Development Work
A challenge to community groups – from Damien Quinn
Working as a community development worker with Galway Rural Development has been life-changing, ex-prisoner Damien Quinn told a recent ‘In Our Words’ event in Athlone. The celebratory occasion was held to showcase the value of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme for which Damien works.
Having used his three years in prison to better educate himself, he found that the work involved in turning his life around was not over at all when he came out. Due to his criminal record, he was locked out of the type of community development roles he sought. That was the case until he was finally given a break.
Development Work
“Behind every success is a web of support” – Sabrina Whelan
Potential deep within people will be brought out with the right opportunities and support. That was the message from Sabrina Whelan at a recent conference on the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).
Now a community engagement worker with the County Kildare LEADER Partnership Sabrina says that how she ended up there shows the value of SICAP and of nourishing people's possibilities.
Development Work
“Our job is to smash limiting beliefs” – Eileen McHugh
Hundreds of young people have benefited from programmes run by Hair Together, which provides programmes mixing wellbeing activities with hairstyling and barbering, to support young people in Ballymun and surrounding areas.
It was founded by Eileen McHugh and she spoke about her own journey through adversity and that of Hair Together at the In Our Words conference in Athlone, which showcased the impact of grassroots community work through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).
Community
Waterford group rebranding found Irish words worked best
What was Waterford Area Partnership until late September is now Buíon Phort Láirge, the name change reflecting an organisation that has rebuilt and expanded...
Development Work
Minister Jerry Buttimer opens “In Our Words” social inclusion event in Athlone
SICAP beneficiaries and community voices took centre stage today in celebrating the achievements of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) at a showcase event opened by Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer.
Almost 250 delegates from Local Development Companies, City and County Councils, the Community and Voluntary sector and national representative organisations were in attendance.
Development Work
Scariff shows country the way in quest for full radio licence
Ten years after it was founded, Scariff Bay Community Radio has sought a full licence that would allow it to dramatically increase its level of broadcasting.
“We’re looking for a ten-year licence, a full community radio licence. That would allow us to broadcast seven days a week if we want to,” said station manager Jim Collins.
It is the first time in eight years that a community radio station in Ireland running on a temporary licence has applied for a full licence.
Development Work
INTERVIEW – Dubliner Carol Baumann on her career in development
Carol Baumann did not realise she and her neighbours were living in poverty until she went to secondary school and saw how others lived. That experience and her mother’s involvement in the community and her strong principled stance on fair play and social justice helped to guide Carol into work in the world of development.
Development Work
Wicklow’s proof that community development works in addiction recovery
At first, they didn’t know why they were there.
When I arrived at Tiglin’s Aftercare Programme in Greystones to deliver a module on Sustainable Community Development, I was met with blank stares and blunt honesty.
Some participants, like Gerry, told me outright: “I don’t see how this is useful to me”. Others said they planned to return to trades and couldn’t see how learning about community development would fit into their lives. For a few, the idea of anything resembling formal education brought a visible wave of unease.
Development Work
Over 50 activities held as part of Local Development Week 2025
Local Development Week 2025, held last week, was marked by over 50 activities and events all over the country and here we provide a snapshot.
In Co. Donegal, Inishowen Development Partnership had a huge turnout for its Insight into Employment and Training in Inishowen workshop at its Buncrana office (pictured above). It provided an insight into employment and training opportunities available on the peninsula. The event was led by the organisation's employment support team in collaboration with Connecting Communities officer Patricia Higgins.
Development Work
Shauna McClenaghan put on the spot by Allen Meagher
Shauna McClenaghan is joint CEO of Inishowen Development Partnership, a local development company in Co Donegal. She chats here with editor Allen Meagher as part of our Changing Ireland Together podcast pilot series.
Development Work
Hundreds gathered as Sligo LEADER Partnership celebrates 30 years
The Sligo LEADER Partnership held a community showcase as part of Local Development Week in early October with hundreds of attendees gathering at the Clayton Hotel, Sligo, to celebrate this milestone event.
