Duana Tuite (Acting PPN Resource Worker for Galway County PPN) - pictured second from right on the above photo of the 'North West Regional Workers', attended the National PPN Workers Network Event in Trim, County Meath, in April. 

Great new connections were made, networking, learning, workshops, presentations, activities and fun and relaxation were enjoyed by all.

Thanks so much to the event organizing committee and everyone who made the event so great! 

The Cathaoirleach’s Gala Ball and Cathaoirleach Awards 2024 will take place in The Clayton Hotel on Thursday 16th May at 6.30pm.

Purchase your ticket on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/cathaoirleachs-charity-ball-tickets-884727181817?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway has named local charities ACT for Meningitis and i4Life as the beneficiaries of this year’s Gala Ball.

The Gala event also will feature the announcement of winners of the Cathaoirleach’s Awards, a joint venture between Galway County Council and the Public Participation Network (PPN).

Posthumous Special Recognition Awards will be presented to the families of the late Saoirse Ruane from Kiltullagh and Martin Horgan from Oranmore.

The Cathaoirleach’s Gala Ball and the Cathaoirleach’s Awards commences at 6.30pm with a drinks reception on Thursday 16th May at The Clayton Hotel, music by The Lewd Tunes.  

Dress is Smart Casual. 

Event MC is Ollie Turner with special guests appearing on the evening.

Tickets are priced at €80 with all proceeds going to ACT for Meningitis and i4Life. 

Further information is available at Galway County Council

PPN Communications Guide

Galway County PPN Communications Guide is available HERE. 

When a group registers it becomes part of the Galway County PPN Structure.
Registration is easy and free of charge!
Registered groups receive regular updates, information on funding opportunities and also benefit from advertising their own community activities free of charge.

Register now: https://www.galwaycountyppn.ie/registration-form/

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

A FRAUD AWARENESS AND MISINFORMATION EVENT TO BE HOSTED  

AT EUROPE DIRECT BALLINASLOE  

Fraud experts will share valuable protection tips on financial scams and misinformation 

Representatives from local financial institutions and An Garda Síochána will deliver a talk on fraud awareness and financial digital literacy to members of the community on Thursday, 16 May at 11.15am in the Europe Direct Centre at Ballinasloe Library. This event will focus on protection tips for remaining financially secure when online and on the phone. 

Social engineering tactics are becoming increasingly common and ever more sophisticated to trick you into parting with your financial information and money. Local fraud experts Lorna Blake (BOI), Catherine Rabbitte (AIB) and David Dully, Community Garda, will advise on simple actions you can take to help safeguard your finances from smishing to phishing, online shopping fraud, investment / romance scams, and invoice redirection.  

About Europe Direct Ballinasloe 

Europe Direct Ballinasloe is part of a network of information centres that distribute information and advice about the European Union. The Centre assists citizens and stakeholders with questions about EU policies, programmes and priorities, and gives the public the opportunity to send feedback to its institutions, actively promoting local and regional debate about the EU. 

Contact:  Aoife O’Kelly | 091 509 551 | aokelly@galwaycoco.ie | @EDBallinasloe 

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/

Scan the above QR Code for info on Men's Health Week 2024!

‘Know your Numbers’ - Men’s Health Week 2024.

Males constitute almost 50% of the population on the island of Ireland and, therefore, deserve to have a gender lens focused upon their specific health needs.  Research also shows that men experience a high burden of ill-health and die too young. Their poorer lifestyles are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases and men’s late presentation to health services can lead to a large number of problems becoming untreatable.

This high level of premature mortality and illness amongst men has wide-reaching repercussions, but this is not a lost cause.  Much can be – and is being – done to improve this situation.  International Men’s Health Week (MHW) 2024 (Monday 10th – Sunday 16th June) offers an ideal opportunity for everyone in Ireland to make positive changes. MHW always begins on the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day itself. It is funded by HSE Health & Wellbeing and the Public Health Agency and coordinated by the Men’s Health Forum Ireland (MHFI) with support from over 95 partner organisations. It is celebrated in many European countries, as well as in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and a number of places worldwide.

The overall aims of MHW are to:

- Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
- Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices / activities.
- Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.

During 2024, the MHW theme for Ireland will be ‘Know your Numbers’ and the key message to everyone is that ‘men’s health counts.’ This is a population-wide attempt to increase awareness of the key numbers that policy makers, service providers, men and important people in men’s lives need to know. Sometimes, these relate to medical issues (e.g. blood pressure), but they also need to include key statistics on the state of men’s health (or ill health) in Ireland, as well as the contact numbers for helpline and support services that can maintain men’s health.

The all-island Planning Group for MHW 2024 has finalised the resources and promotional materials for the week.  These include posters, postcards, a man manual (called Action Man – Ten Top Tips for Men’s Health), a new ‘Know your Numbers’ z-card, daily themes, a pool of social media messages, graphics etc. For more information go to: https://www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2024.html#Images

During MHW each year, everyone is encouraged to plan and run activities which heighten awareness of preventable health problems,  support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities and encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties.

For further information on how you can participate in the events during this week, contact Laurence Gaughan at Laurence.Gaughan@hse.ie.

Upcoming talk by Colin Stanley (Saturday 4th May at 2pm) on the Biodiversity at Merlin Woods as presented in the outdoor exhibition at the Galway Museum.

It is a wonderful showcase of Colin’s talent in capturing images of the diversity of wildlife in such close proximity to the City. Please share within your network and anyone who may be interested.

Biodiversity at Merlin Park Woods, a collection of over 20 wildlife photographs by Colin Stanley, is the feature external exhibition at Galway City Museum this spring. It features a rich collection of the flora and fauna of Merlin Park Woods.

Over the last decade, wildlife photographer and local environmentalist, Colin has produced a large catalogue of wildlife photographs from around Galway City. A founding member of Friends of Merlin Woods, his photographs have featured in the Irish Wildlife Magazine, a Galway Butterfly Project species identification poster for the Heritage Council, and various wildlife publications.

Join Colin as he discusses his exhibition, Biodiversity at Merlin Park Woods, his work, and the work of Friends of Merlin Woods as they use the appreciation of nature to create a connection between all the communities of the city.

Admission is free but advance booking is strongly advised. Bookings open on Saturday 20 April, call (091) 532460 or email museum@galwaycity.ie. 

The Team at Ballinasloe Life Magazine would like to cover articles from our new immigrant communities who have settled in our neighbourhood.

If you know of anyone in the Brazilain, Polish, Ukranian, Lithuanian, Indian, Pakistan, UK, communities who might be able to help us with a photo or two and some interesting articles please send their details to the Edtitor.

Colm Croffy - Ballinasloelifereporter@gmail.com 

Tuesday, 7 May, 11.00am to 2.00pm
Midlands Park Hotel, Jessop Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

The upcoming European elections are an opportunity for citizens to have a direct impact on the democratic governance of the European Union and shape the future direction of the EU while ensuring that diverse and underrepresented voices are heard. 

With lots of interesting speakers and time for peer networking, this event will demonstrate the impact the EU has on our daily lives and why citizens should vote in the European elections. The event also features EU funding success stories from the local community and presentations from the Irish National Contact Points for various EU funding programmes so you can learn more about the EU funding pathways available to your organisation. A light lunch will be provided. 

Join us to gain insights on the benefits of active EU citizenship, learn from your peers, and find out how Access Europe can support you to start your EU funding journey!  

This event is a collaboration between The Wheel’s Access Europe programme and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland.  

Access Europe is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.   

This is a free event for all. Get your free spot now. Register HERE.

Read more HERE. 

The Grazier’s Children

http://wfha.info/events/the-graziers-children/

Date/Time

Date(s) - 08/05/2024
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

We are delighted to welcome you again to Lackagh Parish Centre, Turloughmore, Co. Galway  H65 EK52 for our next presentation on Wednesday May 8th, 2024 at 8pm

The speaker for the evening is Mr. Tom McManus, who will give a presentation on: –

The Grazier’s Children

Tom is the author of the recently published book of this name which tracks the evolution of scores of local farming families from the Cromwellian Wars to modern times, around counties Galway, Mayo & West Roscommon.

This promises to be a very interesting evening and we look forward to seeing you there.

The presentation is open to members and non-members.  The charge for non-members to attend is €5.

We will also be broadcasting simultaneously on line for current members who are unable to make it in person. A link for the zoom meeting will be emailed to members on the day of the event.

Let’s Sing Together compilation of songs is now available to view on the South East Community Healthcare You Tube Channel.

The idea for Let’s Sing Together came from Mr Brian Toomey from Wexford.  It was developed in partnership with input from Age Friendly Alliances, Older Persons Councils, Dementia Café representatives and funded with thanks from National HWB and the Age Friendly Alliance.

Brian and his friend Greg Donaghy put together a compilation of old songs that we love and know so well to music. 

We teamed Brian up with Becky Hackett to add in animation and put in motion graphics by George Roberts so that services can use Let’s Sing Together in Dementia Café’s, Nursing Homes, Disability and Mental Health Facilities to sing and move along to the music.   

It can be easily accessed on the HSE YouTube link below so that anyone, anywhere can play and sing along to it.

Can you please share the link below with all your services and join us in singing, dancing, clapping or swaying to this age-friendly and dementia-friendly collection.

May the music bring joy to you, your friends, family and caregivers. Please feel free to share widely.

Please click the link or scan the QR code below.

https://youtu.be/KEFAxePeZ18

Age Friendly Newsletter HERE.

Irish Environmental Network HERE.

Community and Disability Newsletter HERE.

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: https://alone.ie/

HSE Health and Wellbeing Ezine.
Link to newsletter: https://hsehealthandwellbeingnews.com/

Volunteer Galway events - Read more below:
https://volunteergalway.ie/volunteer-galway-events/

ALONE Community Impact Network Conference, 23rd May 2024
The Community Impact Network (CIN) is a national network focused on building the collective leadership and capacity of organisations to meet the needs of older people in Ireland. 

With just 1 month to go to our conference, we have Key Note Speakers on – The Economic Value of Ageing, The future for Older Person & Housing, Care in the Community.  

The afternoon we will have a CIN membership led learning and networking.

This is one day per year to meet, network, to hear from experts, as well as to contribute to the discussions.  Do not miss out!

more agenda details and to register CLICK HERE

more information about the CIN please go to:

https://alone.ie/community-impact-network/  

or contact: community@alone.ie

Club Vitae Did It - An Unbelievable Distance of 158km in Total Swam Over 24 Hours!!

We really wanted to acknowledge the effort that Club Vitae put in for us, and congratulate our 2 Down Syndrome Galway members Adrian and Max on their achievement.

HELLO How Are You campaign. This will be our third year to run the campaign nationally. Hello, How Are You? day will take place on May 15th this year.

Hello, How Are You? is a campaign about connection and meaningful conversations surrounding mental health. We invite individuals, communities, workplaces, schools, friends, and families to join us in saying 'Hello' and asking 'How Are You?' in a genuine and meaningful way. If you plan on having an event please make sure you register your event to ensure it gets as much reach as possible. It will be shown here on our interactive map Please let me know if you are hosting an event and I will try to support with resources. We have lots of downloadable resources here Resources - Hello How Are You? on our website with eye catching posters (2 of which I’ve attached) and a section specifically for schools. I have attached a draft email for schools and would really appreciate you sending it to any contacts in education you may have. 

If you would like to access training you can do so here training and information session calendar. We have both half hour info and 2 hour training modules available online. You can explore our website to find more about the impact of our previous campaigns, browse through event photos and read the results of last year's Mental Health survey on the importance of connection. We will be at Hyde Train station on the day from 9.30am-11.30am and back from 4pm to 6.30pm giving out conversation cards. The Village Community Choir will join for the evening session. If you have any contacts who may provide music for the morning session I would really appreciate you sharing with me! Also, if you would be free to give your time to hand out conversation cards on the day that would be brilliant.  Thanks a million in advance.

For any more information please get in touch.

Áine Hurley
Development Officer Galway City & County, Mental Health Ireland
087 4283861

Tá Muintearas Teo ag cuardú duine le dul i mbun oibre ar Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh sa Ghaeltacht 2024. 

Is post páirt-aimseartha é seo ar feadh tréimhse teoranta 15 seachtaine (ón 17ú Meitheamh go 27ú Meán Fómhar 2024) lonnaithe i dTír an Fhia, Co. na Gaillimhe.

Gach eolas maidir le cúramaí agus riachtanais an phoist ag an nasc thíos:

 muintearas.com/riarthoir-champai-samhraidh/

Bígí linn le haghaidh Féasta Sráide 2024Tar éis roinnt blianta Covid táimid ar ais ag an gCoach House i gcroílár Maigh Cuilinn

Join us for Féasta Sráide 2024 After our few Covid years we are back at The Coach House in the heart of Maigh Cuilinn

Fáilte roimh chách

All welcome

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/

An updated edition of a resource guide aimed at ensuring that marginalised and disadvantaged communities have opportunities to participate in local planning and decision-making has been launched.
Read more HERE.

The Walks Scheme was launched in 2008 and is aimed at farmers, private landowners, landholders and land users. It involves the development, enhancement and maintenance of developed trails which are approved by Sport Ireland and listed on the National Trails Register.

The scheme is currently being expanded and expressions of interest are being invited until 11th October 2024.

For more information on joining the scheme please see the Walks Scheme Information Booklet

For more info read HERE.

Open 15 Apr, 2024, 9:00am - 13 May, 2024, 4:00pm.

Read more HERE.

Open 1 Feb, 2024, 9:00am - 31 May, 2024, 4:00pm.

Read more HERE.

The aim of this consultation is to gather feedback on the existing Energy Poverty Action Plan and seek views to assist in the development of a revised Action Plan. Submissions can be made using our online platform.

Submissions close on 8th May 2024.
Read more HERE.

Minister of State Joe O’Brien announces the opening of applications for the Communities Integration Fund 2024

The purpose of the Communities Integration Fund 2024 is to support communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants. A total of €500,000 is available in 2024 to local community-based organisations to carry out integration projects in their local area. Organisations eligible to apply include local community groups, sports clubs, faith-based groups, arts groups, cultural organisations, and schools. Applicant organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis.

This funding can be used for both once-off initiatives and short to medium term projects. Projects should take an inclusive approach, aiming to bring migrants and host communities together. The maximum amount that may be granted to projects under CIF 2024 is €5,000.

Please be advised the closing date for receipt of applications is 12 pm on 8 May 2024. See the attached ‘Guidance Note’ for further details, and links below for application form. Please also note the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are administering this funding.

Department Press Release: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e2550-minister-of-state-joe-obrien-announces-the-opening-of-applications-for-the-communities-integration-fund-2024/

Online Application Form: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/CIF-2024

The Community Recognition Fund 2024 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the entire community in recognition of the contribution being made by communities in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of New Arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.    

Galway County Council has received an allocation of €1,303,230 under the 2024 Fund which will be targeted at areas with the highest number of New Arrivals over 3 application windows.  Please note that the current eligible areas with high numbers of New Arrivals in-situ at this time are set out in the attached GCC Guidelines to the Fund.  Additional areas may be taken into account as numbers and locations of New Arrivals changes over time.  

The Expression of Interest Form requests basic details of project proposals from groups in the eligible areas, and closes for applications at 5pm on Friday 24th May 2024 – all applications to be submitted only to crf@galwaycoco.ie.   Based on the Expression of Interest process, and further targeted consultations, we will finalise projects to form part of the submission to the Department of Rural and Community Development across the 2 application windows.  

We will organise a webinar next week to outline how Galway County Council will prioritise project proposals across the 2 application windows.  

Notification of the Webinar, to be held via Zoom, will issue through the PPN on Tuesday 6th May.  

Further information and expression of interest forms were emailed to all PPN member groups. 

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) 2024

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now sought by Galway County Council, from Community and Voluntary Groups for the 2024 CLÁR Programme.  15 applications with a maximum amount of €50,000 at a rate of 90% can be shortlisted for further consideration by Galway County Council to the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has launched the €8.7m CLÁR 2024 programme.  CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.  The 2024 programme will be delivered through three separate Measures as follows:

Measure 1:        Developing Community Facilities & Amenities

Measure 2:        Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport

Measure 3:        ‘Our Islands’

This Scheme outline refers to Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities which are delivered via local authorities (LAs).  The list below provides an indication of the types of projects that may be supported, but is not exhaustive:

Small scale renovation works to community facilities open to the wider community such as community centres/sports centres/clubhouses of sporting groups/youth centres/mens sheds etc

Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs)/Astro-Turf facilities including upgrades

Playgrounds/Skateboard parks/Pump tracks/Cycling tracks

Walking/Running /Athletics tracks

Handball Alleys/Tennis Courts/Basketball Courts/Cricket Grounds

Community Gyms/Community Cinemas

Sensory Gardens/Community Gardens/ Allotments

Access to unique local heritage sites / areas of natural beauty

Outdoor Bowling Areas/Outdoor Toilet Facilities/Car Parking

Improving access at sports grounds e.g. development/upgrade of spectator stands at local sports grounds with a particular focus on improving access for people of all abilities and ages

Solar Bins

Biodiversity planting

Expression of Interest (EOIs) for the 2024 CLÁR Programme can be submitted online only to https://galwaycoco.submit.com. by 5:00 pm on Friday 31st May 2024.

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

 --------------------------------------

Online Information Sessions

Session 1 - Tuesday May 7th from 7.00pm to 7.30pm

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 329 295 967 91

Passcode: DtSw9y

-------------------------------------

Session 2 - Friday May 10th from 1.00pm to 1.30pm

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 380 013 685 840

Passcode: HKGUQa

Grants between €8,000 - €15,000 will be available to support community-based projects that are focused on empowering young people through programmes of learning and sustainable development.

To date €1,565,000 has been awarded to 164 nonprofit organisations across the island of Ireland.

All applications should be made online via the Irish Youth Foundation grants platform which will be linked from the Coca‑Cola Ireland website.

The application closing date is Friday 24 May at 5pm.

Please read the full Terms and Conditions to check if your organisation is eligible for the Fund. See also: FAQs page and Top Tips.

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.

Housing Aid for Older People
Read more HERE.

 

Housing Adaptation Grant
Read more HERE.

Irish Hospice Foundation (“IHF”) invites applicants for a training programme exploring the many roles of arts and culture in contemporary dying, grief and bereavement. 

Learning Outcomes 

Participants will gain an awareness of IHF's work, contemporary understanding of Grief, Loss and Bereavement, existing supports and resources in Ireland, current issues and concerns, the roles and functions of creative work, an appreciation of what different art forms may offer, self-care and work practices, an awareness of the requirements of working creatively in hospitals and community. 

Approach 

The course will use talks, case studies and interactive sessions. It will take place in person and online: four full days and four online evening sessions. Developing an outline of a personal project will form part of your learning. Learning packs and reading materials will be made available. 

Who This is For 

Professionals in the arts and health who work with, or are interested in working with, people who have experienced loss. 

Registration and Costs 

This is a prototype programme. Attendance is FREE. However, capacity is limited so acceptance to the course is by application and selection. All applicants are expected to contribute fully to an evaluation process. Applicants need to attend all sessions. 

We offer successful applicants a bursary of up to €500.00 towards incidental costs (travel, accommodation). Catering is provided during the in-person sessions.  

Schedule – In Person x Four Full Days  

Saturday 4th May – 10.30am to 4.30pm

Sunday 5th May – 10.30am to 4.30pm

Saturday 25th May – 10.30am to 4.30pm

Sunday May 26th – 10.30am to 4.30pm

Venue:  Morrison Chambers, Nassau Street, Dublin 2 

Schedule – Online x Four Evenings 

Monday 6th May – exact time tbc

Monday 13th May – exact time tbc

Monday 20th May – exact time tbc 

Monday 27th May – exact time tbc

 To Apply

Register your interest through the Form here

(contact us on the number or email below if you find completing forms complicated) 

Applications close on Friday 26th April at 5.00pm  

Notification will be given on Monday 29th April before COB

Further information: 

Dominic.Campbell@HospiceFoundation.ie 

(01) 679 3188 

Are you thinking about applying for a Training Links grant? Are you unclear about the programme? Let’s answer some of your frequently asked questions: 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Training Links?Training Links is a funding programme that supports community and voluntary organisations to form Training Networks — groups of a minimum of ten organisations who come together to undertake training that they may not have the opportunity to do individually. 

Who can apply?Applications are welcome from community and voluntary organizations based in the Republic of Ireland. Training Networks are invited to apply for grants ranging from €10,000.00 to €50,000.00. 

What is a Training Network? A Training Network is a group of independently run and governed community and voluntary sector organisations who decide to come together as a group to undertake training that they may not be able to do individually. The term ‘community and voluntary’ in this instance includes registered charities, social enterprises, independently run nonprofit organisations who are not charities, and incorporated entities.  

What type of training is supported under Training Links?There are a range of priority training areas covered under Training Links. They are listed in full on page 3 and 4 in the Programme Overview available on our website.  

How will I know if my organisation is eligible?You can read a list of Eligibility Criteria on page 6 and 7 in the Programme Overview.  

Where can I find the application form?Applications are open until Friday, 17 May at 5pm. The application form and application checklist are available on the website.   

Contact & Information

Visit our website for more information or get in touch by emailing me on traininglinks2024@wheel.ie. 

PPN Stakeholder Training

The online only self-paced training videos programme for PPN stakeholders has been developed with SJI. Registrations for the online only training is now open. Social Justice Ireland is providing this training on behalf of the Department. 

The online only training covers the following:
-             An Introduction to the PPNs (2 Modules)
-             Local Government Budgets
-             PPNs and Local Government
-             Effective Participation in Consultations
-             Effective Facilitation
-             Strategic Planning 
-             Measuring Outcomes and Impacts

This is online only and is intended for self-directed learning at the learner’s own pace. Social Justice Ireland will provide some support via the webform on each Module page. There are no scheduled classes as part of this training.

This training is available to the following PPN Stakeholders:
-             PPN Workers
-             PPN Secretariat Members
-             PPN Representatives
-             PPN Member Groups 
-             Local Authority Staff
-             Elected Councillors

To register, please complete the Registration Form at the following link:
Register for Training | Social Justice Ireland

The Wheel - Training for PPN Members / The Wheel Members

Galway County PPN are signed up to The Wheel. PPN Members can access some free trainings provided by The Wheel.
Community Groups can sign up with The Wheel to access their free training/services.
Information on Trainings available at https://www.wheel.ie/training

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

Dereck Carolan, technology Trainer for NCBI, can help and support communities, specifically people with low sight or no sight and their families. 
Website: https://www.ncbi.ie/supporting-you/technology/ncbi-labs/
Services Offered
•    Group training courses, projects, and talks that will enable the low-vision and no-vision community to access their local area.
•    Technology assessments and demonstrations.
•    Technology clubs and webinars. 
To discuss further how we can work together moving forward. Please feel free to contact: dereck.carolan@ncbi.ie  or  086 608 6771.

ConTempo Countywide, Ceol Bhealtaine, Cill Éinde, An Spidéal, 3pm, Dé Luain, an 6 Bealtaine 2024 – an Lá Saoire Bainc. 

Tá saorchead isteach agus fáilte roimh chách. Glacfar le síntiúis ag an doras. Ní gá ticéad a chuir in áirithe roimh ré. Is í Bealtaine a bheidh faoi chaibidil ag Cónaitheacht Ceoil na Gaillimhe (Galway Music Residency) an mhí seo agus iad i mbun an Féilire Ceilteach a cheiliúradh tríd an gceol. Déanfaidh Ceatharáid Contempo clár speisialta ceoil a sheinnt in ómós Bhealtaine mar chuid den tsraith ConTempo ar fud an Chontae ag 3pm, Dé Luain, an 6 Bealtaine – an Lá Saoire Bainc – i gCill Éinde, an Spidéal. 

Tá idir cheol clasaiceach agus cheol comhaimseartha ar chlár Cheol Bhealtaine agus cuirfidh an ceolchoirm tús an tsamhraidh i gcuimhne don lucht éisteachta. Seinnfidh Ceatharáid ConTempo an ceatharáid téadach álainn ‘Birds’ le Haydn, an píosa atmaisféarach ‘Candybox’ leis an gcumadóir Ísiltíreach Chiel Meijering, agus sleachta as an gceatharáid téadach Opus 27 le Grieg.

I gCill Éinde sa Spidéal, cloisfear filíocht ó Mhaidhc P Ó Conghaile agus amhrán ó Éabha Ní Chonghaile freisin.

ConTempo Countywide, Ceol Bhealtaine, Cill Éinde, An Spidéal, Bank Holiday Monday 6 May 2024, 3pm.

Entry is free, all are welcome. Donations are welcome. No booking is required. Galway Music Residency continues its exploration of the Celtic Calendar through music this May. ConTempo Quartet will perform a specially curated programme in honour of Bealtaine as part of ConTempo Countywide on Bank Holiday Monday at 3pm in Cill Éinde Church in An Spidéal. 

The Ceol Bhealtaine programme features classical and contemporary works that contemplate the movement towards summer. ConTempo Quartet will perform Haydn’s beautiful ‘Birds’ String Quartet, Dutch composer Chiel Meijering’s atmospheric Candybox and excerpts from Grieg’s String Quartet Op. 27.

In an Spidéal, ConTempo’s performance will be paired with poetry and song as Gaeilge performed by Maidhc P Ó Conghaile and Éabha Ní Chonghaile.

Connecting Through Our Shared Landscape - Community networking event invite

Saturday, 11th May 2024. 11am - 4pm

I’d like to invite your PPN groups to a community networking event that I am hosting in South Roscommon in collaboration with the Uí Máine Kingdom Group. It is open to all community groups and individuals, not only environmental groups.

The event, Connecting Through Our Shared Landscape, will include a biodiversity walk in the karst region of South Roscommon. It will highlight this nationally significant landscape, explore the unique habitat and what lives there, and discuss how people and communities use and protect the land. There will be a focus on meeting others, and I would like to invite community groups who are doing environmental work to take advantage of the tables available for groups to showcase their work.

Here is the link with more details and to register for the event: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/connecting-through-our-shared-landscape-tickets-876548840177

If groups would like to take a table, or would like some table space to display posters etc please ask them to email me at catherine@ien.ie.

Ensemble Skills Summer Course 

We're looking forward to hosting our exciting Ensemble Skills Summer Course again this year! Aimed at young string players aged from 10–18 years, this three-day, non-residential course in Galway city is a fantastic opportunity for young musicians to deepen their chamber music and ensemble skills under the inspiring guidance of ConTempo Quartet! Young violinists, violists and cellists can apply for the intermediate course (Grade 3–5) or the advanced course (Grade 6–8+). 

The course will be directed by Sinead Hayes and musicians will be tutored by Bogdan Sofei (violin I), Ingrid Nicola (violin II), Andreea Banciu (viola), and Adrian Mantu (cello) of the ConTempo Quartet.

Tuition is free, with an administration fee of €35 per participant.
Applications close on Friday 3 May. Apply here now!
Email info@thegalwaymusicresidency.ie OR call us at 091 586706
NOTE: The application form must be filled out by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age.

Galway City of Heritage Book Launch.

A book entitled “Galway - City of Heritage” will be launched by the Galway Mayor Eddie Hoare at Charlie Byrnes Book Store on Thursday May 9th at 6pm.

The book explores the rich body of historic buildings that date from the thirteenth century to the present day. This highly illustrated work examines the Heritage of Galway through the Medieval, Victorian and Georgian periods.

The author Pat Horgan is a member of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland and the Royal Institute of British Architects and has previously produced works which include, Kilkenny City of Heritage, Exploring Georgian Dublin, Exploring Georgian Limerick and Wexford Town of Heritage.

This book explores the inside walls of the Town of Galway including Market Street, Shop Street, St Augustine Street, Abbeygate Street and Cross Street, A selection of some 45 of the City’s Architecture are presented in the book published by Eastwood Books.

The launch is an open event and all are welcome to attend.  (Pat has family connections in East Galway and a regular visitor there in the Castleblakeney/Ballymacward region)

For further details contact Mattie Kilroy 0876335479. 

New dates for our training in Mental Health Peer-Support to all the community clubs and associations in your network.  
This training is offered free to all community volunteers in a drive to bring Peer-Support to the heart of communities as a critical part of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Our next scheduled dates:
Course:     Cycle Against Suicide's free* Community Mental Health Peer Support Training

Delivery:   Online via Zoom from 7-10pm on 4 evenings over 2 weeks 

Dates:  
Option 1: May: Mon 13th, Wed 15th & Mon 20th, Wed 22nd - Spaces available 
Option 2: June: Mon 10th, Wed 12th & Mon 17th, Wed 19th - Open now 
Option 3: September: Mon 23rd, Wed 25th & Mon 30th, Wed 2nd Oct - Open now 

To register: www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/register-to-become-community-buddy/

or email: training@cycleagainstsuicide.com 

*Training is free to over-18s, non-healthcare professionals who volunteer in a community club and association.

Anam Cara:

We are there to help and support bereaved parents navigate the festive season.

Our Galway Face to Face meeting will be taking place 

Our online meeting for Anam Cara Galway and Mayo will take place  

If you know any bereaved parents who would like to join either of these meetings please get them to contact us on

085 288 8888 or info@anamcara.ie. 

As always Anam Cara offer their services free of charge for as long as needed.

Positive Ageing and supports for older people - Click the links below:

https://www.copegalway.ie/senior-support-service/positive-ageing-week/

https://www.galway.ie/en/services/communityenterpriseeconomicdevelopment/inclusion/agefriendly/

• Website: www.galwaycountyppn.ie
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• Phone: 087 233 0720
• Email: administrator@galwaycountyppn.ie

Newsletter Submissions Deadline: 23rd of each month - for following month's issue.
Next issue has a special focus on: Environment Pillar of the PPN