All Galway County PPN Members are invited to the Annual PPN Winter Plenary.
To Register Click HERE   
(or scan below QR Code square with your phone camera).
The in-person Plenary is the most important meeting of the year for PPN members to attend.
AGENDA  
Registration & Refreshments
Welcomes  
Updates from the PPN
Workplan 2024
Discussion PPN Pillars - key challenges & opportunities 
SPC presentations  
BREAK
Guest Speakers
• Climate Action Team 
• Clann Credo  
• Volunteer Galway  

Monday, 20th November from 15.00–16.30
Topics Covered
•    The principles of Inclusion
•    Communication
•    Building Accessibility
•    Group Management and planning of Activities
•    Case Studies
Guest Speaker: Carmel Craven (expert by experience).

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsdOuhqDIsHdFk5vp9wglCVFNKoHq8Xj43 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

This is a FREE Online Training for PPN Members.

This training is taking place as part of Galway County Social Inclusion Week (20th-24th November 2023).

21st November 2023, 10:00am-11:00am (Online).
All Galway County PPN Secretariat Members should attend. 

Dates and Times To Be Confirmed...
Registration information will be emailed to all PPN member groups soon. Free Online Training.

1) New Committee Member Induction:15 Nov@7pm
2) Business Planning for Voluntary Organisations / Developing a Business Plan: 22 Nov@7pm
3) Growing Your Social Enterprise: 5 Dec@7pm

Date To Be Confirmed... November/December.

Agenda:
GRWG to feed into the next Environment and Biodiversity SPC meeting.
Presentation on 'Climate Action Fund' and 'Climate Action Plan' - by Galway County Council Climate Team.

About Green Recovery Working Group (GRWG):
GRWG is a PPN Linkage Group.
Each Linkage Group woks with their elected PPN Representatives to highlight community issues and influence relevant policy. 
More information on Linkage Groups HERE. 

Photo: Aodán MacDonnacha, Dan Dowling, Duana Tuite, Martina Finn, George Francis, Vincent Lyons.

6 Galway County PPN Reps Attend PPN National Conference

The 5th Public Participation Network (PPN) National Conference was held on 5th & 6th October 2023 at Arklow Bay Hotel, Wicklow.
Hosted by Wicklow PPN and Wicklow County Council.

"It was a really great event (hats off to Wicklow PPN and all who made the event a huge success!) - plenty of networking, information, learning, sharing, and some well deserved relaxing and fun for the PPN volunteers and staff!"

#nationalppnconference
#PublicParticipationNetworks

Public meeting of the County Galway Policing Committee (JPC) on the 6th November.
Read more HERE. 

When a group registers it becomes part of the 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 Department website HERE 

Organisations with an income under 25k get free membership!
Read more below about benefits of joining, or click HERE.

Public meeting of the County Galway Joint Policing Committee (JPC) on the 6th November 2023.
Read more HERE. 

SOAPBOX PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
Europe Direct Ballinasloe's annual soapbox competition is coming up! 
 
•    Age categories: 16 and under / 17 and over.  
•    Topic: ‘There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter’ Barack Obama. In today's turbulent times, it is more important than ever to build a better future by voting in the EU parliament elections. 
•    You may argue ‘for’ or ‘against’ the motion. 
•    Please submit your application form to your local Europe Direct Centre (Ballinasloe Library) by Monday, 13 November.  
•    The Regional Final will be held in Ballinasloe Library at 6pm on Thursday, 16 November. A regional winner from each category will be selected to go forward to the National Final on Monday, 27 November. 
 
PRIZES 
The overall winner in each category at the Regional Final will win a Samsung tablet. 
The overall winner in each category at the National Final will be presented with a prize of €1,000 in One4All Vouchers. 

For more details, please contact the Europe Direct Information Centre at Ballinasloe Library: 091 509 551 / ballinasloe@galwaylibrary.ie

COMIC CON - November 3rd & 4th at Ballinasloe Library. 
For more details, please contact the Europe Direct Information Centre at Ballinasloe Library: 091 509 551 / ballinasloe@galwaylibrary.ie

LOCAL FOOD AND CRAFT GIFT FAIR 2023

This popular event showcases Galway designers, handcrafted goods and artisan produce, with over 50 stands featuring the best in locally produced gifts!

The 2023 event takes place from Friday 1st December to Sunday 3rd December at the Blackbox Theatre, Dyke Road, Galway.


About the #GalwayFair
Since 2012, the LOCAL Craft and Food Gift Fair has grown in popularity and reputation – featuring some of the best local crafts people and artisan food producers.
More than 50 local crafts people specialising in artisan food, drinks, art, jewellery and more will converge on the Black Box theatre Galway City for this year's event.
This two day fair is great opportunity to find unique gifts before Christmas, along with a wide range of artisan jams, jellies, chutneys, cakes, cheeses, vegan foods, juices, and craft brews.
Beautiful creations of local craft experts will be on show ranging from handmade ceramics, leather work, wooden carvings, household decorations, gifts, jewellery and more

From next month, you can explore the Newbridge Village Art Trail, an artistic celebration of diverse rural communities. 
More information: https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/event/newbridge-village-art-trail/

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Biddy Early - A Folk Opera
Composed for Kinvara Community Orchestra by Stephen Johnston, with additional lyrics by Helen Lane,  ‘Biddy Early’ will have its premiere at Kinvara Community Centre,
on December 2nd and 3rd 2023, under the baton of Garry O’Briain. 

The folk opera, performed by 9 singers and over 40 musicians, explores the extraordinary life of herbalist and clairvoyant Biddy Early, of Co. Clare. With an orchestration that is unashamedly romantic, the style is rooted in Irish traditional music, ballads and airs.
Kinvara Community Orchestra (KCO) was founded in 2020 by Fiona Buckley as a community initiative.  The Orchestra operates under the patronage of Tigh Sayre, Kinvara and Gort Resource Centre.  KCO is very grateful to Creative Ireland and Galway County Arts Office for their financial support for this production. 

RARE & LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITY IS HERE

We are looking to expand our talent pool by inviting aspiring actors aged 18 and over with an intellectual disability to audition for a permanent place within our resident company of artists.

Today, we launch the search to find new talent to be part of our professional theatre ensemble. Are you who we're looking for? Do you know any aspiring actors aged 18 + with an intellectual disability with a passion and dedication to be part of our award -winning company? If yes, we want to hear from you.

Deadline for application is 12pm Monday 13th November with auditions in late November, early December.
For all the recruitment details, please go to www.blueteapot.ie or contact us via email admin@blueteapot or  091 520 977. 

Read more HERE.

Read more HERE.

Irish Rural Link - Erasmus + DEW Project - Digital Entrepreneurship for Women

Training was pilot tested in the Ard Family resource centre Galway, earlier in the summer. 

Photo from Pilot Project.

Read more HERE.

Volunteer Galway events - Read more below:

https://volunteergalway.ie/volunteer-galway-events/

November 17th, 2023, 9:45am – 4:30pm. Havelock Suite, The Aviva, Dublin and Online

SDG National Stakeholder Forum.
Biodiversity and Community - Building Resilience while Leaving No One Behind.

Registration for attendance at the November 17th SDG National Stakeholder Forum will open at 09:00 am on October 23rd. Additional in-person attendance places will be made available at 7:00pm on Wednesday 25th October.

Virtual registration opens at 09:00 on October 23rd and closes at 18:00 on November 13th

Please register here:

https://ti.to/ndca/sdgs-national-stakeholder-forum-november

SMART VILLAGES SOUTH GALWAY

We are pleased to announce that we will undertake our next phase of Smart Village training with communities in South Galway. We will be offering the training online, commencing on the evening of the 9th of November, and continuing for 5 weeks. This follows on from the success of the initiative in both Mountbellew and Headford.

The Smart Villages concept opens up opportunities to improve the sustainability of rural areas. It aims to deliver on the promise of 'a better life in rural areas` and it reflects the principles and methods associated with 'smart and competitive' rural areas. Groups and individuals from South Galway can contact us at leader@grd.ie.

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/

WEEE after Halloweeen
When the tricks and treats are over, we’re calling on the public to be on the lookout for any dead batteries and decorations that should be recycled this Halloween.  If a decoration, device or costume lights up, moves or talks – it’s an electrical product and it may also have a battery or bulb lurking inside …all of which can be recycled for FREE!   Some of these items include: Halloween Costumes, Halloween Masks, Battery Operated Candles, String/Fairy Lights, Indoor/Outdoor battery or electric decorations, Talking Teddies/Dolls, Battery Operated Board Games, Musical Greeting Cards, Remote Controls.  

Tá Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán ag eagrú Cúrsa Safe Pass in oifigí na Comhairle Ceantar i dTír an Fhia, Dé Máirt, an 14ú Samhain 2023. Má tá suim agat an cúrsa a dhéanamh, cuir glaoch ar oifig Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán ag 091 551922, nó seol ríomhphost chuig mairin@cnnoilean.ie chun áit a chur in áirithe ar an gcúrsa.

Seomra céadfach (sensory room) nua “Dóchas & Grá” oscailte in Ionad Pobail Leitir Mealláin H91 CH7X. Sa spás nua seo tá trealamh seomra céadfach, maoinithe ag Forbairt Tuaithe na Gaillimhe agus Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe. 

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.

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-the-environment-climate-and-communications/

Read more HERE:

Read more HERE.

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-tourism-culture-arts-gaeltacht-sport-and-media/

Read more HERE.

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-children-equality-disability-integration-and-youth/

Read more HERE.

https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/

Read more HERE.

Your audience may wish to know that on 7 November The Housing Agency will hold a free information evening for people in the Galway area involved with owners' management companies (OMCs) of apartment developments and managed estates.

The meeting takes place in the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, at 7pm on Tuesday 7 November 2023.

The meeting will cover:
•    Challenges faced by apartments, OMCs & managed estates
•    Roles and responsibilities
•    Resources available

More information and how to register is attached, online here 
https://www.housingagency.ie/news-events/outreach-events-stakeholders-multi-unit-developments-0

Kind regards,
The Housing Agency

OPEN: 25 Oct, 2023, 2:15pm - 21 Nov, 2023, 5:00pm
More information:
https://consult.galway.ie/en/consultation/portumna-public-realm-enhancement-scheme-stage-2-consultation

OPEN: 5 Oct, 2023, 9:30am - 3 Nov, 2023, 4:00pm
More information:
https://consult.galway.ie/en/consultation/draft-athenry-local-area-plan-2023-2029-proposed-material-alterations

OPEN: 24 Oct, 2023, 9:00am - 22 Nov, 2023, 4:00pm
More information:
https://consult.galway.ie/en/consultation/la1023-kilbannon-burial-ground-extension

OPEN: 9 Oct, 2023, 9:00am - 21 Nov, 2023, 5:30pm
More information: 
https://consult.galway.ie/en/consultation/application-bord-plean%C3%A1la-approval-river-maintenance-works-ros-mh%C3%ADl-co-na-gaillimhe

From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment 
Published on 10 October 2023
Submissions closed 7 November 2023
More information: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/9b303-public-consultation-on-the-development-of-a-national-industrial-strategy-for-offshore-wind/

From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications 
Published on 29 September 2023
Submissions closed 10 November 2023
More information: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/c823b-public-consultation-on-the-draft-green-public-procurement-strategy-and-action-plan/

From Department of Transport 
Published on 25 September 2023
Submissions closed 10 November 2023
More information: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/a57ee-draft-national-en-route-ev-charging-network-plan-public-consultation/

From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 
Published on 22 September 2023
Submissions closed 3 November 2023
https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/52d17-carbon-farming-framework-for-ireland/

From Department of Social Protection 
Published on 20 September 2023
Submissions closed 15 December 2023
https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/3b001-green-paper-on-disability-reform-a-public-consultation-to-reform-disability-payments-in-ireland/

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 6th Dec 2023.

If you experience any technical difficulties on the website, please email funding@lawaters.ie

Read more HERE.

Good news! We've extended the deadline for entering the #OurEUStory Awards 2023 until Friday, 3 November at 5pm.  

Read more HERE.

The Minister of State for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien, has launched a call for proposals from organisations planning projects to support the reception and integration of Third Country Nationals in Ireland. 
Closing date for receipt of applications is 12 pm on Friday, 1 December 2023.

Read more HERE.

Irish Hospice Foundation award a number of Local Bereavement Development (LBD) grants annually. The grant aims to encourage and support collaborative bereavement developments at a local level. Already existing groups and newly formed groups are eligible to apply.
Closing date: 5pm on Friday, 17 November 2023

Read more HERE.

Are you a Social Enterprise that is looking to increase your financial sustainability and develop a credit record? Rethink Ireland will award up to 20 social enterprises through the Hybrid Social Finance Loan. 

Upcoming Q&A sessions: 

Friday 10 November at 12 pm: register 
Thursday 23 November at 1 pm: register

Questions can be also directed to hybridsocialfinance@rethinkireland.ie 

deadline for applications is 8 December 2023 at 1 pm via the Rethink Ireland website.

Read more HERE.

On behalf of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Pobal is now inviting applications for the EU JTF Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme.
Deadlines for applications: 
Category 1 ‘Ready to go LA-led’ LECP and Category 2 REP applications: 24 November 2023
Category 1 LECP: Concept Papers: 17 November 2023 and Formal Applications: 23 January 2024. 
This funding is open to organisations operating in the EU JTF Territory: Ballinasloe, Galway.

Read more HERE.

Closing date: 17:30, Thursday 23 November 2023.

The Arts Council announces round two of the Festivals Investment Scheme (FIS) for festivals that commence between 1st of July 2024 and 31st of December 2024.

Read more HERE.

EIL Explore is a programme that supports participants with an interest in global issues to travel abroad for the purpose of volunteering, cultural immersion, or language education through a variety of awards. 

Read more HERE.

Irish Aid issues a call for global citizenship education project proposals annually. The Global Citizenship Education Grant Scheme is open to Irish-based organisations only.

Grants are allocated in the range of €10,000 to €180,000 annually. In 2024, applications can be submitted for projects with a duration of one, two or three years.

The 2024 Global Citizenship Education Grant call for proposals is now open.

Read more HERE.

The Wheel - Online information session, 22 Nov 2023 – 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Read more HERE.

This event is FREE.

Erasmus+ is the EU’s funding programme for education, training, youth and sport. It provides a variety of opportunities for Irish civil society organisations and communities to collaborate with European partners to develop and innovate. One of the programme’s target audiences is community & voluntary organisations - their staff and service users alike.

The Wheel - Online Workshop. Read more HERE.

There is a charge for this workshop. 

Sport Ireland have launched a third phase of the Sports Energy Scheme to support sporting organisations with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport e.g., indoor activity in winter, the provision of outdoor floodlighting etc.
Through Local Sports Partnership’s, this phase will target community owned sports facilities which do not currently qualify for TBESS or other Government support schemes through DRCD, Local Authorities etc. 

The Eligibility period will relate to increased costs sustained between September 1st 2022 and July 31st 2023 VS September 1st 2019 – July 31st 2020
Clubs or facilities affiliated to Sport Ireland recognised National Governing Bodies should access support directly through their NGB, ie GAA, FAI etc.
General cost of living increases such as rising costs in accommodation, rent, rates or labour costs are not eligible. Fuel costs associated with machinery, vehicles, travel or transport do not qualify.

To register for this grant, please click here; https://form.jotform.com/galwayactive/SESSPHASE3

For more information, please contact galwayactive@galwaycoco.ie

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.

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.

FREE Online Training for PPN Members.

Topics Covered

• The principles of Inclusion

• Communication

• Building Accessibility

• Group Management and planning of Activities

• Case Studies

Guest Speaker: Carmel Craven (expert by experience)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsdOuhqDIsHdFk5vp9wglCVFNKoHq8Xj43

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

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 directly to access all their free services.
Information on Trainings available at https://www.wheel.ie/training

Galway Sports Partnership have linked with Volunteer Galway to arrange 4 FREE training supports for clubs and groups in Galway City and County.

The training is designed to help get the best from volunteers within your club.

For our first set of courses, we have focused on leadership, finding and recruiting volunteers, social media and managing diversity.

All courses are on-line, and one individual can attend all 4 or people from your club attend individual courses as is appropriate for their position within your club.

The courses are funding under the Dormant Accounts Fund through the Volunteer Supports programme with Sport Ireland

See our events section for more details.

Creating a Social Media Strategy for Your Sports Club or Organisation – Wednesday November 8th, 7-9pm - Register HERE.

Finding and Keeping Volunteers for Sport Clubs and Organisations - Wednesday November 15th, 7-9pm -Register HERE. 

Managing Diversity in Sports Clubs and Organisations - Wednesday November 22nd, 7-9pm - 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.

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. 

"Are you ready to embark on a journey towards digital empowerment? NCBI Labs is thrilled to announce our FREE Digital Literacy Courses, designed to equip people with essential digital skills! Course topics include computers and the internet, using a smartphone, connecting with others, entertainment and shopping, hobbies and travel, and online banking."

To discuss further how we can work together moving forward. Please feel free to contact: dereck.carolan@ncbi.ie  or  086 608 6771.

Our Galway Face to Face meeting will be taking place on Wednesday 1st November at 7.15 in the Clayton Hotel, Briar Hill.
Our online meeting for Anam Cara Galway and Mayo will take place Monday 13th November at 7pm. 

Please see attached information flyer about our upcoming online Workshop on Thursday, November 9th for anyone in your organisation that is interfacing with family members who are bereaved in traumatic circumstances.
This workshop is relevant to:
 
·         Garda Siochana and PSNI Family Liaison Officers
·         Emergency First Responders
·         Funeral Directors
.         Hospital and Hospice Staff
·         Emergency Departments Medical staff
·         Social Workers
·         Chaplains/Clergy
.         Therapists/Counselors

Anyone working in Community Organisations/NGO's in contact or supporting  bereaved families

If you would like to join us for this online workshop please register on this link Anam Cara Online Workshop 9th November 2023.
As we have to limit the number of places, we would encourage you to register as soon as possible for this event. There will be certificate for 5 CPD hours issued to all participants .
If you need any further information please get in touch with us on info@anamcara.ie or call 085 2888 888 or from Norther Ireland 028 95213120

Read more about Positive Ageing and supports for older people in the links below:
https://www.copegalway.ie/senior-support-service/positive-ageing-week/
https://www.galway.ie/en/services/communityenterpriseeconomicdevelopment/inclusion/agefriendly/

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: 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: Social Inclusion Pillar of the PPN