Owen Ryan reports here on two upcoming events and new podcasts that will be of interest to anyone in Ireland’s community and voluntary sector.

We've just received a most welcome email from Leanne Barrett, co-ordinator of Erris Family and Community Support Centre in Co. Mayo, to let us know that Changing Ireland does indeed make a mark.

The Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) presented its pre-budget submission to Ministers and elected representatives today, saying government policies must be matched with investment in communities

Client feedback prompted food bank recipe videos

Prejudiced views often heard in public would argue that prisoners should not be entitled to an education in prison. They should be doing forced labour, some would say. I disagree. I visited Limerick Prison recently and saw the difference it is making.

Anita Dooley is employed by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board as the head teacher in Limerick Prison and I am grateful to her for recently inviting Changing Ireland to visit Limerick prison. Here's how it went.

“Decongregation makes a lot of sense, but it needs to be looked at again.”

Tony Murray and his wife Susan are the parents of Aoife (42) whose future they fear for. Around October last year, Tony set up a campaign group called ‘Before We Die’. He and fellow members have since met the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister Norma Foley and many politicians. Minister Foley acknowledged the group’s work “advocating for increases in the provision of residential services for people with disabilities”. Here Tony tells his story: