Last Reminder - Free Training for PPN Members

Mon 4th Sept First Aid Training for PPN members in Bee Park Manorhamilton

9am to 4pm.

 

Tue 5th Sept First Aid Training Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo

9am to 4pm.

Reminder of Linkage Group Meetings

Tue 5th Sept - Planning, Housing and Transport Linkage group meeting 7.30pm Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo

 

Wed 6th Sept - Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity and Agriculture Linkage Group 7.30pm Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo

 

Thurs 7th Sept - Social Inclusion, Disability, Rural Development, Peace and Reconciliation Linkage Group 7.30pm Leitrim Development Company, Drumshanbo

All meetings facilitated by Liam Scollan, if you have an interest in any of the above topics please come along.

Statement of Strategy for the Department of Rural and Community Development

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., on Tuesday, 8th August  published the Department of Rural and Community Development’s new Statement of Strategy.

The Strategy sets out the vision and strategic goals that will guide the work of the Department over the period 2023 to 2025 as it continues to deliver on its mission “to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland”.

On Page 22 - Strategic Goal 4 -  Enable the community, voluntary, charity, philanthropic and social economy sectors to contribute fully to civil society – PPN’s mentioned.

Strategic Objectives - Encourage open and inclusive policy-making by building community capacity to input into local decision making through our support of the Public Participation Networks.

Key Actions - Develop an implementation roadmap to guide any necessary changes and support PPNs to further develop their capacity

Calling all PPN Members - Call for News Items for the Leitrim PPN E-Bulletin!

These can include details of Community Events, Training, Opportunities and anything non-profit related.  Please send your details to info@leitrimppn.ie We circulate an e bulletin to 375 groups every 2 weeks.   If you have an event coming up its FREE advertising – great if you have a jpeg poster to send us.

The Rural Action Awards Scheme Reopened for Applications

The Awards Scheme has supported 15 community projects to date and we have a further 3 awards available for this intake which closes for applications on 20th September 2023.

 

The Rural Action Awards Scheme, is aimed at supporting rural communities celebrate their own achievements:    

 

Rural community-based organisations in Northern Ireland, or the border region of Ireland have the opportunity to apply for and be in with a chance of securing £1000 or €1000 towards their chosen community project

The scheme is open to constituted rural community-based organisations including charities, not for profit community groups, sporting and cultural organisations, heritage groups, Parent Teacher Associations, youth groups/clubs and social enterprises. 

Simple application form and verification process with evidence of constitution and bank account in group name required if successful. 

The scheme seeks to support practical, tangible and timebound projects where the project must complete within 12 weeks

Deadline: 20th September 2023. 

The Arts Council - Visual Artists Workspace Scheme

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from the following:

 

• Workspace in the Republic of Ireland
• Workspaces dedicated to the support of professional visual artists
• Workspaces that accommodate at least four professional visual artists working on site.
• Workspaces proposing to collaborate to share resources for the benefit of the visual artists working in their spaces
• Organisations/Groups/Collectives that have an established workspace

Deadline: 14th September

Family Matters Grant Programme 2022-2025

SSGT believes putting families at the heart of the criminal justice system and processes is the ‘golden thread’ which can reduce the harm of imprisonment and contribute to rehabilitation. Therefore, a strategic aim of SSGT is to contribute to improving the system of support for families affected by convictions and imprisonment to improve rehabilitation and resettlement outcomes. Evidence shows that prisoners who manage to maintain family bonds whilst in prison have significantly reduced reoffending risks upon release. Families cannot bear this burden alone and should be supported in this role. However, SSGT acknowledges family relationships are complex and systems should take account of the best interests of both the family and the prisoner.

In Strand 1, groups can apply for one-year grants of up to €7,000

Strand 2 will fund groups – up to €20,000/€25,000 pa for one to three years

Deadline: 21st Sept

The Hospital Saturday Fund

The Hospital Saturday Fund is a registered charity and the parent company of HSF health plan. For over 140 years, we have been providing assistance through charitable funds in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Medically related charities, hospitals, hospices and medical clinics can receive support with:

• Medical care
• Medical training
• The Hospital Saturday Fund will also consider grants for running costs.

Individuals can receive support with:

• Specialised mobility equipment
• Therapeutic equipment / Treatment
• Home adaptations
• Plus much more.

Google Ad Grants

Helps nonprofits share their causes with the world.

Google Ad Grants shows your message to people searching for nonprofits like yours.

Each qualifying nonprofit has access to up to $10,000 per month in search ads shown on Google.com.

Protestant Aid Funding

Helps people whose difficulties have been brought to its attention through social workers and local clergy.

Applications may only be submitted to Protestant Aid through an applicant’s Clergy or Social Worker. Each case is considered on an individual basis by the charitable services committee.

(You may know someone who could benefit from this aid)

Protestant Aid will handle all cases brought to its attention with the same compassion and confidentiality that its founders adopted. Please be assured that all requests for grant assistance are treated with the utmost confidentiality.

UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Funding

The Department of Social Protection is calling for applications for funding to support anti-poverty organisations and groups working with people experiencing poverty to organise local, regional or national activities to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Closing Date: 25 August

The TikTok Digital Future Fund

The TikTok Digital Future Fund is a €750,000 three-year fund created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with TikTok to enhance the lives of young adults in Ireland. The Fund is part of a €1 million total commitment by TikTok.

 

€250,000 will be granted to Rethink Ireland in TikTok advertising to support fund activities with non-profit organisations in communities. 

Ages 15-24 are transformative years in the lives of all young people. It is a time when young people make key education and employment choices that influence their long-term prospects. Since the pandemic, many young people are unemployed or are in precarious employment. Young people supported with high quality education and skills training opportunities have an increased chance of building a prosperous life. To build a strong future generation, young people need to be supported to access programmes that build digital and/or creative skills and equip them for further education and/or a job.

 

The objective of the Fund is to support non-profit organisations that build digital and/ or creative skills to enhance the lives of marginalised young people aged 15-24 who are experiencing unemployment, underemployment, or wish to upskill. 

This could be done through:

• education programmes
• employment readiness programmes
• or both! 

Deadline: 22nd September

Creative Production Supports

This initiative is informed by key goals contained within the Arts Council strategy, Making Great Art Work, and the Arts Council’s current performing-arts polices, which seek to support artists at all stages of their careers to create work of excellence that engages widely and deeply with the public. Informed by this, and following a process of consultation, the Arts Council seeks proposals that collaborate with the existing infrastructure to provide additional, arts-led production supports for the independent arts sector, particularly those in receipt of Arts Council Project Awards and Arts Grant Funding. 

Arts and Disability Connect 2023

Arts and Disability Connect awards scheme Opportunity Two 2023 is open for applications.

The New Work Award and a Research and Reflection Award is the name of the award.
Deadline: 10th October.

WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme

The WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is a new programme co-financed by the EU Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training Programme (EIST) 2021-2027 and the Department of Social Protection (DSP). The programme will provide funding support to local, regional, and national projects that are focused on achieving improved employment outcomes for people with disabilities through a range of support measures.

The aim of the WorkAbility Programme is to ensure people with disabilities are fully supported to find and maintain employment and organisations which employ programme participants are supported to ensure that their employment is successful.

 

The Programme will support people with disabilities aged 16 years and over who are currently not work ready and/or are distant from the labour market to gain access to employment. To achieve this, the funding will support projects that provide progressive pathways into employment (including self-employment) through education, training, skills development, and in-work supports for participants based on their needs, their abilities and their potential.

Deadline: 7th September.

Affordable Housing Online Survey

Leitrim County Council is inviting members of the public to take part in an online survey to assess the potential of an Affordable Housing Scheme in the County.

National Financial Literacy Strategy

The Department of Finance is holding a consultation for the National Financial Literacy Strategy to seek information on financial literacy/ education initiatives currently in place and being delivered in Ireland.
Deadline: 15th September.

Cycle Against Suicide Community Buddy Training

The Community Buddy training programme is our community-focused positive mental health initiative and is free for anyone volunteering within their community. Training is free of charge and is delivered via Zoom.

Dates: Option 1: September 2023: Wed 20th and Thurs

21st & Mon 25th and Tues 26th

Option 2: November 2023: Tues 21st and Wed 22nd &

Tues 28th and Wed 29th

Reminder: all 4 training evenings must be attended in

order to complete the training.

Global Citizenship Scholarship

Creativity & Change at MTU is accepting applications for the 2023/2024 course, which begins in September. This part-time, 20 credit certificate at level 9 offers participants the opportunity to explore Global Citizenship Education, immersing themselves in arts-based practices that connect their heads, hearts and hands, to learn about and take action for global justice, while developing skills to nurture fellow changemakers.

Supported by Irish Aid, Department of Justice, the course will be of interest to artists, activists, youth and community educators, volunteers and all those who are interested in collaboration and the transformative power of art.

Applicants are particularly welcomed from minority groups facing barriers to accessing education, who can apply to avail of fully funded places under the Amplifying Voices scheme.

Creativity & Change is now a core module on the new MA in Arts and Engagement at Crawford College of Art and Design, a progression route for those who have already completed the course and want to keep learning.

Deadline: 27th August

Lean ar Aghaidh: Seven ways to help your teen hold on to their Gaeltacht Irish 

"Speaking the language for its own sake rather than the pursuit of points in state exams is probably the first step to getting the result you want."

Teagasc Summer Signpost Photo Competition

This Summer, Teagasc are inviting you to submit photos, capturing the actions that you are taking to reduce emissions on your farms.

This photo competition is running across 12 months with 4 phases to it – Autumn climate actions, Winter climate actions, Spring climate actions, Summer climate actions.

We are inviting you to submit images of the climate actions that farmers across the country are taking to help reduce emissions on their farm.

Each phase will have its own winner.   

Below is a list of just some of the climate actions that Teagasc are encouraging farmers to take this Summer to help reduce emissions on their farm:

• Testing grass
• Making quality silage
• Spreading slurry with LESS
• Weighing animals
• Reducing chemical N use
• Checking out the soil maps from NMP
• Grazing swards at 1300-1500 kg covers
• Using protected urea
• Walking the farm to measure grass cover
• Using PastureBase to keep on top of grass quality
• Fencing to improve grazing infrastructure
• Dung sampling
• Applying lime

Lidl - JAM Card Friendly Retailer

The Just A Minute (JAM) Card allows people with a learning difficulty, autism or communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily in customer service situations. As the first Irish Retailer to become JAM Card Friendly, Lidl want to welcome all JAM Card users to shop at ease in their stores and are supporting our colleagues to recognise the card to make our customers’ shopping experience as stress-free as possible.

Belong To

Growing up Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI+) is not always easy. Belong To are here to help you with information, support, and youth groups where you can meet other LGBTI+ young people who have similar experiences to you.

Getting the help and support you need is important. BeLonG To offer non-judgmental, confidential support.  They are there for you.

You will find a lot of information on the website. You can

also:  Call: 01 670 6223  Email: info@belongto.org

NCBI's Local Advocacy Network

Do you want to make positive change in your community? Local people who are blind or vision impaired are invited to attend NCBI's Local Advocacy Network. This provides a platform for people in the local community to work together to break down barriers they are facing in their area. You can find out more information about the Local Advocacy Network, by calling 1800 911 250, by emailing campaigns@ncbi.ie.

You can also join NCBI’s Advocacy Talks live monthly online event when you will hear from local and international speakers on topics of interest to people with a disability. These events are held from 3-4pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month on Microsoft Teams platform. 

Rossinver Youth & Community Project

If you are planning a Celebration,  Rossinver Youth & Community Project have a suitable venue at Rossinver Community Centre.  Seating can be set up to accommodate  30 children at our pre-set Party tables. The Centre will also be decorated for your celebration. Our Bouncy Castle is sure to entertain your guests in a warm and safe environment away from harsh weather. What makes our indoor parties different to others is that we only book one party at a time ensuring only you and your guests are using our facilities. Booking times are 11am-1pm or 3-5 pm. A two hour party costs only €150. For Bookings or more information Ph 071 9832970 or email rossinvercommunity@gmail.com.

The EEA annual photography competition is live!

Under one of 4 categories: Circular & Smart, Eco-Lifestyles, Wasteful Production, Consumption Mania.

Apply for a Senior Smart Pass

For anyone with the Free Travel Pass (Free Travel Scheme) you can now apply for free travel across Northern Ireland (Senior SmartPass).

 

How to apply for a Senior Smart Pass:

 

To get a Senior SmartPass you must complete the FTNI1 application form. You can get this form from your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Office. This form cannot be got online.

You should not use a photocopy of the form as each form have its own barcode. The application form must be filled in with black ink only and returned in person (not posted) to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

You must bring the following items with your application form to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office:

• Your Irish Free Travel pass/Public Services Card and
• Proof of your address, (for example, a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement) and
• Proof of your identity, (for example, your driving licence, passport or another form of photo identification) and
• A recent passport standard colour photograph.

It may take up to 6 weeks to process your application.