective DPO analysis directly to politicians and what we want from our local councillors and members of the European Parliament

Everyday is a School Day

Dyslexia Sligo Leitrim Donegal offers the following services to students, parents and teachers. English Grinds available for Primary and Post Primary Students who have dyslexia. Dyslexia Programme for Students 8 years and up in relation to reading, spelling , working memory and writing. This programme also supports parents as it teaches the parent how to teach their own child successfully. One to One Consultations for Parents in relation to Dyslexia.

 

Dyslexia Screening Testing for all age groups - Students and adults. Study Skills Programme for all second level and third level students. This programme is suitable for all dyslexic and non dyslexic students. CPD courses for Primary and Post Primary Teachers on Dyslexia. If you'd like more details on any of the programme you are welcome to pm. 

IFA Countryside 2024 Photography Competition

This year’s theme is ‘Nature through the Lens’.

This is your chance to showcase your skills and the beauty of the Irish countryside in your own unique way.

The winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of €500.
But that’s not all, your picture could be featured on the IFA Countryside Christmas Card, sharing your work with their widespread community.

You don’t need to have luxury camera gear; your smartphone and creativity will just serve the purpose.

Save the date - The Leitrim Gathering takes place from the 23rd to 25th May 2025!

“The Leitrim Gathering” will be a celebration of Leitrim people all over the world, to embrace all that is great about our County. This weekend of events is being organised by Leitrim County Council as part of the implementation of its Diaspora

Strategy.

 

“The Leitrim Gathering” aims to promote the rich cultural, historical, and musical tradition of the county by connecting Leitrim people worldwide. Please keep an eye on #LeitrimGathering for updates and further information on upcoming events. Please make sure to spread the word near and far about this exciting event! For those living overseas, you might well consider booking a trip to Lovely Leitrim to coincide with the event!

 

Colour to Communities 2024

Paint giveaway competition is now open!

 

Does a community space near you need some TLC?

Our Colour to Community paint giveaway competition enlivens community spaces while reducing waste. we're thrilled to offer this opportunity for individuals and organizations to win free paint.

 

If you’ve got a community space in mind and a design up your sleeve, simply enter for a chance to win high-quality, reusable paint that's been saved from going to waste.

A Local Food Policy Framework 

Talamh Beo, one of Ireland's newer farming organisations

Advocate for policies that support the growth of vibrant local food systems, where farmers can provide nutritious, sustainably produced food, where all people have affordable access to food produced nearby and where farming benefits local communities and revitalises economies. It’s a democratically organised, member-led
organisation, run by farmers with direct experience of the issues they campaign on.

 

Talamh Beo has just launched a Local Food Policy Campaign. Local food systems strengthen the link between people and the food they eat, and can give them them a greater appreciation of the place, ecosystem and soil in which it is produced – as well as of the farmers and workers who produce it.

Darkness Into Light

Darkness Into Light will take place in Ballinamore on the 11th of May at 4am.

The event is a community event hosted by Ballinamore Community School. We seek volunteers to act as stewards on the night. If you feel you can assist please contact Teresa in the school office 071 9644049.