Public Participation Network the Voice of the Community

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What is the aim of Westmeath PPN Westmeath PPN? Our aim is to support Public community groups & co-ordinate how the community in Westmeath Participation is represented. We also aim to: Network Make our members stronger: and keep our members informed about local developments What does Westmeath The Voice of the Community PPN do? VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 J U N E 2 0 1 9 We empower our member groups to influence policy makers. Westmeath PPN has started the process of creating a Westmeath Vision for Community Wellbeing

What’s in this Developing a Vision for Community Wellbeing means thinking about what we have and what Month’s Issue we need to help Westmeath to be the best that it can be for us and for the many generations that Call for Expressions of 2 follow on from ours. Interest - National Walks Scheme Our well being is affected by many things; the economy, the environment, services etc and the wellbeing of the community affects everyone within it. All this information will be brought Cruinniú na nÓg 2019 3 together and be used to influence policy and guide the work of the PPN and its representatives Community Wellbeing in influencing policy and working towards achieving the community’s goals. Vision for Westmeath 4

Wellbeing is an increasingly common term that can describe wider conditions than good physi- 2019 Town and Village 6 Renewal Scheme cal and mental health, which we need as individual and communities to have a better quality of Announced life, a healthier environment and increased prosperity. Some of these are things that we can

Community Wellbeing the easily measure, like the number of pre-school places, or the speed with which an ambulance 7 six heading explained can get to a sick person. Others are less easily measured, such as our pride of place, our heritage and the way in which we all look after each other. All aspects of wellbeing are connected to Heritage Week 2019 8 each other. So, for example, if we our natural environment is poor, it will affect our mental and physical health as well as our economy. In other words, all the parts of our community wellbe- Climate Change and Built 9 ing are interconnected. and Archaeological Herit- age- Public Consultation Westmeath PPN has started the process (see below graphic for where we go too from here)

What is the PPN - Public 11 Thank you to all who have got involved so far, and we hope many more people will give their input over coming month Participation Network ?

Government launches 13 Springboard 2019 This is the planned process of creating a

Show Racism the Red Card 14 Westmeath Vision for Community Wellbeing

Parents will have access to two weeks leave each 15

2019 Student Bursary 16 Scheme

Tougher laws would encourage the public to 17 ‘call out’ abuse of vulnerable adults

National Carers Week - 18 June 10th - 16th 2019 PPN Members are Working in groups, Using the 6 Community Following the workshops, The PPN Resource Worker and invited to attend attendees then Wellbeing headings an online consultation secretariat members then analyse The Draft Traveller Community Wellbeing highlighted the ‘assets’ attendees shared what will be set up via the responses from the work- Workshops. and aspects of their they (and the groups www.westmeathppn.ie shops and online consultation. Accommodation 19 community that they they represent) where members who are At these workshops the wish to preserve and considered to be unable to attend From this a draft wellbeing Programme 2019–2024 statement will be produced; important for their workshops will be Community Wellbeing protect for current and concept is presented future generations Community’s wellbeing provided with an which will go back out to PPN Cathaoirleach Awards opportunity to answer the members for comment. 21 same questions as asked The final welling being statement Winners 2019 in the workshops will then be used to drive policy Disability Awareness 23 and work of PPN

Information Sheet

New Charities Governance 24 Code Toolkit Stay in Touch: www.westmeathppn.ie PPN Re-Registration 2019 27

Call for Expressions of Interest - National Walks Scheme Interested groups should make contact with these bodies to commence the process. Full details, including eligible criteria and application forms, will be available on this website, from your Local Authority and/or Local Development Company in the coming days. Information on the Walks Scheme The Walks Scheme was launched on 4th March 2008 and has since been rolled out to cover 39 trails. This is a national scheme involving all landholders on National Way- marked Ways, Looped Walk- ing Routes and Heritage Routes, along with other trails ‘’DRCDs now that have been proved by the added to the Department’s The National Walks National Trails Office. The inviting Scheme facilitates the Walks Scheme over the coming scheme will only operate development and mainte- months. where there is agreement on expressions of nance of many of Ireland’s the entire walk and will not be interest from walking trails. The scheme, Qualifying trails will: available for part of a walk. which is administered by the trail Department of Rural and The scheme ensures that Community Development, • Be available to the public, National Way-Marked Ways management assists in the provision of and priority walks that high quality walking trails by • Be of a suitable standard to traverse public and private committees, lands are maintained and ac- private landholders, by be included in Sport Ireland’s community contracting them, or their trail register, and cessible. Participants in the nominees, to undertake Walks Scheme undertake to groups and maintenance work on complete the enhancement and • Have all private landowners maintenance of the trails. other similar sections of National along the entire route willing to Waymarked Ways and other allow access to the public and to 12 Rural Recreation priority walks that traverse entities for join scheme. Officers (RROs) are employed their lands. with Local Development developed Applicant groups will also be Companies and have imple- required to outline a health & trails to be The scheme currently covers mented the Walks Scheme 39 trails, with payments made wellbeing, tourism or economic added to the to approximately 1,900 land- case for the inclusion of the trail which is administered by Local holders to maintain those under the scheme. Development Companies on Department’s trails. behalf of this Department. The Walks Scheme Trails that do not have all of the National Trails Office at the The Department of Rural and necessary elements in place at Irish Sports Council, Fáilte over the the time of application Ireland, Coillte, local walking Community Development is coming now inviting expressions of will not be considered. management committees and interest from trail manage- LocalAuthorities, have also months.’’ ment committees, community Formal expressions of inter- assisted the Department in the groups and other similar enti- est will only be accepted from roll out of the scheme. ties for developed trails to be Local Authorities and/or Local Development Companies. Cruinniú na nÓg 2019

Creative Ireland: Cruinniú na nÓg 2019 Westmeath County Council, in association with Creative Ireland, wishes to develop a programme of events to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday 15th June 2019.

Cruinniú na nÓg is a national festival which celebrates and encourages children and young people to participate in culture and creativity through performance, coding, theatre, art and music workshops, readings, screenings and special events.

Westmeath County Council is pleased to announce that Support funding is now available. Artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations, creative facilities and creative/cultural communities are invited to submit applications for projects which enable children and young people to make, do and create during Cruinniú na nÓg.

This year we are looking for all types of artists to present work in the form of activities, performances, de- velopmental workshops or projects for young people aged 0-18. These activities will take place within the communities of Westmeath. They can happen in community centres, public spaces, schools, libraries and venues. These events can be one off to happen on the 15th June or be project based with the final out- come demonstrated on the 15th June. Activities are inclusive of all art forms and creative forms including but not limited to: coding, visual art, music, dance, drama, storytelling, puppetry, circus, street art, performance, design, readings, poetry, crafting, etc. We are looking for innovative activities that foster creativity and engage a diverse audience.

It is envisaged that the maximum award allocated will be €1,200.

Please note, all applicants must be compliant with all legislative requirements including Children First.

Further information and Application Forms are available Cruinniú na nÓg open call 2019 or by contacting: Cruinniú na nÓg, Westmeath County Library HQ, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

email: [email protected] Tel. 044-9332162

A Day of Youthful Creativity

Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18.

Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people. The inaugural Cruinniú na nÓg took place on 23rd June 2018 with over 500 events taking place in cities, towns and villages across the country.

In partnership with the 31 Local Authorities and supported by RTÉ, thousands of parents, families and young people took part in a wide range of fun, free, creative activities; from graffiti art workshops to stop- motion animation, robot-making to shield-making workshops!

https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/about/

P A G E 4 Community Wellbeing Vision for Westmeath

What is community For example, the Vision for broad hopes and aspirations that Community Wellbeing might wellbeing? all the community support. Com- Personal wellbeing can be defined as say that wellbeing in the community wellbeing involves us look- munity will need “…an ade- when our “basic needs are met, … ing at the interactions and interde- people have a sense of purpose, … quate network of rural pendencies between people, and transport services to meet the they feel able to achieve important the environment in which they live goals, to participate in society and to needs of different user and work. groups.”, and this will guide live the lives that they value and have reason to value” (National Eco- PPN representatives on the nomic and Social Council, 2009). Is Community Wellbeing Transport and Infrastructure Personal wellbeing is also often an Irish concept? SPC in how they engage on directly linked to physical and men- The idea of community wellbeing is specific proposals for example tal health. used around the world, where it for bus, “rural link”, communi- has been measured in different ty taxi and other service pro- From this we can see that a commu- ways and from different perspec- posals. nity with high wellbeing would be tives. Government agencies in one where all people have a strong Wales, Scotland and Canada in How has this frame- ‘’the first attempt sense of belonging and identity, op- particular have done intensive work been created? to develop a portunities to work individually and work on measuring and supporting Since 2015, Social Justice Ire- together for the common good, are community wellbeing. In Ireland, land and the Environmental “bottom up” able to support each other through the National Economic and Social Pillar have been working to- different life stages, access the ser- Council (NESC) wrote a detailed gether to help develop a approach to vices they need, live in a positive report on the topic in 2009. How- framework for wellbeing for environment, and are able to partici- ever, most other approaches have creating a Vision PPNs. They have surveyed the pate in the making the decisions that been “top down”, whereas the literature and brought togeth- for Community affect them. Since our actions have PPN Wellbeing Initiative in Ireland er teams of national experts impacts that can be felt into the fu- is (as far as we know) the first including the PPN Advisory Wellbeing’’ ture, community wellbeing involves attempt to develop a “bottom up” Group Secretariat and Worker considering the wellbeing of future approach to creating a Vision for representatives to input to the generations as well as the present Community Wellbeing, where the process. From this, six head- one. communities themselves develop ings were drawn up under their own vision of what great well- which community wellbeing A community can be a geographic being would involve for them. can be considered. These were one, for example people living in a then presented and discussed particular area, or a “community of So why is Community Well- at the National PPN confer- interest”, for example young people, being important for PPNs? ence in Sligo in 2017. or people with a disability, or hill- The working group on citizen en- walkers etc. Community wellbeing gagement which originally pro- How has the toolkit for PPNs includes considering the posed the PPN structure recom- interests of many communities of been developed? mended that the first thing that a interest as well as the whole com- In 2017, the Environmental PPN should do was to work with its munity within the geographic area of Protection Agency agreed to members to draw up a Vision for the PPN (or Municipal District). fund a project to develop a Community Wellbeing. This Vision, toolkit for community wellbe- which would set out the wellbeing So, is there a difference ing Visions based on piloting that the PPN member groups the work in 4 pilot PPNs. There between Community wished to achieve within the com- was an open invitation to all wellbeing and individual munity, would then guide the de- PPNs to take part and Long- velopment of policy positions for ford, Wicklow, Roscommon wellbeing? the PPN, and inform PPN repre- and Cork City1 were selected, Yes. Clearly, communities are made sentatives on Boards and Com- representing different types up of individuals so there is a strong mittees and support Linkage or link between the two. However, Thematic Groups in their work. of PPN (urban/rural, whole community wellbeing looks at a Since the wellbeing Vision is broad PPNs/ Municipal Districts, community as a whole and tries to and aspirational it can guide repre- different parts of the country, assess what are the key issues over- sentatives and policy making that etc.). all. Consequently, it is a wider, more deals with more detailed specifics. visionary idea that encompasses VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 P A G E 5

The pilot task group consisted b) Consultation – public of the worker(s) and at least rated, or changes within the meeting(s), online and direct one Secretariat member from community need to be better inputs each pilot PPN. Other group reflected. members were Michael Ewing c) Drafting – Harvesting the and Justin Byrne of the Envi- feedback from the consulta- What other impacts will ronmental Pillar, Sean Healy tion and drafting the Vision. and Sara Bourke of Social Jus- the PPN’s Vision for tice Ireland, Simon O’Rafferty, Community Wellbeing At all stages in the process, the consultant with the Environ- PPN member groups have an have? mental Protection Agency and opportunity to input and com- The Vision for Community facilitator Harriet Emerson. ment. The final Vision must be Wellbeing will give each PPN a

passed by the relevant PPN unique understanding of what The pilot task group co- Plenary to be formally adopt- matters within their communi- created the overall methodol- ed. ty and what they are striving ogy for PPNs to devise their to see achieved. In this way, it Visions for Community How long does a will inform the work of the Wellbeing for This and Future PPN. In particular; PPN repre- Generations and built a toolkit Vision for Community sentatives and Linkage Groups to support other PPNs with Wellbeing last? will use the document as a this process. Pilots were car- No set period has been basis for their work to influ- ried out in Wicklow (Feb determined for the duration of ence policy. 2018), Longford and Roscom- a Wellbeing Statement at pre- mon (Mar 2018) and in Cork sent. PPNs will use the Vision In addition, the PPN’s Vision City (May -June 2018). for Community Wellbeing as a for Community Wellbeing will

reference document for repre- be communicated to the local Who needs to be sentatives on Boards and Com- authority and other agencies involved in developing mittees and for Linkage that the PPN identify as having the PPN Vision for Groups. It can also be used as a role in the community, to a reference against which to inform them of what the com- Community Wellbeing? measure progress over time. It munity wants to achieve for To achieve a Vision for Com- will be necessary to revisit and wellbeing in their area. In this munity Wellbeing for This and revise the Vision for Communi- way, the PPN will seek policies Future Generations it is vital ty Wellbeing at least every few and plans from these agencies that the PPN establishes a years, particularly as the inter- that will support wellbeing in Wellbeing team comprising ests of certain groups may the community. the worker and Secretariat need to be better incorpo- members. This team will then lead and guide the process and work for the involvement of all their member groups to reflect the different social inclusion, community development and environmental interests in the city/county.

What is involved in developing a PPN for Community Wellbeing? The toolkit outlines an 8 stage process, but briefly this involves a) Preparation – development of team, publicis- ing the idea, planning b) 2019 Town and Village Renewal Scheme Announced

For 2019, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme will support projects which enhance the town or village centre environment. Building on the pilot scheme launched by Minister Ring in October 2018, it will also place a focus on initiatives which encourage increased residential occupancy in town centres. Successful proposals will and the maximum is demonstrate close collaboration €100,000. A higher maximum The Town and Village Renewal between communities and busi- of €200,000 will be consid- Scheme is a key initiative under ness interests in the design and ered for a limited number of the Action Plan for Rural delivery of proposed projects, projects where a strong case Development and is part of a and must have the support of can be made demonstrating range of measures to support the the Local Authority. exceptionally strong benefit to ‘‘place a revitalisation of rural Ireland a town and/or its outlying focus on under the Government’s Project areas. initiatives Sustainable impacts Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration which Programme. Projects which have clear posi- encourage tive impacts on a town or vil- Rural Regeneration and lage in terms of place-making Development Fund increased Local Authorities will be required and town centre regeneration, The Rural Regeneration and residential to advertise for expressions of or which stimulate economic Development Fund supports occupancy in interest from towns/villages in activity between a town/village larger scale projects, with a town their area and can select up to 12 and its neighbouring townlands minimum grant allocation of centres.’. proposals for development into will be particularly welcome, as €500,000. Minister Ring detailed applications to be submit- will proposals seeking to devel- launched the second call for ted to the Department by the end op initiatives to encourage town proposals under the Govern- of June. Selection of projects will centre living. ment’s Rural Regeneration be by means of a competitive and Development Fund on process, with the final project 12 April. This call for pro- selection being made by the Projects which demonstrate posals will focus on capital Department of Rural and Commu- leveraging of, or linkages with, regeneration projects which nity Development. other schemes operated by are ready to commence. Government Departments or agencies (e.g. in the areas of Categories of Town/Villages heritage, arts, culture, tourism, Full details of the Rural Re- Two categories of Town/Villages re-use of vacant premises, va- generation and Development are eligible for support under the cant sites, energy efficiency Fund, along with the Applica- scheme: schemes, etc.) will also be en- tion Form, are available on couraged. • Category 1: Towns/villages the Department of Rural and with a population of less than Community Development 5,000 people. website, at https://drcd.gov.ie/ Grant levels about/rural/rural-regeneration- Up to 80% of the total cost of a development-fund/. Category 2: Towns with a popu- project under the Town and lation of 5,000-10,000 people. Village Renewal Scheme will At least of 60% of the funding be provided for any individual available will be awarded to project. The minimum grant Category 1 towns and villages. which is available is €20,000 P A G E 7 Community Employment Scheme Vacancies

We currently have six vacancies on our CE Scheme. If you know of anybody that might be eligible and may be interested in the positions below please ask them to contact our supervisor;

Eugene Glynn CE Supervisor, Kinnegad Combined Community Employment Scheme, St. Joseph's Hall, Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath, Tel: 044 9224476 [email protected] Vacancy Refer- Number of Location of Vacancy ence Vacancies 2109068 1 Rochfortbridge Football Pitch 2109072 2 Killucan Tidy Towns 2109075 1 Kinnegad Tidy Towns 2109074 1 Rochfortbridge Tidy Towns 2109073 1 Raharney Tidy Towns

Community Wellbeing the six heading explained

‘. P A G E 8 Heritage Week 2019

and Past Times. Na- natural resource in all its tional Heritage Week forms, from the sea to 2019 has two special rivers, lakes and ponds. themed days: Events registered Wild Child Day - before the deadline Wednesday 21 August. of 31 May will be in- On this day, event or- cluded in a printed ganisers are encour- event guide, which aged to host events spe- will be distributed Heritage Week cifically for children, from across Ireland to 17 – 25 August, 2019 history hunts and story- ‘’Heritage Week is OPW sites, museums, telling sessions to crafts the celebration of libraries, local authori- Registration is now open workshops. Pastimes and ties, selected hotels for Heritage Week Past Times. events see Water Heritage Day - and tourist offices. National Heritage www.heritageweek.ie. Sunday 25 August. Week 2019 has This year The Heritage Together with the Local Event registration for two special the website listings Council’s chosen theme Authority Waters themed days..’’ will remain open Programme, we cele- for Heritage Week is the until August 2019 celebration of Pastimes brate our most precious

‘’Mullingar Summer Walks at 7pm every Thursday’’ P A G E 9 Climate Change and Built and Archaeological Heritage- Public Consultation

Climate Change and Built and Archaeological Heritage- Public Consultation

The Department is preparing an adaptation plan to address the impacts of climate change on built and archaeological heritage.

Climate change poses a number of risks to our historic buildings and archaeological sites and monuments. Climate changes such as hotter, drier summers, warmer, wetter winters, the increased frequency of extreme weather events and sea-level rise may result in:

• structural damage to monuments and historic buildings • coastal erosion, undermining structures or leading to loss of ground adjacent to the structure • exposure and erosion of archaeological sites • flooding of historic areas in towns and cities • saturation and destabilisation of building fabric • loss of historic landscape features • damage to roof coverings or unstable building elements, and • increased vulnerability of buildings and their contents to decay There may be other less harmful effects from climate change such as the discovery of previously unknown archaeological sites and the reduction of freeze-thaw damage to building fabric.

A draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan has been prepared for public consultation. The draft Plan, available for download here, presents case studies on the impact of climate change on Ireland’s heritage and identifies five goals with corresponding objectives and actions to meet those objectives.

GOAL 1 Improve understanding of the heritage resource and its vulnerability to climate change impacts GOAL 2 Develop and mainstream sustainable policies and plans for climate change adaptation of built and archaeological heritage GOAL 3 Maintain Ireland’s heritage for future generations GOAL 4 Communicate and transfer knowledge GOAL 5 Exploit the opportunities for built and archaeological heritage to demonstrate value and secure resources

It is important that we hear your views. Your views on the draft plan will help shape our priorities and actions in adapting Ireland’s heritage to minimise the impact of climate change on the historic environment.

• Have your say by email ([email protected]) • Have your say online (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5SJSL32) • Have your say by post (Heritage Climate Change, Custom House, Dublin 1, D01 W6XO)DRAFT Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Built and Archaeological Heritage –https://www.chg.gov.ie/ heritage/climate-change

To maximise the benefit and coherency of the public consultation we would ask that any email and postal submissions respond to the specific questions as outlined in the online survey available for download as a pdf https://www.chg.gov.ie/heritage/climate-change

• The consultation period will close on Friday 14th June 2019. https://www.chg.gov.ie/heritage/climate-change

P A G E 10

NEWSLETTER TITLE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 P A G E 11 What is the PPN - Public Participation Network ?

mittees and the Local Community Devel- What is the PPN? opment Committees. social clubs etc)

The PPN is the national framework for • Environment (groups focused public engagement and participation What is its aim? on protecting the environment that is now well established and sup- The aim of the PPN is to facilitate and and sustainable development)

ported within the Westmeath Local enable as many groups and organisations as Authority area. The establishment of possible, operating within the wider Westmeath PPN has: Public Participation Networks is part community, to articulate and give a voice • A County Plenary which of a national reform process which is to, the diverse range of views, issues and operates at County level dealing changing the way local government interests within the local government with County level issues. system. It also aims to give a strong voice and citizens engage with each other. • 2 Municipal PPNs which The Public Participation Network to the more marginalised groups in society operates in each of the two (PPN) is organised in accordance and to the environment groupings. It results Municipal District dealing with with the Westmeath Local Authority. in the creation of one county register for all issues at a municipal level. The PPN is the main link through groups thereby creating a stronger voice for which the local authority connects the whole sector with more possibilities for • Linkage Groups which will with the community and voluntary, increased citizen engagement. form to deal with specific issues

social inclusion and environmental The PPN operates at two levels: and support nominees in their sectors. participatory role. This will • At Municipal District level which is a form part of the accountability How does it work? new tier of local government at sub and feedback mechanism for The PPN is made up of Community county level and, the PPN. and Voluntary, Social Inclusion and • At a County-Wide level. A Secretariat at County level that Environmental organisations that are Westmeath Municipal Districts acts as facilitation administration registered to the PPN. These are the Two Municipal Public Participation and communication mechanism for three electoral colleges of the PPN and Networks (PPN) are Athlone Municipal the PPN groups who register with the PPN will PPN and Mullingar Municipal PPN. All be required to select the Electoral Groups register and choose to be included College that is most relevant to their in either of the three colleges or pillars (i.e. aims and activities. social inclusion, community & voluntary The PPN acts as the hub around which and environment) information is distributed and • Social Inclusion (groups focused on received. It facilitates networking, people experiencing disadvantage and identify issues of common concern, inequality) and elect representatives onto decision making bodies such as the Joint Polic- • Community & Voluntary (groups in- ing Committee, Strategic Policy Com- volved in local development, sports

FUNNY but True - Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody e This is a story about people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody thought Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realized that Everybody would not do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

WESTMEATH PPN MAY 2019 NEWSLETTER VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 P A G E 12 P A G E 13 Government launches Springboard 2019

unemployed, those who were previously self- employed and returners to the workforce. Courses are also free for people in More than 9,000 free or and those in employment subsidised places on 285 employment, on NFQ with a great opportunity upskilling and reskilling Level 6 courses. For em- to upskill or reskill in courses, with emphasis on ployed participants on areas in which employers courses NFQ level 7 – 9, importance of digital econ- need skilled workers. omy 90% of the course fee is funded by the Govern- “As technology evolves, it ment, with participants 90% of previous partici- brings with it new ways required to contribute pants who were on the Live of doing business and just 10% of the fee. Register now in employ- new economic opportuni- ment ties. The Government Recent research under- recognises that it is es- taken by the HEA has The Minister for Education sential that people in em- shown that 90% of par- and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. ployment have the op- ticipants who were on and the Minister of State for portunity to keep pace the Live Register at the ‘’90% of Training, Skills Innovation, with these advances.” start of their courses are previous Research and Development now in employment. participants John Halligan T.D. today Minister Halligan com- who were on launched a new suite of mented: “I am particular- Since 2011 over €192m the Live courses under Springboard+ ly pleased to see that al- 2019. This brings the number has been allocated to Register now in most 90% of the courses of courses to 285 and the Springboard+, providing employment’’ provided under Spring- over 55,000 places. The number of places available board+ 2019 will be de- from this academic year to Springboard+ pro- livered in a more flexible over 9,000. gramme is managed by format, which aligns with the Higher Education the continued opening-up Authority, on behalf of Government has identified of courses to learners, the Department of Educa- four areas of critical im- irrespective of their em- tion and Skills. portance: digital skills, soft ployment status. As well skills, management and lead- as aiding participation for ership and the workplace of those in employment, The 9,151 places on offer the future. All courses ad- increased provision will under Springboard+ dress at least one of these allow people from all 2019 represents an in- areas in detail, with many across the country to ac- vestment of €34.3m from including all four of the criti- cess programmes in re- the National Training cal areas. gions other than where Fund with co-funding they reside.” from the European Union under the European So- Many courses focus on future cial Fund, as part of the -proofing the skills of people Courses on offer through ESF Programme for Em- already in employment, par- Springboard+ include ployability, Inclusion and ticularly in roles that may be cutting-edge training in Learning 2014-2020. impacted by digitalisation. blockchain, artificial in- This strategy is aligned with telligence, cybersecurity, the priorities set by the Na- virtual reality and smart Candidates who wish to tional Skills Council and Fu- factory technology. Em- participate in Spring- ture Jobs Ireland 2019. ployees, jobseekers and board+ 2019 will find full those returning to work details on the approved can all avail of these free courses on the dedicated Minister McHugh said: or subsidised courses. information and applica- “Springboard+ training pro- tions web- grammes provide people who site www.springboardco are unemployed, those look- Springboard+ courses are urses.ie ing to return to the workforce free for people who are VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 P A G E 14 Show Racism the Red Card

Show Racism the Red Card for good – to advocate for Teachers in Ireland, the highlights need for young tolerance and respect, and to Teachers’ Union of Ireland, people to be educated influence young people to and the Football Association about racism speak out against racism. of Ireland. It is available to download, free of charge, The need to educate young “We know our new education from www.theredcard.ie. people about racism is great- pack will be used by hun- er than ever before because dreds of primary and second- Launch by Lord Mayor of of the growth of far-right ary schools, youth groups Dublin movements across Europe. and sports clubs throughout That’s according to the anti- Ireland. As such, it will have The Show Racism the Red racism charity, Show Racism an impact – at the most Card education pack was offi- the Red Card, which launched grassroots level – on tackling cially launched by the Lord an education pack for racism and discrimination.” Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, at ‘’Show schools, youth groups and an event in Dublin’s Mansion Racism the sports clubs across Ireland. Involvement of Ireland House. footballers Red Card Speaking at the launch, Mar- Speaking at the event, the highlights tina Quinn, Chairperson of The new education pack con- Lord Mayor said: “Since it need for Show Racism the Red Card, tains online resources and an was established in 2007, young said: “Across Europe and the accompanying video, featur- Show Racism the Red Card people to be world, we have seen a ing high-profile sportspeople has done excellent work in growth in far-right move- such as Ireland international educating young people and educated ments in recent years. This footballers Aiden O’Brien, adults about racism and how about has been accompanied by Darren Randolph and David it can be challenged. The new racism’’ growing anti-migrant senti- Meyler. education resources will ments and increasing inci- build on all the work done dents of racism and xenopho- The pack was developed with with schools and youth bia. support from the Office for groups over the past decade. the Promotion of Migrant I know they will be put to “Here in Ireland, where we Integration at the Depart- excellent use in classrooms pride ourselves on our toler- ment of Justice and Equality, throughout the country in ance and our traditional as well as the Irish National the years to come.” ‘Irish welcome’, we are start- Teachers’ Organisation, the ing to see some far-right forc- Association of Secondary es creeping in. Some people in public life are using dis- criminatory statements about migrants and ethnic minorities to scaremonger and court popularity. And racist incidents still occur on the streets of our cities, towns and villages all too often.

“Against this backdrop, it is more important than ever before that we educate young people about racism and the steps they can take to challenge it. At Show Racism the Red Card, we are delighted to work with people who are in the public eye and who choose to use their position P A G E 15 Parents will each have access to two weeks leave Parents will each have ac- ly, in that formative first year of ents to have more flexi- cess to two weeks leave life, children now have the op- bility and greater choice portunity to spend more time in how they balance their each – expected to rise to with both parents. Secondly, on professional and family seven weeks each over top of the recently introduced lives has positive benefits the next three years Paternity Benefit, this extends for families and for socie- the leave benefits available to ty as a whole.” Legislation will also enable fathers. male same-sex couples to re- Under the scheme, both ceive adoptive leave and bene- “Crucially this new benefit is parents will have access fit non-transferable and is available to two weeks each (non- on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis. This, transferrable) benefit for The Minister for Employment I hope, will help to incentivise babies born from this Affairs and Social Protection, Re- fathers to take more time off November, which will be gina Doherty TD, the Minister for work to care for their children paid at the same rate as Justice and Equality, Charlie than has been the case up to Maternity Benefit and Flanagan TD and the Minister of now. The evidence shows that Paternity Benefit - €245 State with responsibility for when fathers take a more signif- per week. It is intended Equality, Immigration and Inte- icant and meaningful share in to incrementally increase gration, David Stanton TD, an- the parenting of their children this to up to seven weeks nounced that from this November the individual family benefits - parental leave over the all new parents in employment or and so does wider society, as by next three years in line self-employment will be able to encouraging more fathers to with Government an- avail of a new Parental Leave take time off, we are in a posi- nouncement for Budget scheme offering two weeks leave tion to challenge the existing 2019. ‘’Welcoming the and benefit to spend with their culture regarding work and gen- new babies during their first Minister Stanton high- scheme as a der.” year. Ultimately, parents will be lighted another im- practical support able to benefit from seven weeks Welcoming the scheme as a portant feature of the leave each under the scheme as it practical support for working Bill: for working develops incrementally over the parents, Minister Flanagan next three years. said: “The Bill also proposes to parents’’, take the final steps need- The Minister for Justice and “This is an important support ed to enable male same- Equality has secured the approval for working parents in Ireland. sex couples to receive of Government for the priority The General Scheme of the Bill, adoptive leave and bene- drafting of the necessary legisla- which I am publishing today, fit. This is further pro- tion to introduce the leave enti- provides for paid parental leave gress towards ensuring tlement. A General Scheme of the for each parent of a child under equality for all families. Bill is being published today. Ar- one, whether employed or self- rangements are currently under- employed. The leave will initial- I look forward to intro- way in the Department of Em- ly be set at two weeks, increas- ducing the legislation ployment Affairs and Social Pro- ing on a phased basis over the into the Houses of the tection to ensure the necessary next three years. This is in addi- Oireachtas, once drafted, legislation is in place for the ben- tion to existing maternity, pater- and hope that colleagues efit and that the administrative nity and adoptive leave entitle- on all sides of the Houses and technical solutions are in ments. It will provide working will work with me in en- place in advance of November for parents with further opportuni- suring that we can imple- the operation of this scheme. It is ty to spend more time with their ment this important leg- estimated that up to 60,000 par- baby in its crucial first year of islation at the earliest ents could benefit from the development. possible time.” scheme in a full year. With the introduction of this Bill, A PDF of the General Speaking on the importance of we are delivering on our com- Scheme is available the scheme, Minister Doherty mitment to increase paid paren- here: www.justice.ie/en/ said: tal leave in the first year of a JELR/ child’s life. This is a practical Gen- “Parents, children and society in measure to benefit parents and eral_Scheme_of_the_Paren general will all benefit from the children. Helping working par- tal_Leave_and_Benefit… introduction of this scheme. First- VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 P A G E 16 2019 Student Bursary Scheme

Rights and Equality at the working in civil society or- Institute of Public Admin- ganisations, including com- istration. munity and voluntary organisations, non-governmental The Professional Diploma in and non-profit organisations, Human Rights and Equality is groups representing geo- a one-year, part-time pro- graphic communities or com- gramme that has been devel- munities of interest, and oped in conjunction with the trade unions. Institute of Public Admin- Bursary places on the Profes- istration and is now enrolling sional Diploma in Human for October 2019. The bursa- Rights and Equality are open ry scheme will cover all to people working at all ‘’The aim of course fees for successful grades and functions. Howev- applicants. The application er, preference may be given this bursary is process is open from Friday to applications demonstrat- 10th of May to Friday 21st of ing positions of influence to to contribute Irish Human Rights and June 2019. drive the implementation of towards Equality Commission: 2019 the Public Sector Equality Student Bursary Scheme The aim of this bursary is to and Human Rights Duty (the building contribute towards building Duty). The 2019 Student Bursary participants’ skills to advance participants’ Scheme is now open for ap- implementation of the Public The bursary scheme will skills to plications. Sector Equality and Human cover all course fees for Rights Duty in public bodies. successful applicants. advance As part of our work in pro- The student bursary scheme If you or your organisation moting the Public Sector will support applications have applied for the bursary implementatio Equality and Human Rights from public sector bodies previously, this does not pre- n of the Public Duty, the Irish Human Rights and civil society organisa- clude you from applying and Equality Commission is tions. again. Sector Equality delighted to announce the Please note that bursary re- launch of the fourth year of About the bursary scheme: cipients will be required to and Human our bursary scheme for pro- There are 10 bursary places report back and liaise with Rights Duty in spective students of the Pro- available and 4 of those have the Commission during and fessional Diploma in Human been reserved for people after the course and partici- public bodies’’ pate in meetings / focus groups and impact reporting relating to their participation in the course.

Please also note that candidates who do not complete the diploma course or assess- ments will be required to provide the cost of the fees covered by the bursary. For full details and application criteria, visit the scheme webpage: https:// www.ihrec.ie/our- work/student-bursary -scheme/

Tougher laws would encourage the public to ‘call out’ abuse of vulnerable adults responsibility to a trusted person. Tougher laws would encourage the Ms Rickard Clarke continued: • Talk with a GP or Solicitor public to ‘call out’ abuse of vulnera- “The research has told us that about making an Advance ble adults stronger laws, which are Healthcare Directive including enforced, is what will drive the future healthcare preferences, 10% HAVE WITNESSED A B U S E public to be more vigilant in tack- or place of care. OF A VULNERABLE ADULT IN ling adult abuse. We need these Find out about the Think Ahead THE PAST YEAR pieces of legislation in force with resource. Think Ahead helps urgency.” members of the public talk PUBLIC SEEKS DEDICAT E D 2 4 The Red C research was based on about and record their prefer- - HOUR HELPLINE FOR a representative sample of 1,000 ences in the event of emergen- ADULT ABUSE adults and also found that young- cy, serious illness or death er people, and that those from (www.thinkahead.ie). 10% of Irish adults have witnessed higher social groupings, were adult abuse in the past year and 81% more likely to report that they have said that tougher laws would Find out more about managing had witnessed abuse. finances and identifying fraud encourage them to take greater action A nationwide public awareness to combat abuse – according to new at www.fraudsmart.ie campaign on safeguarding is research commissioned by Safeguard- t aking from May 20-31. Safeguarding Ireland research ing Ireland. Safeguarding Ireland brings to- in 2018 found that just 6% of The Red C research found that 12% of gether 30 national organisations Irish adults had legally nomi- those who witnessed abuse of a vulner- from public services, legal and nated a family member, or able adult in the past year did nothing financial services, the health and friend to be their Attorney at all, while 47% discussed it with the social care professions, regulato- (under Enduring Power of person being abused and 40% ry authorities and NGOs all work- Attorney). Also, just 8% had discussed it with a trusted person. ing together to protect vulnerable 10% have discussed a preferred place of Just 15% sought professional advice – adults. (Members include the care with family, friends, or an and 3% reported what they witnessed HSE, HIQA, An Garda Sí ochana, witnessed appointed Attorney for if they to an authority such as the HSE or An Post, financial organisations developed a serious, or long- abuse of a Gardaí . and patient, disability and carer term illness. Launching the research, Safeguarding NGOs.) vulnerable More information Ireland said it highlighted the need for Ms. Rickard Clarke added that the at www.safeguardingIreland.or greater resourcing of safeguarding research also highlighted the de- adult in the g. vulnerable adults, both in terms of mand and need for a dedicated 24

past year effective legislation and a dedicated 24- -hour Safeguarding Telephone Further information hour information and support helpline. Helpline Service, after 82% said Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Safeguarding Ireland Chairperson they would find such a service Communications. (086) 317 Patricia Rickard Clarke said: “The fact very or quite helpful. 9731 / info@safeguardingirela that 10% of Irish adults reported hav- “We have important services and nd.org ing witnessed abuse shows that official support provided across the Safeguarding Ireland: HSE figures (in excess of 10,000 alleged country by the HSE Safeguarding www.safeguardingireland.org cases reported annually) are just the and Protection Teams. It is clear Think Ahead: tip of the iceberg. that this work would be comple- www.thinkahead.ie “Based on our adult population (over mented through resourcing a Faudsmart: www.fraudsmart.ie 18s) of approximately 3.8m, this would dedicated safeguarding 24-hour imply an estimate of potentially helpline which would be an initial 380,000 witnessed cases of adult abuse ‘go to’ for people when they have Safeguarding Ireland per annum. The message from this re- witnessed or suspect abuse.” Safeguarding Ireland is a multi- search is clear – we need tougher laws The Teams are managed by the agency and inter-sectoral body to support people to take action and to HSE’s National Safeguarding with an independent chair. It call out abuse of vulnerable adults. Office and their contact details was established by the HSE in “When a vulnerable, or frail elderly are available on the Safeguarding 2015 in recognition of the fact person is forced to do something Ireland website. that safeguarding vulnerable against their will – beit to do with their Safeguarding Ireland also recom- people from abuse cannot be finances, their care, or their liberty – it mended that to better safeguard addressed by any one agency is abuse and this is against the law.” their future that all adults should working in isolation, but rather In 2015 new legislation on Assisted plan ahead and make their future by the key agencies working Decision Making was enacted, however choices known including: collaboratively with a common it has yet to be implemented. There is goal – to ensure that adults who Appoint an Enduring Power also an Adult Safeguarding Bill in ongo- • may be vulnerable are safe- ing development in the Oireachtas of Attorney, which gives financial guarded. since 2017. and legal decision-making

National Carers Week - June 10th - 16th 2019

tions, will be hosting events Celebrate the 13th National www.carersweek.ie Carers Week in Ireland from specifically for family carers around the country. Partners June 10-16 or our Facebook page this year are; Family Carers ‘’Celebrate The 13th annual National Carers Ireland, the Alzheimer Socie- Week will take place from June www.facebook.com/ ty of Ireland, the Irish Cancer the 13th 10th to 16th this year. Over 100 nationalcarersweek. Society, the Disability Feder- National events will take place nationwide ation of Ireland, Acquired The objectives of the week to celebrate and recognise the Brain Injury Ireland, MS Ire- are three-fold: Carers Week role of Ireland’s 370,000 family land, the Irish Hospice Foun- in Ireland carers. In addition, hundreds of dation, St. Michaels House, • To raise awareness of family carers are being provided Special Needs Parents Asso- family carers in our com- from with complimentary goodie bags ciation, the Central Remedial munity June 10-16’’ that include battery/power Clinic (CRC), Spina Bifida • To deliver events for banks, thermal coffee mugs and a Hydrocephalus Ireland family carers throughout Carers Handbook (the latter (SBHI) and co-ordinators the country courtesy of the Irish Red Cross). • To engage with family Care Alliance Ireland. carers not yet availing of There are 12 not-for-profit part- For details on events being carer support services ner organisations in the week, organised see the website Email; [email protected] who alongside other organisa-

New Charities Governance Code

ABOUT THE 'CHARITIES • 2019 - will be a year of learning TIES ARE EXPECTED GOV E R N A N C E C O D E ' and preparation for charities. TO REPORT ON THEIR The Charities Governance The Charities Governance Code explains Code Toolkit provides guidance COMPLIANCE WITH the minimum standards you should meet to notes and templates to assist T H E C O D E . effectively manage and control your chari- charities and charity trustees to ty. meet all of the core standards HTTPS:// outlined in the Code. Good governance involves putting in place WWW.CHARITIESREGULATO systems and processes to ensure that your • 2020 - will be the first year that R.IE/EN/INFORMATION - FOR charity achieves its charitable objectives registered charities are expected - CHARITIES/CHARITIES... with integrity and is managed in an effec- to comply with the Code. tive, efficient, accountable and transparent If you have any queries regarding the way. 2 0 2 1 - WILL BE THE Code please email them FIRST YEAR THAT to governancecode@charitiesregulat K E Y D A T E S R E L A T I N G T O T H E REGISTERED CHARI- or.ie and one of their team will CODE respond. P A G E 19 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund 2019 Applications Now Open

The Coca-Cola Thank You small – aimed at trans- Applications are open until Fund, now in its ninth year, forming the lives of people 12 July 2019, after which is our way of supporting aged 16-25 can enter, with point our expert panel of and giving back to some of a judging panel and peo- judges will choose a Ireland and Northern Ire- ple’s vote helping to deter- shortlist of 20 organisa- land’s most amazing youth mine who’ll be the lucky tions who’ll make it -centric causes. recipient of individual through to the next stage. prize funds worth €5,000, From there, our shortlist Any Irish non-profit organ- €10,000 or €20,000. will also have the chance isation aimed towards pro- Think that sounds like your to win the People’s Choice moting healthy, active life- organisation? We’re look- Award – an extra €5,000 styles and environmental ing for inspiring work in for the cause the public leadership in young people the following areas: loves the sound of the can enter, with monetary •Educational and training most. prizes from a €100,000 programmes for young total fund up for grabs. people The Thank You Fund is an So how does it work? incredible opportunity for And how can you get in- •Programmes that support us at Coca-Cola to help •Programmes that volved? Here’s every- diversity and inclusivity in big, small and flourishing support diversity thing you need to know… young people non-profits programmes Life-changing money for and inclusivity in throughout Ireland expand life-changing causes •Programmes that take an – and to help them impact young people innovative approach to even more lives. We can’t This year, the Thank You demonstrating sustainabil- wait to read every single Fund’s lifetime contribu- ity to young people entry that comes in. tions will exceed So what are you waiting If a non-profit cause you for? There’s nothing to €1,000,000, with another work with fits that bill, we lose, and a whole lot to €100,000 being dished out want to hear from you! gain...check it out to worthy causes that fit our 2019 theme of Applications are now open, https://www.wheel.ie/ ‘Working with communi- and are super simple to news/2019/05/coca-cola- ties in Ireland and North- compete via the form thank-you-fund-2019- ern Ireland to inspire and linked below: support young people.’ applications-now-open Apply for the Thank You Any organisation – big or Fund The Draft Traveller Accommodation

‘’Submissio ns may be Programme 2019–2024 made in writing by The Draft Traveller Accommodation 12.00 on Programme 2019–2024 may also be viewed Monday 22 online at https://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ July 2019’’ ourservices/housing/travelleraccommodation/ … Submissions may be made in writing by 12.00 on Monday 22 July 2019 to the Senior Executive Officer, Housing Section, Westmeath County Council, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar. Mullingar Congress Training Courses June 2019

Free Computer Classes eBusiness Text FREE COMPUTER CLASSES - eBusiness QQI Level 5 ---SPREAD THE WORD Starting June 4th 10am to 1pm Ever wanted to get to grips This is a highly practical tu- with online banking? tor led eBusiness course de- Keep in touch with family signed to equip learners with and friends via email or skills in developing eBusi- Skype? ness Strategy, creating an online business, and running Keep up to date with family an online business. events and pictures? It shows you how to design Training & Development an eBusiness Digital Model Text If the answer to any of the and is especially relevant for Training & Development QQI above is YES why not sign up online start-ups. It is highly Level 6 for one of our FREE ongoing suited for those who are cur- Computer Courses. rently working in online (Old Train the Trainer) businesses and organisations Training Needs Identification ‘’Free We’ll even treat you to free with an online presence. The & Design -duration 5 weeks tea/coffee and biscuits. course is particularly rele- Training Delivery & Evalua- Computer These classes typically run vant for those who currently tion -duration 5 weeks Training on Thursdays afternoons work in digital marketing or Starting June 7th 10am to from 2pm to 4pm and runs website development. It is 1pm & 2pm to 5pm course, for 2 hours over a 5 week also very suitable for anyone period. establishing or running an Limited places available Spread the internet start-up. Contact the Centre on 044 Contact 044 9345060 Limited places available 9345060 for booking and Word’’ or Contact the centre on 044 more information. Email:- mullingar- 9345060 for booking and [email protected] more information. Email:- mullingar- to book your place Email:- mullingar- [email protected] [email protected]

Consequences of the repeal of the price cap repeal-of-the-price-cap-on- certain-of-the-universal-postal- on certain of the universal postal services services-consultation-seeking- views/ Consultation - Consequences of stamped letter increased from 72c to the repeal of the price cap on €1 (c.39% increase). certain of the universal postal If you wish to make a submis- services sions to this public consultation, The Communications Regulation please mark that submission As a result of the Communications (Postal Services) (Amendment) Act “Reference: Submission to Com- Regulation (Postal Services) 2017 requires ComReg to undertake a Reg document No 19/43”, and (Amendment) Act 2017 enacted in review of any consequences of the send it by post or e-mail to ar- April 2017, ComReg can no longer repeal of the price cap. rive on or before 5.p.m, 12 limit the level of price increases by June 2019, to: An Post for universal postal ser- ComReg wishes to consider the views vices (for example, stamped letters) of interested parties on the conse- Postal Regulation, and An Post can increase such pric- quences following the repeal of the Commission for Communica- es, without requiring any advance price cap on certain of the universal tions Regulation, approval from ComReg. Therefore, postal services. One Dockland Central, since April 2017, the prices of uni- Guild Street, versal postal services have been set Dublin 1, exclusively by An Post and since Therefore, today, ComReg published a D01 E4X0. then An Post has made price in- public consultation seeking those creases; for example the price of a views – see https://www.comreg.ie/ publication/consequences-of-the- Email: [email protected] PAG Cathaoirleach Awards Winners 2019 Project of the Year Award 2019 • Project of the Year Award 2019 winner – Coosan Mens Shed, Athlone €5,000 • Project of the Year Award 2019 joint second place – Athlone Sub Aqua Club €2,500 • Project of the Year Award 2019 joint second place – Mullingar Charity Variety Group €2,500

2019 Pride of Place – Representing Westmeath Sarsfield Square Residents Association €1,000 Ballinahown Community Development €1,000

2019 Age Friendly Recognition Award Winners Collinstown Action Group Horseleap/Streamstown ICA

2019 Tidy Towns Merit Awards: (AMD = Athlone Municipal District—MMD Mullingar Municipal District) Westmeath Tidy Towns Overall County Winner 2019 Winner - Ballinahown Tidy Towns €5,000 Westmeath Tidy Towns Awards 2019 MMD Winner - Tyrellspass Tidy Towns €4,000 Westmeath Tidy Towns Awards 2019 AMD Runner Up– Glasson Tidy Towns €2,500 Westmeath Tidy Towns Awards 2019 MMD Runner Up - Castlepollard Tidy Towns €2,500 Westmeath Tidy Towns Awards 2019, AMD Endeavour Award – Streamstown Towns €2,000 Westmeath Tidy Towns Awards 2019, MMDEndeavour Award – Ballinalack Tidy Towns €2,000

‘’Congratulations 2019 STEM Awards Winners – Science, Technology & Mathematics. STEM Award to Athlone Family Resource Centre - €200 to all 2019 STEM Award to Coder Dojo, Mullingar - €350 Cathaoirleach STEM Award to Castletown-Geoghegan Active Retirement (C.A.R.A.) - €200 Award Winners STEM Award to Streamstown Tidy Village - €200 Well Deserved’’ STEM Award to Presentation Senior School - €350 STEM Award to Youth Work Ireland Midlands (Alf Project) - €500 STEM Award to Coole Older People’s Group - €200 STEM Award to Gateway Youth Project - €500 STEM Award to Athlone Community Radio - €500 STEM Award to Fore Pilgrim Gathering Group (Geodesic Dome) - €250 STEM Award to Westmeath Environmental Network - €500

2019 Eco Friendly School Winners Pre School Winner 2019 - Clonbrusk Childcare, Athlone Pre School Runner Up 2019 - Little Smiles, Coole Secondary School Winner 2019 - Columba College, Killucan Secondary School Runner Up 2019 - Moate Community School, Moate Primary School Winner 2019 - St. Mary’s National School, Raharney Primary School Runner Up 2019 - Coralstown National School, Mullingar

Overall Winner of the 2019 Westmeath Person/Group of the Year is: Peter Dolan

Winners of Person/Group of the Year Awards for: Community Involvement Olive Quinn Children and Youth Supports Gerard Keena Environment and Heritage St. Joseph’s Foroige Equality and Social Inclusion Bun Daire Residents Association Active Elderly Breda Daly Sports and Recreation Joe Sheerin

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 P A G E 22

Tuesday 4th June 2019 P A G E 23 Disability Awareness Information Sheet

As part of the work under the Social inclusion activation programme (SICAP), Westmeath Community Development (WCD) s running a 1 day workshop in relation to Disability Awareness

The objective of the workshop is to highlight the challenges and barriers people with disabilities face in society and explore how YOU may be able to help alleviate some of these:

Topics that will be covered are as follows: • What is “ Disability” • History of Disability • Myths surrounding Disability • Medical versus the Social Model • Challenges and barriers • Possible solutions

The Workshop is interactive with group work and activities.

WCD are inviting members of local community groups to apply for a place which is FREE.

As places are limited they will be offered on a first come first served basis and local community group members, whose groups are registered with the SICAP programme will be prioritised.

To secure your place please complete the booking form attached and return to Linda-Jo Quinn [email protected] OR Eddie [email protected]

‘’FREE For further information contact Linda Jo Or Eddie on 090 64 16121 Disability Awareness This Workshop is funded by Westmeath Community Development under the Social Workshop’’ Inclusion Activation Programme.

FREE Disability Awareness Workshop Are you a member of a local community group?

Would you like to learn more about “ What is Disability” and the challenges people face in their daily lives. Find out how you can support and include people in your community? If so—you are invited to take part in a 1 day Workshop Date: Wed 26th June 2019 at 9.30-4.00pm in Shamrock Lodge Hotel Athlone

Please fill out the booking form below: Name: ------

Community Group —————------

Tel No ------Email ------

Please return to Linda-Jo Quinn at Westmeath Community Development [email protected] or Eddie Keenan [email protected] or post to: WCD offices Unit 4 Rockdean Blyry Industrial estate Athlone Co Westmeath. Tel 090 64 16121 for further information.

Places are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis. Closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 20th June @1pm Tea / coffee and light refreshments will be available on the day

NEWSLETTER TITLE VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 P A G E 24 New Charities Governance Code Toolkit

About the 'Charities Governance Code' • 2020 - will be the first The Charities Governance year that registered chari- Code explains the mini- ties are expected to com- mum standards you ply with the Code. should meet to effectively manage and control your 2021 - will be the first charity. year that registered charities are expected to report Good governance in- on their compliance with the Code. /media/1610/charities- volves putting in place governance-code- systems and processes to Good https:// compliance-record-form- ensure that your charity editable-and- governance achieves its charitable www.charitiesregulato downloadable.docx involves putting objectives with integrity r.ie/en/information-for and is managed in an ef- -charities/charities... in place systems If you have any queries fective, efficient, account- and processes to able and transparent way. regarding the Code please Download the Char- email them to govern- ensure that your ites Governance Code ancecode@charitiesregula charity achieves Download the Key dates relating to tor.ie and one of our team its charitable the Code Charities Governance will respond. objectives with • 2019 - will be a year Code https:/ of learning and prepara- www.charitiesregulator.i integrity and is /media/1609/charities tion for charities. The managed in an governance-code.pdf Charities Governance effective, Code Toolkit provides Or check out efficient, guidance notes and tem- Download the editable www.westmeathppn.ie plates to assist charities Compliance Record Form accountable and (WORD doc) https:// and charity trustees to transparent way meet all of the core stand- www.charitiesregulator.ie ards outlined in the Code. Midlands Region – Active Retirement

On Thursday 16th May 2019 the midlands region of We then had a lovely ’We all enjoyed Active Retirement Ireland session of singing and getting together held their annual Bealtaine dancing: with music provid- chatting, dancing Event in the Lough Boora ed by ARA musicians. and singing and Parklands, Co. Offaly. reflecting that none We also had a most We had a most wonderful excellent raffle with some of us were isolated day there and thankfully the lovely plants as prizes. and lonely on this weather stayed fine for us. very special day.’’ We had walks round the ‘’We all enjoyed getting Parklands and the Fairy together chatting, dancing Maureen McCormack Grotto and then came back and singing and reflecting Midlands Region to the Pavilion to eat our that none of us were Development Officer picnic and had tea/coffee isolated and lonely on this Active Retirement Network brought down to us by the very special day.’’ café Catoca P A G E 25 Shopfront Enhancement Grant Scheme

Westmeath County Council Shopfront Enhancement Grant Scheme is still open for applications

Grants of up to €2,500 are available to improve shopfronts and front elevations of commercial premises. “To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.” Eligible works include:

• Repair and reinstatement of shopfronts

• Reinstatement of architectural or historic features

• Repainting of shopfronts.

• Repair of external stonework and brickwork

Removal of neon signs, banners or other inappropriate signage and replacement with signage in line with the Westmeath County Development Plan standards.

Apply now Click here for full details http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/ business/business/ shopfrontenhancementgrantscheme/ P A G E 26 P A G E 27 PPN Re-Registration 2019

‘’It is hugely important that we

have up to date

information on

the groups that

are in

membership;

therefore in line

with good

governance’’,

Westmeath PPN has been in place since 2014 and it currently has almost 700 groups in membership

It is hugely important that we have up to date information on the groups that are in membership; therefore in line with good governance, WPPN will be doing re- registration in 2019, mostly likely in June or July 2019

This re-registration will be in form of an automated email, asking you as the Primary Contact for your group to confirm details, or update as necessary

Note that the majority of contacts from WPPN is by email, we would suggest that if a generic email could be created for your group, which all of the committee having access to it, would be useful and in the long run best practice, as it would mean that the email could be passed on to new committee members and no personal email would be used

In the meantime, if any groups would like to update their information you are welcome to do so, by contacting Brigid or Margaret on [email protected] or 044-9332157

Westmeath PPN The Voice of the Community

Westmeath PPN is a formal network, which allows communications with community groups around the county.

Westmeath PPN give citizens a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities.

Our democracy is strengthened, by allowing diverse views and interests to be considered as part of the decision making process of local Government.

The result is more transparent, better informed & improved decisions.

Keep in touch, stay informed, news, grants available, upcoming events and what other groups are doing log on & register with

www.westmeathppn.ie

Westmeath PPN - Public Participation Network Community Section, Westmeath County Council Áras an Chontae, Mullingar. Co. Westmeath N91 FH4N Phone: 044 9332157 Email: [email protected]

Keep up to Date: www.westmeathppn.ie