North West Regional Workers

PPN's in the North West had their second Regional Meeting of workers on 25th of April in the Cavan Crystal Hotel hosted by Cavan PPN. This was attended by workers from Leitrim, Sligo, Cavan & Monaghan. It was a great networking and information sharing day, next meeting is on 28th June and will be hosted by Donegal Public Participation Network.

Successful Canva and Committee Skills Training

Based on the findings of our Training Needs Analysis which was sent out to all member groups, Leitrim PPN is rolling out FREE Training in 2023 to support groups to build their knowledge and capacity, so far 86 people have now completed free training with Leitrim PPN.

PPN Workers Retreat

Leitrim PPN staff attended a 2 day retreat of all PPN workers in Ireland. It was all about collaborating, idea sharing, discussions, networking and capacity building. Very worthwhile for all staff who attended in 31 PPN’s.

Facilitation Training

11 members took part in facilitation training with Meithal Foundation in The Hive, Carrick on Shannon this will continue for 4 Saturdays (missing from photo: Patrick Mc Greevy).

Reminder of dates for Certified Facilitation Training for Linkage Group Facilitators - 12 to 5pm @ The Hive, Carrick on Shannon

13th & 20th May & 10th June.

Linkage Group Development Meeting Dates

All meetings 7.30pm in Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo

All the meetings below are facilitated by Liam Scollan – please make an effort to attend – it will be 3 meetings a year for each Linkage Group.

 

Planning, Housing and Transport: 1st meeting 23 May 2023

 

Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity and Agriculture: 24 May 2023 – following on from a very successful 1st meeting.

 

Social Inclusion, Disability, Rural Development, Peace and Reconciliation: 1st meeting 25 May 2023.

 

It is important that all PPN Reps who sit on Committees come to one or all of these meetings to help get Linkage Groups up and running in Leitrim.

Plenary

• The Manager of the PeacePlus Programme will give a talk on the PeacePlus funding.
• The Economic Development section of Leitrim County Council will come and talk about upcoming funding in the Council.
• Brian Smyth, Leitrim Development Company will talk about the New Leader Programme 2023 – 2027 for Leitrim.

Stands and chats all related to funding in Leitrim.

The Mná na hÉireann, Women of Ireland Empowerment Fund 2023 – 2026

A $1 million, three-year fund created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Bank of America and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund.  This fund is open to organisations that have a not-for-profit legal form, e.g. charity, social enterprise and other voluntary organisations that meet certain criteria.
Deadline 2nd of June.

New Student Supports Available

Applications for the student grant scheme for the 2023/24 academic year are now open. The changes, introduced in Budget 2023, will take effect in September.

They include reductions:

▶️in the contribution fee of €1,500 for families earning €55,240 to €62,000

▶️of €500 in the contribution fee for eligible households earning between €62,000 and €100,000
The priority processing dates are 8 June 2023 for renewal applications and 6 July 2023 for new applications.

Local Authority Home Loan

Significant improvements to the Local Authority Home Loan that will result in more people being eligible to apply for the State-backed mortgage.

The prices of homes eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan and income limits of those eligible to apply for a loan are being increased.
Deadline:

Tesco Community Grants

Tesco Community Grants helps to fund thousands of local projects across the country. Applications are not eligible from:

• Individuals
• Community Interest Companies with shares (CIC’s)
• Community Interest Companies with guarantee that are less than two years old
• Profit-making organisations
  

Disabled Fuel Grant Scheme

Disabled drivers and disabled passengers whose vehicles are tax exempt under the drivers and passengers with disabilities tax relief scheme are entitled to apply for a Fuel Grant.

How will I apply for the Fuel Grant?

The Fuel Grant can be applied for online, using Revenue’s new online service ‘myAccount’ on the Revenue website.

This will make the claim process easier as claims can be submitted and processed immediately. Please register as soon as possible online.

All you need is your PPS number, mobile or landline number, e-mail address and home address.

Calling all schools, community groups and local development companies!

Apply now for 2023 CLÁR Funding for Developing Community Facilities and Amenities

This includes funding for:

• Astro-Turf and Multi-Use Gaming Areas
• Skateboard Parks
• Playgrounds
• Basketball Courts
• Community Gyms
• Community Cinemas
• Sensory and Community Gardens
• Walking and Running Tracks
• Outdoor Toilet Facilities
• Car Parking
• Public Lighting

Deadline: Friday 12 May, 2023.

Creative Youth Nurture Fund

This new plan aims to provide everyone from birth to 24 years with more opportunities for creative engagement in every aspect of their lives.

Reach specific groups of young people that are seldom heard. This relates to children and young people that are:

• Living with physical or intellectual disabilities;
• Refugees and asylum-seekers;
• Living with mental health issues;
• LGBTI+;
• Traveller and Roma;
• Those within, or transitioning from, the care system; or
• Engaged with the youth justice system/ incarcerated persons and ex-offenders.

This €500,000 fund will support 8-10 youth-led initiatives over a period of 18-24 months and will empower children and young people between the ages of 6-24 to nurture their creative passions and ignite their creative potential.

Deadline: 9th June 2023.

Fourth Tranche of Energy Supports to Community and Voluntary Groups

Tranche 4 of funding announced providing a further €213,000 to 128 community and voluntary organisations

Funding recipients include organisations providing vital supports to communities.

Leitrim received the following:

Tidy Towns Heritage Award

The Tidy Towns Heritage Award has been sponsored by the Heritage Council to encourage a greater awareness of the value of our heritage to our quality of life and to sustainable economic development.

The project must benefit and promote an aspect of heritage as set out in the Heritage Act. These include monuments, archaeological objects, heritage objects, architectural heritage, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, seascapes, wrecks, geology, heritage gardens and parks and inland waterways.

Deadline: 2nd June.

Organic Capital Investment Scheme is now open for applications

Upgrade your agricultural buildings and equipment with this support for organic farmers.

Sign up for their webinar on Thursday, 4th May, 11am.

OPEN NOW ‘Children’s Promise’ Grant Programme

It aims to support organisations working with young children & families in disadvantaged areas, who may not reach their potential due to the impact of poverty.

Grants from €5,000 to €15,000 Available
Deadline: 12th May

Leitrim County Childcare Committee Small Summer Scheme Grant

Applications are now open for the Leitrim CCC Small Summer Scheme Grant.

This grant is for community and voluntary groups providing summer projects/ camps to children and young people in Leitrim.

Email nancy@leitrimchildcare.ie for an application form.

Deadline: Wednesday 24th May.

Leitrim Development Company want your views, proposals, ideas, comments

There is €6.3 Million in LEADER RDP funding available for Co. Leitrim from 2023 to 2027. Leitrim Development Company on behalf of Leitrim Local Community Development committee (LCDC) in collaboration with Leitrim County Council, LDCo need you to tell them about the priorities and needs in the county for the projects, proposals and ideas which will be funded under LEADER over the next 4 years.

Leitrim Development Company wants to capture the needs of the people of Leitrim, businesses, farmers and communities and across the various sectors- economic development, social inclusion and environment / climate change,  so that a Local Development Strategy 2023-2027 can be developed which will deliver on Community Led Local Development (CLLD) in the County.

Inclusive participation by the people LDCo support is important, so they want to encourage as many people to meet with them and to contribute their view proposals, ideas, comments in this process.

Does your business, farm or community need LEADER funding?

Do you want to contribute to Community Led Local Development?

Do you need funding for initiatives, projects which will progress inclusion or address climate change?

If so please come along and have your say. 
The events in Manorhamilton, Ballinamore and Carrick-on-Shannon will be transmitted live online and those participating will have the opportunity to input digitally. Links to these events are available below:

Leader Survey

If people are unable to attend the above Leader Consultations you can provide a written submissions or complete a dedicated survey below.

Written submissions can also be sent to Leitrim Development Company, Church Street, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, N41 RF24 by Friday 19th May at 5pm.

For more information, please contact Leitrim Development Company on 071 9641770 or leader@ldco.ie.

Little Libraries Book Bags Initiative Survey

Leitrim County Library are currently evaluating the Little Libraries Book Bags Initiative, which will be used to inform the future direction and rollout of the Little Libraries Book-Bags Initiative, and to identify areas for improvement. They want to hear from parents, childminders and teachers to better understand the initiative’s impact. 

Fáilte Ireland Survey

Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with a range of local stakeholders, is developing a Destination & Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for the Upper Shannon, Shannon Erne and Border area.  This will be a five-year tourism destination plan for Cavan, Leitrim and North Roscommon as part of the development of the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region and will also complement initiatives emanating from development plans within neighbouring destinations, in particular along the coast.  Following on from a number of workshops and collate more ideas can you kindly complete this survey.

The following questions are designed to collect your views as part of the initial stages in the development of the USSEB Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP) focused on Cavan, Leitrim and North Roscommon. Your views will be incorporated into follow up discussions to ensure we capture relevant ideas and projects as we start to develop the DEDP and its contribution to the development of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. 

Sligo, Leitrim, Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway

Following a technical IT issue, a further period of Public Consultation on the study area and constraints is planned from Monday 17 April 2023 to Monday 15 May 2023. A technical IT issue associated with the “Contact Us” tab of the website resulted in some digital submissions not being received during the previous Public Consultation period which ended on 10 February 2023. This error has been rectified and submissions previously made through the “Contact Us” tab of the website can resubmitted. If your submission was made in person, by post or via email to slncr-greenway@arup.com your submission has been received and you do not need to re-submit. 

Register your School for Active School Week

By registering your school, you will receive #ASW23 email updates about new resources and supports, as and when they become available.

It's a great opportunity to create fun and inclusive physical activities.

Your school will also be entered into a draw for sports equipment prizes.

Business and Organisation Development for Non-Profits (eLearning)

Different demands are placed on an organisation as it develops over time. Managing change, building resources, generating income and maximising impact all take careful planning. In this 4 hour course, we will take a practical look at levels of organisational planning and development of particular relevance to social enterprises and to non-profit organisations who may wish to scale their operations. This course can be accessed for up to 12 months after purchase.

Target Audience

This course is designed with the needs of social enterprises and growing non-profits in mind. It provides a practical hands-on approach to business planning and organisational development for directors, senior managers and supervisors who do not have a background in business management.

Applications to the Ideas Academy are now open!

Do you have an idea to solve a social problem but aren't sure how to develop it?

What if you worked with a team of experts to make that vision a reality?

If this sounds like you - why not go for it?

Women On Wheels

Our long Summer evenings are fast approaching, its the perfect opportunity to get out for a Cycle.

Join our Women on Wheels programme taking place in 2 locations.

Register your place via the Eventbrite links below. tickets are €20 plus booking fee.

Drumshanbo commencing Wednesday 24th May registration at 6:30pm

 

Carrick commencing Wednesday 7th July registration 6:30pm

 

Participants most own their own bike and helmet

Calling all Athletes in the Connaught Region

Special Olympics Connaught are delivering an online Health Promotion Programme from Wed 10th May for a 6 week period.

UN Youth Delegate Programme

Supporting young people from Ireland to be represented at the United Nations.
Deadline: 26th May

Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps Competition

Kellogg's has a great competition running at the moment for GAA Clubs.

There are three cash prizes to be won of €25,000, €10,000 and €5,000!

To nominate your club, just buy a participating pack, scan the QR code on the inside of the pack and select your club.

Enter before 31st July 2023.

Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition

An initiative of Healthy Ireland in collaboration with the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), the competition is open to all primary school children.

There are three age categories with a prize for the winner in each category. The three age categories are junior infants to 1st class; 2nd to 4th class, and 5th and 6th class.

Deadline: 31 May 2023.

To All Volunteer Involving Groups in County Leitrim

Leitrim Volunteer Centre is a one stop shop for Volunteers and Volunteer Involving Organisations their aim is to connect those who wish to volunteer, to not for profit organisations who involve volunteers.

We want to provide you with every support possible to help you find Volunteers, provide you with a Garda Vetting Service (if needed), help you with Policies and Procedures and any relevant training.

Festival Makers Conference 2023

The Arts Council in partnership with Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Galway and Creative Europe Desk Ireland will present the Festival Makers Conference (formerly Change Makers) on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 May 2023 in Galway City. The two-day conference will provide opportunities for festival makers, festival stakeholders and artists making work in a festival context to exchange ideas, share, map sector developments and discuss practices relevant to festivals in Ireland.  

European Anti Poverty Network

Registration is open for EAPN Ireland’s conference ‘Ireland’s contribution to the EU’s role in tackling poverty.'
Registration is now open for the Preparatory Workshops for the Social Inclusion Forum (SIF) 2023, hosted by Community Work Ireland (CWI) and the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland.

Connected Hubs

Over 50 remote working hubs are opening their doors to the public as part of ConnectedHubs.ie #ShowcaseDay.

Drop in on your local hub to see how it could Transform Your Work Day. Some of these hubs are based in Community Centre's.

View all upcoming events, workshops and training sessions in Ireland. Whether you're a local startup, new in your hub or looking to join like minded people in your area, checkout the listings below. These events are run by Hubs across the country.

Wetland Webinar - Community Law and Mediation

The Community Wetlands Forum is organising a webinar with Clodagh Daly of Community Law and Mediation’s Centre for Environmental Justice on Thursday 4th May at 11am.

"Clodagh Daly is the manager of Community Law and Mediation's Centre for Environmental Justice. She will speak about the community supports the centre provides, including free legal advice, training, and consultation supports."

Manorhamilton Historical Society

A nostalgic, moving night was had at The Glens at the launch, by Tommie Gorman, of Manorhamilton Historical Society’s Shades of War in North Leitrim 1919-1923 as part of its Across the Lines project sponsored by the International Fund for Ireland. Gerry Creamer secretariat member in attendance.

Calling All Young Artists

This is your reminder that the This is Art! competition is still open for entries.

The theme of this year’s competition is 'This Is Inspiration’.

The competition is open to all young people of all abilities, aged 18 and under, residing on the island of Ireland and is inclusive of all visual art disciplines.

Deadline is midnight 8th May 2023.

Decision Support Service

They promote the rights and interests of people who may need support with decision-making.

✅Find out about the different ways you can get decision-making support.

✅Find out about the people who can provide support to you and your loved ones.

✅Their registers will help you find out if a person has a decision supporter.

✅Find out how to make a complaint about a decision supporter and related matters

✅Special visitors, general visitors, court friends and decision-making representatives.

✅Find out about the new terms used in the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.

Irish towns are facing significant challenges and opportunities

The Town Centre First policy is working to create town centres that are vibrant and attractive places for people to live, work and visit.
The policy is helping to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.