Troll Woods, Dromahair image taken by Naomi Lee

Winter Plenary

You are invited to the Bee Park Community Centre on Thurs 14th Nov from 7 to 9pm, for a gathering of community groups, food on arrival.

 

Plenary meetings are an opportunity for all members of Leitrim PPN to meet, share ideas and exchange information. 

At the Plenary members are updated on what the PPN has been doing over the past 6 months and its work plan for 2025. 

Help us celebrate 10 years in existence by coming along on Thurs 14th Nov to network with other groups, hear from Luke Kenny Community Water Officer, Tusla Meitheal & Hidden Harm, Community Capacity Building & Opportunities for Funding with Peaceplus and  learn about other funding streams for your groups, fostering community engagement with local community groups and showcasing what they do. 

Leitrim PPN will also launch their Strategic Plan 2025 – 2028.

 

All welcome, please spread the word with others in your group.

Traveller Programme Open Day

Leitrim PPN attended the Traveller Programme Open Day, this showcased the fantastic work done by the Traveller Community and staff at Shannonside Community Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon as part of Leitrim Inclusion Week 2024.

Thanks to all the staff and community for hosting the event.

Increased Funding for PPN's

Almost 21,000 community groups nationwide are members of the 31 PPN's across Ireland.  Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Charities and Integration, Joe O’Brien, TD sent a message of support and encouragement to the sixth National Public Participation Network Conference held at the Strand Hotel in Limerick.  Addressing the delegates via a pre-recorded video message, Minister O’Brien spoke about increased funding for PPN's he secured in Budget 2025: 
“As we look to the next 10 years of PPN's, I am pleased to announce that I have secured additional funding for PPNs in Budget 2025. I have directed that all of this additional funding will provided directly to PPN's. “So, from next January each PPN will receive just over €100,000 in core funding from my Department, more than double the original allocation of €50,000 each in 2015 and an increase of almost 20% on 2024.” 
The two-day conference event (Thursday 17th and Friday 18th Oct) was hosted by Limerick Public Participation Network, in conjunction with Limerick County Council, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the National PPN Advisory Group.  

Concluding, the Minister thanked PPN's for their sterling work, and for the extremely valuable contributions they make in their respective counties:  
“I want to commend and congratulate everyone involved in the network of 31 PPN's across the country - the member groups, the volunteers, the Secretariats and the staff.  Your dedication and hard work is truly admirable.”  

FREE Community Event for Over 55's

Age Friendly Leitrim and Healthy Leitrim will deliver a free community event for Over 55s in The Bee Park Community Centre on November 7th from 11am - 2pm. Come along and enjoy a morning of presentations and engagement stands promoting staying healthy and safe in your own home for longer.

Final PPN FREE Training Session of 2024

Reminder to all those who have registered: Our final FREE Leitrim PPN training session takes place tomorrow, from 10am-12pm online.

If you would like to make a last minute registration please email info@leitrimppn.ie.

Community Centres Investment Fund Refurbishment Grant - Successful Applicants

Congratulations to all hardworking committees & members of Leitrim PPN on their successful applications.

Irish Youth Foundation Flagship Fund 2024

The Irish Youth Foundation is once again opening it's Flagship Fund for 2024.

The goal of this fund is to support projects and programmes around the country that are focused on lifting children and young people up and out of poverty.  Awards of between €1,500 - €30,000 are available with this fund.

 

Deadline: 21st November

People’s Impact Fund 2024

Rethink Ireland, Deloitte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development are partnering to create the €500,000 one-year People’s Impact Fund to support projects that aim to promote equity of opportunity and access to employment, by developing the employability skills of young adults at a disadvantage and/or facilitating their employment.

 

The fund will focus on projects/organisations tailored towards the multiple challenges and barriers facing young adults in Ireland, which include:

- Limited awareness of career options and opportunities for employment

- Lack of general or technical skills or qualifications desired by employers

- Insufficient support/social networks to access and thrive in employment

The fund will provide support for up to four projects over the grant period, supporting vulnerable young adults aged 15-30 into employment. By providing a range of support initiatives for young people, from guidance and coaching, to skills development and work placements, the People’s Impact Fund aims to reduce barriers to employment and facilitate their smooth transition into the workforce.

 

Deadline: 22nd November

Young Environmentalist Awards

Since 1999, ECO-UNESCO has run the Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA), a free programme to honour the work of young people to protect, conserve and enhance the environment through local environmental projects, making a difference to their lives and the lives of others both locally and globally. Over 65,000 young people have taken part in the YEA since it began, bringing about lasting change to the environment, and reaching countless others with awareness-raising campaigns in schools and communities throughout Ireland.

The YEA programme is a fun and exciting way to empower young people to become better citizens, to build awareness of environmental issues in the community and promote local actions and lifestyle changes to the environment.

 

Deadline: 22nd November

The Daphne-CHILD programme 

The Daphne-CHILD programme vision aims to:

 

Address violence against children and young people, WITH children and young people, in 9 European countries across, by funding interventions that can improve children’s lives;

Develop capacities of local CSOs working at a local level in 9 countries in the area of violence against children and young people, and create a cross-country learning network for these organisations for peer exchange and mutual learning;

Inform wider regional work at the European level (EU, Council of Europe etc.) in the area of addressing violence against children across its many forms - both direct and/or indirect, and day-to-day and/or systemic, drawing on lived experiences and practice examples supported by the programme.

We are looking to fund projects that engage children meaningfully as part of their implementation.

Funding from €10,000 to €30,000 is available per project, with durations of 12-18 months.

 

Deadline for expression of interest: 14th November

Community Recognition Fund

Window 3 of the Community Recognition Fund is now open for applications.

 

There is circa €500,000 to be allocated under this final window. It is the objective of Leitrim County Council to allocate this funding across 4-5 projects.

 

Deadline: 30th November

Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector 

The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is now open for applications, with increased grant aid for organic horticulture.

The scheme is intended to assist in the development of the horticulture sector by grant-aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.

This year's scheme has an increased grant aid rate of up to 50% for licensed organic horticultural operators registered with an approved organic certification body.

It covers all horticultural areas including field vegetables (including seed potatoes) mushrooms, protected food crops, amenity crops, soft fruit, and apples, and beekeeping.

It's open to micro, small and medium-sized horticultural enterprises, including existing producers and new entrants.

 

Deadline: 13th December

Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Grants now open for applications

Irish Aid GCE grants support organisations to build awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing, inter-dependant and unequal world in which we live and to encourage individual and collective action by people of all ages. Grants are available to a range of organisations, including those working in schools, third level institutes, youth organisations and in the adult and community sector in Ireland.

 

The Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education grant scheme is a competitive process that provides grants of between €10,000 and €180,000 of one, two or three years in duration. It includes the Innovation Challenge Fund, which supports initiatives designed to reach new audiences, or which pioneer fresh approaches to Global Citizenship Education, including the use of new technologies.

 

Deadline: 5th December

€11m funding for archaeological and built heritage grant schemes

• €7.4 million in funding for the 2025 Community Monuments Fund

 

• €3.2m in funding for the 2025 Historic Structures Fund

 

• €500,000 to support historic thatched buildings under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

 

• Approximately 950 projects will receive supports under the schemes

 

Calls for the three grant schemes will be opened by mid-November, including details of eligibility, application deadlines and activity supported.

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

The Department of Rural & Community Development have announced the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2024/25. 

 

The focus of the scheme will be to support outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland.

 

ORIS Measure 1 Deadline: 11th December

SSE Airtricity €5m green community fund opens for applications

SSE Airtricity has today (Wednesday, October 30) opened its €5 million all-island Generation Green Community Fund for applications.

 

The fund aims to help local communities across the island of Ireland to implement meaningful green projects that contribute to the transition to net zero.

 

The initiative is particularly aimed at fostering local leadership and promoting social equity, ensuring that all communities, regardless of their size or location, can contribute to Ireland’s sustainable future.

 

Deadline: 10th January

‘Call for Proposals’ for applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund – Category 2 Projects

The fourth call for Category 2 applications under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) has been announced.

 

Project proposals under the RRDF should directly deliver on the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First Policy.  Under this Call for Proposals, particular attention will be given to applications which have the potential to increase economic activity and support the creation of employment, help to revitalise our rural towns and villages, drive greater footfall and address vacancy and dereliction. Such proposals will assist in attracting people back to live in rural areas.

 

‘Category 2’ RRDF projects are intended to provide funding to allow Project Leads undertake and complete the initial planning, design and technical works required to of any large scale project.  This sees potential, large scale, projects developed to a stage allowing for greater certainty regarding scope, cost and delivery timelines to support for further funding under a ‘Category 1’ RRDF application.

 

Deadline: 14th March

Movement for Good

Ecclesiastical and Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is now in its sixth year, the awards are giving charities across the UK and Ireland the opportunity to receive €1,000.

 

In December, they’ll be giving 120 charities £1,000 each over 12 days.

 

The Movement for Good Awards has donated over £5million to charities in the UK and Ireland since the initiative started in 2019.

 

Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

EU Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values  (CERV) programme

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers has launched a  communication campaign to amplify the reach and impact of its “Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values”  (CERV) programme in Ireland. The CERV programme is the biggest-ever EU fund for civil society aiming at  promoting and protecting fundamental rights in the EU. CERV underlines the important role of civil society in  safeguarding and promoting the EU values of respect for human fundamental rights, rule of law and democracy.

 

Since CERV started in 2021, the programme has allocated a total of €2,280,286.52 in Ireland, which represents  0.88% of the funds awarded in 2021-2022. A total of 89 project proposals have been submitted, with a success  rate of 35%.

 

Deadline: Various deadlines depending on programme

Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan

Failte 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.

 

Written submissions or observations should be marked “Draft Destination and Experience Development Plan”, and submitted to:
Dr Sarah McCarthy, Fáilte Ireland, Market Square, Commons, Mullingar, County Westmeath, N91 PW95
Submissions or observations can also be made by email to dedp_uppershannon@failteireland.ie and titled “Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for the Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, and Border area”

 

Deadline: 21st November

Deadline Extended: Consultation on Health & Social Care Services & Supports for Older People

The Public Consultation for Commission on Care for Older People has now been extended to 8th November. 

Pre-Registration Training for Childminders

Prepare Me As I Am Autistic Play

Did you know that the AsIAm offers a range of preparatory educational programs for Autistic people and their family members?

 

The Prepare Me AsIAm Autistic Play programme highlights the importance of respecting and guarding Autistic children’s play, ensuring it is free and safe. The program features insights from specialists and Autistic parents, offering neuro-affirming advice from experts in psychology, psychotherapy, speech, occupational therapy, and the AsIAm’s team.

Breastfeeding Buddy Training

Healthy Leitrim are delighted to announce Friends of Breastfeeding (FoBF) are delivering Breastfeeding Buddy Training in November and December 

This round of training will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday 16th November, Saturday 30th November and Sunday 8th December.

 

FoBF Buddies provide new mums with 1:1 peer support at the start of their breastfeeding journey.

 

If you are an experienced breastfeeder (6 months +) who is passionate about supporting people who want to breastfeed, and looking for an opportunity to help others, then FoBF would love to hear from you.

If you have any questions or want any further details you can contact FoBF at enquiries@friendsofbreastfeeding.ie

This training is funded by Healthy Leitrim with Mohill Family Support Centre 

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter & Guidelines for ECCE training

Leitrim County Childcare Committee will be delivering the Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter & Guidelines for ECCE training, this training is part of the AIM Access & Inclusion Model.

 

Saturday 16th November 10am - 4pm (lunch provided)

 

Monday 18th & 25th November 6.30pm-9.30pm

 

Venue:

Dromhair Community Playschool,

Drumlease,

Dromahair,

Co.Leitrim,

F91 P825

 

The content of the course is:

-Using the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Charter and Guidelines to support practice in Early Years - terminology and concepts relating to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

-Looking at our attitudes and values-Anti-Bias approach

-Policy, Legislation and Guidelines- Equality Proofing the Early Years environment

-Exploring issues and challenges- leadership relating Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

 

email nancy@leitrimchildcare.ie to book a place on the course.

WorkAbility Leitrim Project Launch

Leitrim Development Company, wish to invite you to attend the Official launch of the WorkAbility Leitrim programme by Adam Harris, in the Carrick Business Campus (old MBNA building).

• Thursday 21st November at 12 Noon
• Tea/ Coffee & Sign in from 11.30am

Is EU Funding for You?

Ever wondered, “What exactly is EU funding? Is it a good fit for your organisation?” Join Access Europe on 12th November for Is EU Funding for Me? The Bite-Sized Basics to Getting Started, an online session designed to introduce newcomers to the world of EU funding.   
There is a wealth of opportunities at EU level for Irish community & voluntary organisations.  
However, with so many opportunities available and so much information out there, it can be hard to know where to start.  This online session will provide a clear overview of the characteristics of EU funded projects and help you determine if EU funding is the right fit for your organisation’s activities.   
During ______ will provide:   
• An introduction to EU funding, its key features and requirements, to help you understand how EU funding operates  
• An overview of beginner-friendly EU funding programmes suited for your organisation  
• Practical tips and a step-by-step guide to help you begin applying for EU funding  
• Best practice examples from your peers 

A chance to ask your questions and clarify any doubts you may have about EU funding. 

 

Don't miss this opportunity to start or expand your organisation's EU fundi

ng journey!  

Email info@leitrimppn.ie if you would like to register.

Want to learn how to ramble? Have questions about the Just Rambling project or want to get involved in your own area? 

Then come to the online meeting where The Just Rambling Project will be explained and any questions answered.

 

7th November 7pm

 

To recieve the zoom link please email justramblingireland@gmail.com

 

Photo by David Knight.

Training Needs Assessment Reports For Community & Voluntary Sector

The Minister for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien, has officially launched three training needs assessment reports for the Community and Voluntary Sector. 
The assessments of training needs were undertaken within the framework of the government’s five year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 2019 – 2024, Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities.  

This sets out a long term vision for government policy and support in relation to 
community and local development, and contains a number of actions relating to the training needs of the sector as a whole. 
In furtherance of the strategy objectives, these three assessments, undertaken by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development, and in consultation with the C&V sector, provide an analysis along with key findings and recommendations for the sector’s training needs.

They relate specifically to; 
·       Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs); 
·       Small Community and Voluntary Organisations;

·       Boards of Charitable Organisations. 

The reports provide a basis in the pursuit of the best practice for central government, as well as state bodies and the C&V sector to progress appropriate support for training needs across the sector. 
The Training Needs Reports set out a range of recommendations to identify and meet the training needs, implement a formal programme to meet these needs, and support capacity building in groups and organisations Among the recommendations are; 
·      provision of training  on the development of local economic and community plans (LECPs), inter-cultural awareness and engagement of marginalised communities in local planning processes (which have been deliv
ered); 
·       provide governance training that meets the differential needs of the boards and trustees of organisations; and, 
·       an increased awareness of training available relevant to small community and voluntary groups. 

ESB Wind Farm Community Funds - 2024 Celebrating Community Achievements Webinar Event 

This is an opportunity to get inspired and learn from each other.

Community groups within the area of benefit (10Km) of the Wind Farms, are encouraged to attend.

• Black Banks Wind Farm, Seltan, Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim.
• Garvagh Glebe Wind Farm, Tullynamuckduff, Co. Leitrim.

+ESB Wind Farm Community Funds would love community groups within the Area of Benefit (10km) of the Wind Farms to join them from 7pm-8pm Tuesday 12th November, for the Celebrating Community Achievements Webinar event.The event will feature groups from across the country, who have successfully completed a wide range of projects with support from these funds.

Save the Date for Christmas Markets

Sat 23rd November - Kinlough Community Centre

Sun 27th November - Carrigallen

 

Sat 30th November - The Bee Park, Manorhamilton - 12noon - 4pm

Sun 1st December - The Bee Park, Manorhamilton - 12noon - 4pm

Sun 1st December - Fenagh Community Centre - 12noon - 5pm

 

Sat 7th December - Island Theatre, Ballinamore - 12noon - 4pm

 

Fri 13th December - The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon - 6-8pm
Sat 14th December - The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon - 10am-3pm