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.