ISSUE NO. 40WINTER 2013

NEWSLETTER

On a blustery mid-September morning eleven people from all overConnemara gathered on the scenic Errislannan peninsula to begin aremarkable journey which will equip them with the expertise toharness the legendary qualities of the Connemara Pony with theirskill as equestrian coaches to create an innovative form of therapyfor people of all ages with disabilities. Therapeutic riding can be described as physiotherapy on horsebackaccording to Jill Carey, CEO of Festina Lente, the equestrian centrebased in Bray which is the only mainstream training provider oftherapeutic riding in Ireland. She explained that the rider withspecial needs responds to the movement of the pony under thecoaching of the therapeutic riding coach. “It is a highly person-centred intervention which has been shown to increase self-confidence, self-esteem and self-concept amongst other personaldevelopment benefits.” cont’d overleaf

GROUND-BREAKING THERAPEUTIC RIDING COACHING COURSE BEGINS

FREE

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The course is a combination of classroom teaching and the training of practical skills in the yard. Whereneeded, one to one education support is being provided by Galway and Roscommon Education and TrainingBoard (VEC). The first two modules of the course have focused on the importance of being aware thatpeople are complex and have different styles of learning, whereas horses are straightforward and needsimple, clear and consistent instruction. The participants found the training extremely informative andenjoyable and were thrilled at the opportunity to share in the amazing research and knowledge of theexpert trainers from Festina Lente. The next stage of the training took place in November, once again atErrislannan Manor, graciously hosted by Mrs Stephanie Brooks and stable manager, Roisin Pryce. Finalassessments will be carried out at Festina Lente in Bray next July. Planning is currently underway with jointparticipation from CPBS, FORUM, PTW and other interested parties to prepare for the next phase of thisexciting project. The objective is to have in place a group of fully trained therapeutic riding coaches andappropriately equipped facilities which can offer a state-of-the- art, modern therapeutic coaching service,working with Connemara ponies as their preferred equine, to benefit people with disabilities in Connemaraand beyond.

It’s Sew EasyMost people who enrol in sewing classes are generally there for thesimple pleasure to be gained from this relaxing hobby, yet it is a lifeskill which has several practical functions. Historically in Irelandsewing skills and techniques have been passed on generationally andthis connection to the past probably goes some way towardsexplaining the enduring appeal of the activity. This Autumn saw tenwomen from Tullyvoheen in Clifden participating in a nine week basicsewing skills course with tutor Rosemary Conneely. This course isfunded by FORUM and located in the Further Education Centre (VEC)Clifden. The course, based on a Christmas theme, saw participantsusing different sewing techniques. Demonstrations were also givenwith basic repairs including the very useful technique invisiblestitching for hemming trousers, curtains etc. At the end of the courseparticipants held a Christmas coffee morning inviting friends andfamily to an exhibition of their Advent Calendar Wall Hangings andPatchwork Christmas table runners. The group intends to continue tomeet in the new year to build on their new skills.

This unique training programme is phase one of a joint initiativespearheaded by the Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) inconjunction with Paving the Way (PTW), a support group for people withdisabilities and their families. With the guidance and support of FORUM,funds were sourced from LEADER making it possible to access the expertiseof the world-class team at Festina Lente and deliver the therapeutic ridingcourse right here in the heart of Connemara.Cathy Keane, FORUM, described how this project came to life: “Bringingthis initiative to the area has been the culmination of many months of workby a dedicated team of people committed to ‘doing something different’ for people most at risk of socialexclusion.” It demonstrates that when you harness the power of community partnerships, engage incollective action and use government funding programmes, new and exciting opportunities can be createdfor both the social and economic benefits of communities.“The Connemara Pony Breeders Society is delighted to provide a therapeutic riding coaching programme inConnemara,” commented Andy O’Donoghue, President of the CPBS. Acknowledging the support ofFORUM, he highlighted the fact that Connemara ponies with their docile nature and kind temperament arevery well suited to therapeutic riding.

‘Grabbing The Oyster’ was an appealing title forthe two day Sales and Marketing Retreat given bytrainer Pearce Flannery in the Old School inRecess this November. The programme targetedat SME business, new start-ups and well asestablished businesses who were interested indeveloping effective sales functions within theirbusiness.The two day course covered (a) A Master class inSales & Sales Skills Development and (b)Marketing Fundamentals for Business andInnovative Marketing Techniques for Businesseson a small budget. The hands-on interactiveapproach to this two day work shop ensured thatthe essential elements of the sales and marketingprocess were covered, understood and practised.

Sales and Marketing Retreat

The Local & Community Development Programme (LCDP) in the ConnemaraGaeltachtThe Local & CommunityDevelopment Programme (LCDP)is managed by POBAL on behalfof the Department ofCommunity, Environment andLocal Government. It forms partof the National Development Plan2007 – 2013.

FORUM administers LCDP in nonGaeltacht Connemara and wasasked by POBAL to manage LCDPin Gaeltacht Connemara June

2012 to December 2013.The groups targeted by FORUM,under LCDP are as follows: olderpeople, young people andfamilies, community groups,people with disability, under andunemployed, lone parents.

Two workers were employed byFORUM to administer LCDP inGaeltacht Connemara from July2012 to December 2013.

A range of actions have beencarried out with groups andindividuals in the ConnemaraGaeltacht.

A news sheet has been producedin Irish outlining these actions.For a copy please contactGearoid DeFaoite – 087 6921211or Mairead Uí Dhomhnaill – 0877952747

Supporting new and existing employment FORUM, as part of its interest in supporting employment and enterprise development in theregion, undertook an employers survey in 2012. The purpose of this review was to assist in theidentification of possible employment opportunities, skills shortages or gaps and suggestions fortraining and education programmes to support potential and existing employment. Followinganalysis of the data, FORUM generated a number of targeted programmes based on localemployment needs which were delivered in the region: Website Design and Maintenance, Salesand Marketing and Computerised Accounting.

Basics Of Webpage Design andMaintenanceIn November FORUM organised a three dayintroductory course to basic Web Design andMaintenance with Tim Woods from Timfy Designsin the Old School, Recess. The course was aimedat computer literate students with no prior webdesign experience and covered a brief history ofthe internet and the evolution of websites, basicwebsite design and coding skills and the use of thelatest online tools and content management.Other topics included search engine optimisation,social media integration and domain nameregistration and its statutes. The participantscompleting the course were given a solidgrounding in the basics of website design and agood understanding of registering a domain, sitemaintenance and site promotion. A certificate ofcompletion was given to each participant.

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Members of the Clifden Parent and Toddler Group recently participated in a one day First Aid workshoptutored by Remote West First Aid. Topics included: Assessment of patient, Respiratory Emergencies,Choking, CPR for children and infants, wounds and bleeding fractures and sprains in young children.Comments on the course included: “this is a must for any parent or carer of babies or small children,this course is invaluable”... “its reassuring to know that my immediate response would have been theright one”... Clifden Parents and Toddler welcomes new members and meets every Wednesday morning 10.30 to12.00 noon above the Cashel Credit Union office, The Square Clifden.

Baby First Aid: Parents to the rescue

Connemara Childcare Network - AISTEAR training and curriculum planning workshop

For free, confidential and impartial information on all yourrights and entitlements, contact Clifden Citizens InformationService. Tel: 076 107 7580 & 087 1301100/Email: clifden@citinfo.ieOPEN: Thursday 7pm to 8pm, Friday 10.30am to 3.30pm 2nd Floor, Cashel/Connemara Credit Union, Seaview, ClifdenRegular twice-monthly outreach service to Letterfrack, callDeclan on 087 1301100 for details Information is also available online atwww.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens InformationPhone Service, Lo-call 076 107 4000

CLIFDEN CITIZENS INFORMATION CENTRE

Aistear is the Irish word for journey. It refers to thenew national curriculum framework for theeducation and care of children from birth to sixyears in Ireland and is published by the NationalCouncil for Curriculum and Assessment ( NCCA).Aistear is designed to support parents, earlychildhood practitioners and teachers in planningfor and providing enriching, challenging andenjoyable learning opportunities for children. InOctober, twenty-five childcare workers andmembers of the management committees in theregion participated in a FORUM supported eveningworkshop with tutor Mary Skillington from EarlyChildhood Ireland. Early childhood care andeducation must support a child’s sense of well-being, identity and belonging, exploring andthinking and communication and these are the

four main goals of Aistear. These are achievedthrough the contexts of play and supported bycaring, learning relationships with adults and peers(Early Childhood Ireland, 2013). Feedback fromparticipant was positive and all found the eveninguseful. For more information on AISTEAR go to the EarlyChildhood Ireland website:http://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/

Warm cuppa at the Breakfast ClubThe Department of Health and Children state in its nutritional guidelines that “Research has shown thatchildren benefit both nutritionally and behaviourally by eating breakfast. Many children come to schoolwithout having breakfast. These children will inevitably be hungry in class and therefore unable toconcentrate or participate in school activities’. In addressing this, FORUM, together with ClifdenCommunity School have started a Breakfast Club. A warm cup of tea, toast and a variety of cereals areavailable daily to all students who wish to avail of the facility. This is particularly beneficial for youngpeople who arrive on the early morning bus.

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Play grounds are ‘a god send’ and surely a statement most parents wouldagree with. However, for communties maintaining a safe, healthy, funenvironment for children to play in can be an ongoing challenge andresponsibility and one that perhaps the wider community may not fully beaware of or appreciate. All outdoor playground equipment is exposed to a mix of weather, heavyusage and sadly at times vandalism so constant vigilance is needed.Weekly inspections are carried out by playground committees in theregion as well as monthly inspections by the Galway County CouncilCommunity Wardens. Inspection reports from both are regularly sent toGalway County Council who provide the umbrella playground insurance.FORUM were approached by several committee members to provide apractical workshop covering all aspects of playground inspection. MelCambell, a certified inspector from Play Services Ireland who are anAntrim based company, met with committee reps from six playgrounds atRoundstone playground in November. He took the group through aphysical playground safety inspection, discussed accurate reporting,decommissioning faulty equipment and dealt with outstandingqueries/uncertainties participants had.

Playing it Safe

Criost Linn/Ability West

FORUM LCDP Programme provided funding to Criost Linn ADS in 2013which facilitated the service users of the centre to take part in thefollowing activities:- An overnight trip to Westport for five people;- Two bowling trips to Galway for six people;- Funding of equipment to help individuals learn new

skills to promote more independent living and;- Purchase of a personal DVD player for a reminiscence

programme.

FORUM continue to support thedelivery of both basic and accreditedcomputers courses to men inRoundstone, Clifden and Recess. Thenewest recruits to the programme aretwelve men from Recess whocommenced their course with tutorBridgie McTavish in November. Thesecourses have proved very successful inintroducing information technology tomen in these areas.

Men and Computers

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National Schools

Adolescent Support Programme

Since the last edition of the FORUM newsletter in June, the projecthas delivered three additional eight week After School Activityclubs to Roundstone, Claddaghduff and Clifden National Schools.The main emphasis of these programmes is to enhance theparticipants self esteem through positive group work and to offeralternative experiences and develop new skills around outdooreducation. Activities include group games at the start of eachsession. These are designed to help to develop many desirablecharacteristics in people of all ages. The games that are played bythe children help increase concentration, observation, awareness,quick thinking, alertness, strategy, teamwork, trust, laughter,group cohesion, confidence, self-awareness, co-operation andmost importantly, fun. The projects and other activities withinthese after school clubs included such projects as stain glasspainting, woodwork Biodiversity project, textile design, cardmaking and orienteering. Mid way through the programmes thechildren went on an outing to the Killary Adventure centre toengage in outdoor pursuits i.e. combat laser questing and theKillary Challenge. At the end of two programmes a parents daywas also held, where parents got to see the work the youngpeople completed and an audio visual display of the childrenthroughout the eight weeks. Thirty three young people attendedthese programmes.

In addition to the After Schools Activity clubs, two eight weekjunior arts programmes have been delivered to twenty childrenduring school time in Claddaghduff and Roundstone NationalSchools. The request for this type of initiative has come fromteachers.

Junior Arts Schools Programmes

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Biodiversity Project in Conjunction with Youth Reach Clifden & Roundstone TidyTowns

Youth Representative Group/Comhairle na nOg

The Jigsaw & Friends once a month service in Connemara to cater foryoung peoples’ mental health issues, advice and guidance has held sixsession during the period of June-December to cater for young peoplebetween the ages of 15-25 years. A reminder email has also been setup for professionals to notify them of the service and ClifdenCommunity School has set up the same for parents in their school. A network meeting of service providers was held on September the24th, to review the Jigsaw service so far and to look at the purpose ofthe network. The terms of reference of the group was established andit is planned to meet with focus groups of young people again todiscuss what young people need from the Jigsaw service. To date in2013, 38 young people have used the Jigsaw Galway Service and thesatellite service based in Clifden, which is 11% of their clients.

Jigsaw and Friends Services for Young People

Two meetings were held in Galway with ten young people from thisarea with the Galway Comhairle na nOg group and three meetings ofthe youth group in Clifden. The young people prepared a five minuteDVD called Youth Pride & Place to present at the Galway CountyComhairle AGM which was held in NUIG on Saturday the 26th ofOctober. Eighty young people from all different areas of Galwaymade presentations to represent the areas they lived in. CountyGalway Mayor Liam Carroll was the guest speaker. The aim of theAGM is to bring young people together for new membership toComhairle and to discuss issues that young people face in GalwayCounty and bring recommendations for change to Dail na nOg, whichis linked to the National Government. The young people from thisarea can now have their say on issues that affect them, not onlylocally but nationally.

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms.Biodiversity is disappearing worldwide at an alarming rate. It is estimated that 10-30% of all mammals, birds and amphibians are currently threatened with extinction.Due to this fact many initiatives are being explored to bring wildlife into gardens. As part of the FORUM Adolescent Support Project, Youth Reach, Clifden & Roundstone Tidy Towns, abiodiversity project was included in this term after schools programmes. Students from Youth Reach cutout pieces of wood for over sixty bird houses and this project helped the young people on our afterschools programmes to construct and design bird houses for their homes. The Clifden and RoundstoneTidy Towns invited Marie Louise Heffernan into the schools to inform the young people about thedifferent birds that exist in Ireland and how to identify these birds in your gardens. In totality over sixtyyoung people were involved in this worthwhile project, as can be seen from the photos the youngpeople created beautiful birdhouse and hopefully will bring more birds into theirgardens.Clifden Community School

A six -week personal development programme was delivered to eight students of Clifden CommunitySchool this Autumn. This programme is similar to the National Schools programme, however the contentis focused more intensively on personal development activities using arts, team challenges, problemsolving exercises and sport as a media.

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Two hairdressing courses were organised for twenty four young people in the 15-17 age group. Theseprogrammes were organised for young people who attend Clifden Community School, Corr na Mona andCarna Post Primary Schools. The young people, on these two day courses, were taught scalp analysis,blow drying, up styling, straightening and curling hair. The young people attending felt the course wouldbenefit them into the future personally. These programmes were funded by the North West SchoolCompletion Programme.

A two day event was held in the Killary AdventureCentre for fifty young people during July. This wasthe most cost efficient programme to run for theolder age group and interest in this type ofprogramme was flagged by the YouthRepresentative group, as being the most suitable.

The young people engaged in different activitiesduring the two days e.g. archery, rock climbing,combat laser questing, canoeing, raft building andthe Killary Challenge. Support to this camp wasalso provided by the School CompletionProgramme.

13+ Summer Camp Adventure Programme Programme

Two Summer Camp 13+ Hairdressing Course

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Youth in Action 7+ summer camps were held through themonths of July and the first week in August. Camps wereheld in the following areas Tullycross, Roundstone,Claddaghduff, Cashel and Clifden. The main activities for allcamps were arts, crafts and sports. Morgan Darcy from theGalway Sports Partnership ran a GAA hurling programme ineach camp. All camps finished with a barbeque. Over 200Children attend across the locality.

Summer Camps

Youth in Action

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Primary SchoolsThe Youth in Action Programme provides workers to twelve national schools to assist with all elements ofsport training. Children are preparing for Olympic Handball under 11 age group play- offs, to take place inDecember and under 12/13 age group to take place in January/February. Over 450 children benefit fromthe sport programme in the schools.The Youth in Action scheme assists the FORUM Adolescent Support Project over the year in deliveringthe Junior Activity Club programme within school time and After Schools Activity Programme from 3-5pm in different schools in North West Connemara. Support was given to the annual Water Sport day heldin August in aid of Child Line at Glassilaun beach and to the fifteen National Schools in North WestConnemara for extra curriculum activities. Support was given to Rainbow’s End Playschool towards theirsummer camp they run for children age 4 to 12 years, activities include drama, arts and crafts.

HealthyLifestyles

Programme

Transition Year,St. Paul’s

Oughterard

The Healthy Lifestyles programme for transition year in St. Paul’s secondary school, Oughterard has beenvery successful this academic year. The current programme has 72 transition year students participatingin a Healthy Lifestyles programme that is being supported by FORUM Connemara Ltd. The first group of22 students (12 girls and ten boys) have chosen a range of activities that would not be available to themin a secondary school physical education programme. These activities include horse riding, using aerobicand resistant training machines in the local gym, coaching first year students in Gaelic football skills andbadminton. The students are looking forward to having a go at archery and Zumba over the Wintermonths. By engaging in a wide range of sporting events it is hoped that everyone will experience anactivity that they would like to continue with well beyond the years in secondary school.The programme was designed and set up to encourage young people, particularly young girls to engage insporting activities. In December, transition year students took part in First Aid and Defibrillator training,as part of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme.

Calendar The sixteenth edition of the Youth in Action calendar2014, “Hay Days in Connemara” is now available inthe local shops. The project would like to thank thebusinesses for their generous support and everyonewho provided photos. All proceeds from the sale ofthe calendar goes towards activities for the youth inthe area.

In 2011, with a poor economy and little available work I had an idea for an open farmwhich welcomes visitors to enjoy the traditional skills of a Connemara farm. I believedthat there was a demand for the project. I spoke with friends in Connemara – localbusiness people who put me in touch with Failte Ireland. Failte Ireland told me aboutLEADER. I knew little about LEADER before this. I went over to FORUM in Letterfrack.

LEADER are helpful and give out paperwork for you to fill in initially to see if yourproject meets a certain criteria. I found the paperwork extremely difficult because I hadnever done anything like this before. LEADER help as much as they can but they aren’tgoing to hold your hand either – which is good because it means you have to work forit and learn the process. I met with one of the Rural development officers of FORUM Connemara who advisedme to attend the “Start your own Business Course” hosted by FORUM Connemara. Thiscourse was invaluable for me as I wouldn’t have a business mind!! I asked contractors to my farm to price the project and then made up my business planwhich detailed what I wanted to do and the costs involved. It also involved futurepredictions about visitor numbers. Waiting for the board to meet and make a decision on my application was nervewrecking!! Once I was approved and the funding was made available I started work onthe improvements I needed to make around the farm. Then the really hard work beginsin advertising and making your business work. The process with LEADER is very long and detailed which takes adapting to. In hindsightI would do nothing differently. Thanks to going through the process with LEADER I nowfind that I am living and working all year round on my farm – living the life I alwayswanted to. I am very happy with the results of the business and hope to continue toimprove Killary Sheep Farm with new projects in the future.

This year FORUM invited some of those who benefited from LEADER over thelast 4 years to submit a brief article on their experience of the programme and

how things have progressed for them. Here are some of the responses…..”

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Photo: Paul Phe lan, Walk Connem

ara

KillarySheepFarm

My name is Tom Nee and I run Killary Sheep Farm in Bunowen,Leenane, overlooking Killary Harbour. It is an eco-tourism projectwhich allows me to farm full-time while showing visitors around myfarm and introducing them to traditional farming in Connemara –where they can see sheep-dog skills, traditional hand sheep shearing,and traditional turf cutting.

Birds of prey are one of themost iconic features of ournatural landscape. Towitness a Kestrel hoveringmotionless in an updraft ofwind as it meticulouslyscans the ground forpotential prey far below, orthe elusive Merlin dart withlightning speed across theopen bog in agile pursuit ofits quarry is to observenature in its purest form.

As top predators, birds of prey are excellent sentinels of the healthof our environment and are an essential part of a functioning andwell balanced ecosystem. They have a significant historic andcultural relevance in Ireland, and a fascination for raptors stillremains in modern times. However, despite this, our knowledge ofcertain birds of prey in Ireland is very limited, and several of ourbirds of prey have experienced worrying declines in recent decadesand are priorities for conservation action.

The Connemara Raptor Conservation Project aims to gain a betterunderstanding of important bird of prey populations inConnemara and to increase awareness and appreciation of thesespecies and the conservation challenges they face. Previousresearch in Connemara indicated that the area is nationallyimportant for Merlin and Kestrel; two small falcons which appearto be in decline. The project which was launched last summer iscoordinated by BirdWatch Ireland in collaboration with the InaghValley Trust, with the support of FORUM Connemara through theLeader 2007 – 2013 Programme and will help ensure thatConnemara remains a stronghold for Kestrel and Merlinpopulations, thus providing benefits for the local ecosystems.John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Irelandcommented “birds of prey are really useful species to study, notonly can we learn a lot from them about the health of ourcountryside, but because they are so impressive, we can usethem to help connect and engage people with nature”. Astrategic survey and monitoring protocol was initiated during thenesting season and essential insights on these species, which arenotoriously difficult to study, has already been obtained.

Monitoring Raptors inConnemara

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The summer of 2013 was very poor for most breeding birds, however initial findings from the monitoringwork on Kestrel in Connemara is reasonably positive. With assistance from NPWS rangers a total of 17breeding territories were confirmed in 2013, of which 13 successfully raised young. Kestrels are knownfor their adaptability, and a wide range of nest site types were recorded throughout Connemara whichincluded ruined buildings, old stick nests in trees, cliffs, rocky outcrops and quarries. It was possible tovisit the majority of these nests under licence, and specialised nest cameras were installed at selectedsites to record behaviour and diet. Specially designed nesting boxes will also be installed for Kestrels inearly 2014 to provide nesting opportunities in areas of suitable habitat.

This monitoring work will be expanded in2014, which will be combined with apromotion and awareness campaignincluding events and school visits to raiseappreciation of the value of raptorpopulations and wildlife in general and theimportance of Connemara for theirpopulations.

Although Merlin are a close relative of the Kestrel, their elusive behaviour means that they are muchmore difficult to detect. They are also more specialised in their habitat requirements and occur at lowerdensities, meaning significantly more time and resources are required to establish even basic informationon their ecology . An intensive survey, which was more akin to a painstaking test of endurance wascarried out to locate Merlin nest sites in Connemara in the 1980s, and this work has provided a goodbaseline for the current efforts. Merlin traditionally nested on the ground in heather moorland, howeverdue to the loss of suitable heather cover across large parts of their breeding range, the disused nests ofHooded Crows at the edges of forestry plantations are now the most popular nesting sites. In Connemarahowever, pairs are also known to nest on small, densely vegetated islands on the lakes scattered over thevast areas of bog. After surveying over 75 island sites during the summer of 2013, four Merlin nests wererecorded. Lusby noted “Merlin are a species about which we know very little in Ireland, and this is mainlydue to the fact that they present real challenges in terms of survey work, so even obtaining basicinformation is really valuable and allows us to build up a picture of what is happening the population andto figure out how important Connemara is forthis endangered falcon”.

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Marian HallTullycross

The funding committed by FORUM was used to undertakerefurbishment works to the Marian Hall predominantly:1. Removal of an asbestos sheeted roof2. Placing of a new metal deck roof including welded structural

steelwork3. Internal reconstruction work4. Electrical work5. Gas fired heating system6. General building works The evidence of this work is plain to be seen in the now nearlyfinished structure and has secured this hall and its activities withinthe community for the foreseeable future.

In August 2012 the Board of FORUM Connemara Ltd. committed€143,690.69 under the Rural Development Programme for Ireland2007-2013 (LEADER) for the refurbishment of the Marian Hall inTullycross village. The hall was built in 1959 adjacent to an existingsports field. It was developed by the local community without anygrant assistance. In 1988 Renvyle Sports and Social Club Co-op wasformed to develop and maintain the facilities in Tullycross. Thepromoters have completed a number of projects over the yearsincluding the development of a community sports field and anaddition of dressing rooms and toilet facilities to the existing Marianhall. An extension was developed in the subsequent years to housingchanging room facilities.

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The hall has been used for various activities over the years andcurrently the following groups use the facility:• The Curley School of Dancing• Renvyle GAA Club• Grainne Mhaoil Ladies Football Club• West Coast Utd. Soccer Club• Local Badminton Club• The National Schools Concerts• Tullycross ICA Group activities• In addition to the above – to provide office space for the local

development Co. Connemara West Ltd.

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Social Care ProgrammeRespite Break

The Annual Arts Week Lunch took place inthe Station House Hotel Clifden onSeptember 26th. Sixty eight elderly andcarers attended from Ballinakill, Clifden,Ballyconneely, Leenane/Maam andOughterard for Lunch and an afternoon ofmusic and Dance.

Clifden Arts Week

Fuel Scheme

The annual delivery of the free fuel took place inDecember and eight bales of briquettes per householdwere delivered in the Ballinakill area. The Society of theSt. Vincent de Paul funded this venture with theassistance of Ballinakill Active Age Club and the FORUMSocial Care Scheme in the delivery.

Carer Companion Service

Up to fifty older people are availing of thecarer/companion service in Non GaeltachtConnemara, where Social Care workers visitthe home and provide transport forshopping, doctors’ visits etc. This servicetargets, in particular, vulnerable individualswho are experiencing loneliness; itencourages independence and increasesparticipation in the community.

Resource Groups

All eleven resource groups continue to meet at coffeemornings and lunch clubs around North West Connemara.The groups enjoy weekly activities at their clubs, whichcan include keep fit, arts and crafts, music, cards andbingo. In conjunction with FORUM and the Clifden ArtsWeek all eleven groups attended the annual Arts WeekEvent for older people in the Station House in September.Forty-six members of the groups along with a number ofcarers took part in the annual respite break to Kildare inOctober. The respite break included activities such a visitto the Chocolate Garden factory and workshop andCastletown House. The Roundstone Senior Citizens havecommenced their coffee morning and visited theChristmas market in Galway.

Forty six older people from Roundstone, Ballyconneely,Cleggan/Claddaghduff, Letterfrack, Leenane, Maam andOughterard took part in a four day respite break to Kildare inOctober. This year the highlight of the trip was a visit to theChocolate Garden and Factory in Carlow, we learned all aboutchocolate making, cocoa growing, how Easter eggs and otherchocolate products are made. All products are still made byhand in the factory, and the group members had a go at makingand decorating their own chocolate Houses’, which they couldbring home in the mould and use again and again. The groupwatched a short video about how ice cream is made in theChocolate Garden and then visited the garden Centre next doorfor lunch.On the second day the group visited Castletown house in Kildareand had a guided tour of the house and heard the history of thebuilding, viewed the fine Architecture, the original furniture andvast collection of paintings. The group enjoyed a lovely lunchrestaurant after the tour.There was a shopping trip to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre onthe way home and a great time was had by all.

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Traditional Craft Club Bealach (Rural Transport Initiative)

Ballinakill Active Age Club mini bus and oneprivate operator continue to provide the BealachTransport Service four days per week in NWConnemara. The service is provided for peoplewith reduced mobility and passengers who haveno suitable public transport service. The servicebrings clients to day care, lunch clubs andshopping etc. More information on services canbe obtained by calling 095 41064.Other Bealach services operating in North WestConnemara are as follows:A weekly service in Cleggan/Claddaghduff tofacilitate the Cleggan lunch club, with up totwelve people availing of this service.A weekly service is running every Friday morningthrough Roundstone to Ballyconneely to link withthe older peoples coffee morning.A weekly Friday service from Cashel to Recessbringing older people to the Post Office.A daily service from Clifden to Letterfrack tobring students to Youth Reach in Letterfrack.A weekly service on Thursday from Cashel,Roundstone, Ballyconneely to Clifden.More information on services can be obtained bycalling Bealach directly on 087 6342352.Major restructuring of the Rural TransportProgramme (RTP) is underway. The 38 existingcompanies will be replaced by 18 Transport Co-ordination Units (TCU) and the NationalTransport Authority will hold the contracts forroutes with the transport operations.Applications can only be submitted from the 38existing transport groups and groups can worktogether to put in a join application for adesignated area. There will be one TCU for Co.Galway and three RTP groups are currentlyworking on a joint application for rural transportservices in the county.

Disability Support continues to be availablethrough the Social Care Programme. The serviceis based in FORUM’s Letterfrack office and offersinformation and form filling service to clientswith disability. Information on the ConnemaraDiabetics Support can also be sourced at FORUMLetterfrack by contacting 095 41064 or 0879633970.

Ballinakill Community Catering/ FORUM Mealson Wheels

This service provides a nutritious meal to olderpeople living independently in North WestConnemara. The Ballinakill Community CateringMeals are prepared in Ellis Hall and delivered bythe CE Workers to the clients door. At presentmeals are delivered to Clifden, Cleggan,Claddaghduff, Moyard, Renvyle and Kylemoreareas. Ballyconneely, Recess and Roundstonemeals are delivered through the CE workers andlocal catering business. Leenane meals aredelivered from Leenane Community Centre by avoluntary worker. This service is provided mainlyfor the house bound and people that can nolonger cater for themselves, but the service canalso be provided to carers or to anyone that feelsthey need the service to help promoteindependent living. For further informationcontact 087 9633970.

Disability Support/Diabetic Support

Security The Socially Monitored Alarms Systemsand security lighting continue to beinstalled throughout the NW Connemara area.Clients interested in receiving a service shouldcontact 087 9633970.

Open House Traditional Craft Event takes placeevery Wednesday in Ellis Hall Letterfrack from 2to 4 pm. The purpose of this club is to have aspace for like-minded people to meet up, learnnew skills or pass on skills to others. This Club issupported by the FORUM Social Care Programmein conjunction with Ballinakill Active Age Club andis open to everyone. This club is proving to bevery successful and popular with a coreattendance of fourteen members every week. Formore information contact Martina Gavin 0879633970 or Jean Wallace 086 3087619.

Clifden Day HospitalThe FORUM Social Care Programme continues tosupport the work carried out by Clifden Day Carein the provision of elderly day care services.Social care workers assist with the transportservice and activities at the centre. The role ofthe Day Care is to facilitate and prolongindependent living. It is attached to ClifdenHospital and run by the Health Service Executive.

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Presentation of FETAC CertificatesCeremonies for Family Carers in

Letterfrack

Nineteen family carers have been presented withcertificates for undertaking a 14-week FETAC Level5 Practical Home Care Skills module at a ceremonyin Letterfrack, on Monday, 25 November.

The FETAC accredited training course for familycarers was delivered by the Carers Association andthe Carers Department, HSE West, Galway PCCC, inpartnership with FORUM Connemara Ltd. andGalway and Roscommon Education and TrainingBoard. This course was co-funded by the CarersDepartment, HSE West and FORUM ConnemaraLtd.

Sharon Deering, Training Manager with The CarersAssociation, presented the Certificates to thefamily carers at the ceremony, and explains that;“The ‘FETAC Level 5 Practical Home Care SkillsModule’ was specifically designed for those whoprovide care in the home environment. The aim ofthis course is to provide family carers with anoverview of the roles and responsibilities of caring,the practical care skills and knowledge essential forquality care provision and to raise awareness of thesupports that are available to family carers and tolook at ways to cope with the caring role. ThisModule is classed as a FETAC minor or componentaward, and can be combined with seven other

minor awards in health care subjects to givelearners the complete Major Award in HealthcareSupport Certificate.”

Ms. Deering further explains; “All courses includedan appraisal of the following topics pertinent tofamily care-giving: first aid and emergencies,practical care skills, healthy lifestyle/nutrition, saferpatient moving and handling, caring for a personwith dementia, terminal illness and bereavement,safety first- fire safety and accident prevention,stress management, communication and listeningskills, benefits and entitlements for carers, supportservices for carers, overview of the Home Helpservice, role of the Public Health nurse andcontinence promotion”.

The Master of Ceremonies was Michelle Harrison,Manager, Carers Department, HSE West, GalwayPCCC, and she says that; “The profound physical,emotional, social and financial effects on familycarers who provide constant care on a long termbasis is well illustrated in the research literature.HSE West recognises that caring for an olderperson or a person with a disability or mentalhealth problem or chronic illness, often placessocial, emotional, physical and financial pressureson the carer.”

Carers Support

The Clifden Carers group continue to meet every Wednesday night from 8 – 10 pm in the Elm TreeCentre in Clifden, for more information contact: Geraldine Kelly 087 9633253The Carers group attended a therapeutic day in Kilcuan, a quiet retreat centre on the beautiful woodlandin Clanbridge, with carers’ from the Oughterard/Moycullen group. The Day was designed for full timecarers to provide much needed space to relax and take time out for themselves. Throughout the day thecarers had candle ceremony, yoga, meditation, gardening workshops and following lunch they had a tourof the walled garden.The Carers group also had their annual Christmas dinner in Renvyle House Hotel in December. Thirtycarers attended.

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Rural Social SchemeThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides income support to farmers and fishermen, who are currently inreceipt of long - term Social Welfare Payments and it also provides services that benefits the localcommunities.In order to qualify for the RSS, you must be in receipt of social welfare payments such as Farm Assist,Jobseekers Allowance or Disability Benefit.• The Spouse of a Qualifying person can apply.• The son or daughter who is resident on the farm and is in receipt of a qualifying Social

Welfare payment can apply.• A PRSI contribution will qualify participants for Social welfare payments e.g. pension.• 19.5 hours are worked per week, but the farmer friendly focus of the scheme allows for

flexibility to do farm work.• Employment is provided in the local area where other employment opportunities may not

exist.

At present there are 14 participants on the Rural Social Scheme, who are based in Killannin, Oughterard,Recess, Tullycross, Clifden, Leenane and Ballyconneely areas.Work undertaken includes Social Care work, working with Sporting and Community Groups,environmental work and small organic school gardens.

In Leenane workers have rebuilt the wall at the Leenane Graveyard, carry out grass strimming all aroundthe village and help with litter control. Workers have also put in place Stiles on the walkways in Leenane.RSS workers have worked on painting of the interior and exterior of the Marion Hall in Tullycross over thelast few months.

Workers have helped out with the Clifden and Oughterard Tidy Towns all year, replanting the planter’saround the village of Oughterard and Clifden town, rebuilt stone walls and did maintenance work in StMary’s Graveyard in Clifden.

Workers have also undertaken work for the elderly at the request of the HSE West.One RSS worker is involved with a Living off the land project in Clifden Community School with theTransition Year Students. The RSS participant works with the students one day a week assisting with thegrowing of vegetables in a poly tunnel. Maintenance work is ongoing on the sports fields in Clifden, Killannin and Oughterard, the Sensory Gardenin Recess and organic Gardens in Tullycross, Clifden and the Clann Resource Centre in Oughterard.

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Tús Community Work Placement Initiative

The Tús Initiative is a Community work placement scheme providing short-term workingopportunities for unemployed people. The work opportunities benefit the community and areprovided by community and voluntary organisations in both urban and rural areas. The TúsInitiative in non Gaeltacht Connemara is managed by FORUM Connemara Ltd. and involves threeschemes with 60 participants in total. Community and voluntary groups were invited to write toFORUM requesting Tús workers to support the work of their organisations. All work carried outby participants must benefit the community.There are 60 participants working on the schemes carrying out community and social care workin the following areas: Killannin, Oughterard, Recess, Ballinafad, Bun Na gCnoc, Roundstone,Clifden, Cleggan, Letterfrack, Renvyle, Callnamuc, Ballyconneely and Leenane.

Trout stripping atOughterard

Hatchery

Rear ofCollinamuck

Church before andafter work

Beach clean up Setting walking trail markers

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To promote and develop rural recreation in the Gaeltacht and non Gaeltacht regions of Connemara.

Current Projects:The Western Way is a long distance hiking trail that starts in Oughterard in County Galway and finishes inNorth Mayo. A map board is very near completion for Oughterard and map boards will soon follow forMaam and Leenane.

Slí Chonamara: Plans for an overview of this walk are currently being discussed between the RuralRecreation Officer and relevant bodies. It is hoped to do an assessment of the entire route and look atwhere improvements can be made.

Roundstone Walks: Roundstone Community Council are developing walks in the Roundstone Area inconjunction with the Rural Recreation Officer. It is hoped that these will be in place in the Spring.

Walks in Carna: Work will commence on a coastal walk in Moyrus, Carna in the Spring. We are looking atother potential walks in the Carna area.

The Blueway will be a network of “free water trails” at selected individual sites, at which it will bepossible to experience a variety of water based activities, including kayaking and snorkelling, in a safecontrolled environment. It will be possible to experience these sites on an individual basis or as part ofcontinual water based odyssey along the west coast from South Galway to North West Mayo. Signage iscurrently being designed and the Blue Way will be launch early in the New Year.

New Brochure: The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government published abrochure Recreation in the Countryside, Information for landowners and recreational users; explainingproperty rights, obligations and responsibilities. For a copy of this brochure, please contact Rosaleen atthe below address and number.

Contact:The Rural Recreation Officer would be delighted to hear from Community Groups, businesses andindividuals in relation to projects in their area. If you have an idea or plans to develop a recreationproject, please feel free to contact Rosaleen for advice and information. Projects need to have fullsupport of the Community to ensure success.

Rosaleen Ní Shúilleabháin, Rural Recreation Officer, FORUM Connemara, Old Boys School, Clifden. Co.Galway.Email: r.nishuilleabhain@forumconnemara.ie Tel: 087 737-5599

Rural Recreation and Walks Scheme

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Employment Mediation ServiceThe Employment Mediation service is available from the FORUM Connemara Ltd offices in Letterfrackand one day a week (Thursday) in the Further Education centre, Oughterard. Anyone who has queriesabout employment opportunities Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or farming issues can contactBrendan O’Malley at FORUM Connemara Ltd., Letterfrack office 095 41116 or 087 9633366 or emailb.omalley@forumconnemara.ie

Back to Work Enterprise AllowanceFORUM Connemara Ltd., in conjunction with theDepartment of Social Protection, run the Back toWork Enterprise Allowance Scheme. This schemeallows participants who are on a social protectionpayment to keep that payment for 2 years andalso work at their own enterprise. Work plans arecompleted and participants must register withRevenue.

Business Enterprise TrainingFORUM works with the Galway County and CityEnterprise Board to help those who have abusiness idea or have already set up in businessthrough Business Enterprise training. FORUMran a business Enterprise course in Oughterardin November. The business training programmeconsists of talks, lectures, discussions andexercises to encourage participants to discusstheir business ideas, plan start-ups, and dealwith fears and problems they may have. Thecourse is designed to stimulate entrepreneurialactivity and plan a participants route back towork. Following on from the Business Enterprisecourse participants can avail of one to onementoring which is also offered as part of a startup package to help budding entrepreneurs.

Under and unemployed

Agriculture Certificate Fetac Level 5 & 6 (GreenCert)FORUM Connemara Ltd., in co-operation withTeagasc and Galway and Roscommon Education& Training Board, is running a Level 5&6Agriculture Certification course (Green cert) inLetterfrack. The Green Cert will run for twoyears and give farmers formal training andcertification in their chosen field. At present 23young men have embarked on the green certjourney, this is the first time the green certcourse has been run in the Connemara area.

BA in Business, Enterprise and CommunityFORUM, in co-operation with Galway andRoscommon Education & Training Board andEQUAL Ireland, has embarked on an exciting andinnovative project for the communities ofConnemara. The above partnership is embarkingon a Higher Certificate in Workplace andCommunity Studies. The completion of thisCertificate will form a progression route to the BADegree in Business, Enterprise and CommunityDevelopment. The higher certificate course isaccredited by Athlone Institute of Technology.

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Essential Housing Repair

FORUM Essential Housing Repair Scheme continues to provide the labour and the expertise toimprove the living conditions and safety of the elderly, people with disability and vulnerablepeople in the community. Through this scheme the householders pay for the materials and thework is carried out by part time community employment workers. Since May 2012 we have carriedout repairs and various works for 39 householders. The type of work carried out includes, takingout baths and replacing them with a shower or a wet room, constructing ramps and handrails,improving pathways, essential painting, laying floor covering, tiling, plumbing, door repairs,installing a bulk water storage tank, and much more essential work. To qualify for this work thehouseholder must be the owner and live in the house that the work is carried out on. We alsoassist in the installation of smoke alarms..

Scheme participants have undertaken training in Safe Pass, Workplace Safety, First Aid, KerbLaying and Paving and accounting.

The 18 part time workers on the Community Employment Scheme also carry out painting, generalrepairs and maintenance on the local Health Centres with the materials funded by the HSE, workon local community halls and community buildings, administration, caretaking and environmentalwork.

For information and applicationform please contact Martin Davis

at FORUM on 095 41064 or0879635144 or

m.davis@forumconnemara.ie.

FORUM Page

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FORUM Management

Terry Keenan, ChairpersonChris Curtin, EvaluatorDan Quaid, Health Services ExecutiveKevin Heanue, TeagascJim Cullen, Galway County CouncilEithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Galway andRoscomon Education & Training BoardAnne Donald Joyce, Community RepresentativeJenny Conboy, Community RepresentativeMary Kirby, Community RepresentativeMartin Conneely, Community RepresentativeCllr. Thomas Welby, Galway County CouncilCllr. Seamus Walsh, Galway County CouncilCllr. Seosamh O’Laoi, Galway County CouncilCllr. Eileen Mannion, Galway County CouncilEmmet McGloin, IFANoreen Parker, SIPTUHugh Musgrave, IFAJosephine Lally, Community RepresentativeMary Gannon, Community RepresentativeBreda Fox, County Enterprise BoardLeo Hallissey, Environmental RepresentativeCarmel Geoghegan, Youth

FORUM Staff - Full Time

John Coyne, CEOYvonne Keane, Assistant CEO

Kathleen Kane, Team Leader/AdministrationCathy Keane, Team Leader/Community Groups

Anna Marie Mortimer, Secretary/AdministrationKathleen deCourcey, CE Supervisor Youth in Action

Martina Gavin, CE Supervisor Social CareMartin Davis, CE Supervisor

Essential Housing Repairs SchemeMarie Feeney, Adolescent Support Coordinator

Brendan O’Malley, Employment Mediation Service

Geraldine Kelly, Rural Social Scheme SupervisorBrian Conneely, Tús Supervisor

Joe Ribbon, Tús SupervisorKaren Mannion, Leader Project Officer

Joe Conaty, Leader Project OfficerMelissa Wallace, Administration Officer

Rosaleen Ní Shuilleabháin, Rural Recreation Officer

Mairead Uí Dhomhnaill, Employment MediationService, Gaeltacht Connemara

Gearóid deFaoite, Community Development Worker, Gaeltacht

Connemara

Part TimeBrid Staunton, Accounts

Tina Jack, Youth Support WorkerSandra Shattock, Administration

FORUM continues to disseminate information through the medium of two newsletters a year and througha weekly broadcast on Connemara Community Radio, which highlights the activities of the FORUM Project.

FORUM Website: http://www.forumconnemara.ieEmail: info@forumconnemara.ie

Printed by Berry’s Printers

The FORUM Project has beenfunded under the EU LeaderProgramme and by the Irish

Government under the NationalDevelopment Plan 2007 - 2013

and a number of State Agencies

FORUM Management and Staff Wish Everyone a

Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.