Fears over future of community services as LCDP budget slashed

The future of vital community services are in doubt after the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DCELG) informed fifty Local & Community Development Programme (LCDP) projects that their budgets would be cut by between 7% and 11%. This cut follows the continuing decline in LCDP funding from €84.7 million in 2008 to €49 million in 2013, a cut of 42% in total.

Manus Bree, Community Worker and Chairperson of SIPTU’s Local Development Company Committee said: “LCDP delivers a range of vital supports to vulnerable communities and families who have been hit elsewhere in this budget. Older people, those with disabilities and lone parents rely on LCDP projects and services and for many it is a lifeline. These cuts are also a false economy; early school leaving, drug misuse, family breakdown and mental health problems are just some of the issues to which the LCDP programme responds. The social and economic costs that will be incurred in the future will be far greater than any savings made now.”

The LCDP programme delivers a range of vital services targeted at education, enterprise and employment, particularly in disadvantaged communities. A recent report by POBAL showed that in 2011 the LCDP programme supported 4,110 local communities groups, helped 1,121 people into employment and 5,042 into self-employment and  saw 11,393 participate in education with a further 11,781 participating in labour market training.

SIPTU Sector Organiser Eddie Mullins stated: “There are huge challenges facing community programmes in 2013, not least of which is this disproportionate budget cut and the local industrial relations issues it will cause. If we are to minimise the impact on community services there needs to be a real engagement between workers, employers and the Department.”

SIPTU Community Members at the DCTU Anti Austerity March, 24th November 2012 

Communities To Protest “Slash and Burn” Policies of Government

Thousands of Community Sector workers will play a leading role in this Saturday’s Anti-Austerity March in Dublin. SIPTU’s Communities Against Cuts campaign is mobilising workers from right across the Community sector which has seen cuts of between 35 and 50% in core funding to vital services such as childcare, disability, mental health, youth and environmental work.

Community Employment (CE) Schemes and Local Community Development Partnership Companies (LCDP’s) have been particularly badly hit with many companies struggling to survive.

According to SIPTU’s Community Campaign Co-ordinator Darragh O’Connor  “ LCDP’s created over 6000 new jobs in 2011 at a cost of just €5000 per job  compared to a cost of over €12000 for each job created by Enterprise Ireland. How can it make sense to have their budgets cut again? Many childcare CE projects are on the point of collapse because of changes made to entitlements for lone parents. A continuance of this “slash and burn” approach in this next budget will bring about the closure of many of these companies along with the loss of vital community services.”

Elaine Harvey from the Galway City Partnership explained “We are organising through SIPTU to defend our jobs and our services. On Saturday we will send a strong message to government-if you continue to cut our funding, our communities will take the fight directly to the doorsteps of the politicians who vote for these cuts. There will be no hiding place.”

The Communities Against Cuts Campaign is one of the four main organisations behind Saturdays march alongside The Dublin Council of Trade Unions, The Spectacle of Defiance and Hope and the Campaign against Household and Water Taxes. Marchers will assemble at Parnell Square from 1pm this Saturday 24^th November.

CE Cutbacks Leading to Exclusion of Lone Parents

SIPTU Press Release: 13th November 2012

New figures from the Department of Social Protection have shown a dramatic fall in the participation rate of lone parents in Community Employment (CE) schemes, according to SIPTU. Replying to a parliamentary question on 8^th November Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, confirmed that just 3060 lone parents were working on such schemes to the end of September this year, compared to 4508 for the same period last year - a drop of 33%. This fall follows cuts to payments for lone parents in last December’s budget restricting them to a single payment while on CE, and making no allowance for costs such as childcare.

The drop off in participation by lone parents has had a particularly detrimental effect on community childcare schemes, many of which are supported through Community Employment. 

SIPTU Community Sector Organiser Darragh O’Connor explained: “Lone parents have played a major role in the staffing and success of CE Childcare schemes, but this route out of welfare and back to work has effectively been closed due to budget cutbacks. It is ironic that in the wake of the ‘Yes’ vote in the Children’s referendum affordable community childcare services are struggling to survive because of these cuts.”

Reacting to the figures Stuart Duffin from One Family, Ireland’s leading organisation for one-parent families said:  “Community Employment provided a gateway to work for many lone-parents. That gateway has narrowed following the cuts in last year’s budget which saw the poorest families and children becoming even poorer as a direct result of the ill-thought out changes. The Government needs to support the engagement of lone parents in community employment and help to make work pay for them and their families.”

Community Sector Protest - 24th November

COMMUNITIES AGAINST CUTS 

The Government is going to make choices for Budget 2013 that will affect the community sector. It will choose how much money goes to services such as childcare, youth work and community employment.

Previous budget cuts have brought the Community Sector to breaking point; we have to ensure that this time the Government makes the right choice.

Union activists have spent the past year campaigning and lobbying politicians and telling them why the sector needs to be protected, but now is the time to hit the streets.

On 24^th November, 1pm the SIPTU and Communities Against Cuts will be joining the Dublin Council of Trade Union’s pre-budget demonstration at Parnell Square, Dublin.   

We are asking all workers and supporters to join us and send a message to Government; cutting communities will mean pain for you.  

Attached is a poster that you can put up in your project or give to your colleagues, friends and family.

I look forward to seeing you there.  

SIPTU activists call on Government to protect CE

SIPTU activists made a strong call for the protection of funding for vital Community Services in the coming budget at a meeting in the Oireachtas today. The delegation from SIPTU’s Community Campaign was making a presentation to the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection on the value of Community Employment (CE) Schemes.

A range of essential community services across the state such as childcare, meals on wheels, eldercare and disability are dependent on CE workers and CE funding to remain in existence. However, due to budget cuts of between 30% and 40% last year to the training and materials grants many of these schemes are in difficulty.

Speaking after the meeting, SIPTU Campaign Co-ordinator Darragh O’Connor said “It’s critical that the number of CE Schemes and places are not subject to further cuts. The need for these schemes is greater now than at any time in the last 10 years. It is also essential that participants continue to have access to quality accredited training to assist them back into full time employment.”

The issue of cuts to payments of lone parents and people with disabilities who take up community employment was also raised. Describing the impact of these cuts CE Supervisor and SIPTU activist Seamie Briscoe said: “CE is no longer a financially viable path to employment and training for lone parents and people with disabilities. This is a tragedy because the progression rate for lone parents back into full time employment was close to 100% in many of these schemes. The additional expenses incurred by these groups must be addressed in the upcoming budget.”

The delegation also stressed the importance of maintaining placements for up to three years in order to facilitate completion of recognised training courses and work experience.

Darragh O’Connor concluded: “We welcome the establishment of an Employment Schemes Advisory Committee where the voices of CE supervisors, workers and other stakeholders can be heard with regard to the future shape, structure and funding of Community Employment.”

Cork's Politicians Urged to Stand Up for CE-Evening Echo Report

Pictures from Cork's "Concert for Communities"

 The Cork Academy'sYouth Initiative Rocks The House!

The Cantabile Vocal Ensemble Choir captivate a spellbound audience

Muireann ni Chonnalain delivering a stunning version of "Boots of Spanish Leather"

Cork Academy Rock the Triskel!

The Triskel Arts Centre was packed last night for a special “Concert for Communities” to showcase the value of Community Employment (CE) schemes throughout the city.  CE participants from the Cork Academy of Music and Togher Music Project rocked the city centre venue with polished performances of rock, jazz and pop standards combined with an impressive set of original material. The audience were also treated to a stunning vocal recital from the Cantabile Vocal Ensemble Choir.

Among those attending on the night were Lord Mayor John Buttimer, his brother Jerry Buttimer TD, former Lord Mayor Joe O’Callaghan, and a number of local councillors including Chris O’Leary and Henry Cremin. SIPTU’s Trevor Quinn opened proceedings with an impassioned call to the city’s politicians to recognise the value of Community Employment. He also called on government parties to reverse cuts to vital funding which were now placing the future of some projects in doubt;

“The Community Sector has suffered disproportionate cuts to funding of 35% and more already. These schemes  make a major difference to people’s lives by helping them out of unemployment and setting them on a new career path out of poverty and into gainful employment.”

MC for the night Evelyn Grant of Lyric FM stressed the value that the Cork Academy of Music places on further education and learning progression. The work of CE staff and tutors was perhaps best showcased by the performance from the Cork Academy’s Youth Initiative participants who wowed the audience with an accomplished and diverse opening set despite only having begun to play music just six months ago.

Reflecting on the progress of CE participants, many of whom have gone on to achieve Degrees, Masters and even PhD’s,  Cork Academy of Music Founder Bob Seward said “It shows what can be achieved with just a small amount of investment in these people, and the real value of Community Employment”

FREE CONCERT FOR COMMUNITIES AT TRISKEL ARTS CENTRE TONIGHT

The Cork Academy of Music is combining with SIPTU and other Community Employment (CE) projects in the city to present a free musical “Concert for Communities” this evening Thursday 4^th October at 8pm at the Triskel Arts Centre. Renowned musician and Lyric FM presenter Evelyn Grant has been confirmed as the MC for the night. The purpose of the event is to showcase the value of Community Employment Projects in the city and the talent of current course participants.

The Academy was established by Bob Seward as a voluntary initiative in 1994 in recognition of the need for a musical institute on the North side of city. This initiative was set up to give marginalised adults and young people the opportunity to learn music using this as a way to encourage them to access further education and to improve their skills for employment opportunities.

Over 700 people have now graduated from this innovative CE scheme and most have gone to enjoy paid employment and a career in the music industry. Dozens of students have gone on to complete Degrees, Masters and even Ph. D’s thanks to the work of the dedicated tutors and staff of the Academy.

This year the academy has initiated a full time music course for fifteen young people at risk with support of the RAPID programme (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment and Development)

At a time when funding for Community Employment schemes is under unprecedented pressure from government cutbacks the participants are determined to play their part in promoting the real value of quality training provided by Community Employment.

SIPTU Organiser Trevor Quinn confirmed “Workers from the academy will be joined  by participants from the Togher CE music project and the Cantabile Vocal Ensemble Choir, and will be supported by CE workers from the Triskel Arts Centre in a unique collaboration to promote the value of high quality Community Employment Training Projects in Cork City. All local councillors and TD’s from the city and county will be invited and urged to ensure their continued support for CE schemes in the city.” For more information on the concert contact Trevor Quinn on 0872906803.

CORK ACADEMY STRIKES THE RIGHT NOTE FOR COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT!



Bob Seward and Noreen Keane

The transformational nature of the Community Employment Scheme ran by the Cork Academy of Music only becomes clear when you meet and talk to course participants.

Muireann ni Chonnaláin,Glen Kelly, Gerard O'Regan, and Bairbre Flood

Glenn Kelly had previously worked in construction and was three years out of work, living back at home, and receiving just €10 a week from social welfare. “I was long term unemployed, and depressed. I’d lost everything.” In just one year Glen has qualified to Grade 5 of Music Theory with the Royal Academy of Music in London. He intends to achieve grade 7 in the coming months and then move on to UCC to complete a degree in Music.

Muireann ni Chonnaláin is another who has radically altered her life through the scheme. “I was a single parent struggling to find a way back into work. I grabbed this opportunity to study and work full time with music and it’s been a brilliant experience” In just nine months she has become an accomplished musician (piano)who has already achieved Grade 5 qualification in Music Theory . She is busy composing her own songs and looking forward to further education and a career in teaching and performing.

Gerard O’Regan is a fifty one year old former laboratory worker who had been five years out of work before joining the Academy. “CE has enabled me to reinvent myself through the training and education on offer. My long term goal is to study for a degree in Music Therapy.  I used to drop my wife to work and then go home for the day. Now I have a path forward into work and a career through music.”

Bairbre Flood joined the course last November and is studying music theory, guitar, drums and singing. Her progress can be measured by the fact that her first album is now available on bandcamp.com (and is well worth a listen!)

The Academy was established by Bob Seward as a voluntary initiative in 1994 in recognition of the need for a musical institute on the North side of city. It was set up to give marginalised adults and young people the opportunity to learn music using this as a way to encourage them to access further education and to improve their skills for employment opportunities.

Staff member Noreen Keane explains the philosophy of the Academy as “using music to engage participants in to the process of learning. “An important aspect of this holistic approach is a focus on training in personal and social skills which contribute to entry requirements for third level education.

Over 700 people have now graduated from this innovative CE scheme and most have gone to enjoy paid employment and a career in the music industry. Dozens of students have gone on to complete Degrees, Masters and even Ph. D’s thanks to the work of the dedicated tutors and staff of the Academy. Reflecting on the achievements of the last 18 years Bob Seward is in no doubt about the value of the training provided through CE; “I believe the progress and progression pathways of our students demonstrate the benefits of CE for adults in the community towards further education as well as entry into the labour market.”

At a time when funding for Community Employment schemes is under unprecedented pressure from government cutbacks the Academy participants are determined to play their part through SIPTU in promoting the importance of continued funding and support for Community Employment.

To this end, in conjunction with SIPTU, they are organising a free public concert in the Triskel Arts Theatre on 4^th October in Cork City Centre to showcase the talent and value that this ground breaking CE scheme has delivered.

SIPTU Organiser Trevor Quinn confirmed “Workers from the academy will be joined on the night by participants from the Togher CE music project and the Cantabile Vocal Ensemble Choir, and will be supported by CE workers from the Triskel Arts Centre in a unique collaboration to promote the value of high quality Community Employment Training Projects in Cork City. All local councillors and TD’s from the city and county will be invited and urged to ensure their continued support for CE schemes in the city.” For more information on the concert contact Trevor Quinn on 0872906803.

SIPTU calls for expansion of Community Jobs Programme

 

SIPTU has called on the Government to fund a major expansion of the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) as the most effective means of tackling unemployment and assisting disadvantaged communities.

SIPTU Community Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said: “At a time when our country is facing its worst unemployment crisis in 60 years Local Development Companies have shown that they can deliver real employment growth and tackle disadvantage, particularly with regard to the long term unemployed.”

Referring to the LCDP 2011 Progress Report, recently published by Pobal, Darragh O’Connor added: “The LCDP offers exceptional value to the taxpayer. The Pobal report indicates that over 4000 local community groups were supported in 2011 in delivering a range of vital intervention services including family support, pre-school support, youth work provision and after school support. In addition the LCDP supported 40,000 individuals, 87% of whom were new to accessing supports from the programme.”

“During this period the programme supported 5,042 people into self-employment and 1,121 into employment. According to Changing Ireland magazine the cost of each new job created through the LCDP was just €5000, which compares with a cost of €12,024 for each job created by Enterprise Ireland.”

The Pobal report also highlighted the “over-riding challenge” to the LCDP from cuts to funding which has led to “significant concerns” regarding the impact on front line services. Total LCDP spend has been reduced by 35% in the last four years, from €84.7 million in 2008 to €55.3 million in 2012.

Manus Bree, a Community Development Project Worker with the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership, said: “Nobody can dispute the LCDP is delivering both in terms of jobs and training but funding for our services has been cut to the bone since 2008.

“The Pobal report refers to the provision of front line services becoming unsustainable if further cuts are imposed. This is all the more likely when you consider that demand and caseload for the LCDP has risen by over 50% over the same period. What we need is a restoration of funding to tackle the scourge of long term unemployment and we will be bringing this message directly to our elected representatives in the coming weeks.”

 

SIPTU will oppose HSE attempt to cut disability services

Press Release: 31st August 2012 

SIPTU will oppose an attempt by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to cut the hours of Personal Assistants working in disability services.

SIPTU Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said: “The HSE announced, yesterday (Thursday, 30th August), that it intends to cut by 7.7% the hours of care provided by Personal Assistants to people with disabilities in order to make an estimated saving of €10.8 million. This cut follows a 1.8% cut in 2011 and a 3.7% cut in 2012.”

“Personal Assistants help people with disabilities live an independent life with dignity in their own homes. The proposed cut will have a direct impact on services, which in turn will severely impact on the quality of life of people with disabilities.

He added: “These vital services are already overstretched and underfunded. The proposed further cut is morally repugnant, it will be opposed by this trade union and also by communities throughout Ireland when its full impact becomes clear.”

SIPTU will campaign to protect these vital services and is currently meeting with Personal Assistants across the country to discuss what action will be taken.

CE Appeals Mechanism: Materials & Training

Appeals Mechanism: Community Employment (CE) Materials and Training Grants

(Department of Social Protection)

Where a sponsor has sought to appeal the allocation of funds by the Department of Social Protection under the Materials and Training Grants, the sponsor may avail of the following Appeals Mechanism taking account of the following parameters that apply to the allocation:

1.             No scheme will receive more than a €1,000 for materials and training per place per annum.

2.             Some schemes may receive less than €500 per place per annum.

3.             Demonstrate that savings have been secured on 2011 expenditure, especially in areas of insurance and audit fees.

4.             No scheme will exceed the materials grant drawn down in the preceding year of operation.

5.             No scheme will receive more than it indicated it needed in the course of the financial review.

(i)            The sponsor shall in the first instance write a letter of appeal, clearly outlining the grounds for appeal, to the Divisional Manager of the Department of Social Protection, within seven working days of notification of the allocation of funds.

(ii)          The appeal shall be reviewed by the Divisional Manager and within fourteen working days from the date of receipt of the written appeal, a reasoned decision will be issued to the sponsor.

(iii)        In the event that the sponsor is dissatisfied with the decision, he or she may appeal the decision in writing to the Principal Officer, Employment Schemes, within seven working days of notification of the decision.  Any such written appeal shall clearly state the grounds for appeal of the original decision and the decision of the Divisional Manager.

(iv)         Upon receipt of an appeal, the Principal Officer, Employment Schemes, will consider the matter.  Where practicable, the consideration of the appeal should be completed within one calendar month of the date of receipt of the written appeal to the Principal Officer and a reasoned decision will be issued.  This decision will be final.

CE Workers Win Massive Victory

SIPTU members have welcomed the decision of the Department of Social Protection to partially restore material and training funding to Community Employment (CE) schemes.

The decision followed an intensive lobbying campaign by trade unions on behalf of CE workers and will ensure schemes across the country can continue to deliver vital services to local communities.

At a meeting on Friday, 13^th July, officials at the Department of Social Protection confirmed to a union delegation that the total materials and training budget for 2012 will be €20.5 million, an increase of €9.5 million over the allocation announced in the budget in December 2011.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said; “The decision to nearly double the CE materials and training budget from what was initially allocated will ensure that no CE scheme will close in 2012. CE schemes employ over 22,000 people and deliver a range of crucial services including childcare, elder care, disability care, drug rehabilitation and environmental work, so it was crucial that the Government decided to re-think this budget cut.”

He added; “The decision of the Department of Social Protection to review its allocation follows an intensive seven month trade union led ‘Save Our Schemes’ campaign. SIPTU members and activists brought their message about the importance of CE schemes to politicians across the country with delegation visits, mass meetings and open days". 

There was also key engagements with Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton and senior Departmental officials by SIPTU General Officers Jack O'Connor (General President) and Patricia King (Vice President) during the campaign.

CE Supervisor and SIPTU activist, Seamie Briscoe, said; “Over 50 Government and opposition TDs heard first hand from workers the impact of cuts and the likely closure of schemes if action wasn’t taken. This decision is recognition of the crucial role that Community Employment plays, not only in the provision of vital services, but also in helping people get back to work. It also shows why community sector workers need to get organised to defend jobs and services.”  

SIPTU Community Sector Organiser, Eddie Mullins, welcomed a further commitment by the Department of Social Protection to a wider review of CE and Community Childcare schemes.

“If the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, is to meet her stated aim of a Scandinavian model of childcare the potential role of Community Employment has to be fully realised,” he said. 

Looking back for new beginnings: A Community Celebration and Renewal

Notice of Important Conference and Festival

Friday 27 and Saturday 28 July 2012, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1

Sponsored by SIPTU, Liberty Hall and Croke Park, GAA

Thirty years ago, activists from the North Inner City organised a month-long Looking-On Festival to showcase the problems facing this community in a creative and stimulating way. To commemorate this event, we are holding a conference in Liberty Hall over two days as set out in the programme below. 

The chief aim is to look at the changes in the city and community in the intervening period. We are very fortunate to have distinguished and experienced speakers attending such as Professor Ivor Brown, Art O’Briain, Loughlin Kealy, historians Francis Devine, Padraig Yeates and Mary Muldowney and other speakers who were involved in the original Looking-On Festival. 

It promises to be a creative mix and a harbinger of hope in these gloomy days. You are invited to attend and to take part in this inquiry and renewal for the community movement. Please circulate this to all your contacts. If you are only going to one summer school this year, this is it!

Events & Times 

Friday 7.30- 9.00

Reading of the play The Kips, The Digs, The Village.

Directed by Peter Sheridan and Maggie Byrne.

This was originally performed as part of the Looking-On Festival in 1982. The actors were all from the city and some went on to become professionals. It explores the Inner City of the post- World War 1 period and the emergence of the Irish Free State as a Catholic state. 

In the Bar after the show there will be a showcase of local bands.

Saturday Morning

11-1.00. In the Connolly Room, Liberty Hall

This session will give perspectives on labour, class, community and women in the struggles for improvement in the city since 1913.

Francis Devine, Padraig Yeates, Mary Muldowney

Saturday 2.15-2.45

In the main auditorium

Paper reflecting the changes in the city in the past thirty years. These would include housing, jobs, drugs ethnicity, facilities, education and the community sector itself.

Theme is “Changed city, same challenges” delivered by Patricia McCarthy and Mick Rafferty on behalf of the festival collective.

2.45-3.15

Buzz groups and responses from the audience.

3.30-5.30 (or beyond if necessary)

This session explores human development as the core aim of community development and explores where the personal, the creative and the social merge. In the aftermath of the State’s demolishing of the community development gains of the past thirty years and the destruction of   the civic society organisations that evolved in that time, what can we learn from the past and what are the pointers to the future?

Overviews and reflections by Professor Ivor Brown, Loughlin Kealy, Art O’Briain.

Questions and comments from the audience.

6-late

Songs of struggle, craic and tragedy, in the bar.  Like the Irish at the Euro despite all our defeats the city can sing! Ceoltoiri Chluain Tarbh  ,guest musicians and singers,and guest appearance from James Larkin!

Throughout the two days in the Connolly room there will be a   photo exhibition and digital slide show of the city, past and present, by Terry Fagan and Mick.Rafferty.

No registration or booking fee. Donations accepted. Many thanks to Liberty Hall for use of the premises.

Biographies

Peter Sheridan is an acclaimed theatre and film director. He is also a distinguished playwright and has written a number of best-selling memoirs of growing up in Dublin’s docklands.  He was co-founder of the community based City Workshop theater group in the eighties

Maggie Byrne is a well know community theatre director who has worked with prisoners and recovering addicts. She engages in theatre and performance as both a personal aid to healing and community empowerment. She was a key member of the City Workshop group  

Loughlin Kealy is former Professor of Architecture at University College, Dublin. He carried out extensive work in the North Inner City during the 1990s, including a survey of the built environment, a study of the urban morphology of the area prior to regeneration, and an inventory of the Dockland’s archaeological heritage prior to development.

Ivor Browne is former Professor of Psychiatry at University College, Dublin, and former Chief Psychiatrist for the Eastern Health Board. He has long-standing involvement in mental health issues in the city centre and in Ballyfermot. He was one of the founders of the Irish Foundation for Human Development. His book, Music and Madness, published in 2010, was a best-seller.

Art O’Briain is a theatre, TV and film director who was involved with community arts projects from the 1970s on. He has recently been engaged with programmes dealing with inspirational individuals, like photograper Fergus Bourke, artist Joe Boske, and Danish disability campaigner Evaid Grog.

Padraig Yeates is an author and trade union activist. He is author of Lockout, the definitive history of the 1913 Lockout. His most recent publication is A City in Wartime: Dublin 1914-1918. He is Head of the Steering Committee for the commemoration of 1913.

Francis Devine is a labour historian and was a tutor in SIPTU’s Education and Training Department. He is a former editor of Saothar, the journal of the Irish Labour History Society, of which he is a past President. He is author of Organising History: A Centenary of SIPTU, 1909-2009.

Mary Muldowney is a historian. She is author of The Second World War and Irish Women. An Oral History. She is a pioneer of oral history and one of the founders of the Oral History Network of Ireland.

Patricia McCarthy is a sociologist and community activist. She has carried out action-research with Travellers, the homeless and inner city communities. She is currently involved through Partners in Catalyst in voluntary cross-community work in Northern Ireland as well as work with asylum seekers.

  

Mick Rafferty has being active in community politics and development since 1972. In that time he has been director of The NCCCAP and the Inner city Renewal Group, worked with the Combat poverty agency, was a Dublin city councilor and now is with Partners in Catalyst on a voluntary basis.

Festival Committee members;

Catriona Crowe, Seanie Lamb, Terry Fagan, Peter Sheridan, Maggie Byrne, Liz Burns, Ger O’Leary, Patricia McCarthy, Mick Rafferty

Why Changes To CE Will Only Threaten Childcare Services

A visit to the Clare Family Resource Centre is an inspiring experience  – a dedicated team delivering the highest standards of childcare allied to a state-of-the-art premises on a par with the best in Europe. 

You see at first hand a community model that works – affordable, high quality childcare in a warm, caring

environment. Staff cater to a diverse range of 110 children, including children with special needs and children

who are vulnerable. 

General Manager, Maureen Keane, explained: “Ever since the centre was set up in 1994, we have been

motivated by the need to cater for those who are not in a financial position to avail of the services provided

by the private sector. Community Employment (CE) has been central to the success of this project.”

There are currently 24 staff, all progressing to FETAC levels 5, 6 and 7 qualifications over the course of

one to three years before moving on to work in the childcare sector. Three of this team are seconded to

Clare Haven Services which provides support and accommodation to women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Maureen told  Liberty: “All of our Room Leaders started off as CE workers – this  shows you how

important CE is to our operation. Our people are always very sought after by other employers because

they are so well trained.”

Magda Bola Ogunniyi is an example of this successful approach.  Originally from Nigeria, Magda

came to Ireland 14 years ago. She began her career at the centre 12 years ago as a CE participant, worked

her way up to Room Leader and has been the scheme supervisor for four years now. She said: “Working here is fantastic – CE gave me a lifeline to build my career.”

Presumably this is just the type of model of childcare that Minister Joan Burton had in mind when she

called recently for the setting up of “a system of safe, affordable and accessible childcare, similar to what is found in the Scandinavian countries”.  Indeed Maureen Keane spent time in Scandinavia when researching

best practice for the design of their premises in Ennis which was opened just three years ago.

So it’s hard to believe that since last December’s budget there has been increasing concern over future

funding for the centre.  Materials and training grants have been slashed leading to cutbacks of

€25,000 in funding which was used to pay for equipment, toys, heating, electricity and phone costs as well as

core FETAC training. 

This is in addition to the cut to the specific skills training fund – a loss of another €9,000.

Maureen added: “Courses in first aid, lifting and handling, fire and safety and food hygiene are mandatory, and that’s before you move on to the rest of the FETAC course contents. All of this costs money but we

will no longer receive funding for this unless things change.”

As a direct result of these cuts, a sister company to the centre – the

Clare Training Resource Centre – is being forced to close permanently in July, with the loss of a part-time

administrator, and the withdrawal of FETAC recognised training in childcare for the local community.

Maureen claims changes to lone parent payments have piled further pressure on the Centre.

She said: “We depend on new participants joining our CE scheme –

many of whom would have been lone parents, but budget changes mean lone parents will now receive

just €20 a week as an additional payment.  “This is supposed to cover their own costs of transport and childcare.Not surprisingly, the result has been a dramatic reduction in lone parents applying to join the course.”

And there is another cause for concern amid speculation that the Government’s review of Community

Employment will recommend that workers will be restricted to just one

year of CE. “It takes time to learn childcare and continuity of care is very important,” explained Maureen. 

“The quality of care must always come first. Restricting CE to one year might work in other scenarios but it

won’t work in childcare.”

All of these factors are causing great worry to Maureen and her team who are now facing an uncertain future. ““As things stand, I don’t see us being able to run a training scheme next year, but I hope that we can. I am particularly concerned about the impact these cuts could have on our support for the Clare

Haven Services.”

SIPTU Organiser, Diane Jackson, hailed the Clare Family Resource Centre as a template for community childcare of the highest order.  She told Liberty: “The Department of Social Protection should recognise

the damage that is being done by these cutbacks, recognise the huge value of schemes like the Clare

Family Resource Centre and act now to ensure the security of its future funding"

Galway Communities In United Call to Save Vital Services

Hundreds of people from across Galway City and County joined together in a united call for the restoration of funding for vital community services last Monday 25^th June. An Open Day to highlight the crucial work undertaken by Community Employment (CE) schemes throughout the County was held at St Joseph’s Community Centre, Shantalla and attracted unprecedented support from over 30 separate community organisations.

The event took place amid increasing concern for the future of CE as budget cutbacks have wiped out both materials and training grants for projects across the county. Current Cuts to the Community Employment (CE) schemes could result in the loss of essential community support services and up to 1600 jobs.

 According to SIPTU Organiser, Diane Jackson “Hundreds of jobs providing essential services in areas of mental health, meals on wheels, childcare, disability, youth and environmental work are on the line unless there is a change in government policies in relation to CE funding,”

Organisations in attendance included the Galway Peoples Resource Centre, Galway Simon, MS Ireland, Youthreach, Mountbellew District Development, the Tuam and District Mental Health Association, Citizens Information Centres, Galway Rural Development and the Ballinasloe Community Resource Centre.

A wide range of local councillors, TD’s and Senators from across the political spectrum also attended.Current Minister of State for Training and Skills Ciaran Cannon  was left in no doubt about the concerns of all present regarding the future of CE funding and the failure of the government to date to respond to this issue. Workers from all schemes pointed out to public representatives that any plans to curtail participation on CE to just one year would be detrimental to the workers and projects alike and simply unworkable. They also called for the immediate lifting of the current suspension of training for CE workers as this also impacts on the quality of services.

Marie Woolley of the Tuam and District Health Association was anxious to point out that the impact of cuts are hitting some of the most vulnerable people in our society. “Our goal is to help people who need support to live independent lives within their own communities. Our workers assist them with regard to housework, transport, gardening and general maintenance, but now that work is under threat.”

Martina Gavin from Forum Connemara Ltd explained how her organisation had carried out over 185 essential House Repairs for elderly members of the Gaeltacht Connemara community, as just one example of the wide range of community services provided through CE. Explaining why she was attending the Open Day Martina said “We’re very worried about the future. The cuts to the materials grant has hurt us badly and we need those funds restored urgently.”

Marion Scully works as a Supervisor with Claregalway Annaghdown. Her own scheme currently employs 27 workers and 2 supervisors across 21 different projects encompassing a wide range of care, environmental and community projects. She summed up the feelings of all present when she said “We are worried about the impact of these cuts on our jobs, our services and most of all our communities”

Peter Connolly, who is a CE Worker employed by the Shantalla Development Company explained “There are 70 CE schemes across Galway City, County and Connemara employing 1600 workers and 80 supervisors.  All of these jobs are now at risk. So are the essential services they provide”

“We are holding this open day because our communities cannot afford to lose these vital services or jobs. We are calling on all of our public representatives to give their full support for the restoration of funding and protection of services. If we don’t act now it will be too late for many of the schemes in our County”

Reeling Them In...

HOW COMMUNITY ANGLING PROJECT HAS TACKLED SOCIAL ISOLATION AMONG MEN

AT THE heart of community development is the idea that local issues can be solved by

local people. So when the Bluebell Community Development Project (CDP) in South Dublin found that many local men did not engage with their community,they found a novel way of
approaching the issue of social isolation.They formed the Bluebell Community Angling Club in January, initially with 10 members. Just three months later there are now 49 members who meet once a week, attend workshops and arrange monthly outings to lakes as far apart as Monaghan, Cavan,Carlow and Kilkenny.

What makes this angling club different is that no previous experience of fishing is required. Indeed one of the conditions of membership is that experienced anglers have to provide workshops for those new to the sport.

But then it’s also clear that this club is about much more than just fishing. Derek O’Neill, one of the club’s

younger members, told Liberty: “I had never fished before but this club is different from any club I’ve been involved in.Look at the mix of ages. It goesfrom 21 to men in their 70s. It benefitseverybody. Everybody gets different views, different life stories and everyone can share their feelings.”

NUI student Mick Mooney, who is doing work placement with Bluebell CDP as part of his degree course, underlined the benefits of this wide age range. He said: “We wanted to create an environment where men, old and young, could integrate and socialise with each other. When you see them working together, you can see how social

integration can prosper. In setting up the community angling club we’ve relied heavily on community development values and principles.We have a membership sub of just €2 a week to ensure finance is not a barrier to people and we've ensured the project is self-financing via a series of fundraising activities

“We’ve also had great support from organisations like Waterways Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland.” Sean Duffy spoke for many of the older members of the club. He told Liberty: “There are young lads here and it’s amazing how they take the time to help me line up and hook up.The club and the community in general are very supportive to older people. They have a number of projects going on and this just happens to be one of them.”

Mick Mooney sees the club’s primary role as being a practical way of combating social isolation.He said: “They can learn life skills and how to deal with the anger they may be feeling, the anger that comes from sitting at home all day with nothing to do. Too often men can fall victim to dependency on alcohol and drugs because of an

inability to engage with people about what may be troubling them.”

This type of project would never have come about had it not been for Bluebell CDP – so it is shocking to

discover it has had (since last December) all direct funding cut by the Government. Darragh O’Connor, of SIPTU’s Community Sector Campaign, said: “The Bluebell Community Angling Club is just one example of the presence of a multiplier effect when it comes to measuring the real value of CDPs.

“The problem is that a crude book-keeping exercise with an exclusive focus on so called ‘labour market activation measures’ will not reflect the positive changes to these men’s lives or to their communities.“

He added: “This sector is first and foremost about people young and old, about building communities that are strong, vibrant and inclusive.Cutting funding to these vital projects is not the answer.

“That’s a message that our campaign will be bringing to the Government on behalf of all workers in the community sector.”

 

BALLYFERMOT GROUPS IN SAVE OUR SERVICES CALL

HUNDREDS of community workers and supporters gathered in Ballyfermot Civic Centre on Friday (11th May) for a march, rally and open day to show their backing for vital community service

The event was organised by local community activists concerned at the impact spending cuts are having on the sector. Local residents came to their doors to cheer on the marchers as they paraded in a blaze of colour and sound through the streets of Ballyfermot.

At the rally that followed, Theresa McGouran, of the Markiewicz Care Centre, gave a rousing speech defending the community sector, calling on the Government to “take urgent action and save our services.” She listed a number of services that were now under threat, including affordable childcare, after-school groups as well as drug, mental health and family support services.

More than 30 local organisations took part in the event, including the Ballyfermot Community Association, the Ballyfermot Theatre Workshop, Ballyfermot Youth Service, and the Kylemore Community Training Centre.

A number of key service providers also set up stands in the Civic Centre to highlight the work they do and outline how funding cuts were impacting on services.

Theresa McGouran told Liberty: “We want to highlight our services and unite our community in the ongoing

battle to make sure we don’t lose them.The services we have in Ballyfermot weren’t given freely –they had to be fought for, and now it’s time for us to stand together and fight to save them."

“During a time when poverty and deprivation are increasing, our local services are more important than ever.”

Ballyfermot Community Association Manager Gerry Royal echoed these sentiments. He said: “The cuts to date have already had a drastic effect, particularly the cuts to material and training grants to Community Employment

funding.We are calling on the Government to reverse these cuts and help our hard-pressed community.”

Henry Harding, Chairperson of Ballyfermot Civic Centre and a member of the Senior Citizens’Parliament,also joined in the march and rally.

Henry, who is also involved with the local drugs task force, said: “The cuts to community funding for working

class people are a disgrace. Something has to be done for the young people of this area as an urgent priority.”

Sarah Murphy, of the Ballyfermot Travellers Action Project, added:“We’re here to talk to people about the important work we do, the unique service we provide for the local Traveller community and to campaign with other community groups to make sure we are all still here next year!”

streets of Ballyfermot

on Friday (11th May) to

show their support for

under-threat l