Sat 2nd Sept @ 11am. Register HERE.

Wednesday 6th of September 2023 from 10am-12pm. Online on Zoom.
Provided by The Wheel PPN Supports. This workshop will not be recorded.
https://wheel-ie.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqf-GuqjgqHNDJm4ksvjvr3ZpbQYAziDU7#/registration 

Wednesday 27th of September 2023 from 2:30-4:30pm. Online on Zoom. 
Provided by The Wheel PPN Supports.
https://wheel-ie.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcu2vpzMjHt3eAnO365ZH8nqj9W6XYXeL#/registration

Tuesday 10th October @ 7:00pm.

(TBC) Monday 24th October at 7-8pm.
Meeting to discuss upcoming Climate Change and Biodiversity SPC Meeting.

(TBC) Tuesday 12th September 2023 @ 11:00-13:00, Galway City.
Contact PPN for information.

Steering Committee for Galway PPN Energy Master Plan.
Project of the Green Recovery Working Group (PPN Linkage Group).
Tuesday, 5th September at 2pm.
Zoom, Online.
Contact PPN for information.

The PPN hosted a webinar on Insurance for community groups, with guest speaker Nick Ryan from BHP Insurance. Topics covered included:
• What insurance covers does a Community / Voluntary Group Need? 
• Common Queries 
• Rising cost of Insurance 
• Q & A
Types of Insurance: Public Liability Insurance, Employers Liability Insurance, Property Insurance, Directors & Officers Insurance, Volunteers Insurance. 
Slides are available HERE.

Link to previous PPN Supports & Training available on Department website HERE 

Find Galway County digital programme HERE.
National Culture Night Events HERE.

Culture Night 2023 – Galway County Events

Culture Night invites everyone across Galway county to join in a national day of celebration on Friday 22nd September. An exciting and magical programme of over 40 events is happening in towns and villages across the county and all are completely free due to support from the Galway County Council Arts Office and the Arts Council. Culture Night will bring communities together to revel in the vibrancy and diversity of culture in the county.

Multiple events including music, theatre, spectacle, visual arts, poetry, printmaking, photography, crafts and storytelling for all ages are happening throughout the day and late into the evening in a location near you including Abbeyknockmoy, Athenry, Ballinasloe, Ballinderreen, Barna, Ceann Áras Fibín, Clarinbridge, Clifden, Gort, Headford, Inishbofin, Inverin, Loughrea, Newbridge, Oranmore, Roundstone and Tuam.

Step into the enchanting world of Macnas as they lead a captivating walk with Crom in Athenry. This mesmerising spectacle, in collaboration with the Galway County Arts Office and Athenry Heritage and Arts Centre, promises an immersive journey filled with visual delights and auditory wonders, transporting attendees into a realm of imagination and creativity.

Celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the Traveller community at Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre. Engage in photo exhibitions, workshops, showcases and performances, offering an authentic glimpse into Traveller culture.

Allow Sonic Strings, a dynamic teenage orchestra from Coole Music and Arts, to guide you along the scenic Gort River Walk with harmonious melodies that create an absolutely enchanting ambiance.

At Tuam Family Centre, experience a cross-cultural celebration as musicians from North Africa weave their melodies with the enchanting verses of Farsi Poetry.

Discover traditional craftsmanship at Gort Library, where artisan designers showcase activities from Aran stitching to felting, crochet and quilting, celebrating the artistry of these time-honored techniques.

Embark on a bilingual night of music and sean-nós singing in Loughrea at Leabharlann Bhaile Locha Riach, led by Professor Lillis Ó Laoire.

Celebrate Athenry's vibrant cultural scene with captivating performances, culminating in ‘Lucht Siuil,’ a poignant tale from the Traveller Community.

Whether an arts enthusiast or new explorer, Culture Night offers a dynamic programme for all, weaving a tapestry of diverse stories, talents, and traditions. Don't miss the opportunity to join this national celebration on Friday, September 22nd. Embrace the beauty and power of culture night as we celebrate and connect #onenightforall 

For full details of events happening for Culture Night near you visit CultureNight.ie. Keep up to date via CultureNight.ie and via the Galway County Culture Night social media channels. 

Media Contact: Tracey Ferguson | (086) 158-4342 | tracey.ferguson@gmail.com
Website | https://bit.ly/CultureNightGalwayCounty 
Hashtags | #OneNightForAll #OícheDárSaol #OícheChultúir #GalwayCountyCultureNight 
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/galwaycountyculturenight 
Twitter | @galway_culture         Instagram | @culture_galway 

Check the Register of Electors today at checktheregister.ie
Even if you're already registered, its best to check and confirm your details are current and correct!

Read More HERE.

Big Beach Clean 2023, brought to you by Clean Coasts and supported by Cully and Sully taking place September 15th – 17th 2023.
Register to take part by heading to https://cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/big-beach-clean/

The Big Beach Clean is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), organized by the Ocean Conservancy that annually invites communities and volunteers to come together and host a clean-up after the bathing season ends. This exciting initiative invites you to join a worldwide citizen science project by signing up for a free clean-up kit and collecting data on the litter you collect which will contribute to raising awareness nationally and globally about the issue of marine litter. This data serves as an indicator of the problem's scale and aids in shaping future policies and campaigns. 

In 2022, over 500 clean-up events took place and volunteers made an incredible impact by removing 42 tonnes of litter from the Irish coast and inland locations. As Clean Coasts celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, the aim is to make this year's Big Beach Clean the most remarkable one yet. 

Don’t live near the sea? Not a problem! Statistics show that urban litter is one of the main causes of marine litter, therefore, even those in non-coastal counties can participate and contribute to preventing litter from entering waterways and seas and that’s why An Taisce’s National Spring Clean programme is joining the initiative again and encouraging registrations from all residents of Ireland, regardless of their proximity to the coastline.

We also created a dedicated recycling page alongside Cully & Sully to guide you on how to properly dispose of your recyclable products: https://cleancoasts.org/how-to-recycle/

Any questions? Just sent us an email at cleancoasts@eeu.antaisce.org.
We're here to support you, cheer you on, and provide any assistance you need.
- The Clean Coasts Team

An information event focusing on sustainable energy saving for home and business owners alike will take place in the Europe Direct Centre at Ballinasloe Library. 
Dr Orla Nic Suibhne of the SEAI will provide assistance with filling out retrofitting grants, and give flash presentations on home energy grants. Local solar energy firm JFW Renewables will bring along a solar PV panel to view, and provide expert advice on how you can generate clean, green energy from daylight. Thermal energy assessor Dan Slevin from Snughome will reveal how a heat loss survey incorporating thermal imaging technologies can drastically reduce costs and improve energy efficiency in your home or business. If you’re looking to replace your boiler, Unitherm, one of Ireland’s leading and most innovative specialists in air-to-water heat pump systems, will talk you through efficient heating systems using renewable sources. 
Information will also be disseminated about grants supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
Europe Direct Ballinasloe is part of a network of information centres that distribute information and give advice about the European Union. 
Contact: 
Aoife O’Kelly
091 509 551 | aokelly@galwaycoco.ie
@EDBallinasloe

September Plenary Meeting of Galway County Council is on Monday, 25th September 2023 at 11a.m. 

Free WEEE Collection – Anything with a plug or battery!   

Oranmore – The City Bin Co., Deerpark Industrial Estate, Oranmore , Co. Galway, H91EVW3.                              
Saturday 2nd. September 2023      10am - 4pm

Any household waste electrical items, batteries or energy saving light bulbs accepted, large or small! From Fridges to Phones, Laptops to Electric Lawnmowers, Toys to Power Tools, and everything in-between, WEEE recycle anything with a plug or battery!  

For further information contact WEEE Ireland https://www.weeeireland.ie/contact/
or 012999320.

Electrical, battery and lighting waste can also be recycled throughout the year at civic amenity sites in Tuam, Clifden and Ballinasloe with full details at

https://www.galway.ie/en/services/environment/wasteandlitter/civicamenitysites/

17 more collections County wide coming soon!

There will be an exhibition for members of the public to come up and chat.

Presentations on the night from:

•    Rebecca Mooney, Climate Action Officer, Galway County Council will be detailing the Climate                  Action Plan.
•    EirGrid on the future electricity transmission grid needs in the region.
•    SEAI on home energy upgrades, sustainable energy communities and business upgrades.
•    ESB Networks presents on their National Network Local Connections programme and                        microgeneration opportunities in particular.

People can pre-register HERE if they wish, or they can just come along on the night. 

To make an enquiry to Western Development Commission click HERE.

Make way on our streets for people with disabilities.
Read more HERE.

October is World Mental Health Month. Mental Health Ireland have a website dedicated to the month and it has just gone live! 😊😊😊 Here you will find an interactive map showing what events are happening around the country (you can register your event if you are hosting any event big or small), free downloadable resources, everything you need to fundraise, how to register an event, where and how to order WMHM merch and much more. https://worldmentalhealthmonth-mhi.ie/
 
Our main offering for the month of October is the Connect Café. Please find attached the posters with the registration links and QR codes for the online Connect Cafe Information Sessions. There will be 10 x 30 minutes sessions delivered throughout the month of September by the Development Officers. These sessions will provide organisations and communities with some practical guidance and support on how to run their own Connect Cafe for WMHM and where to go for online resources. You can register for an information session if you like here: World Mental Health Month -Connect Café – Information Session Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

The Claregalway & District Day Care Centre has announced a new name and brand. The new name, Anam Croí, which loosely translates as 'Heart and Soul', was chosen following input from employees, volunteers, and residents of the charity's housing project, along with local TY students from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir. The name reflects the charity’s vision which is to build a thriving community for older people in the heart of Claregalway.  
Since its launch in 2012 the charity has built two distinct brands The Claregalway & District Day Care Centre and The Never Too Old Charity Shop. By introducing this new name we will now have Anam Croí Day Centre, Anam Croí Charity Shop and Anam Croí Housing, all under the one brand, with a new logo and colour scheme.
We believe this new brand reflects and communicates our core values, resonates better with the members of our community and enables us to roll out new services under this brand in the future should we wish to do so. Most importantly the Anam Croí rebrand highlights the fantastic support the charity has received from the people of Claregalway, including all of the amazing volunteers, without whom we would not be able to provide the services we do today.”
 
The charity is also delighted to announce that they will soon be moving their charity shop from its current location behind the Arches Hotel, Claregalway, to new premises in the courtyard behind Hughes SuperValu. The new premises is currently being fitted out and is expected to open in October, more details will be available then. The move to this much larger premises will allow the shop to consolidate their furniture shop with the traditional charity shop offering, (currently they occupy two different premises), while also having room for their sorting and storage in the basement. It will be an exciting move to the very heart of the village and is sure to draw keen shoppers from all over Galway and surrounding counties in search of a bargain. For more information please go to www.anamcroi.ie
 
Please note: The Claregalway and District Day Care Centre will remain the registered name of the charity but from now the business will operate under the name Anam Croí.

Short educational lessons completely free of charge!
For more information, please contact: sdeakin@enableireland.ie
Register: Week1 HERE - Week2 HERE

Are you an older person trying to get more active? The Go For Life programme encourages older people to be more physically active by:
- Training them to lead sport activities in local groups.
- Holding the ‘Go for Life Games’, an annual day of sport.
- Running a helpline and workshops.
Read More HERE.

Need support looking for employment?
Inclusive Pathways to Employment offers 1:1 Person-Centered support for jobseekers with a disability or mental health condition that are looking to progress into full or part-time employment, training, or voluntary positions.
You do not need to be on a disability payment to avail of this service. This service is totally confidential and only with your permission will we use your details for the purposes of the project and your benefit.
How best can we support you?
Our service will provide you with the opportunity to proactively explore any issues that YOU are experiencing as barriers in securing and maintaining employment.
We will work with you to:
• Develop a Personal Progression Plan to identify personal skills and training needs.
• Update or create a Curriculum Vieta
• Provide one to one mentoring support.
• Empower individuals to look at every employment opportunity.
• Engage with employers to advocate on your behalf at your request.
• Offer support during work experience and with you help identify and overcome challenges.
For further information contact Maggie on 083 0873213 or E-mail: maggie@gcp.ie 

Read More HERE.

Register HERE.

*Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided – please let me know if you have any dietary requirements by Monday 2nd October (you may bring your own refreshments if you wish)*
Email: galwayactive@galwaycoco.ie 
Register HERE.

“True equality, diversity, and inclusion in the arts requires not only embracing the differences that make us unique but also dismantling the barriers that have historically excluded voices and perspectives."

Maureen Kennelly, Arts Council Director.
2022 Arts Council Awards Data Report. This important data will help us take action to address the barriers that are faced by many in taking part in the arts.

Read in full HERE.

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/connecting-for-life/news/world-suicide-prevention-day-2023.html

From Monday 18th September to the following Sunday, Deaf people all over the world celebrate “International Week of Deaf People 2023.” This is an annual event promoted by the World Federation of the Deaf and the theme this year is “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!” 

In Ireland, led by the Irish Deaf Society, the Deaf Community celebrates this week by hosting “Irish Sign Language Awareness Week”.  Each day has a different theme and Deaf organisations will have a mix of online and face to face events throughout the week.  

You can contact IDS Advocacy Team by email – advocacy@irishdeafsociety.ie or text 086 440 1443 for more information 

Read more HERE.

 Published on 28 July 2023. Last updated on 23 August 2023.

- Community workers supported to get professional Community Work qualifications.
- Commitment under the government’s five year strategy for the Community and Voluntary sector: Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities.

Read More HERE.

Published on 29 August 2023. Last updated on 29 August 2023.

€620,000 awarded to support over 220 night-time events in 51 museums and galleries across the country
€119,000 awarded to support a new pilot scheme to provide events for young people to attend and venues for young artists to perform in

Read More HERE.

Published on 10 August 2023.

HomeTuitionGrantSchemefor1.
Children without a school place (NSP) –Application Forms areonlyavailablefromtheEducationalWelfareService(EWS),TuslaEducationSupportService(TESS)-Application Form HT NSP23
and2.
ChildreninCarewithoutaschoolplace-(CIC)–ShortTerm Home TuitionGrant Scheme–ApplicationFormsHTCIC23areonlyavailablefrom aSocialWorker.

Read More HERE.

Cycling Ireland is preparing a Get Ireland Cycling Strategy. They want to hear from as many people as possible to help picture cycling at the moment and how to get more people onto bikes. Please help Cycling Ireland by completing this short Community Survey. There’s even a prize draw for those who complete the survey! Thanks.

Read More HERE.

https://www.galway.ie/en/services/communityenterpriseeconomicdevelopment/grantschemes/townvillagerenewalscheme/

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now sought by Galway County Council, from Business Representative Groups, Community and Voluntary Groups for the Main Town and Village Renewal Scheme and for the Project Development Measure.  
Number of Applications that can be shortlisted;   
•    5 applications of between €20,000 and €250,000 
•    1 application of between €20,000 and €500,000 
An additional application can be submitted for an inhabited offshore island for one large scale project of up to €250,000. Therefore, up to 6 applications in total will be accepted.
The 2023 Scheme is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town centre regeneration and enhancing economic and social vibrancy in line with the Town Centre First policy.
EOI’s can be submitted online only at https://galwaycountycouncil.tfaforms.net/f/townandvillage2023 and must be received by 5.00pm on September 29th 2023.

Queries may be submitted to the Economic Community & Rural Development Unit, Galway County Council by emailing: tandv@galwaycoco.ie.  Tel: 091-378850/091-509396/091-509334..

https://www.galway.ie/ga/seirbhisi/fpt/sceimeanna/baile/

Tá Léirithe Spéise (EOI) á lorg ag Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe anois ó Ghrúpaí Ionadaithe Gnó, Grúpaí Pobail agus Deonacha don Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte 2023.
Líon Iarratas is féidir a chur ar ghearrliosta:
•    5 iarratas idir €20,000 agus €250,000
•    Iarratas amháin idir €20,000 agus €500,000
Is féidir iarratas sa bhreis a chur isteach d'oileán áitrithe amach ón gcósta do thionscadal mórscála amháin suas le €250,000. Mar sin, glacfar le suas le 6 iarratas ar an iomlán.
Dearadh Scéim 2023 chun tacú le hathbheochan i gceantair thuaithe na hÉireann trí bhéim athnuaite a leagan ar athbheochan lár an bhaile agus beocht gheilleagrach agus shóisialta a chur chun cinn ar aon líne leis an bpolasaí Lár an Bhaile ar dTús.
Ní féidir LSanna a chur isteach ach ar líne amháin ar https://galwaycountycouncil.tfaforms.net/f/townandvillage2023 agus ní mór duit iad a chur isteach roimh 5.00pm ar an 29 Meán Fómhair 2023.

Is féidir ceisteanna a chur isteach chuig an Aonad um Fhorbairt Gheilleagrach, Pobail & Tuaithe, Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe trí ríomhphost a chur chuig: tandv@galwaycoco.ie. Teil: 091-378850/091-509396/091-509334.

Closing: 3pm, 6 September 2023
(Brussels time)
Read more HERE.

Closing: 28 September 2023
Read more HERE.

Three annual deadlines for this process:

- May 31st (all applications received in May will receive a response by the end of August)
- September 30th (all applications received in September will receive a response by the end of December)
- January 31st (all applications received in January will receive a response by the end of May)

Read more HERE.

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability is a grant for people with a physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disability.

It provides funding so you can improve how you enter and move around your home.

Read More HERE.

Read More HERE.

Shared Spaces Funding under new PEACEPLUS Programme.
Closing: 5pm, Thursday, 7 September 2023
Read more HERE.

WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme.
Closing: 3pm on 14 September 2023
Read more HERE.

The TikTok Digital Future Fund.
Closing: 22nd September 2023.
Read more HERE.

What Works Building Evidence Fund 2023.
Closing: 5pm, Friday, 22nd September 2023
Read more HERE.

Family Matters Grant Programme 2022-2025.
Closing: Thursday, 21st Sept 2023.
Read more HERE.

2023 Sports Capital Programme.
Closing: Friday 8th September 2023.
Read more HERE.

Read More on the ESCC website HERE.

Community & Social Enterprise Loan Features - Western Development Commission:

• Loan Amounts from €25K to €200K over a maximum of 10 Years (exceptions are on a case-by-case basis).
• Purpose of Loans include Community Hall Restorations, Job Creation initiatives (Including enterprise space), Sport, Circular Economy Social Enterprises, Health & Wellbeing, Childcare, Arts & Heritage, Equipment Purchase, Buildings/Premises Purchase, development of outdoor recreation community projects.
• Purposes can also include Green Energy themed Projects such as Community Gardens, Recycling Programs, Energy Conservation Campaigns, Water Conservation Initiatives, Eco Friendly initiatives, Green Transportation initiatives, Renewable Energy Projects, Green Community Building initiatives.
• Purpose of Loans can be broad and wide and must include new activity/new project. We do not refinance existing finance nor provide loans for feasibility studies.
• We provide two types of community loans: Bridging Loans for LEADER based Grants (only) and Term Loans for many purposes.
• We don’t seek Personal Guarantees, Charge Arrangement Fees, and a lot of our loans are unsecured (each loan is assessed on its own merits).
• Your organisations must be based within one the following counties: Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway or Clare.
• Pricing of Loans – 1% APR on Bridging Loans – 3% APR on Term Loans.
• Your loan will be managed through our Portal (link below) where you can apply and upload the relevant information.
Next Steps
Log your enquiry/application through our link below.
https://westerndevelopment.ie/investment-funds/investment-management-portal/
and this will trigger a phone call from Community & Green Finance Manager -Anne Graham to discuss the detail of the application.
Contact Details: 087- 266 3711 Email: annegraham@wdc.ie
It is never too early to have a chat with your Community & Green Finance Manager.

Wednesday 6th of September 2023 from 10am-12pm. Online on Zoom.
Provided by The Wheel PPN Supports. This workshop will not be recorded.
https://wheel-ie.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqf-GuqjgqHNDJm4ksvjvr3ZpbQYAziDU7#/registration 

Wednesday 27th of September 2023 from 2:30-4:30pm. Online on Zoom. 
Provided by The Wheel PPN Supports.
https://wheel-ie.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcu2vpzMjHt3eAnO365ZH8nqj9W6XYXeL#/registration

Read More HERE.

Read More HERE.

Read More HERE.

Dream Space Live:
www.aka.ms/dreamspacenews - free live lessons exploring topics related to days typically celebrated in classrooms e.g. World Book Day etc.

Dream Space Ambassador Programme: www.aka.ms/DSAmbassador -  
•  A leadership and training programme for 5th class students and Transition Year students.
•  The deadline for applications is 13th September.

•  Trains students to be STEM leaders in your school.
•  Is adapted for both primary & post-primary.

Register HERE.

Are you working as a community worker, manager of a community work organisation or undertaking community work duties in an associated role in an organisation with a community development mandate?
Do you have a degree but not a professional community work qualification?
Are you interested in pursuing a postgraduate professionally endorsed community work qualification.
If so the AIEB bursary fund supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development may be of interest to you. Read more HERE.

Find Galway County digital programme HERE.
National Culture Night Events HERE.

Tuesday, 5 Sep 2023, 18:30-21:30 pm.
Galway Community Grid Study. By Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Location: Harbour Hotel, The Docks H91 E9PR Galway. Register HERE.

Fri, 8 Sep 2023 20:30-21:30 pm. Register HERE.

CONNECTING FORESTS AND RIVERS – NURTURING LIVING RIPARIAN CORRIDORS
It's celebration time for the Abhainn Dá Loilioch Woodland Group (native woodland and river valley). Derreen Gort, Co.Galway.
Join us for a long weekend of events and community fun!
Programme of events.
Friday 15th - Sunday 17th September.
For more information on the events: adlwoodlandgroup@gmail.com or enquiries 087 2031764
AbhaínnChara is funded by LAWPRO Supported by CELT and Coillte
All the events at the festival are free of charge.
Link to Facebook event HERE.

All Age Friendly Ireland newsletters are available on their website www.agefriendlyireland.ie

ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home.

To read the latest newsletter from Alone, just click the link below and click in the top corner of the Newsletter to change the page... to read click HERE.

Link to Alone website here: https://alone.ie/

Website: https://www.ageaction.ie/ 

Website: https://galwayrcc.ie

Active* Consent is a programme that works to eradicate sexual violence and harassment by improving Ireland's knowledge and skills around consent. The Active* Consent programme believes that the most effective form of consent education supports people’s sexual health and agency, and is taught through a sex-positive lens which honours peoples’ choices - whether or not they choose to become sexually active. Active* Consent is lead by a team of experts across fields including psychology, health promotion, activism, theatre & drama, and public advocacy.

The Active* Consent programme has grown out of the University of Galway tradition of research and community engagement. The programme has been conducting original research into young people’s sexual experiences and attitudes towards consent since 2013. With this data, Active* Consent creates original consent education and training resources including workshops, eLearning modules, educational videos, original dramas, and social media campaigns for colleges, schools, and sports organisations. 

Visit Consenthub.ie to learn more about the Active* Consent programme, and follow them on social media @activeconsent for opportunities to get involved. 

Fine More Information HERE.

• Website: www.galwaycountyppn.ie
• Social Media Tag: #Galwaycountyppn
• Facebook: GalwayCountyPPN  | Twitter: GalwayCoPPN
• Phone: 087 360 3379
• Email:administrator@galwaycountyppn.ie

*Newsletter Submissions Deadline: 24th of each month - for following month's issue.
Next issue has a special focus on: Community & Voluntary pillar of the PPN.