Tús . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Tús Community Activation

Kerri Powell working in Ballydesmond Creche.

their access to numerous supports/services through the integrated suite of programmes operated within the local development company structures. Supervisors provide mentoring to encourage uptake and access to services/supports in real-life community settings where they can have experiences that build their confidence. This promotes a “Can Do ” attitude amongst the participants and empowers them to access other locally available services and supports e.g. Warmer Homes Scheme, Bereavement Support etc. Job-search/job-matching, career guidance assistance and training opportunities are made available for participants through IRD Duhallow ’ s Job Centre.

Pathways to Work 2021-2025

The Government’ s labour market approach is about providing opportunities to reskill and upskill, minimising long-term unemployment, and supporting individuals to secure sustainable and quality employment. Pathways to Work 2021-2025 is Ireland’ s national employment services strategy and overall framework for activation and employment support. It is a central focus of the Government’ s response to dealing with the impact of the Pandemic on workers. It supports those who are unemployed - as a result of the pandemic; pre-pandemic; and those whose former jobs are no longer available to them - to return to work through intense activation, and upskilling and reskilling through education and training initiatives. The Pathways to Work targets outlined in the Economic Recovery Plan are similar to the targets announced in the July Jobs Stimulus 2020 including 10,000 places on the new Work Placement Experience Programme; 8,000 places on Jobs Plus; and 3,000 places on State Employment Schemes.

Community Conservation Projects

The James O’Keeffe Institute together with a number of agricultural outbuildings have been designated protected structures as they are considered to be of special interest from an architectural, historical and cultural point of view. Under the appropriate supervision and guidance of Supervisors, the attic space of the REVAMP workshop was the most recent sensitive restoration project to take place. Tús participants who were eager to learn new skills assisted in the creation of an office space, storage room, toilets and a canteen area for the new Kickstart project. Kickstart aims to provide work opportunities for people with a criminal conviction and support them to re-engage into their communities. All the work was carried out under the heritage guide lines.

Agricultural Vintage Machinery

IRD Duhallow houses a collection of vintage agricultural machinery in a renovated out house farm building on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute. A large amount of the agricultural machinery and rural Irish life artefacts have been donated to the project over the past number of years. The extensive 18th –20th century collection includes carts, hay turners, ploughs, threshing machines etc. As well as promoting and preserving Ireland’ s rural heritage the project aims to create “hands on learning ” for

Tommy Culloty sanitising the Afterschools. Colman O’Riordan working in Aghabullogue.

Pio O’Connell strimming a local river walk in Banteer.

Tús Supervisor Don Murphy and participant Enda Carroll demonstrating repointing stone work with lime mortar to Minister Joe O’Brien. Working with rubble stone was a new skill learnt by Enda during his time on the Tús programme.