Lough Rynn image taken by John Shanley

Free PPN Training for members

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER

17th September - 10 to 12 - Online

 

Applying for Funding/Completing Funding Applications etc

• Explore sustainable funding and its practical application
• Examine the steps to complete a strong funding application
• Highlight a range of tips for success when applying for funds 

Ireland's First National Trail Conference

Huge congrats to our colleague Emma O'Hagan , the Rural Recreation Officer for Leitrim and all the team at Leitrim Development Company for organising a fantastic inaugural National Trails Conference last week.

 

Leitrim PPN pictured with our PPN colleagues in Roscommon.

Ireland’s third SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week 20th to 29th Sept

 

SAVE THE DATE - Thurs 14th November PPN PLENARY - Manorhamilton 7-9pm

All members of the PPN are welcome to attend the Plenary.  New members welcome if you wish to join the PPN.

 

The Plenary facilitates an update on PPN activity, dialogue on PPN strategy and the highlighting of grants/funding.

 

Plenary meetings happen at least twice a year.  They are an opportunity for PPN member groups to meet, network and have a say on the work of the PPN.

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

The Climate Action, Environment, Heritage, Biodiversity & Agriculture Linkage Group meeting was held on 4th Sept with the following speakers:-

• Luke Kenny Community Water Officer, Sligo, Leitrim and Longford with Local Authority Waters Programme
• Fintan Coyle, Climate Action Team Leitrim County Council

Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) works on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries, ground and coastal water through catchment science and local community engagement.

Grants awarded by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) in Leitrim

Mental Health Week

Leitrim Development Company SICAP programme along with Mental Health Ireland, Leitrim PPN, Social Prescribing and HSE will be hosting a number of events during the week of 7th Oct.  Watch this space!

 

If any Community Group wishes to hold an event during Mental Health Week you can email the details and we will include in our e-bulletin: info@leitrimppn.ie 

New SPC’s in Leitrim County Council

Strategic Policy Committees – Proposed Remit and Responsibilities

Leitrim County Council propose to establish four “thematic” Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) as follows:

 

Economic and Enterprise Development

This SPC is responsible for all areas of policy concerning:

• Economic Development
• Tourism
• Planning
• Enterprise
• Town Regeneration
• Broadband/Digital
• Casual Trading

 

Physical Environment

This SPC is responsible for all areas of policy concerning:

• Roads and Active Travel
• EV Charging
• Climate Action
• Environment
• Heritage
• Biodiversity
• Rural Water
• Water Quality
• Emergency Services

 

Local Development

This SPC is responsible for all areas of policy concerning:

• Placemaking – towns and villages
• Community Development
• Social Enterprise
• Agriculture sector
• Creative sector
• Local Transport
• Parks Open Spaces
• Burial Grounds
• Recreational Trails and Facilities, Playgrounds

 

Social Development

SPC is responsible for all areas of policy concerning:

• Housing
• Community Integration/Social Inclusion
• Arts
• Culture
• Sports
• Libraries
• Children and Youth
• Needs of People with Disabilities
• Older People/Age Friendly
• Healthy Ireland

 

Note: Climate Action & Biodiversity will transcend policy matters of all SPCs.

 

Each SPC will consist of six (6) Elected Members and four (4) nominees from Sectoral Interests.

SPCs will normally meet about four (4) times yearly.

 

Environmental, Community and Voluntary and Social Inclusion sectors will be determined on the basis of the local nomination process through the Public Participation Network (PPN), through the appropriate PPN Pillars.

 

Leitrim PPN will be seeking SPC reps in the coming weeks, more details to follow.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme

Leitrim County Council is now inviting applications under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2025.  The grant scheme provides support to assist with the repair and conservation of Protected Structures and in certain cases, works to structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs).

 

Deadline: 27th September

Department of Social Protection: Work and Access

An employer can apply for funding to arrange and pay for Disability Equality and Inclusion Training for their staff. Work and Access supports Disability Equality and Inclusion Training for employers/organisations. The training courses should be tailored to address the specific needs of a workplace.

EU Just Transition Fund: Local Economic and Community Plans

Funding of up to €1 million is available for projects that build on the strengths of the local area, have an identified need, and create new job opportunities or increase the sustainability of existing jobs in the territory. Applicants need to demonstrate alignment with 'Local Economic and Community Plans' of their respective county.

 

Deadline: 30th September

European Funding for Staff, Volunteers and Organisational Development

If you have a skills gap in your organisation and need funding to help meet it, Leargas would love to speak to you about how an Erasmus+ project could help you meet your goals.

Contact Jemma on jlee@leargas.ie to discuss your work and see what might be possible.

 

Deadline: 1st October

National Heritage Keepers Programme Opens for New Round of Applications: Discover the treasure on your doorstep!

Burrenbeo Trust is thrilled to announce that the latest round of the National Heritage Keepers Programme is open for applications. Heritage Keepers are now looking for community groups and senior classes of primary schools to take part in its highly anticipated fourth round.

 

Through a series of online workshops Heritage Keepers empowers groups and schools to delve into their local heritage and provides funding to allow them to take positive action.  Rather than seeking to separate built, cultural and natural heritage the programme works on the principle that all aspects of heritage are very closely inter-linked and that these aspects work together to create our distinctive Places.

 

The programme consists of five engaging two-hour workshops, followed by dedicated support while completing the funded action. It opens for expressions of interest on the 3rdth of September, with options to begin this autumn or in the New Year.

 

For those eager to learn more about this wonderful opportunity, an online information session is scheduled for Thursday, September 12th, at 7.30pm. 

 

Deadline:  4th October

New Funding Programme for Community Climate Engagement

The fund is designed as a unique, small-scale, flexible fund that can help community groups spread the word about what they are doing or what they might be planning to do. With a starting pot of €1 million to be distributed over this year and into next, it is intended to support the vital activities that are often not funded – like event organisation, climate advocacy, social media, developing leaflets and information materials, or joining up and working with other groups to take on bigger projects, for example.

 

The fund is welcoming applications under three strands:

 

 

1. Community Awareness

 

2. Community Engagement

 

3. Community Activation

 

The Climate Actions Work fund is not intended for taking climate actions themselves, like, for example, installing solar panels or bike racks or purchasing trees or plants for a community garden. There is a variety of funding is already in place to support this kind of local climate action

 

Grants from €2,500 up to €10,000 are available under the different strands. 

 

Deadline: 4th October

Geoheritage Programme Grant Scheme 2024/25

Geological Survey Ireland Geoheritage Programme is supporting the development and sustainability of Ireland’s geoheritage through community-driven geoscience outreach initiatives, including education, and geotourism to promote community engagement and development of geoheritage awareness.

 

This grant aid is available to support small community-driven geoheritage initiatives.  

Deadline: 30th September

Artist Collective Bursary

The Artist Collective Bursary programme is designed to support the work of Leitrim based professional artists from any one or multiple arts disciplines. Collectives may include, but are not limited to, groups of artists such as visual artists collectives, theatre companies, music collectives etc.

 

 

Deadline: 29th September

Water Action Plan for Ireland 2024

Applications accepted from 18th September until 20th November.  Interested groups should get in touch with Luke Kenny Community Water Officer Sligo, Leitrim and Longford - 085 808 5495 to start developing project ideas. 

Public consultation on health and social care services and supports for older people 

To inform the work of the Commission on Care for Older People, a public consultation on health and social care services and supports for older people is being conducted by the Department of Health on the Commission’s behalf.

 

Deadline: 24th October

Organic Centre: Upcoming Courses

QQI Level 5 Module in Community Development Practice which LDC and MSLETB will be running this Autumn

Leitrim Development Company in collaboration with Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board are providing a Certified Level 5 Module in Community Development Practice in 2 locations:  Drumshanbo and Rossinver.

 

This course is free and open to people and groups who are working/ volunteering in the community & voluntary sector in Leitrim.  

 

Learners can elect to attend the course in either of the two locations, and the course will run for approximately 10 weeks:

 

Drumshanbo (Training Room in Leitrim Development Company Main Office)

Starting Weds 18th Sept 6.30pm to 9pm, with class every Wednesday evening and every second Saturday morning (9am to 1pm) for 10 weeks.

 

Rossinver (Rossinver New Community Centre)

Starting Thursday 19th Sept 10am to 3pm (every Thurs 10am to 3pm for approx 10 weeks). 

 

For further information contact Michael Bruen on mbruen@ldco.ie  0719641770 Ext. 209

 

Leitrim PPN urges member groups to consider doing this certified level 5 course which you can progress onto higher levels later on through the Peaceplus funding.

Free Disability Equality Workshops

This September 23-26 (in advance of the Irish tour of No Magic Pill) disabled and non-disabled participants are invited to attend FREE Disability Equality Workshops in Galway, Longford, Ennis and Dublin.

 

ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS

Each workshop is 2.5 hours long. These interactive sessions aim to ignite conversations about building inclusive environments, dismantling stereotypes, and fostering equal opportunities for disabled people. Past attendees have described the workshops as "fun, engaging, and eye-opening."

 

WHO ARE THE WORKSHOPS FOR?

All welcome – the workshops are open to disabled and non-disabled participants and are for anyone passionate about creating positive change in disability equality, starting with oneself.

 

WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES

Longford: Mon, 23 September | 2 pm - 4.30 pm

Ennis: Tues, 24 September | 10.30 am - 1 pm

Galway: Weds, 25 September | 10 am - 12.30 pm

Dublin: Thurs, 26 September | 2 pm - 4.30 pm

 

HOW TO BOOK

If you are interested in attending these FREE workshops, please email ninabyrne@ilmi.ie.

 

FACILITATOR

Workshops will be facilitated by Peter Kearns, a No Magic Pill cast member, dramaturg, and ILMI (Independent Living Movement Ireland) DPO Development Officer and PPN member.  This outreach programme is led by ILMI and is a collaboration between ILMI, Magic Pill Productions, Irish Wheelchair Association(IWA), and Disability Federation of Ireland Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI).

Volunteer Ireland Training & Events Calendar

Understanding and Supporting an Anxious Child

*** Attention Parents **** Have you an Anxious Child?

Understanding and Supporting an Anxious Child FREE information talk for parents with Dr Sharyn Byrne.

Culture Night

On the evening of Friday September 20th Leitrim will come alive once more with a host of free events across the county, showcasing Leitrim’s culture and creativity for Culture Night 2024.  Events will be taking place across the county from Ballinamore to Manorhamilton to Carrick on Shannon so start planning your evening now!

Places are limited for many events so book early where booking is required. 

An Scéal?

Have you ever seen the light of the fairies dancing in the hills?  Or ever stuck in a field unable to find the way home?  Or heard the roar of a crowd at a football Match only for there to be no one near at all.

This Autumn Áirc Damhsa are inviting the people of Leitrim to gather fairy stories from the older generation of the county and share them with our community.  These stories will then influence the creation of a new dance performance in collaboration with playwright Mikel Murf.

So take a ramble over to the older generation in your area as the dark evenings set in.  Ask them have they any stories of the fairies and no doubt there’ll be plenty! You might even meet a fairy yourself on your rambles!  Document these stories through text, video, audio recording or retell the story in your own words and share them with aircdamhsa@gmail.com

Photo above by Jill Freedman taken in Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim 1973.

National Walking Day - 29th September 2024

This National Walking Day 2024, why not organise a walk in your community?

Themes include Mindful Walking, Equality and Inclusivity, Access for All, Active Travel, Workplace Walking, and Happy Hiking, each offering unique opportunities to participate. 

 

Register your walk today online, get a downloadable poster to print or share online! And have fun (guaranteed!)

 

By registering your NWD walk event on National Walking Day  website your walk
organiser(s) will be covered by their insurance.

Maximum group size is 50.

Positive Ageing Week begins 30th September 2024

Positive Ageing Week (PAW) is an initiative by Age Action to celebrate the contributions of older people and to promote their agency.

Positive Ageing Week 2024 will carry on the theme of Challenging Ageism – Reframing How We Think, Feel and Act towards ageing and older persons.

 

Anyone and everyone can participate in PAW. We encourage community-based events, organised by groups or individuals as well as national events, in partnership with Age Action or not, to reflect the diversity of experience and situation of older people.

Public & Patient Involvement Panel

The European Health Data Space (EHDS) is a major health information development in all EU countries.  One of its aims is to use health information for better services, policy, research and innovation in health.

 

In Ireland, through an EU-funded project led by the Department of Health, new services are being developed that will enable the collection, use and sharing of health information to plan for future health and social care needs of patients and the public and for better, safer care.

 

A team at the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is beginning to work with the Department of Health to develop a plan on how to engage with the public in relation to these new developments. 

 

They need the public involved in this important work from the very start.

Restrictions on Cutting Hedgerows and Burning

Landowners, farmers, and householders are reminded to ensure that they cut and maintain roadside hedges and overhanging trees so road users – motorists, pedestrians and cyclists – can travel safely.

 

Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 places responsibility for the maintenance of roadside hedges on the owners/occupiers of the adjoining lands.

 

Japanese Knotweed and ground disturbance

Landowners are reminded that they should not cut Japanese Knotweed. No ground disturbance should take place at these sites at any time of year.

2024 #HowWeAge Photography Competition

Are you passionate about photography? Do you know an older person whose wisdom, contributions, and presence have made a lasting impact on your community or household?

 

The Institute of Public Health is seeking images that will reframe how ageing and older people are portrayed in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

 

Capture a photo of someone who has made a difference in your life or community, whether they’re working, volunteering, learning or teaching.

Submit your photos by 1st October

Funding approval for Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection for Manorhamilton

Under the scheme, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has approved funding of €59,558 for proposed works at Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, which include maintaining vegetation along sections of the Owenbeg River as well as branch trimming, tree cutting and the removal of dead wood debris along the Glenfarne River. It will also include the repair of a trailing wall and channel, where the river merges at the rear of the Pre-School and Bee Park Resource Centre, and the installation of flap valves on outfalls from street drainage gullies at this location.

An Introduction to Recruiting, Leading and Supporting Volunteers

Learn the basics of finding, managing, and empowering volunteers in this hands-on workshop!

Online Exhibitions & Events from the National Library of Ireland

Did you know the National Library of Ireland have several free/ online exhibitions you can enjoy from the comfort of home?

Able Active App - Where Nature is Accessible

Your app to find trails and amenities near you, guided by detailed information, real-time data and peer accessibility ratings, allowing you to enjoy nature with your friends and family.

Get Ireland Active

Ireland is an island full of sport, recreation and adventure. With Get Ireland Active, discovering where is made easy. Explore thousands of opportunities, from casual to competitive, and find what suits you best.

 

Get Ireland Active will guide you and help you to take control of your own activity journey. All in one place, explore countless trails, clubs, facilities and public places across the country.

Irish Hospice Foundation: Time to Talk - Tomorrow Starts Today Campaign

Time to Talk: Tomorrow Starts Today is a campaign by Irish Hospice Foundation which aims to normalise conversations about dying and grieving. Death and grief affect us all. It’s important that we explore and think about our end-of-life wishes, and that we discuss them with our loved ones.

Healthy Club Cardiac Screening 

Aughawillan GAA Club proposes holding a cardiac screening event on Saturday 26 October in the clubrooms.

 

The principal tests are:

• Screening questionnaire
• Electrocardiography
• Blood pressure

All tests performed by cardiac physiologists and reported by a consultant cardiologist.  Following the consultant report, there may be a recommendation for an echocardiogram which will also be performed at no additional cost.  This is typically required on 10% of those screened.

 

Cost €50 per person.

 

Age range 14 years upwards.  People aged over 40 screened on the basis that they know the risk of follow up test is higher due to the increased likelihood of cardiac disease rather than sudden death syndrome.

 

Can anybody who is interested please text/contact Gillian Mc Niff on 0879823589 as soon as possible.

Leitrim Volunteer Centre looking for a Board Member from a Volunteer Involving Organisation

Leitrim Volunteer Centre are looking for a Board Member from a Volunteer Involving Organisation.  For more information contact Josephine at 0851493462.

Apple Day Harvest Festival at The Organic Centre

Join the Organic Centre for its Apple Day-Harvest Festival on Sunday September 29th from 12 -4pm.  There will be all the seasonal sights and smells that make up the famous and free event. 

 

Take in some talks and tours from the apple experts like apple guru Phil Wheal, with craft demos, weaving and wood carving, not to mention the centre piece of apple pressing. 

 

Browse local stalls of sustainable crafts and food indoors and outdoors around the building.  There will be plenty for the family to enjoy, plus all things apple on the menu at the Grass Roof Cafe. 

Apply to the Your Gallery at School programme

Your Gallery at School aims to address a number of identified barriers to engagement with the National Gallery of Ireland and in some cases, the arts more broadly.

 

Your Gallery at School operates nationwide and is open to primary and secondary level schools and alternative education settings.

 

Chosen groups will be paired with an artist from the Gallery Art Education Panel who will travel to your location.

 

All projects will include:

• A virtual introduction session
• Art making workshops at your location (delivered over one week)
• Art materials
• Post project opportunities

Deadline: 30th September