E Bulletin September 2016 Contents Funding Opportunities..............................................2 Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme 2017.......2 Ulster Bank Skills and Opportunities Fund Round 2 Opens..........3 St. Stephen’s Green Trust: General Grant Programme...............3 Go for Life Grant Scheme.........................................4 EIL Intercultural Learning: Seed Fund Grants Now Open............5 The Older Persons’ Fund at The Community Foundation for Ireland is now open for applications........................................5 2016 Call for proposals for LIFE Grants (environment)............6 Parents Plus National Sponsorship Scheme 2016 - Increasing Access to Parenting Support............................................. 8 Good Governance Awards........................................... 9 Tenders and Jobs..................................................11 CLEANER wanted for Sligo Volunteer Centre.......................11 Invitation to Tender: Sligo Volunteer Centre....................11 Local Training....................................................11 Garda Vetting Training..........................................12 National Learning Network in Sligo, Courses on Offer............12 Sligo Education and Training Centre, Adult Learning Education Programme....................................................... 14
National Sustainability Summit, 11th October................................................................................24
Public Consultation on the New National Action Plan.....................................................................25
Funding Opportunities
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme 2017The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme offers scholarships for suitably qualified individuals to pursue a Research Masters or PhD (either traditional or structured), in any discipline, at eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) within Ireland. In addition, a number of targeted Scholarships are offered in collaboration with our strategic funding partners.
The Irish Research Council is currently finalising details for the 2017 Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme. Further information and supporting documentation will be available on the Irish Research Council website once the final dates have been confirmed.
In the meantime, the Council wishes to advise interested parties of the indicative timings as follows:
Call opening Applicant deadline Expected notification of outcome
2017 Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme
Wednesday 7 September 2016
Wednesday 2 November 2016
End March 2017
Please note that the timings provided here are indicative and may be subject to change by the Council.
Potential applicants should also note that, once dates are finalised and Terms and Conditions are published by the Council, they should carefully ascertain whether they are eligible to apply to the scheme
More information at http://www.research.ie/scheme/government-ireland-postgraduate-scholarship-scheme-2017
Ulster Bank Skills and Opportunities Fund Round 2 Opens
The UK and Ireland wide fund commits a total of £2.5m/ €3.2m annually to fund projects for people to learn new skills, get into work or start a business. In this round, Ulster Bank are also inviting applications for small to medium size projects that promote financial inclusion and personal finance education.
The fund is open from 19 August until noon on Friday 9 September to applications from charities, social enterprises, community groups and state-funded schools and colleges based in the UK and Ireland.
To find out more about the Skills & Opportunities fund and the application criteria, please visit: www.skillsandopportunitiesfund.ulsterbank.com.Source: The Wheel
St. Stephen’s Green Trust: General Grant Programme
SSGT General Grant Programme now open – deadline Thurs 22nd Sept 2016
The general grants programme will focus on applications seeking to work in the following three areas: prisoners/exprisoners; male Travellers and homelessness. Grant criteria are quite detailed so please read the guidelines carefully. If your application doesn't fit within these areas it is unlikely we can fund it due to demand. Please also note the restriction around organisational income limits detailed in our criteria.
In addition to the thematic areas outlined below and in line with our current strategy our general focus will be on applications which are about demonstrating what works, social analysis and developing a user voice to effect positive social change. Projects should be ideas-driven – embracing new thinking, invention and innovation. We have a particular interest in supporting work in partnership with others and for which there are few opportunities for funding. Current grants focus areas are:
Prisoners/ex-prisoners: The Trust is interested in organisations working with prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. We will consider progressive initiatives focused on new approaches for: alternatives to custody; in-prison supports; out-of-the-gate supports; the availability of options to integrate the ex-prisoner back into society and initiatives working with prisoners’ families. Projects should include reflection and social analysis in the application, which allows the organisation to demonstrate what works or doesn’t work. Information gathered should be used to influence policy
development and to effect change with some of the more difficult issues facing prisoners/ex-prisoners and their families. Development projects or start-up initiatives need to have a clear basis for financial sustainability in future years.
Male Travellers: The Trust recognises the multiple layers of disadvantage and racism experienced by Travellers in Irish society. 1) We have a particular interest in locally-based projects seeking to increase the participation of male Travellers in the development of their own community, including initiatives breaking new ground in the area of family support, culturally-appropriate employment initiatives and personal development. 2) We are also interested in initiatives which improve literacy levels and educational progression. 3) Mental health projects are also of interest. We particularly encourage fresh thinking around enduring issues and applications should include a pathway to sharing the learning at all levels.
Homelessness: In 2016, the Trust is encouraging applications from organisations seeking to find new solutions to the current crisis in homelessness and disseminating what works. Areas which will be considered by the Trustees include social analysis, policy development and interventions which will contribute to long term solutions to the current crisis. We are not accepting applications for service provision which don’t have these elements as a key part of the project.
More information and an application form is available on www.ssgt.ie or contact the Trust at [email protected] or telephone (045) 480666
Source: Activelink
Go for Life Grant Scheme"The Go For Life grant will make such a difference to the lives of our community"
- Deirdre from Dominic's Community Centre Ltd, Tallaght
2016 Grants
Applications are now open and you can download the 2016 Go for Life Grant Scheme form in PDF format. The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Friday, 30 September 2016.
2015 Grants
The Go for Life Small Grant Scheme from Age & Opportunity and the Sport Ireland were announced on 8 December 2015. For full details of the Grants, follow this link.
The Small Grant Scheme is a joint initiative between Age & Opportunity’s Go for Life programme and Sport Ireland. Grants are available to all eligible local clubs, groups and organisations that promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people as a main element of their activities. A total of €300,000 will be available in grants in 2015. This year grants will be between €250 and €700.
Overall aim
The National Grant Scheme aims to assist in the implementation of locally-developed, well-planned initiatives designed to increase participation in recreational sport and physical activity by older people. In particular, the scheme is aimed at:
supporting the work of Go for Life including the network of PALs (Physical Activity Leaders) and the development of Go for Life Games and other initiatives;
assisting local clubs/organisations to enhance existing opportunities for their members in recreational sport and physical activity;
assisting local clubs/organisations to start new initiatives geared at involving older people in recreational sport and physical activity.
Who can apply?
Grants are available to all eligible local clubs, groups and organisations that promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people as a main element of their activities. Commercial, statutory or umbrella bodies, or their agents, are not eligible for funding under this grant scheme. One exception to this are Local Sports Partnerships who are eligible to apply. Day centres completely funded and directed by statutory bodies, such as the HSE, are not eligible. Grants are made available for sport or physical activity for older people and the overall membership of applicants must be such that older people will be the beneficiaries of the grant monies. Funding for sports clubs will not be considered unless the application specifically relates to older people. Only one application per group will be considered.
EIL Intercultural Learning: Seed Fund Grants Now OpenCalling all returned international volunteers!
Do you need support with your Global Citizen Award Gold or Silver Action Projects or another global awareness campaign? EIL wants to help you with your Global Citizen Award action project(s), activities or events which will raise awareness about the people and issues you have encountered during your time overseas by providing successful individuals and groups with grants of up to €200!
Your action project can have a real impact on the way Irish people think about global issues and in turn bring about real change in the world.
Grow your idea into action!
Autumn Deadline is Friday 5th OCTOBER 2016 Projects to be completed by Fri 16th Dec 2016.
For full t&c’s and to apply online go to http://goo.gl/2vB3js.More info contact [email protected]
Source: Activelink.ie
The Older Persons’ Fund at The Community Foundation for Ireland is now open for applicationsThe Older Persons’ Fund at The Community Foundation for Ireland is now open for applications! All applications are online and the closing date is 4.30 p.m. Friday 16th September 2016.
Please read the criteria document carefully for the relevant category you are applying for.
This year we have the following two categories that you may apply for a grant under:
1. Inclusion of older people in active citizenship roles - Grants of up to €7,500 will be available to organisations working towards inclusion of older people in active citizenship roles
2. Supporting older peoples’ voices at local & national level - Grants of up to €7,500 will available to organisations working towards supporting older peoples’ engagement in advocacy.
Please see here for information and how to apply to each category.
Source: Activelink
2016 Call for proposals for LIFE Grants (environment)
The LIFE (the Financial Instrument for the Environment) Regulation, which was published on 20 December 2013, sets a budget for the next funding period, 2014–2020, of €3.4 billion in current prices. View the LIFE Regulation
2016 Call for proposals for LIFE Action Grants
The Commission invites legal persons (entities) registered in the European Union (EU) to present proposals for the 2016 Call for proposals for LIFE Action Grants. The call covers proposals for both LIFE sub-programmes.
For the sub-programme for Environment, this call will cover action grants for "Traditional" projects, Preparatory projects, Integrated projects, Technical Assistance projects.
For the sub-programme for Climate Action, this call will cover action grants for "Traditional projects", Integrated projects, Technical Assistance projects.Proposals may be submitted by legal persons (entities) registered in the EU. Applicants may fall into three types of beneficiaries: (1) public bodies, (2) private commercial organisations and (3) private non-commercial organisations (including NGOs).
Applicants must use the LIFE 2016 application packages (in English only) for the preparation of their proposals. Each application package contains full and detailed explanations with regard to eligibility, procedures, co-financing rates and all other relevant details. These can be downloaded below.
For "Traditional" projects, applicants must use only the eProposal Web application to create and submit proposal(s). Access is provided via this link. All other types of projects must use the application forms provided in the corresponding application package. Please note that the conditions laid down in each document in each application package will be binding on the successful applicants, so please read them carefully.
The indicative total budget for project action grants for this call is EUR 337,536,184. Of this, EUR 273,936,184 is foreseen for the sub-programme for Environment and EUR 63,600,000 for the sub-programme for Climate Action. At least 55% of the budgetary resources allocated to projects supported by way of action grants under the sub-programme for Environment shall be dedicated to projects supporting the conservation of nature and biodiversity.
Applicants may not be clear which EU funding programme (LIFE or other programme) or which part of LIFE is most suited to their needs. In addition to the information below, some further but limited guidance may be found in this orientation document.
Possible support by national authorities: Member States have set up a network of Life National Contacts Points NCPs (see list). NCPs may provide support to applicants during the preparation and submission phase For further details, please contact your National Contact Point. Please note that certain NCPs set limit date to be respected in case you wish to access their support services.
"Traditional" projects
"Traditional" projects cover the following priority areas:
Under the sub-programme for Environment: LIFE Nature & Biodiversity LIFE Environment & Resource Efficiency LIFE Environmental Governance & Information
Under the sub-programme for Climate Action: LIFE Climate Change Mitigation LIFE Climate Change Adaptation LIFE Climate Governance and Information
NOTA BENESome important novelties have been introduced concerning "Traditional" projects; they are summarised in the first page of the Guidelines and detailed further in the different sections. Please make sure you devote the necessary attention to such novelties.
"Traditional" projects may be best-practice, demonstration, pilot or information, awareness and dissemination projects (i.e. similar to LIFE+ Nature, Biodiversity, Environment and Information projects), depending on the priority area (see below). Best practice projects apply appropriate, cost-effective and state-of-the-art techniques, methods and approaches taking into account the specific context of the project; demonstration projects put into practice, test, evaluate and disseminate actions, methodologies or approaches that are new or unknown in the specific context of the project, such as the geographical, ecological, socio-economic context, and that could be applied elsewhere in similar circumstances; pilot projects apply a technique or method that has not been applied or tested before, or elsewhere, that offer potential environmental or climate advantages compared to current best practice and that can subsequently be applied on a larger scale to similar situations; information, awareness and dissemination projects aim at supporting communication, dissemination of information and awareness raising in the fields of the sub-programmes for Environment and Climate Action.
Calendar 2016: Traditional projects Summary Table
Grant Type Opening Date Closing Date
Climate Change Action (Mitigation, Adaptation and Climate Governance & Information)
19 May 2016 07 September 2016 at 16:00 Brussels time
Environment & Resource Efficiency 19 May 2016 12 September 2016 at 16:00 Brussels time
Nature & Biodiversity 19 May 2016 15 September 2016 at 16:00 Brussels time
Environmental Governance & Information 19 May 2016 15 September 2016 at 16:00 Brussels time
For more information go to http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/life2016/index.htm
Parents Plus National Sponsorship Scheme 2016 - Increasing Access to Parenting SupportIntroduction and Background: The Parents Plus and Working Things Out Programmes are evidence based parenting and mental health programmes for families, designed to reduce emotional / behaviour problems in children and young people and to promote positive communication and well-being in families. With the support of the 3Ts charity, Parents Plus is opening a national call for facilitators and agencies to apply for sponsorship to deliver the programmes in 2016 and 2017. Successful applicants can receive full programme materials and training as well as post training supervision and support to become an accredited facilitator. The goal of the project is to increase the access of families to evidence based supports so as to improve outcomes for parents and children
Parents Plus welcomes applications from professionals who:
Have not yet trained in or delivered a Parents Plus Programme, but who have highlighted a need in their community or identified a target client group who could benefit.
Have already trained in one of the Parents Plus Programmes and who now wish to gain post training support to become accredited facilitators or who wish to expand use in their agency and to train in one of the other programmes.
Parents Plus particularly welcomes multi-facilitator applications, which involves a cluster of agencies working together to deliver parenting supports to their community or to a specific targeted client group.
Benefits of taking part include:
A full copy of the Parents Plus Programme you have requested and supporting materials for your target group.
Professional facilitator training and ongoing supervision. Opportunity to become a fully accredited facilitator of the Parents Plus programmes.
Opportunity to get an evidence-based family centred programme established in your agency.
Opportunity to build collaboration with community family support and mental health agencies.
Support to deliver the programmes in an evidence-based way for the benefit of the children you work with and their families.
In accepting sponsorship, all successful professionals and agencies are required to:
Attend the facilitator training in Dublin in the requested programme (see dates below). Facilitate the programme at least twice in your service within 18 months of training. Note
the time commitment to deliver the group programmes can be up to one day’s time (1.5-2.5-hour group, 1-hour meeting with co-facilitator, 1-hour preparation and 1 hour follow up with parents/young people).
Follow the Parents Plus Manual and evidence based Quality Protocol in the delivery of the groups and attend supervision as necessary.
Participate in a monitored rollout by collecting feedback forms from the parents and young people who attend your group at pre-group, post-group and three-month follow-up and returning anonymized copies of these to Parents Plus.
Training Dates
The Early Years Programme for parents of children aged 1 to 6. (23rd – 25th November 2016) The Children’s Programme for parents of children aged 6 to 11. (17th – 18th November 2016) The Adolescent’s Programme for parents of adolescents aged 11 to 16. (10th – 11th
November 2016) The Working Things Out Programme targeted at adolescents aged 11-16. (6th - 7th February
2017) Parenting when Separated Programme targeted at parents who are preparing for, going
through or have gone through a separation and divorce. (1st – 2nd December 2016)
Application Process
1. The application is available to download from www.parentsplus.ie/sponsorship.2. The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday, 30th September 2016 at 5pm.
Applications will be accepted by email only and should be sent to [email protected]. The applications will be reviewed by a panel of Parents Plus senior trainers chaired by Dr
John Sharry.
4. Applicants will be notified of the judging panel’s decisions in early October 2016.
5. Visit www.parentsplus.ie for further information and to download an application form
Parents Plus will consider favorably agencies who can part fund the roll out as this will allow more agencies and communities to be included in the sponsorship programme.
The Good Governance Awards is a new initiative that recognises and encourages adherence to good governance practice by Community, Voluntary and Charitable organisations in Ireland
What are the awards?
The Good Governance Awards recognise, support and encourage adherence to good governance practice by community, voluntary and charitable (CVC) organisations in Ireland. The 2016 Good Governance Awards have been developed by the Carmichael Centre with the support of the Irish Charities Tax Reform (ICTR), Volunteer Ireland, The Wheel, Davy and Mazars Ireland.
Aims
In this inaugural year the Good Governance Awards seek to acknowledge, encourage and promote good governance practice and will recognise and provide practical examples to other organisations as to what an excellent or very good directors’ report & financial statements looks like.
As such, the Good Governance Awards aims to support and encourage the CVC sector to use their annual reports and financial statements to showcase their embracement of and adherence to good governance.
Governance extends far beyond board composition and the frequency of board meetings. It is intrinsic to an organisation’s culture, its people, how it operates and is recognisable in its public face. Good governance is about being transparent and open, it encourages trust in and relationships with an organisation. As the CVC sector works for the public benefit it needs to be in a position to demonstrate good governance.
The inaugural Good Governance Awards recognises excellence in the area of the annual report. It should not be taken that these awards imply a wider compliance of Good Governance practice by any of the winners or shortlisted entries. An organisation’s Annual Report and Financial Statements is just one aspect of good governance and there many other practice areas that an organisation needs to comply with if it is to achieve an excellence standard in good governance.
Awards Night
The winners will receive their award at a special event with invited guests which will feature a high profile speaker. The awards event will be hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons on the evening on 18th October.
Entry Process
The submission of entries is straightforward and is done through the good governance awards website.To enter, the organisation must meet the following entry requirements;
The organisation must be an Irish (i.e. its registered head office is in the Republic of Ireland) not-for profit organisation with social purpose objective. It can be any one of the following organisation types; o Incorporated organisation – Company Limited by Guarantee
o Registered Charity
o Un-incorporated organisation, – community/voluntary group or association
o Social Enterprise.
A signed copy of the organisation’s most recent Annual/Directors’ Report and Financial Statements – for 2015/2016 must be submitted in .pdf or .doc file format before the closing date of the 16 th of September 2016.
No other additional supporting documentation is required or will be assessed.
Good Governance Awards, Carmichael Centre, 4-7 North Brunswick Street, Dublin [email protected] Centre: 01-8735702Ken Kilbride: 087-2492863
Find out more at goodgovernanceawards.ie
Tenders and Jobs
CLEANER wanted for Sligo Volunteer Centre We are looking for an office cleaner. They would be required 1.5-2 hours each fortnight for light office cleaning after office hours. If you know anybody who might be interested can they contact Ciara on 071-911 1042.
Invitation to Tender: Sligo Volunteer CentreSligo Volunteer Centre is inviting submissions to Tender for Project Management and Public Relations for Sligo’s Designation as European Volunteering Capital 2017.
The EVC Steering Committee is eager that the EVC Sligo 2017 campaign is:● highly visible, with a local, regional and national footprint● ensures volunteers and volunteering front and centre of the celebrations● inclusive of the people of Sligo crossing many sectors of society
The ProjectIt is envisaged that there will be 4 elements to the delivery of this project.
1. Preparation (From October 2016-January 2017)2. Public relations and liaison work (From October 2016-December 2017)3. Project and events management (January to December 2017)4. Project evaluation (Early 2018)
Please see our website www.volunteersligo.ie for full details on Tender process. It will also shortly be advertised on www. activelink.ie & www.etenders.gov.ie
Garda Vetting Training You may be aware that legislation has changed around Garda Vetting in May of this year. The new legislation means that certain organisations involving volunteers in their services have a lot more responsibility than before.
Sligo Volunteer Centre are running training on Tuesday 13th September from 10.30am-12.30pm in the Riverside Hotel. This training will go through the changes to legislation and impacts on your organisation, as well as an overview of the Evetting service offered by Sligo Volunteer Centre.
The training is aimed at whomever will be taking responsibility for Garda Vetting in the organisation, and is also very relevant to Board Members and Directors with whom the responsibility of implementing the legislation lies.
Cost: €25 for Training (additional €25 if you wish to sign up for Garda Vetting Service subsequent to training).
National Learning Network in Sligo, Courses on Offer
National Learning Network’s centre on Bridge Street, Sligo provides training funded by MSLETB and the HSE for persons out of work through accident, illness, or disability offering training opportunities to more than 100 people from throughout the Sligo/ Leitrim region, who may have been finding it difficult to access further education, training and employment. The people who use NLN’s services need specialist supports for a range of reasons. We work with people who experience health conditions, illness, disability, mental health difficulty, trauma, addiction, economic isolation or challenging life circumstances. We support people to make successful transitions, whatever their stage in life. We can help with transition from school to the adult environment, with access to vocational training and education, with getting a job, recovery and wellness, improving people’s health, enhancing quality of life and achieving successful inclusion in the community
Details of Courses offered in National Learning Network in Sligo
Transition Transition is a flexible programme, which provides young adult learners with the opportunity to develop essential introductory level skills, knowledge and competencies both in the centre and within the work environment. The Transition programme is designed to provide learners with the skills, attitudes and practical experience necessary to demonstrate practical communication and team working skills; advocate for themselves in the community, in relationships, at work and achieve the QQI Level 3 Major Award in Employability Skills (3M0935) or the QQI Level 4 Major Award in Employment Skills (4M0857).
JobStart JobStart is a flexible programme, which provides learners with the opportunity to develop essential introductory level skills, knowledge and competencies both in the centre and within the work
environment. The JobStart programme enables learners to try a range of work placements in order to identify their strengths, learn new skills and choose a definite vocational area of work. Learners have the opportunity to achieve the QQI Level 3 Major Award in Employability Skills (3M0935) or the QQI Level 4 Major Award in Employment Skills (4M0857).and upon completion of the programme obtain employment either as self-employed or with a company. They may also progress to further education and/or training in an area of their choosing.
IT and Tourism by Blended Learning This unique course provides learners with the necessary skills training and qualifications to achieve the QQI Level 5 Major Award in Office Administration, new ECDL and QQI Level 4 Award in Tourism Visitor Care through a variety of flexible learning methods including in centre, online and at home. Through successful work placements learners are provided with the necessary skills to explore opportunities for work in administrative, clerical, business or tourism areas or to access further training and education when they complete their full award.
Horsemanship Programme Horsemanship is a flexible programme, which provides learners with the opportunity to develop the essential foundation level skills, knowledge and competencies required for working safely and efficiently in an equestrian environment. Learners are offered the opportunity to achieve the QQI Level 4 Major Award in Horsemanship whilst completing specific equine training through Sligo Riding Centre. They participate in a Work Placement in a stables during the summer months of the programme.
IT & Office Skills This course provides learners with the necessary skills training and qualifications to achieve the QQI Level 5 Major Award in Office Administration providing them with the opportunity to access employment as administrative and general office assistants or to access further training and education.
Employer Based Training EBT is a workplace based programme whereby learners are engaged in ‘On-the-Job’ training with an employer of their choice three days per week and based in the training centre the remaining two days.
This is a flexible programme enabling learners to practice and develop practical and relevant skills in the workplace with a host company in a vocational area of their choice. Learners are supported on-site and in the training centre by the Programme Instructor. The training in the centre is designed to support and enhance the on-site training and includes Work Place Safety, Personal Effectiveness and Career Planning. Learners are offered the opportunity to achieve the QQI Level 4 Major Award in Employment Skills (4M0857)
All programmes are provided with additional supports in the form of individualised support, access to a Rehabilitation Officer and Psychologist, support for literacy and numeracy access to a Wellness Recovery programme and a Jobs Club.
Please contact 071 9145391 or 086 6073153 or www.nln.ie for further information or to apply for a course
Sligo Education and Training Centre, Adult Learning Education Programme
Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim ETB Adult Learning and Education Centre (ALEC) provides adult literacy and basic education for County Sligo. Our Goal is to provide opportunities for adult learners to improve their learning confidence and skills and we aim to offer courses that are useful to the learner in everyday life. ALEC operates from Sligo town, Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Enniscrone and Easkey and many courses can be offered on an outreach basis in partnership with the local community, voluntary and statutory agencies
Go to http://mayosligoleitrim.etb.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/08/ALEC-Course-Booklet-Sept-2016.pdf to access information on the wide range of programmes on offer from September 2016
Calling Participants for Headstart Programme Are you a jobseeker?
Would you like to volunteer to gain experience while looking for work? We want to help you do that!
We have secured funding through the Ulster Bank Skills & Opportunities Fund to run a programme targeting unemployed people who wish to increase their employability through volunteering. The Headstart programme will promote volunteering as a valid route to employment. People who are over 18 and Under 65, unemployed and seeking work are invited to attend.
What it involves:
Introduction to Headstart & CV Preparation Workshop (11th October 2016) Workshop on Interview Skills & selling your skills & voluntary experience (25th October 2016) Staying Healthy - Body (15th November 2016) Staying Healthy – Mind (29th November 2016)
Ideally people will participate in all workshops. Participation is free. You will have the option of the support of a mentor who can assist you with your CV and give you feedback.
NOTE: Any voluntary experience that you are already taking part in can be used as part of the programme if relevant. All workshops take place in the Riverside Hotel, Sligo Town from 11am-1.30pm on the dates above (the Staying Healthy- Body workshop will likely take place in another location in Sligo Town TBC)
An online application form is available at this link. Closing date 5th October https://goo.gl/forms/XzlTDPbFPKf60ysm1
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Ciara on 071-911 1042 or email [email protected]
Free English speaking classes for Non-Native SPEAKERSFor people who cannot speak any English…to those who want to practice.
FREE English conversation classes with experienced volunteer tutors.Every Thursday in the AVALON Ctr. 10.30am-12.30pm.Classes starting on Thursday 8th September 2016.Everybody welcome – just come along.
St. Michael’s Family Life Centre Autumn Brochure St. Michael Family Life Centre, Church Hill, Sligo, 0719170329, [email protected] www.stmichaelsfamilylife.com
Autumn Brochure now available including a variety of morning, evening and Saturday courses. Morning courses include Art, Irish, Genealogy, Crochet, Yoga, Cookery, Creative Writing and Alexander Technique. Evening courses include Computers, Parenting, Yoga, Aromatherapy, Mindfulness and Bereavement support. Saturdays include, Mindfulness; A Hidden Wholeness; Low Carb/High Fat Cookery; Introduction to Irish Harvest Straw Craft; Cooking without Gluten; Wholesome Winter Food; Forgiveness workshop; Christmas Crafts.Enrolment for Rainbows Programme for children due to start in January is now underway.
Please contact us in person, by phone or email for a copy of our brochure. You can also access our brochure on our webpage and on Facebook.
Sligo Events
Sligo Intercultural Forum AGM, Monday 19th Sept, All welcome!
The Sligo Intercultural Forum AGM will be held in the Sligo Family Resource Centre on Monday 19th September 2016 at 7.00pm. all are welcome. RSVP Cathy 071 9146315
Sligo Intercultural Forum will hold their AGM on September 19th at 7pm in the Sligo Family Resource Centre. You are warmly invited to join us for the evening, where there will be a presentation and gallery of our work to date, as well as our plans for the future. We are delighted that special guest, Natalia Pestova, from Mayo Intercultural Action will be speaking to us. Guests will also be welcomed with a variety of intercultural food on the evening. We look forward to seeing you there. Please email: [email protected] for further details. Our Facebook page; Sligo Intercultural Forum, will also carry details of all our events and services, so please look us up and like the page for up to date information!
Host a Coffee Morning for North West Hospice
Every Cup Counts for North West Hospice!
Host a coffee morning or share a cup of Bewley’s #coffee4hospice
North West Hospice is calling on everyone to get on board for Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice together with Bewley’s on Thursday 15th September. That’s the day when people
everywhere will share a cup of Bewley’s coffee to support their local hospice and their vital work caring for people in their local communities nationwide.
This year is Ireland’s 24th Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice. Last year, North West Hospice raised over €97,000 through 230 coffee mornings. All money raised locally goes directly to local hospice care services.
In 2015, 231 patients were admitted to inpatient hospice facilities while over 580 people were cared for the community teams of North West Hospice. Last year, 6,508 people across Ireland passed away with the support of their local hospice.
Money raised from Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice will go towards the provision of hospital palliative care, community palliative care, family support services and North West Hospice’s 8-bed inpatient unit.
To host a cost morning, register at www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie to receive your free coffee pack of Bewley’s fresh ground coffee. You can also contact your local hospice by calling 071 9170523 or emailing us at [email protected].
Culture Night, Sligo 16th Sept
We are excited to be taking bookings for our Culture Night celebration 2016! Join us at 8pm on the 16th of September for live music, poetry, puppetry, paintings, sculpture, carvings and even some Viking Pottery (!). This cornucopia of cultural treats is brought to us by the award winning, local, multitalented creative ensemble, the Hermit Collective.
We will also be launching a window installation celebrating the cultural and creative work being generated by the library’s own clubs and groups, the Saturday Stitchers, the Crafty Catch Up and the Artist’s Co Op, along with an exhibition of photographs from the Rambling House nights. Wine, tea, coffee and nibbles will be served. All are welcome, free event. Please call 0719111669 (leave a message with your full name and phone number if we are unable to answer), reply to this email or mailto:[email protected] to book your free ticket.
Volunteer managers get togethers
We host regular Volunteer Managers Get Togethers for people who operate in that role within their organisation.
Our next Get Together is on Wed Sept 7th 10am -12pm upstairs in the Yeats’ Building. These Get Togethers are an opportunity to meet with other Volunteer Managers, paid and unpaid, to get support and discuss topics with those who manage volunteers.
The forum is free and typically involves an open discussion as well a presentation on volunteer management topics chosen by participants in advance. The topic for Sept is 'Common issues with Recruiting, Retaining & Supporting Volunteers' and it will take the format of an open discussion
group led by Riona. Space is limited so please let us know if you'd like to come along: 071-9111042 [email protected]
Coleman Centre Events and Classes
Ann Droney Kirrane presents an evening of song and music at the Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen, Co.Sligo.
Ann comes from a long musical tradition. Her father, Chris Droney, Bellharbour, Co.Clare is one of the most respected concertina players in Ireland. Ann herself learned concertina from her father Chris and Grandfather Jim and won the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil three times, but her soaring, lilting voice is now her primary instrument. She was born to sing!Ann moved to Tuam Co. Galway and it is there she began to sing, releasing her debut album, “One Small Star” to critical acclaim in 2012.Her new album, “Behind Yon Mountain” is a collection of 15 songs straight out of the tradition. Ann’s refined style of singing coupled with the mastery of Garry O’Briain’s orchestrations, gives the album a unique and thrilling edge.Traditional material like Jimmy, Mo Mhíle Stór, Edward on Loch Erne Shore and Oró Johnny: Original songs like Crucán na bPáiste, Bitter the Parting and 2000 Years after Jesus, Ann’s own composition “Headin’ Back to Doolin (co-written with Padraig Stevens), and Delia Murphy’s Liffeyside - songs from Ireland, Britain and America, all sit together seamlessly.With the creative arrangements and strong singing, Ann has produced an album that will stand the test of time.Ann will be accompanied on the night by master musician, Garry O’Briain, (Buttons & Bows and Boys of the Lough) and Ronan Greene, 2008 senior fiddle champion with the legendary Chris Droney, special guest on Saturday September 10th at 9pm. Adm €12 enquiries and booking – 0719182599 or www.colemanirishmusic.com.
Fr. James McDonagh with family & friends perform in the Coleman Music Centre
Sunday, September 25 is the date for the return to Ceoláras Coleman, Gurteen, Co. Sligo of Fr. James McDonagh & Friends to perform yet another outstanding traditional music concert. Fr. James, a native of Bunninadden is a flute player, carrying on the tradition of his late father, Sonny McDonagh, a highly regarded and popular flute player of his time. Fr. James will be joined for this concert by family members and these include the second generation of already very talented musicians. Also on the line up are a group of musicians from the wider Co. Sligo and Mayo areas who have preserved a special niche in traditional music circles. They have specialised in the older traditional local style and present it in concert with the precision and style it deserves. Fr. James and friends have a great record of presenting concerts in Ceoláras Coleman and the concert on Sunday night, September 25th begins at 8.00 pm. Early booking advisable. A great night of music and song is assured. Adm €12 booking at 071 9182599 or www.colemanirishmusic.com
Lecture commences at 8pm: IT Education Centre, Institute of Technology Campus. Sligo. All are welcome but non-members are asked for a €5 admission.
For further details, kindly contact:Paul J Allen ( Hon. Sec) [email protected] visit the SFC website at:
http://www.sligofieldclub.com
Spanish navy ship to commemorate Armada in Sligo, Mullaghmore, Sept 22nd-25thAs part of the upcoming Celtic Fringe Festival, which commemorates Spanish Armada links with Sligo, the Spanish Navy Oceanic Patrol Vessel (OPV) Centinela will sail into Sligo Bay and anchor off Mullaghmore Harbour for the duration of the festival between September 22nd-25th next.
The Centinela will join a flotilla of local boats for a Parade of Sail at Streedagh Beach to remember the 1,100 souls who perished there in 1588, when 3 ships of the Spanish Armada sank during Winter storms.
Seán Keane & his Band perform in Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen, Co. Sligo
Seán Keane and his band will perform his unique blend of traditional Irish and contemporary folk music and song in the intimate setting of Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen on Saturday 1st October at 9pm. Growing up in a family of singers and musicians, Seán learned the sean-nós style of singing from his mother and his aunts. Singing was his life, even in early childhood. By the time Seán reached his teens, he had collected thirteen All-Ireland medals in Fleadh Ceoil competitions. He was by then an accomplished whistle and flute player as well and had taken up the uilleann pipes and bodhrán. Seán Keane continues to delight audiences all over the world with his live performances and recorded work.A great night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Early booking advisable as this promises to be a sell-out concert.
“The Parade of Sail will be an opportunity to remember all of the Spanish sailors who were part of the Armada, as we seek to continue to uncover one of the great untold stories of the history of this country,” said Eddie O’Gorman, Chairperson of the Celtic Fringe Festival ahead of this September’s events.
Boat owners interested in forming part of the flotilla to honour the Spanish Armada on Sunday afternoon September 25th are asked to contact the festival in advance on www.celticfringefest.com.
The Parade of Sail will form the culmination of the festival’s events which this year will see a series of events and lectures take place in Sligo town, in Grange and at Streedagh. Many of the events are free to the public and include guided walks along the De Cuellar Trail, the route taken by the Spanish Armada Captain Francisco de Cuellar, one of the few to escape the English after the Armada. Other highlights include nightly music events, a series of Armada lectures at the Glasshouse Hotel, and a Gala Reception at Sligo City Hall hosted by Mayor of Sligo Marie Casserly to honour the Spanish Deputy Head of Mission of the Spanish Embassy to Ireland, Mr. Rafael Soriano, Vice Admiral Fernando Zumalacárregui, Director of Naval History and Culture and Director of the Spanish Naval Museum; Lieutenant Commander Miguel Adolfo Romero Contreras, Spanish Navy’s OPV Centinela Commanding Officer as well as Officers from his crew.
“The Spanish Embassy is delighted to be part of the Celtic Fringe Festival”, Ambassador Rodríguez-Coso said, “and the participation of OPV Centinela will highlight the fact that the Festival has great emotional value for Spain, since the Streedagh wrecks happen to be the resting place for more than a thousand Spanish sailors and soldiers”. “I would also like to pay tribute to the outstanding work of GADA in the preservation of the Armada Memory in Sligo. Due to unforeseen circumstances, and much to my regret, I will not be able to attend this year´s edition of the Festival but I am happy to announce that Deputy Head of Mission Rafael Soriano will represent the Embassy during this event”.
“It’s a great honour to have our Spanish guests of honour in attendance for the Celtic Fringe Festival,” said Councillor Casserly. “This is the second visit by a Spanish delegation to Sligo to commemorate the Armada, and we are delighted that they have decided to visit us again this year to take part in the events relating to his country’s history. This is another important chapter in linking Sligo and Spain and the history we share in relation to the Spanish Armada.”
Lieutenant Commander Miguel Romero Contreras, Commanding Officer of the Spanish Navy’s OPV Centinela said “we are thrilled to be part of this celebration and be given the opportunity to pay respect, together with the people of Sligo, to all those sailors who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our country”.
3 ships, the Santa Maria de Visión, The Juliana and the Lavia, sank at Streedagh Beach as the Spanish Armada fled the pursuing English Navy during the Winter of 1588. Last Summer, dives at Streedagh by the Underwater Archaeology Unit (UAU) of the Dept. of Heritage, Marine & the Gaeltacht, recovered 9 cannon and several other artefacts from one of the sunken vessels, the Juliana. These artefacts are now undergoing a lengthy restoration and preservation process in Dublin.
“These were most significant finds,” said Fionnbarr Moore of the UAU of the recovery of the Streedagh cannon. “It was incredible to bring to the surface cannon and other items which had most likely never been seen since the Armada sank. The cannon, in particular, are in excellent condition, and the preservation process is now well underway.”
The annual Celtic Fringe Festival takes place on September 22nd-25th next at various locations in Sligo city, in Grange, Streedagh and Mullaghmore, and further details on the programme of events are available at www.grangeandarmada.com and www.celticfringefest.com.
Sligo Family Resource Centre Programmes and activities
Danu Birth mothers support group are lunching the Danú Information Booklet on Saturday the 3rd September at the Town Hall, Quay St, Sligo at 11am. Danú is a birth parent support group for mothers who have placed a child for adoption. The group was established in 2005 and is funded by the Child and Family Agency, Tusla. (See: http://birthmothersgroup.com/)
The group meets 4/5 times a year in the Sligo Family Resource Centre and has provided support to women from this region for the past 11 years.
Afterschool support classes for children with dyslexia are held every Tuesday (5th and 6th class children) and Wednesday (3rd and 4th class children) evening in the Sligo FRC from 5.00-6.00. Classes are now full. Contact 087 7504670 for more information.
Classes in Sligo FRC for the Autumn:
Knitting for All starts on Tuesday 4th October from 10-12.00am
Basic Health run over 6 weeks to include: basic first aid, stress management, identifying common health problems in adults and children, diet, exercise. Contact: 9146315 for more details.
Active citizenship to include: Irish political system, effective lobbying, upcoming election and its implications for people living in Ireland, supporting one’s community, effective communication and team-working. Contact 9146315 for more details.
Parent and Toddler group starts back on Tuesday 13 September at 10.30.
National Events of Interest
Calling All Superhero Volunteers! This year's Volunteer Ireland Awards are now accepting nominations. Volunteers are at the heart of all of our communities giving their time freely to help others. They are often in the background and never look for recognition. This is our chance to shine a light on the fantastic work that volunteers do across Ireland - but we need your help!
If you know a volunteer that deserves recognition, nominate them for one of the nine categories below:
Animals & Environment Arts, Culture & Media Campaigning & Awareness Raising Children & Youth Community Emergency & Ambulance Services Health & Disability Social Work Sports & Recreation
You can nominate online here with our quick and easy form or it can be sent by post. Every nominee will receive a special 'Thank You' card from Volunteer Ireland. The shortlisted nominees will be invited to special ceremony with their friends and family on 7th December at City Hall Dublin.
Don't want to single out a volunteer?Don't! You can nominate as many volunteers as you like. If you have 10 great volunteers, why not nominate them all and leave the tough work up to us? Remember every nominee will get a special 'Thank You' card from us!
Do you know an outstanding Volunteer Manager?
This year we will be awarding a Special Commendation for Volunteer Manager of the Year. Being a Volunteer Manager is a tough job that means wearing many hats; administrator, recruiter, counsellor - to name a few. Their hard work and dedication is a major reason why we have such a fantastic volunteering culture in Ireland.
Do you know someone who manages volunteers and deserves recognition? Nominate today online here. The commendation is open to anyone that manages volunteers in any capacity, paid or unpaid.
Horizon 2020 All-Island workshop on RURAL RENAISSANCE opportunities in the Horizon 2020 programme Thursday 20th October 2016, The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk Rural Renaissance in Horizon 2020 Calls in Rural Renaissance aim to boost economic development, environmental services and entrepreneurial innovation in rural and coastal areas. The 2017 calls open in October 2016 with an available budget of €62 million. At the event you can expect to: - explore the Rural Renaissance call topics in detail - network with potential partners - receive expert advice
Who should attend? - Researchers from academia and industry - Local Government - Local Enterprise Offices and Agencies - Rural Community Groups - Local Action Groups (LEADER etc.) - Agri-Food SMEs - Councils
For more information and to book your free place, visit this link
National Sustainability Summit, 11th October
The National Sustainability Summit is being held on the 11th October in Citywest, Dublin
To get the complimentary passes you simply need to register on the website www.sustainabilitysummit.ie . A delegate badge will then be available to pick up when you arrive at the venue on the day of the event. Feel free to inform your colleagues and clients that the event is free to attend.
To exhibit, sponsor or speak at Ireland's sustainability conference and exhibition please email mail John Bent at [email protected] or call and ask for John Bent at 016120880
We hope you can join over 1000 delegates, 100 speakers and 50 exhibitors at the largest event dedicated to Sustainability in Ireland.
In essence this event will be 17 conferences in one with dedicated conferences and exhibition areas on Water Management, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Recycling, Waste Reduction, Sustainable Construction & Buildings, Sustainable Food, Sustainable Manufacturing, Sustainable IT, Sustainable Communications & Consumer Engagement, Sustainable Technology, Sustainable Packaging, Sustainable Logistics and Supply chain, Regulations and Policy, Sustainable Investment, Tax and Legal issues, Sustainable Transport, And Much More …
The speaker line up is drawn from senior management from the largest and most influential Irish and international companies who have delivered quantifiable eco results. Speakers from areas such as pharmaceutical, food, aviation, retail, hospitality, food, construction, manufacturing, IT, Communications, logistics and supply chain, transport, energy etc. will deliver compelling case studies regarding how to introduce sustainability into your business.
If you would like to discuss speaking, exhibiting or sponsoring opportunities, please contact me on [email protected].
Regards,John BentEvent OrganiserThe National Sustainability Summitwww.sustainabilitysummit.ie
+353 16120880
Public Consultation on the New National Action Plan
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., today 24 August 2016, launched a public consultation process to develop Ireland’s second National Action Plan under the
Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative, which challenges governments to be more transparent, accountable and responsive to citizens.
Initiating the process, Minister Donohoe said: ‘I am leading the Government’s efforts to create, with citizens, a second National Action Plan as part of the Open Government Partnership. As part of this international initiative, the Government will agree commitments to make the State more transparent, more accountable and more inclusive in how it reaches decisions, delivers services and communicates with its citizens.”
Ireland’s first National Action Plan, 2014-2016, promoted citizen participation in policy making, strengthened governance and accountability and advanced the Government’s Open Data strategy. Its major achievements included legislation to regulate lobbying, protect whistleblowers and reform of the Freedom of Information and ethics regimes.
Issuing an initial consultation document Open Government Partnership Ireland: Have Your Say, Minister Donohoe said: ‘I look forward to working with citizens, civil society interests, businesses and public service users on the development of Ireland’s second National Action Plan. Together we can make it challenging and effective, further improve Government transparency and help bring the citizen closer to political and public life.
“The second National Action Plan will not only help improve policy making and the delivery of services, it will also aim to further strengthen our systems of governance and accountability and prevent corruption. The actions in the Plan, which will run to the end of June 2018, may involve new technologies, or improve the ways we use existing ones.
“In line with the Programme for a Partnership Government, the second National Action Plan will help change the relationship between the Irish people, their parliament and their Government. I expect the Plan will have an impact on making budgets and spending more transparent, will improve accountability arrangements, will make public consultations more effective and ensure information on performance and delivery is shared more openly by public bodies.”
” Furthermore, creating a new National Action Plan provides an opportunity to further promote Open Data policies by public bodies. This has the potential to yield economic and employment benefits, in addition to strengthening the performance accountability of public bodies.”
More information on Ireland’s membership of the Open Government Partnership and on this consultation exercise is available at www.ogpireland.ie The dedicated consultation portal https://consult.ogpireland.ie will allow an open exchange of ideas and the selection of possible commitments to be transparent.
A series of Civic Forums, where the ideas that have been submitted will be discussed, will be held in September. These will result in a draft National Action Plan 2016-2018 that will be subject to a further public consultation in October before it is adopted by Government
