FORUM Connemara CLG

End of Year Report 2018

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FORUM CONNEMARA CLG

END OF YEAR REPORT January –December 2018. Introduction From January December 2018, Forum staff implemented actions under a number of programmes; The Rural Development Programme (Leader), The Adolescent Support Programme, the Rural Recreation Programme (RRP), the Rural Social Scheme, and Labour Activation Programmes Tus, Job Initiative, and Community Employment. There were difficulties in filling Tus places and in April the Department proposed a cutback to our allocation from 80 to 40 places. Forum meet with the Department in October .The Department confirmed our allocation of 40 places on Tus and 36 on RSS .The company lost two TUS supervisors but gained an additional supervisor for the RSS programme. . Forum were allocated an additional 12 places on the RSS programme. These places are filling slowly, There are currently 31 places filled with 5 places remaining to be filled .. There will be a further review of places on both schemes scheme at the end of April 2019. During the year various staff gave comprehensive presentations on their work to the Board of Directors. This included work undertaken by the Rural Recreation Officer and the Adolescent Support Coordinator. The Adolescent Support Programme had a very successful 20th birthday celebration in May and there was also a presentation of the programmes activities to the GRETB Board who part fund the programme. The company’s finances are in a healthy state as at the end of December . . Minister Ring’s Mediator/Facilitator: Representatives from Forum meet with Tom Barry facilitator on Wednesday 28th March 2018. Mr Barry had been appointed by the Minister in 2017 to undertake a facilitation process between Forum, Galway Rural Development, and Comhar na hOileann with a view to better cooperation in the delivery of services in Co Galway; this could include joint applications for the delivery of programmes including the SICAP programme. Following these meetings he had sent a report to the Minister to conclude stage one of the process. The Minister authorised him to proceed to stage two and had asked him to meet with the companies again to determine if we should go ahead with phase two. Forum representatives confirmed our commitment to the process but we wanted to know(a) what the Department want from the process and (b) what type of collaboration he envisaged. TB confirmed he was meeting GRD the following day Thursday 29th March. We have heard nothing from him or the Department in relation to this matter since.

New Programmes:

Ability Programme: FORUM Connemara made an application in January to the Department of Employment and Social Protection to establish an innovative needs-led model Ability Programme .This programme aims to increase the capacity, independence and potential of young people with disabilities in Connemara to participate and be retained in the labour market using a person-centred approach. The submission was successful, with FORUM being awarded €724,583 to deliver the programme over 3 years.

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The Ability Programme entitled Cumas Chonamara will develop & implement innovative models of activation using a case management approach, designed to meet gaps in employment, pre-employment or progression for people with a disability aged between 15 and 29 years of age. The programme will support the progression of young people with physical or sensory disabilities, mental health conditions, acquired disabilities, intellectual disabilities, hidden disabilities & people on the autistic spectrum living in the Connemara Municipal district. The programme will promote progressive pathways into training, education and employment (including self-employment) for participants, with a focus on key transition points between training, education and employment. It will promote independence, increase self-confidence, and skills levels amongst participants who, because of their isolation, otherwise have limited access to employment, education/training, & social, information and support opportunities. Four posts will be funded to include one full time co-ordinator 2 fulltime employment facilitators and 1 partime employment facilitator. The programme commenced in September with some staff in place the remaining posts to be filled in December/January 2019.

European Innovation Programmes (EIP):

Forum Connemara CLG was successful in being selected for admission under the second round of the European Innovation Partnership Programme (EIP) initiative. Funding to develop a detailed Project Plan for the 12 Bens/Maamturk areas was approved by the Department and a comprencive plan was submitted to the Department in August. Forum was approved funding of 1.424 million euros in October . The programme will commence in March of next year 2019. The proposal aims to deliver a pilot locally led project in the geographic area of the 12 Bens/Garraun Complex and the Maamturks Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) involving up to 150 farmers/landowners. The locally led proposal intends to address the following challenges and issues, support sustainable farming, climate change, education and co-operation, mountain access for hillwalking on private and commonage lands, invasive species stock density control and grazing.

Home Help: During 2017/2018 Forum in cooperation with the HSE piloted a home help programme in the Roundstone/ Clifden area. Demand for the service increased rapidly and following a review with the HSE it was agreed by the Board to set up a new Company Connemara Care CLG to deliver the service throughout the Forum area. This service was availed of by 40 clients provided by 12 part time workers when the new company took commenced work in September .

The court of appeal gave its judgment on local standi in July .

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FORUM Ability Programme End of Year Report 2018

Aims

The aim of the Ability programme is to support young people with disabilities, living in Connemara, to develop their potential and bring them closer to the employment market. This will be achieved by promoting positive pathways into training, education, voluntary opportunities and employment.

Target Group

The target group for the programme are young people with disabilities, between 15-29 years of age, that are living in Connemara. Within this cohort, the programme will seek to engage with a wide range of disability types, such as: physical or sensory disabilities, mental health conditions, hidden disabilities, intellectual disabilities, acquired disabilities and people on the autistic spectrum.

Actions Taken

The actions taken for the Ability programme, to date, are as follows:

 The marketing and promotion of the programme.  Networking: to develop relationships with local disability services, voluntary organisations and community groups.  Recruitment and engagement of participants.  Holding steering committee meetings.  Drafting policy documents and support forms for the programme.  Research for the programme.  Liaising with Quality Matters in relation to the programme’s evaluation.

These actions are outlined in more detail below.

Marketing: The programme was advertised on Connemara Community Radio. An editorial outlining the aims of the programme was drafted and sent to the Carna Newsletter for publication. Posters for the programme were drafted and designed by Cantec Print. These posters were distributed, along with information leaflets, to relevant services in the area. Three social 4 media platforms were set up (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) independent of the main Forum social media pages; the programme has been actively promoted on each platform.

Networking:

Four major services, supporting people with disabilities in the Connemara area, were engaged in relation to the programme, these were: Ability West, Brothers of Charity, Elm Tree mental health service and Social Farming. In addition, two seminars were attended: a Galway Rural Development (GRD) seminar for people with disabilities and a Public Participation Network seminar. As a result of these two seminars, links were made with other disability service providers in the area. Subsequently, plans have been put in place to meet with these providers with the view to establishing a disability network in Connemara.

Engaging participants:

In total the Ability programme has engaged with nine participants. Six of these have completed the application process and have been added to the Ability CRM system, as mandated by Pobal. Interventions have been put in place for two of these participants: one participant is currently doing a 10 week non-accreddited training programme at Connemara Community Radio, while the other has started Therapeutic Riding at Errislannin Manor and is due to start a Social Farming placement at Ower equestrian center in Moycullen. Meanwhile, work is ongoing to identify appropriate interventions and supports for the other participants.

Steering committee: Two steering committee meetings have been held. As a result of these meetings, the composition of the steering committee has been revised. The committee members felt that a representative from the Brothers of Charity should be asked to sit on the committee, given that they are one of the main service providers for people with intellectual disabilities in the Gaeltacht area of Connemara. Furthermore, it has been agreed between committee members that an employer’s representative, a parent’s representative and a disability representative will also be sought to join the committee.

Steering Committee Organisations: Elm Tree – Mental Health Service, Ability West, Connemara Therapeutic Riding, Tusla - School Completion Programme, GRETB, Citizens Information, Adolescent Support Programme - FORUM Connemara, Employability, Brothers of Charitry.

Drafting policy documents and support forms:

Participant profile templates and accompanying consent forms (easy read and plain English versions) were developed for the programme. These will enable project workers to gather important personal data on each participant in relation to their disability and personal 5 preferences. In turn, this data will enable employers and other service providers to make appropriate accommodations when working with these participants. Referral letter templates were also drafted for the programme, which can be sent to services to complete when referring people on to Ability. The Pobal application and consent forms were translated into Irish to accommodate people within the Gaeltacht areas. A philosophy of care was drafted for the programme and approved by the steering committee. Meanwhile, upon the request of the committee members, an open door policy has been drafted for the programme; this is pending approval at the next committee meeting.

Research:

Clarification was sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) in relation to people working and undertaking training while in receipt of disability payments. Other areas of research included: driving lessons for people with disabilities, voluntary opportunities in the Connemara area, apprenticeships for people with disabilities, QQI accredit courses and budgeting/finance courses. Finally, the ASDAN (online) independent living skills programme was identified as a potential resource and investment for the Ability programme, in order to help develop living skills with participants with higher support needs.

Quality Matters:

A meeting attended by a FORUM staff member hosted by Quality Matters which is the organisation tasked with the evaluation of the Ability programme nationwide. This meeting covered issues such as: the monitoring of participant progression plans, how the programme will engage employers and the types of services that will be offered to participants. In addition, a seminar in Dublin, hosted by Quality Matters, was attended along with the other 27 Ability providers from around the country. The purpose of this seminar, was for Ability providers to give feedback and facilitate Quality Matters in their development of a research tool that will enable the soft outcomes of the programme to be adequately captured.

Beneficiaries

Disability services 4

Participants 9

Participant families 9

Community Radio 1

Forum C.E. Scheme End of Year Report 2018

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Aim: The overall aim of FORUM’s CE is to work with older people is to tackle problems of loneliness and isolation in delivering a social care and repair programme. The Scheme also supports the Forum’s youth work, and endeavours to enhance environmental and Community work throughout NW Connemara.

Target Group: Older people in North West Connemara who are experiencing loneliness and isolation particularly those living alone. Youth living in NW Connemara, Tidy Towns Groups who are striving to increase villages and urban renewal. Community groups who are attempting to improve the lives of those living in NW Connemara.

Youth: Fun Runs were held the last weekend of May and first weekend of June in Cleggan, Letterfrack and Roundstone. Over three hundred people participated, the day finished off with a disco and fun and games for children. Summer camps were held through the month of July in Lettergesh, Claddaghduff, Clifden and Roundstone. 150 Children attended . Camps finished with a BBQ . The 21st Edition of the Forum Youth Calendar is on sale in local shops. All proceeds from the calendar and moneys collected from the fun run goes to support activities for youth in the area, such as Summer Camps, After Schools Actives and Junior Camps .

Social Care Meals on wheals

A total of 86 meals on wheels are delivered weekly to 26 clients by workers on the CE Scheme  Twenty four meals delivered in the Ballinakill .  Twenty two meals in the Clifden.  Four meals delivered in Leenane .  Twenty nine meals delivered in Moyard/Cleggan .  Seven meals delivered in Roundstone . Resource Groups Five Clubs still in operation with either coffee mornings of lunch clubs. Up to 144 Participants attend regularly. All groups were successful in securing funding from the HSE under the Section 39 funding application. Most groups received a small funding grant for respite. The groups enjoy weekly activities at their clubs, which can include Keep Fit, Arts, Crafts, Music, Day Trips, Cards and Bingo. Forum workers continue to support the groups and assist with funding applications and planning special events. Not all persons attend weekly some join in for special events and outings only.

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 Ballinakill Active Age Club(BAAC) had an outing to Renvyle for St Patricks Day. Twenty eight attended.  BAAC and Craft Club put on exhibition for the May Bealtainne Festival. Thirty people involved.  In June BAAC had a lunch outing to Inagh Lodge, twenty one attended.  In July BAAC had a trip to Gurteen Beach and had lunch in Kings Coffee Bar. Sixteen attended.  Leenane Day Centre enjoyed outing to village Grill, fifteen persons attended.  Outing to Westport for the Ballinakill Craft Club six attended.  Seventy one older people took part in Arts Week event in Clifden Town Hall.  Provided transport to St Anne’s for patents to attend Christmas party seven attended  Twenty participants attended Meet and Train Fitness course which ran for ten weeks and finished on 28th March. The course was provided by the Galway Sports Partnership. This was sponsered by Ballinakill Active Club

Carers Groups In Spring BRB Senior citizens along with the Oughterard and Clifden Carers group had a two night stay in the Westport Plaza. 42 persons attended. In June Oughterard and Clifden carers joined together for Lunch in Greenway in Oughterard 19 Carers took part. Home Visits One worker provides home visits service to 5 clients in Recess area. Bealach (Rural Transport initiative) Ballinakill Active Age Club continues to provide transport services .The mini bus brings clients to day care and lunch clubs shopping etc .This serice is provided under contract with Bealach Transport Service (Bealach na Gaillimhe) in NW Connemara. A total of 30/35 client’s avail of the service Disability Support/Support to HSE Social Worker Disability Support continues to be available through the Forum. Fifthy queries were dealt with in 2018. Cooperation is ongoing with the Social Worker, the local Public Health Nurses and the Home helps. Social Care Work

 New nine seater mini bus purchased by BAAC, old mini bus sold/ issues with the new bus with Motorpark still ongoing.  Unsuccessful attempt to register new bus with Disabled Drivers ( very upsetting)  Successful audit carried out on BAAC vehicles by the RSA  Refurbishment of Ellis Hall Kitchen  One Aquinas Internship student completed work placement in May.

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 One student from GRETB on work placement with Social Care.  Thirty three new personal alarms installed throughout NW Connemara.  MenuCal training in Castlebar which provided information on food labelling.  Corporate Governance Workshop provided by Bealach Transport Service  BAAC bus provided transport for three persons to and from respite and one that required medical attention.  Ten participants attended health and wellbeing course with Croi and Galway Co council in October.  Bealach meeting in Leenane with a view to improving the transport service there.  Respite break was cancelled due to lack of uptake  Smoke alarms provided by Galway Co council being installed.

Essential Housing Repairs The following work has been completed on 20 dwellings.

 Cleaned dwellings internally and power washed houses externally.  Repaired and replaced locks on doors.  Carried out internal and external painting on14 houses  Constructed access ramps with handrail outside of 4 houses.  Fitted grab rails in bathrooms and at steps at 8 houses.  Removed baths from 6 bathrooms and replaced them with level entry showers, tiled floor and wall areas.  Cut bushes, hedges and grass outside houses.  Replaced facia gutter and downpipes.  Concreted driveway and footpath outside houses  Repaired windows in 2 houses.  Cleaned gutters on 7 houses  Cleared pathway of bushes and briars to access septic tank  Concreted footpath outside 2 houses.  Tiled kitchen floor of 1 house.  Repaired leaking roofs on 3 houses.  Felted flat roof over bathroom of 1 house

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Painting, maintenance and environmental work was carried out on the following Health Centres and Community Buildings.

 Leenane Health Centre  Clifden Health Centre  Tully Health Centre  FORUM Offices  Letterfrack Tidy Towns  Letterfrack Church Grounds  Ballinakill Active Age  Clifden Community Gym.  Ballinakill Church Grounds  Connemara Community Radio  Further Education Centre Letterfrack (The Old Pound Garden)  Cluid at Radharc Bhin Guaire  The Marconi site Errislannon

The following work is being carried out in the Clifden Community Gym. Cleaning, looking after the shop, taking bookings and looking after the building. One participant is working in the Clifden Day Care Centre.

Environmental:  Assisted in gardening and cleaning of Ballinakill and Letterfrack Church Grounds.  Carried out gardening and tidying for Letterfrack Tidy Towns and Cluid.  Carried out gardening and maintenance on Clifden Parochial grounds.

Beneficiaries Older people homes and community groups in Renvyle, Letterfrack, Moyard, Ballinakill, Clifden, Maam, Leenane, Ballyconneely , Tullycross, Cleggan and Claddaghduff have benefited from the above work.

 Five resource Groups with approx. 144 Members  Carers Groups 30 Members  Bealach Members 35 members  Meals on Wheels 30 People  Carer Companion 5 10

 Laundry Service 50  Fitness 20  Disability Support 50 people  Security Systems installed 33 Households  Special outings 171 Persons  Clifden Day Care services 35/40 people  Older people 130approx.

 Community groups 9

 Health Centres 3

 Fun Runs 150/200 Young people  Calendar Sales Youth programmes in 15 national Schools  Summer Camps 4 Camps in different areas 150 Children  Older people 50 Approx. Essential Repairs  Community Groups 18 Community Groups  Health Centre 3 Centre’s

Participants Locations

Tasks Location Numbers Sports Attendant Clifden Gym 1 Environmental 1 Ballyconneely/1 Renvyle/2 Clifden/1 Leenane/1 14 Letterfrack/3 Roscahill/2 Cleggan/1 Ballinakill/1Claddaghduff Administration 1Leenane/3 Forum/2 Clann 6 Drivers 2 Ballinakill Active Age Club/ 1 Therapeutic Riding 3 Bus Attendant Ballinakill Active Age Club 3 Charity Shop Clann Oughterard 1 Essential Repairs Forum 9 Kitchen Ballinakill Active Age Club 4 Caretaking 1 Renvyle Play School/1 Clann/2 Connemara West 4 Heritage Oughterard 1 Therapeutic Ballyconneely 1

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Riding Assistant Lunch Clubs Cleggan 1 Home visits Recess 1 Care Assistant Clifden Hospital 1 / St Joseph Court 1 2 Heritage Clifden 1

Rural Social and Tús Schemes

Aims To enhance Environmental Maintenance work in communities, Caretaking of Community and Sporting Facilities and Social care and Care of the Elderly.

Objectives Provide services to Community Buildings, Sports Facilities and Older Peoples groups. Work continues to be carried out on the Rural Social and Tús Schemes in conjunction with various local community development and sporting groups. FORUM Connemara RSS and TÚS Schemes currently have 71 participants in total.

Summary of work carried out on the Tús and RSS schemes in 2018

Cleggan /Claddaghduff and Kingstown Tús participants are engaged in the maintenance and care of Cleggan, Community Centre and Claddaghduff Hall where they undertake administration, care-taking, painting and andsupport for festivals and encourage participation to utilise the hall to its full potential.

West Connemara Sports & Leisure Centre and Parents Association Community School, Clifden West Connemara Sports and Leisure Centre, Clifden have RSS and TÚS participants who assist with the running and maintenance of this community sports facility. Work carried out includes administration, cleaning the centre, disposal of rubbish, the supervision of members using the gym and looking after gym equipment. Worker is employed five 12 evenings a week. The West Connemara Centre also provides facilities to Clifden Community School pupils, visiting school teams and the local community. This worker is also involved in the installation of smoke alarms for the elderly in the NW Connemara area. RSS workers painted two Ball alleys in the Gym and strimmed over growth around the gym.

Ivy Market Charity Shop Clifden Tús worker is placed in the Ivy Market (charity shop) two and a half days per week, this placement involves taking in donations of goods and clothes from the public, sorting shop contents and the retail of goods.

St. Mary’s Graveyard, Clifden Work carries out includes garden maintenance around church building, car-parking area and maintainance in the Nun’s Graveyard, Tasks include cutting grass, gardening, planting, weeding, and replanting.

Ballyconneely Workers support the Parish Hall Committee to maintaine the hall, crèche and grounds. This work includes upkeep of hall building and work on the adjacent community field, work on the Shoreline and beaches involves removing plastic’s and debris around Ballyconneely and the Aillebrack peninsula.and on the Marconi site, controlling over growth, sweeping boardwalks and rubbish collection.

Killannin Killannin Pitch Committee has support from the scheme. Participant is currently working on the pitch and athletics facilities. This work includes cutting, lining, and maintaining the main field and the training pitch. Participants also clean, tidy and paint the dressing rooms. Works at St. Annins National School involves general maintenance and upkeep of the grounds. cutting grass maintaining flower beds etc. FEED/BIA Programme RSS/Tús workers support the distribution of food to low income families in cooperation with the FEED/BIA programme . The Forum van is used to collect the food weekly from the 13 depot in Galway . Orders are delivereand and a shop is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Courthouse Letterfrack. Errislannin Therapeutic Riding Centre Assistance is provided to the TR coach as a pony leader during therapy sessions. Care with the ponies and maintainance tasks that benefit the Therapeutic Centre are salso provided . Callownamuck Callownamuck Community Group had one Tús participant in 2018 (possibly 2 positions to be filled). Key pieces of work in Callownamuck include general work at the National School, clean-up of the piers in the area and clean-up/maintenance of Cuanna Ancient Graveyard. Works are also being carried out as needed in Callownamuck Church including the cutting of the grassed areas and painting/other caretaking works as necessary. Oughterard Rugby Club Tús participant is involved in grounds and facilities maintenance. Works includes cutting grass and fertilising pitches. Drainage and other remedial works as required. General housekeeping and maintenance including painting and waste management etc. Oughterard AFC, Newvillage Work involved in grounds and facilities maintenance. also include cutting grass and fertilising pitches. Drainage and other remedial works as required. General housekeeping and maintenance including painting, waste management etc. Oughterard Playground/Corribdale Grounds Tús participant involved in facilities management and litter management in Oughterard playground and Corribdale. Main duties involve opening and closing playground at assigned times each day. Checks on all playground equipment for health and safety purposes. Oughterard Culture and Heritage Group Participant is working on a local research project with the Oughterard Culture and Heritage Group collecting data and transcribing data from the 1901 census and locally held notes. Clann Family Resource Centre The Tús participant currently working with Clann Family Resource Centre. Participant assigned to administration and clerical works at main office and Nearly New Shop. Duties include general receptionist duties. Nearly New Shop as a retail assistant duties include the receipt of goods, merchandising general housekeeping of the shop, handling cash dealing with customers etc. 14

Brigit’s Garden, Rosscahill Tús participants assigned to Brigits’s Garden tourism and educational project in Rosscahill as administrative/receptionist supports. General duties include office work, admin, dealing with customers, retail sales and other duties as required. Christ Church Leenane Work includes control of over-growth on the grounds around the church, cutting back bushes , light maintenance from time to time and continued work ensuring that the the inside and outside of the premises is kept clean and tidy at all times. Church of the Immaculate Conception Oughterard Tús participant involved in facilities management and litter management in church grounds. Main duties involve general maintenance of grounds, cutting grass, maintaining flower beds, weed control, light diy. Maintenance of church buildings and infrastructure. Placement ceased during the year due to ill health of participant. Oughterard Youth Café Participant supporting in youth café as a general assistant. Helping out with youth activities. supervision and monitoring. LEAM National School Participant in placement as a teaching assistant. Assisting with general class room duties. Participant has a qualification in SNA and will use the time to build up experience. Vacant Positions Filled on a Rolling Basis in Oughterard Area Courthouse Project, Oughterard Tidy Towns, Oughterard National School, Oughterard Anglers and Boatmen’s Association. Clúid Housing Association There are Tús workers allocated to St. Joseph’s Court (Clúid Housing Association). Who visit elderlyresidenceand carry out general maintenance and painting includingwork on the Housing Project in Letterfrack.

Church of Ireland, Clifden Workers take care of the grounds around the Church of Ireland on a weekly basis; this work consists of cutting back shrubs and grass and rebuilding boundary walls as needed. Leenane Development Association

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RSS participants in Leenane Village undertake a range of environmental works including painting inside and outside the community centre, reinstating stone walls, gardening and maintenance in the environs of the village and disposing of the rubbish bins on a weekly basis. Tus workers undertake shoreline clean up along Killary Fford. Elm Tree/Sycamore House The worker is involved with the caretaking of the both buildings. Work includes painting, light maintenance and also to possibly encourage some of the residents to get involved socially with some gardening and other small projects. BRB Community Council / Cashel Community Hall RSS participants undertook general maintenance of the Derryvoreada Centre, Priest’s House, Church, Ballinafad Graveyard and Community Centre. This work includes, control of over growth in the graveyard, painting, cleaning, and tidying around the building. Roundstone Community Development Council Tús participants work in the village cutting grass and disposing of rubbish and other work identified by the Committee including deliveingr Meals on Wheels . maintenance of the lawns and gardens around the church and parochial house. Gutters and down-pipes monitored and keep clear. Occasionally some light maintenance and painting. Ballinahinch Church Work involved in the control of over-growth around the grounds and inside the church. worker is also responsible for opening the church each morning and closing again in the evenings. A worker is providing administration assistance with Connemars pony beeeders society. Letterfrack and Renvyle Participants working in these areas have undertaken general maintenance around the village, Connemara West, Marion Hall, Tullycross, includes painting the interior of the buildings,preparity and delivery of Meals on Wheels . Therapeutic Riding RSS and Tus workers carried out works Blitzes on a new Trail for Therapeutic Riding and put in an all Weather Surface so the arena can be used all year round, workers are in the process of erecting new fencing and facelift to the Toilet Facilities Shoreline clean up

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RSS and Tús workers combined with the Shoreline clean-up of beaches in the Aillebrack, Dunloughan, Coral Strand, Clifden, Ballyconneely, Mannin, Lettergesh, Cleggan, and Renvyle areas. To date FORUM workers have collected a substantial amount of plastics and Debris in conjunction with the Galway County Council. Roaming Team There is also a Roaming Team, consisting of RSS and Tús workers that take on Community projects that are time limited. These jobs may include small building projects, painting, erecting stages, assisting SVP etc. Wild Atlantic Way Projects Forum Connemara CLG., through RSS/Tus workers continues to maintain the Wild Atlantic Way Project in Cleggan, Leenane Carpark, White Strand, Renvyle, Old Castle, Carpark, Derryinver Bridge and Crocknaraw Viewing point. Bia Food Initiative The Bia Food Initiative opened a depot in Galway in January 2016, Bia receives food from Suppliers that would normally go to waste and ends up in the land fill, Bia supplies this food to Charities in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. FORUM picks up food from the Depot every week and a Food list is made available to Families, currently there is over 60 families availing of this service in the Letterfrack, Renvyle and Clifden areas, all Families are on Dept of Social Protection Payment or low income Families, St. Vincent de Paul also uses the service each week. There are two RSS worker and one Tús worker assigned to this work weekly.

Beneficiaries Work Placement Providers 2018

SPONSOR LOCATION WORKERS RSS & TÚS Connemara West - Environmental Letterfrack 1, 1 Leam National School Parents Assoc. Leam 1 FORUM Connemara CLG. - Greenway Athry, Recess 1 Leenane Development Leenane 3 St. Mary’s Graveyard Clifden 2 Rainbows End - Playschool Tully, Renvyle 1

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FORUM Connemara CLG. - Carers Letterfrack 1 FORUM Connemara Ltd. - Shorelines Renvyle, Kingstown, Cleggan, 8, 1 Roundstone,Ballyconneely, FORUM Connemara CLG. - Administration Letterfrack 1 Cleggan/Claddaghduff Community Council – Claddaghduff/Cleggan 2 Caretaking FORUM – Community Research Letterfrack Claddaghduff N.S. P.A. Claddaghduff Clifden Playschool Clifden Cleggan/Claddaghduff Community Council – Clifden 1 Charity Shop Friends of St. Anne’s Clifden Clifden Church & Parochial Grounds Clifden Ballinahinch Church Ballinahinch 1 Church of Ireland - Rectory Clifden 1 Clúid Housing Assoc./Radharc Bhinn Ghuire Clifden/Letterfrack 2 Friends of Fatima - Hospital Clifden Connemara Pony Breeders Society Clifden 1 Connemara Therapeutic Riding Centre Errislannin 1 St. John’s Church, Aasleagh, Leenane Leenane 4 Renvyle Sports and Social Tullycross 1 B.R.B. Development Assoc./Cashel Recess 1 Community Council Ballyconneely Community Council - Hall Ballyconneely 2 FORUM – FEAD/BIA Initiative Letterfrack 1, 2 FORUM – Development, Enhancement and Renvyle, Cleggan, Clifden, Leenane, 1, 9 Regeneration Ballyconneely and Killannin FORUM - Social Renvyle, Cleggan, Clifden, Leenane, 2 Roundstone, Ballyconneely Roundstone Church Roundstone 1 Ballinakill Active Age Club Roundstone 1, 3 Clifden Community Gym Clifden 1 Marconi Site - Caretaking Errislannin 1 Errislannin Therapeutic Riding Center Ballyconneely Ability West – Críost Linn Clifden Elm Tree/Sycamore House - Caretaking Clifden 1 Roundstone Community Development Co Roundstone 2 Renvyle Sports and Social Committee Tullycross Oughterard Anglers & Boatman’s Oughterard Association Ltd. Clann Resource Centre Oughterard 1 Callownamuck Community Group Callownamuck 1 Oughterard Tidy Towns Oughterard 0 Oughterard AFC/RFC Oughterard 2 Oughterard Community Playground Oughterard 1 Oughterard Culture & Heritage Group Oughterard 1

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The Oughterard Courthouse Conservation & Oughterard 1 Heritage Co. Ltd. Oughterard National School P.A.(new) Oughterard 0 Church of the Immaculate Conception Oughterard 1 Brigit’s Garden Killannin 1 Killannin Community Pitch Killannin 1 Cashel Community Hall Cashel 1 Moycullen GAA Pitch Moycullen 2

RSS Participants 31 Target 36 Tús Participants 41Target 50

Rural Recreational Scheme

Aim To promote and develop rural recreation in County Galway Walks Scheme

Aims: The scheme ensures that National Way Marked Ways and priority walks that traverse public and private lands are maintained and accessible. Participants in the Walks Scheme undertake to complete the enhancement and maintenance of the trails. Target Group: Landowners and Farmers Actions: The walk schemes are running very well! The RRO has prepared an extension of Lúibín Garumna-Slí Chonamara, which will add another kilometre along the coast and bring on 7-8 new landowners to the existing walks scheme. . The Department had committeed to review the Walk Scheme during 2117/8 but this didnit take place . The Hymany Way has huge potential to become part of the Walk Scheme if the Department opens it for new entrents as it is a crucial part of the Beara-Breifne Way. Western Way Aims:

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Trail projects help build partnerships among landowners, Local Development Companies, state agencies, tour operators and community groups. They are maintained and accessible to all users.

Target Group: Landowners and Recreational Users The good weather has allowed us to complete trail maintenance and up grading in Derryherbert, Finisglin, Letterbrickaun and Luggatarbh with funding from the Department. An application has been prepared under measure two of the Outdoor Recreation Scheme to complete this project. It is currently with the council for submission to the Department. A successful workshopwas held for providers and landowners in Lough Inagh Lodge in March. It was sponsored by Fáilte Ireland. The workshop was well attended and a good discussion took place between landowners and recreational users. Environmental screening for Mám Éan (Recess side) for upgrading and maintenance has been carried out and an application was made to the Department under measure 1 of the Outdoor Recreation Scheme. This application was unsuccessful. Meitheal West Meitheal West a group of walkers who work on paths one day a month for free identified a path at Maumean to carry out maintainance work. A work plan was put in place and 12 volunteers drained a portion of the path in the Autumn , this work will continue in 2019. Invasive Species Marie Louise Heffernan carried out an Invasive Species Eradication plan with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) funding for the Bunowen River and a river near Leenane Hotel. The findings of the plan have been sent to Coillte and there is a possibility to address the problem within the confines of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP).

Beneficiaries: Landowners = Western Way 19, providers and Recreation Users (see Fig 1 below).

Outputs: Good open working relationship with landowners. Trails are maintained to a high standard and are regularly inspected. The Western Way is promoted locally, nationally and internationally.

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Fig1. Western Way Data collected from counters

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2015 579 549 457 2016 483 924 1,839 1,198 1,245 720 1,299 1,285 351 500 364 393 2017 463 357 810 1,255 0 0 1,377 2,017 694 423 463 589 2018 762 421 1,088 1,080 1,157 501 970 916 755 338 357 380

Average per month in 2018 was 753. Sunday was the busiest day.

Slí Chonamara Aims: Trail projects help build partnerships among landowners, Local Development Companies, state agencies, tour operators and community groups. They are maintained and accessible to all users.

Target Group: Landowners and Recreational users Actions:

As mentioned above, there is a possibility for an extension along the coast which will add a kilometre to the trail and further 7-8 landowners to the current walk scheme. The section in Seanacomhas was upgraded in April and is at a very good standard now. Work commenced in July on the coastal section where there was considerable storm damage and the trail was washed away. Following on from this work the trail was reinstated and repairs were completed. This work was carried out by Comhairle Ceantar na nOilean. A number of new trails in the Conamara area have adapted the umbrella brand of Slí Chonamara. The latest of these are the Lettermullan Walking Routes.

Beneficiaries: Landowners = 34 and Recreation Users (see Fig 2. below) Outputs: Good open working relationship with landowners. Trails are maintained to a high standard and are inspected regularly.

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Fig 2. Slí Chonamara data collection from counters

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2015 35 979 160 275 2016 239 235 244 525 487 466 411 415 278 299 386 397 2017 372 239 308 557 473 495 563 645 474 303 267 176 2018 203 194 329 553 578 566 690 957 398 331 256 193

Average per month in 2018 was 393. Sunday was the busiest day.

Blue Way

Aims: To promote and develop a variety of water based activities, including kayaking and snorkelling, in a safe controlled environment.

Target group: Landowners, Recreation Users and Community Groups

Actions: Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland and Sport Ireland in conjunction with partners in Northern Ireland (Tourism Northern Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland) have commissioned Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI) to establish structures, processes and guidelines to ensure Blueways in Ireland are sustainable, safe and of a consistent quality. See summery Project Brief

The project has been delivered in three phases:

 Phase 1: Review of International Best Practice - to make recommendation relating to development, management and promotion of water trails – Complete

 Phase 2: Recommend Structures and Development Pathway for Blueway Development in Ireland – Complete The project steering grouping is currently finalising a structure and delivery mechanism – further communication will be made regarding this in the coming months.

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 Phase 3: Prepare a Blueway Development and Management Guide – Final Draft The guide has been designed with the aim of providing detailed information and advice in order to answer the following queries:  Definition – What is a Blueway?  Target Market – Who will be attracted to a Blueway?  Benefits – Why become accredited?  Criteria – What are the fundamental components of a successful Blueway?  Achieving Success – How to achieve Blueway Accreditation  Planning – How to plan the development and management of a successful Blueway

Beneficiaries: Landowners, Recreation Users and community groups

Outputs: Identify suitable snorkel and kayak locations. Provide a snorkel guide course. Identify amenities necessary, gear rental, and accommodation suitable for water based recreational users i.e. drying facilities. Community ownership and good open working relationship with landowners, community groups and other relevant agencies. Trails are maintained to a high standard and are regularly inspected.

Hymany Way Aims: To establish and build partnerships among landowners, community groups, state agencies, tour operators and local development companies. To prepare the trail and its network for the potential inclusion to the Walks Scheme- funding depending. They are maintained and accessible to all users.

Target Group: Landowners, Community Groups and Recreational Users

Actions: The Hymany Way is regularly inspected by the National Trails Office and passed at 89% in 2016. The main actions are to reengage with the community groups and above all the landowners. Working closely with the Aughrim Community Group. The Beara-Breifne passport was launched in April in Roscommon and was very well attended. This trail has 23 huge political buy in and will be one of Ireland’s longest trails, stretching from West Cork to Blacklion in Cavan. There are discussions of linking it with the Ulster Way, making it the longest trail on the entire island. Beneficiaries: Landowners = Possibly 35, Community groups and Recreation Users Outputs: Good open working relationship with landowners. Trails are maintained to a high standard and are regularly inspected.

Connemara Greenway Aims: To develop a greenway from Oughterard to Clifden.

Target group: Landowners and Recreation Users

Galway County Council has completed the section from Ballinahinch and Ballinafad and it was officially launched in May. An application for further funding was successful under measure 2 of the Outdoor Recreation Fund. 500.000 was granted for works west of Ballinahinch. Galway County Council and Forum Connemara CLG met with all land owners along the Greenway from Clifden to Leam with the view of progressing the Greenway. (55) Land owners were met to ascertain if they would sell their portion of the line. An application was made to the Department of Transport for funding for this section of the Greenway.

Beneficiaries: Landowners and Recreation Users

Outputs: Good working relationship between Forum Connemara, Galway County Council, landowners, community groups and other relevant agencies. To develop a greenway from Oughterard to Clifden.

Conamara Walking Trails – Slí Chonamara:

Aims: 24

To create walking trails in the South Conamara area under the Slí Chonamara brand.

Target group: Landowners, community groups and Recreation Users

Actions:

-Lúibín Mhaírois was inspected on the 29th June after many years of development and the inspector was very impressed with the trail and commended all involved. It has been included on the IPB insurance and passed at 99%. The group are currently looking at other developments. -The Carraroe Tidy Towns have developed three trails in the village and its environs. The map board is up and they have also published flyers. . They had an inspection in August -Four trails have been developed in Lettermullan. -Cill Chiarán community group are preparing to develop a coastal walking trail with Údarás na Gaeltachat’s Páirc Mara-Business Park. This is held up due to planning for the Páirc Mara.

Beneficiaries: The local community group and visitors to the village.

Outputs: Showcasing the natural and built heritage of the village and providing trails for locals and visitors. Good open working relationship with landowners. Trails are maintained to a high standard and are regularly inspected. This will lead to further developments in the area.

Mountain Access Project Aims: The Mountain Access Scheme sets out to manage recreational enjoyment of mountain areas in a way that minimises inconvenience for landowners and local residents, and means that use of the area can be promoted with clarity and confidence. This is done by formally agreeing access with the landowners on a mountain, producing a map showing designated access points, indemnifying the landowners, providing parking and any infrastructure required to sustain recreational use. 25

Target group: Landowners and Recreation Users

Actions: Binn Shléibhe in Clonbur has been selected as a pilot mountain access project along with the McGillicuddy Reeks in Kerry. Car parks and signage are completed and in place. The group are waiting on the national indemnity scheme. This is the last piece of the project. The group are setting up an independent steering group for the Geopark which will include the Mountain Access Project. This project is under review with Comhairle na Tuaithe and the Department.

Beneficiaries: Landowners and Recreation Users

Outputs: Good open working relationship with landowners.

Derroura

Aims: Upgrading, marketing and promotion of the Derroura Mountain Bike Trail near Oughterard.

Target group: Recreation Users and community groups

Coillte are continuing to upgrade this trail and an application has been sent in to SSE Galway Windfarm Park to upgrade and improve the car park on the N59.

Beneficiaries: Coillte and Recreation Users

Outputs: Good open working relationship with Coillte and the new working group. Trails are maintained to a high standard and are regularly inspected.

Walking Hub in Tullyconor/Lettershanbally 26

Aims: The Western Way already provides a focal point for walking tourism in this area and by creating a number of loops off it; a mini hub of low level trails is developed in an area of significant beauty.

Target group: Landowners and Recreation Users

The work in this area is completed. The trails compliment the Western Way. Way marking signage is in place, maps are complete and map boards will be erected early in 2019. Beneficiaries: Coillte, Recreation Users and local businesses.

Outputs: This development will encourage visitors to stay in this area longer and get off the beaten track. There is potential for these trails to become multiuse trails to incorporate cycling and walking. This recreation hub will be created benefitting Leenane, Kylemore, Letterfrack and the Inagh Valley area.

Other Projects The RRO continues to work with community groups and private landowners who are interested in developing recreational projects or who have various queries regarding access and liability.

Cloosh Valley Windfarm Park: Assisting the SSE and Coillte in the development of walking and cycling trails within the Wind Farm Park and the creation of a five year development plan for Cloosh Valley and its environs. The original Slí Chonamara trail that passed through this area has been upgraded and will be included in the trail development of the Valley. This will create a link between Oughterard and South Connemara, possibly Bearna or Spiddal. The trails are completed with way marking and mapboards.

Galway County Heritage Forum: The RRO is an active participant of the Galway County Heritage & Biodiversity Forum, 2017-2022. The County Heritage and Biodiversity Plan is completed.

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Fáilte Ireland Connemara Visitor Experience Plan: Assisted Fáilte Ireland to create a visitor experience plan for Connemara and the islands. The plan is finished and the first fund to support this was opened in June.

Costa Gaelach Conamara: Údarás na Gaeltachta have had a number of meeting to create a network for tourism in the Gaeltacht, this is based on the Costa network who were very active 20 years ago. There is good response from the local businesses and community groups.

Letterfrack: The Atlantic Waterfall Trail was inspected on the 29th June and passed at 87%. There is still a lot of work to be done. The inspector recommended creating a meandering trail to protect the surrounding landscape. Connemara National Park is keen to develop this trail to spread out the number of visitors to the park and enhance their visit to the area. It is intended to have one map board in the village highlighting the Poetry Trail and the Atlantic Waterfall Trail.

Kilchreest, Sliabh Aughty’s: Are setting up a network of walking trails in the Sliabh Aughty Mountains, up from the village of Kilchreest. They are near completion of the first walkway knows as the “Old Famine Road” and are working with Coillte on the remaining trails.

Kilconly, Tuam have made great progress with the Castlegrove Woods development. OPW have done work around the Castle, it's properly fenced off and accessible from the road. Coillte have been felling in the area and are allocating another €10,000 for a car park and to develop trails.

Glenamaddy have huge potential for development. There is plenty of work to do and a plan for short term, medium term and long term projects for Glenamaddy and for the neighbouring towns and villages has been laid out. Short term - Put the Fraise Greenway though the National Trails Office (NTO) for inspection. This is a trail that already exists and is in use. Look at developing a nature walk near the

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Turlough. The group have sent in an application for funding under the Outdoor Recreation Scheme. Medium term - A looped trail around the Turlough and to build on the ecology in the area, look at what the Burren are doing in terms of courses and workshops and link with Bird Watch Ireland and other relevant organisations. Long term - A pilot bog project – where a number of areas are selected for a study and the educational, conservation and eco-tourism potential is recognised and put into a plan to attract visitors. The group plan to employ a consultant to draw up a plan for the area.

Séanadh Mhacha: Landowners agree to open these roads as trails if it means they will have a decent road to drive on. Many local families use these roads for walking and cycling. The RRO is working closely with a committee in Séanadh Mhacha, Cinn Mhara, and Connemara on one set of roads. An Environmental Screening has been carried out on this trail and funding is secured under last year’s Outdoor Recreation Funding under Measure 2. Work commenced in late November and was completed on time ,approximately 7 km of the bog road has been completed, signage will be erected in early 2019. The road can then be inspected by the National trails office for insurance purposes..

Clifden Castle: Working with the landowners and members of the Chamber to develop a trail to the castle. This project is also stagnant. MOU’s need to be signed and a plan agreed. The Chamber are the main contact here.

Omey Island: The landowners on the island have been able to resolve their issues with visitors to the island for the moment; therefore the idea of an official walking trail is off the table for now.

Moycullen Trails: The group have submitted an application to Forum under measure 1 Outdoor Recreation Scheme to update their map boards to add in two new trails.

Marconi Loop: Assisting the Chamber with map board design and developing a link to the greenway. The link to the Greenway has moved forward through NPWS. The map board for the Marconi Loop is still being finished. The design is ready to be sent to the printers. 29

Arann Islands: . Inis Meáin were in contact and the RRO assisted them in an application to FLAGS-BIM to update signage. They were successful with their application and working on improving their trails.

Outdoor Recreation Scheme: Forum Connemara CLG submitted 7 funding applications under Measure 1 to the Department of Rural and Community Development. Of the 7 submitted, 2 were successful. At present the RRO is in the process of drawing down funding for Connemara and Islands Walking Brochure, which will include all accredited trails in Connemara and the Islands in one Brochure. The second project is for a Mapboard in Moycullen.

Killary Trail: All landowners have signed Expressions of Interest to develop the trail and get it approved and accredited by the NTO. MOU are being drawn up in conjunction with the Leenane Development Association who will hopefully be the trail management.

LEADER Programme

Aim The administration of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020

Programme Aims 2014-2020 The overall programme aim is “Promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas”.

More specifically the aims under the FORUM Rural Development Strategy are: 1. New and Enhanced Services and Products Deliver Connemara’s Tourism Potential a. Heritage and the Connemara Brand b. Sustainable Services c. Adventure and Discovery Tourism

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d. Tourism Business Development e. Delivering Innovation and Partnership (Animation) 2. Pathways and Opportunities for Employment and Economic Growth through Partnership and Innovation a. The Threshold Programme b. Growing Business Capacity and Confidence c. Enterprise Connemara d. Ensuring Opportunities for All(Animation) 3. Rural Town, Village and Countryside Enhancement a. Vibrant Towns and Villages 4. Increasing Opportunities and Hotspot Services to Connect Connemara a. Connecting Connemara 5. Services and Engagement in Community Life Contributes to Community Renewal and Wellbeing a. Essential Services b. Health and Wellbeing in Connemara c. Getting to the Hard to Reach – Adults (Animation) 6. Personal Development and New Opportunities Ensures a Future in Connemara a. Support and Opportunities for Youth b. Facilities for Youth c. Getting to the Hard to Reach – Youth- (Animation) 7. Community Catchment Care Protects and Utilises Connemara’s Inland Waterways a. Connemara Catchment Care 8. Protecting and realising the High Nature Value of Connemara as a Living Landscape a. Realising High Nature Value b. Collaboration, Community Engagement and Stewardship (Animation) 9. Piloting the Use of Connemara Renewables a. Connemara Renewables

During 2018 the aims were:

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To finalise the delivery of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 in the FORUM Connemara CLG operational area and deal with legacy issues (i.e. inspections, debt recovery, etc.) To animate and communicate the programme to individuals and community groups. To communicate with all those that had shown a general expression of interest in the programme. Report to the Department, Commission and others as required on the evaluation of the programme its outputs, outcomes and impacts. To commit allocated programme funding of €3,450,425 in line with Departmental guidelines. To ensure efficient and effective drawdown and completion of the programme

Actions Legacy Issues on RDP 2007-2013  Dealing with debt issues outstanding  Dealing with promoters and Department on one legacy project and issues therein.

Networking  Participated in European Region of Gastronomy programme.  Participated in SSE Galway Wind Park Development steering group.  Met with SW Mayo and Joyce Country Geopark Steering Committee Re: Possible Co- operation project.  Progressing 4 co-operation projects through various stakeholder meetings.  Held information evenings in Seanscoil Shailearna, Inverin, Tír an Fhia and Carna.  In contact with Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair Teo with the possibility of a co-operation project.  Met with Comharchumann Forbartha Shailearna Teoranta and had further talks and some progression with regard to the possibility of the co-operation project as mentioned above.  Had meetings with Local Comharchumann and Community Group regarding various community projects.

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 Liaising with Local Day Care Centre for the elderly with the prospect of a project application.

Meetings with Evaluation Committee  1st February- Evaluation Meeting  11th April- Evaluation Meeting  15th March- Evaluation Meeting  27th June- Evaluation Meeting  21st September Evaluation Meeting  10th December Evaluation Meeting  Evaluated 31 projects total value €708,397.87

Claims 14 claims handled €134,102.40

Administration  RDP IT system updating.  Project files administration.  Site visits.  Project extension requests and funding reallocations.  Assisting promoters with their claims & drawdown.  Dealing with project inspections and appeals.  Dealing with Department queries and information requests.  Updating website and content (logos etc.).  Launched EOI open call in May 2018, 2 themes opened Economic and Social Inclusion. Advertising on social and print media. Carried out interview on Connemara Community Radio and Radio na Gaeltachta.  Co-ordinating and managing EOI process.  Responding to EOI queries.  Completed annual LEADER plan return to Pobal.  Uploading EOI’s to IT system.

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 Letters for successful and unsuccessful EOI’s.  Letters of acknowledgement Re: applications.  Processing applications.

Drafting  Preparation of fillable forms, template documents and addressing bad formatting to make forms easier to fill (both Irish and English)- Application form, Guidance notes, Claim forms, Data protection, De- Minimis forms, EOI’s, Letters of Outcome, Letters of Acknowledgement, Letters of Offer etc.  Developed LDS strategy summary in Irish and English.  Project forecast to Pobal Re: Article 48 Checks.  Prepared 31 project applications for decision- project assessments, draft scoring records, board summaries etc.

Inspections and Appeals  Inspection on one project including 2 site visits.

General  Website development.  General programme administration e.g. preparing and sorting project files and updating Leader ICT system, preparing files, scanning and uploading to Pobal ICT System.  Arranged and carried out site visits.  Updating on procurement information.  Carrying out and co-ordinating translations on RDP information.  Summarising EOI’s for Board.  Designed headed paper with logos and addresses etc.  Queries on operating rules to working group of ILDN.  Liaised with LEO, Údaras and other agencies on projects that they may have an interest in.  Maintenance of Twitter Account/Facebook/Instagram/Website  Annual in operation letters maintenance of accounts.

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 Submissions to Department on RDP issues including operating rules etc.  Updating website with LEADER documents.  Reading up on new procurement documentation.  Progressing Co-operation projects o Visitor Experience Skills Development Programme with 5 LAGs on the WAW o Circling the Great Western Lakes driving route with Mayo LAG o Care for the elderly in Gaeltacht areas research project with Donegal and Kerry LAGs. o Smart Islands Inter-territorial project with Comhar na nÓileain and Scottish LAG  General programme administration e.g. organising translations of programme material from Irish to English etc.  Assisted with the tendering and evaluation process for the VESDP co-operation project. Tender evaluation Tuam 31st July and clarification meeting 10th August 2018.  Attended Rural Environment Sub Theme Capacity Building Seminar in Athlone 20th April.  Liaising with Department on specific Co-operation projects- preparation of submission for consideration.  Worked on and publicised Artisan Food call as issued by the Department.  Attended ILDN meeting in Tullamore 24th May 2018.  Attended Department Seminar in Tullamore on Social Inclusion and Broadband 4th December 2018.  Meeting with JP Mulherrin Principal in the Department with responsibility for RDP around issues and progress.  Attended Department meeting and consultation in Tullamore 13th September 2018.  Set up publicity shoots at 2 projects that received funding.  Liaising with local Community Groups, Comharchumainn and the general public on Leader opening calls.  To disseminate information, especially new and additional information to Local Co-Op’s, community groups and the general public within the rural areas that the Leader Programme covers.  Total funding approved by the board to date €745 456.

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FORUM Adolescent Support Project End of Year Report 2018

Aim The Adolescent Support Project is a FORUM initiative, in partnership with TUSLA and GRETB. The aim of the project is to put in place a youth service provision for categories of young people between the ages of seven and eighteen years in North West Connemara. Target Group The project works with young people in primary and post post primary schools, community centres and work is done on an individual basis. The project also provides support to parents groups and other groups working with young people. Note Many of the actions/initiatives listed below are jointly supported by Connemara North and West Schools Completion Programme (SCP) particularly with young people who attended the two secondary schools. Actions Undertaken January – December 2018 National Quality Standards The FORUM Adolescent Support Project is implementing a National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) developed by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs which includes qualitative outcomes and core principles of youth work, is young person centred and enables us to monitor and evaluate all work carried out. Presentation to the FORUM Board of Directors and the GRETB Board In January the Project Co-ordinator gave a presentation to the FORUM Board of Directors regarding the work of the Adolescent Support Project. The presentation included two DVDs created to showcase some of the youth initiatives. A similar presentation was given to the Board of the Galway and Roscommon Education Training Board in May in Rosmuc, FORUM chairperson Terry Keenan also attended. After Schools Activity Programmes Nine eight week After Schools Activity Programmes have been delivered to Aillebrack, Kingstown, Cashel, Tully, Letterfrack, Maam, Cleggan and two progammes to Scoil Mhuire Clifden (due to larger numbers). These programmes included outings to Killary Adventure Centre to engage in combat laser and Killary challenges. The Project Co-ordinator produced a DVD to showcase (for parent’s day) the work the young people undertook during each of the eight-week programmes. In total 86 young people have participated and over sixty parents attended the parents days in schools.

Youth Reach Bio-Diversity Project Youth Reach in conjunction with the adolescent programme developed a bio diversity project for Schools which included the design and construction of sixty bird houses. To be used at home in their gardens. Junior Arts Schools Programmes 36

Six junior arts programmes have been delivered to fifty nine children during school time in Aillebrack, Kingstown, Tully, Letterfrack, Maam and Eagles Nest National Schools, over a six week period. Clifden Community School Three six-week personal development programmes have been delivered to thirty students of Clifden Community School 1st year programme. Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara, Carna 1st Year Programme An eight week personal development programme similar to the programme in Clifden Community School has been delivered to twelve young people in Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara,Carna 1st year group. Breakfast Clubs, Schools Kit Programme and Food Cloud FORUM Food Cloud FEAD/BIA initiative has supported Clifden Community School and Youth Reach in providing food for young people who attend Breakfast clubs, with teas, coffees and breakfast cereals. In addition 127 children and young people availed of the School Kits initiative from the different areas of North West Connemara. Fifteen students from the GMIT Letterfrack have availed of the food scheme along with seventy five members of the community majority having young families and some individuals who are on disability allowance. CoderDojo Club Clifden CoderDojo is a club for young people between 7 and 17 who learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs,and games . In addition to learning to code, members meet likeminded people; show off what they’ve been working on. CoderDojo makes development and learning to code a fun, sociable, experience. It also places a strong emphasis on open source and free software, and has a strong network of members and volunteers globally. An eight week programmes have been delivered in Clifden to twenty young people between the ages of 6-13 years.

Youth Reach Canoeing Programme A six week programme in partnership with School Completion was delivered to eight students of Youth Reach Letterfrack. This particular programme targeted young people who were between the ages of fifteen and seventeen years. The course gave them a proficiency level in canoeing. Youth Representative Group/Comhairle Na nOg Since January seven meetings have been held with the local Comhairle Na nOg group/Youth Representative Group to plan youth related events and help inform the youth project on programme delivery. In addition this year the group assisted and informed the development of FORUM’s Child Safeguarding Statement. ISIC Student Identification and Discount Card On the 11th of December with the assistance of the Comhairle/Youth Representative group and the School Completion Co-ordinator the project organised the company ISIC to come to Clifden Community School to help administered an Student Identification Discount Card to 340 students and 35 teachers. This request for this initiative came from the Principal and students . Review Personal Fitness Programme A review of a personal fitness programme took place in January and March 2018 to assess progress of the programme which took place in October - December 2017. The programme focused on young people who were experiencing personal issues such as anxiety and lack of

37 self-esteem in relation to fitness levels .It was agreed to provide additional training workouts.The programme was successful with most of the participants now participating in other sports activities. Work Experience Six students have attended the project for work experience, one student from Aquinas College, USA, and two students from Clifden Commuinty, one Inishmore, and St. Paul’s in Oughterard Seconadry Schools and Youth Reach Letterfrack . A training session was held in the project also for the work placement students in youth work practice and theory.

Two Meitheals A Meitheal is where all services that are involved with a family come together and help with the child or young person who is experiencing difficulties. The Project Co-ordinator has been working with two families using the Meitheal model one as lead practitioner and another led by Tusla Connemara Family Support Services. Eight planning meetings have been held during year. Initiatives which have been offered include providing after schools activity programmes, first year programmes in Clifden Community School, an intergenerational stain glass workshop, 7+ and 13+ summer camps, weekly youth café sessions, individual sessions and attending the planning meetings of other service providers as part of the overall Meitheal initiative. The services providers include Tusla Connemara Family Support Services, Connemara North and West School Completion Programme, Clifden Community School, Clifden Garda, Domestic Violence Response, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Ability West.

Connemara Child and Family Services Network Meeting The Project Co-ordinator has attended three Connemara Services Network Meetings organised by TUSLA Family Support Oughterard with other servicec providers who work with families. The purpose of the meetings is to explore ways that the network could function as a basis for providing a comprehensive view of all services available in the area; and identify gaps/needs. Susan Forde, Family Support Manager, initiated meetings of the four main service providers working with families in Connemara, to plan individual family interventions with an emphasis on the best use of available resources. The services providers are Forum, TUSLA, North & West Connemara School Completion and the HSE. Two meetings have been held since during the year and family cases and initiatives have been worked on.

Referrals from the Education Welfare Board Officer Two young people have been referred to the Project from the Education Welfare Board Officer; they have low attendance at school. Both young people have been offered programmes and other initiatives which they have attended. Three young people have been referred to the project from the Child Psychologist for services , including a fitness programme, summer camps, youth café . Meeting were held with young people individually to engage them in other initiatives to increase their confidence. One young person in need of supports has been referred to the project from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services . The Co-ordinator has attended two meeting in Galway with the Family and other services who work with the young person. Intyerventions have

38 been put in place to support this persons mental health and this work will be ongoing in 2019.

What’s on 4 the Kids & What’s on 4 the Parents In October Tulsa invited agencies to apply for funding for new initiatives to work with parents and children.Forum submitted a proposal to run a six programme called ‘What’s on 4 the Kids ‘in the afternoon in Clifden National School and in the evening a programme for the parents called ‘What’s on 4 the Parents”. These programmes were designed to get the parents to look at what takes place in the After Schools Programmes of what they feel are the benefit. The application was successful and a grant of €1,140 was received . The programme was delivered, to ten parents and twelve young people, over a six week period for the parents and eight weeks for the young people. An evaluation was completed following the programme .was .

Investing in Child Award & Working Weekend in Petersburg Adventure Centre In October the Forum applied to Tusla for an Investing in Child Award. This award is given to organisations that engage with and listen to young people and value their input. This initiative involved the participation of an Garda Siochanna, North and West Connemara School Completion Programme and Galway and Roscommon Children and Young Peoples Services Committee. The programme involved young people and the Gardai participating in events to improve relationships, the development of the Projects Child Safe Guarding Statement ,the re-design of the Clifdens Youth Cafe and training young people to help with the junior summer camps. Twelve young people who are members of the projects Youth Representative/Comhairle group attended the Petersburg Adventure Centre.They were interviewed by Jacqueline Concannon from Tusla to evaluate the youth service initiative. Following the evaluation it was decided to submit the project for the investing in childrens award.The submission was successful .A small ceremony will be held in January 2019 celebrate the award. In October adolocent support staff successfully completed a three day course in Pre- Hospital Emergency Care First Aid.

Tusla’s National Promotional Campaign of Services As part of Tusla’s National Campaign to promote their services in Ireland, the Forum Adolescent Support Projects staff gave a presentation to approximately 50 students in Clifden Community School, regarding the services / programmes the project provides . The Project Co-ordinator and the Forum CEO attended a review of the Adolescent Support Projects service level agreement with Susan Forde, Family Support Manager Tusla in October. The Co-ordinator is attending the Forum Ability Programme steering committee meetings and providing assistance where possible. Intergenerational Programmes During the year the project has delivered three intergenerational programme to over thirty older people and forty younger people; activities included playing bowls, stain glass and Christmas decorations workshops. In addition a Christmas party was held in Claddaghduff Hall activities included baking, games and dancing. Meetings with Parents in June

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Forum Adolescent Support staff and Connemara North and West School Completion Co- ordinators met with (individually) six parents who were seeking additional supports for their children. These young people were targeted due to a range of different issues. Summer camp programmes were offered with further supports in the Autumn Clifden Youth Cafe Re-designed and Re-launched Since January approximately thirty young people have been attending the Clifden Youth Cafe after school on the Fridays; the project provides hot drinks, toast and the use of games such as Xbox, monopoly, chess, don’t panic and table football and the use of two lap tops. On the 23rd of March Clifden Youth Cafe was re-launched. Twenty young people with the helped refurbish the premises, this involved painting the premises, creating art pieces and designing the some furniture. Caroline Duigan the Galway and Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Co-ordinator attended. Over forty young people took part in the launch. 20th Year Birthday Celebration of the Project Forums Adolescent Support Project has been in existence since 1998. A celebration to mark its 20 years of service took place in the Station House Hotel Theatre Clifden on the 24th of May 2018. Guest Speakers included Professor Pat Dolan, Director of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre( former members of the project committee) Susan Forde, Family Support Services Manager for TUSLA, Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Director of Further Education Training GRETB and Superintendent Ernie White, Clifden Gardaí. Chairperson of FORUM Terry Keenan welcomed everyone and outlined the programme of events for the evening which included Guest Speakers, an input from the Project Co-ordinator, speeches from young people, music, singing and poetry. Volunteer Training for Young People for 2018 7+Summer Camps A two day training course was organised for young people who volunteered on the 7+ Summer Camp Programmes during the Easter Break. Twelve people took part. This training focused on the principles of Volunteering, the difficulties that may arise when working with children, young people worked on codes of behaviour for themselves as volunteers, becoming familiar with projects they are delivering as part of the summer camp programme and giving feedback. Meetings with the Department of Children & Youth Affairs On the 19th of April the Co-ordinator attended a meeting in Dublin with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, regarding the new Youth Funding Scheme that is currently being designed to replace the old scheme which was called SPY (Special Projects for Youth). The Department wished to consult with implementers regarding the delivery of projects. Following consultation with the different agencies the Department held a further two day briefing in Croke Park on the 5th and 6th of November regarding measuring tools , which will be introduced in 2020 as part of the evaluating the work of projects under the scheme.

Youth Cafe Opened During the State Exams During the month of June when students from Clifden Community School were completing their Junior and Leaving Cert exams the Youth Cafe opened at lunch time breaks. Students were provided with teas, coffees, soups and toast. Approximately thirty young people used this facilitate daily. members and the local Clifden Gardai took part in the events.

13+ Summer Camp Adventure Programme

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A two day event was held in the Killary Adventure Centre for thirty four young people during July. Participants engaged in different activities over two days e.g. archery, rock climbing, combat laser questing, canoeing, raft building and the Killary Challenge. 7+ Youth in Action Summer Camps

The Youth in Action 7+ summer camps were held in July and August. Forms were distributed through the schools and children pre-registered. Camps were held in the following areas: Roundstone, Claddaghduff, Tullycross, and Clifden. The main activities for all camps included arts, crafts and sport and all camps finished with a barbeque. Over 144 Children attend from across the project area. The School Completion programme supported this initiative. In addition ten older teenagers attended as assistant on camps in the different areas.

Research Supported Support was provided in February to Tusla Child & Family Support Network Co-ordinator, Orla Curran in setting up a focus group of ten parents to here their views on the needs of parents and their families. In addition the Project Co-ordinator conducted research on behalf of Galway Children and Young People’s Services Committee Co-ordinator Morgan Mee in identifying needs of teenagers. National Quality Standards Framework Ongoing Assessment and continues Improvement Plans are monitored by the GRETB under thwe direction of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. This includes planning, assessment/evaluation and improving the delivery of services to the children and young people who work in the project. meeting the GRETB Youth Officer and submitting a report to the Department. . Meetings with Brid Bourke TUSLA Children First Officer . Following two review meetings with Brid Bourke TUSLA Children First Officer the . Project Co-ordinator has completed the following pieces of work: Completed a new Complaints Procedure Document;  Carried out a risk assessment in consolation with young people .  Compiled Child Safe Guarding Statement, which was approved by the Forum Board.  Updated the Children First Protection Document;  Completed the E-Learning Child Protection Certification along with other workers who work with Children and Young People

Beneficiaries Primary Schools (Schools) 8 After Schools Activity Club (young people) 86 Arts Classes to junior’s (young people) 59 Clifden Community School (young people) 30

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Carna Secondary School (young people) 12 Youth Rep/Comhairle Group (young people) 14 Fun Run (1years -80 years) 600 CoderDojo Club Clifden (young people) 20 Clifden Town Youth Cafe weekly (young people) 30 Youth Cafe opening for two weeks in June for Exams (young people) 30 Volunteer Training for young people assisting on Junior summer camps (Young People) 12 Birthday Celebration of the Project attendance 150 Fitness Reviews Session (Young People) 7 Work Experience Students (Young People) 6 Meeting Parents for Summer Initiates (Parents) 6 Meitheals (Young People -Families) 2 Referral from CAMHS (Young People) 1 Referrals from Education Welfare Board (Young People) 2 Referrals from HSE Physiology (Young People) 3 Youth Reach Canoeing Programme (Young People) 8 ISIC Card (Young People) 340 (Teachers) 35 What’s on for the Parents Programme (Parents) 10 7+ Junior Summer Camps (Young People) 144 13+ Summer Camp (Young People) 34

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