The Saoi Network

SAOI Network – Duhallow Actively Retired Groups

SAOI Network Members of Liscarroll Club in With a significantly ageing population supporting those in the third age is a key priority for IRD Duhallow attendance at the SAOI Older & Bolder Annual Conference. and we achieve this through a multi-faceted approach to independent living of older people. The co-ordinated and complimentary services of Duhallow Meals on Wheels, IRD Duhallow Warmer Homes, Community Laundry, Care & Repair, Friendly Phone Call Service all support us to achieve this. Our network of 21 groups advocated for the needs of older people in the region and a programme of events is rolled out annually. Covid Response Cocooning… a term since March 2020 is now synonymous with our elderly isolating themselves for their own safety. No longer is the weekly bingo session taking place, mass is now virtual, they cannot collect their pension or weekly shopping. We know from our work with older people that loneliness and fear are common issues. When the country went into lockdown we reacted quickly to put additional measures in place to ensure older people were safe in their own homes and supported to live independently. Our staff were redeployed to Duhallow social enterprises which expanded the essential services they already provide to cope with the increased demand due to Covid 19 including our meals on wheels service, community laundry and friendly phone call service. Our friendly phonecall service supported in excess of 700 cocooned people, we delivered 1,000 meals a week while also providing laundry, shopping and fuel deliveries for the elderly.

Seniors Conference Alice Taylor officially For the third year running the Saoi Network held their opens the Saoi Older and Bolder Conference in Duhallow Seniors Older and Bolder Seniors Miscellany Newmarket with over 200 Conference in November 2019 which was full to in attendance on the day . capacity with almost 200 people in attendance. The event was facilitated by Network Chairman Jack Roche and officially opened by Newmarket native and renowned author Alice Taylor who gave an entertaining presentation on the history of Newmarket. Speakers on the day included Pauline Lynch of Diabetes Ireland and Seamus de Faoite of Cork County Council on the various Housing and Mobility Grants available. Sharon Morrissey from Family Mediation spoke about grandparents’ rights and entitlements and the benefits of family mediation. Frank Fahey Cork Sports Partnership and Sharon McGillicuddy, HSE spoke on the importance of actively ageing and exercise for older. Caitriona Dunlea and Mary Howard from Irish Ancestry Direct demonstrated how to start researching your family tree and Helen O’Sullivan IRD Duhallow spoke on the supports we offer older people. This conference also received funding from Cork Sports Partnership and the HSE and lunch was catered for all by Duhallow Community Food Services. After lunch attendees were treated to a ‘Getting Active Taster Session .

Members of the Saoi Network undertook Governance Training with the Carmichael Center as part of a full training package the Network advocates for actively retired groups to participate in. Tureencahill 2019 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards Tureencahill Actively Retired Association welcomed the judges of the National Age Members of Tureencahill Choir who gave a warm Friendly Recognition Awards welcome to both judges and local support on the day of judging in Tureencahill Heritage Center for the National to their centre in October Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2019. Full to capacity with local support the committee showcased how since 2014 through the development of the old school into a heritage centre a new sense of community life has been brought to the area making it a focal point for all. The ARA gave a detailed presentation to judges on how it acts as a social outlet for the over 50s offering various activities, courses, a choir and inter-generational projects. All of which helps to combat loneliness and isolation with their group now having a membership of over 60 members, from Tureencahill, Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, Knocknagree, and Ballydesmond, meeting weekly. The judges commended all involved in the ARA and centre committee and acknowledged how unique and innovative they were. The ARA attended an awards ceremony in Croke Park where they received a recognition award for their voluntary work.

Senior Alert Scheme (SAS) IRD Duhallow are registered with Pobal to deliver the Senior Alert Scheme to householders over 66 years of age. Eileen Fleming Gneeveguilla with Hilary Qualifying householders receive a free Scanlon HSE & Tony Taggart and Ann alarm or pendant which can be worn Marie Lynch of Kerry County Council in Tureencahill for a morning of presentations around the wrist or neck. When pressed it as part of the National Age Friendly connects wirelessly to a base unit which Recognition and Achievement Awards is linked to your landline or mobile phone. This base unit immediately sends a call to a 24-hour monitoring centre. The equipment is supplied and installed free of charge along with one year’s free monitoring. After one year, the householder must pay the monitoring fee ranging from €65 to €137. To date, over 360 applications have been approved by Pobal and installation of the alarms by Tunstall Emergency Response is on-going. We continue to promote this service through the SAOI Network, Duhallow Revamp, Duhallow Community Laundry, DCFS and the Community Care group. Future Proofing proper supports for older people Too often in the past when the economy gets tight we have noticed that the over 65’s are dropped from the national agenda and from local development programme budgets, replaced with a focus on economic activation. With another hard recession looming we want to ensure that this time, recovery is not based on sacrificing the older generation’s needs for improved living conditions and quality of life. At a sub county level structures need to be put in place to aid the growing elderly population to live independently in their own homes and communities. Supports such as sheltered housing accommodation in towns and villages will play a major role in achieving this and there are pockets of areas without any such accommodation and existing facilities already full to capacity and not in a position to expand. Add to this the provision of other adequate supports such as meals on wheels for all communities, a laundry service and friendly phone call care and repair service and older people will be in a much better position to live longer healthier lives in their own communities. By putting such structures in place at local community level the government would save money long term, improve the lives of older people and help create jobs locally. Each Local Development Company should be funded to employ a Development Officer specifically to work with and support older people in communities. Demographically we know Ireland has an increasing elderly population with rural Ireland and places like Duhallow having the highest concentrations and that number is set to increase dramatically in the next ten years. The government needs to start putting the necessary infrastructure in place now so that we will be able to deliver steadily over the next decade.

REMEMBERING NOREEN O’REGAN Saoi Vice Chairperson Noreen O’Regan bravely lost her battle to a long term illness this past year. Noreen represented the Donoughmore ARA and was a passionate and vocal activist for older people and community and rural development in general. She will be missed by all her friends on the Saoi Network and beyond.

Equality and Social Inclusion

Based on the premise that what happens at a local level is vital to successful full integration on an overall level, IRD Duhallow is critically aware of the impact of social exclusion and disadvantage. Both disadvantage and marginalization are seen to be both issue based and geographic based problems within the Duhallow area. To this end IRD Duhallow’s Equality Working Group is focused on the provision of locally based strategic interventions supporting people encountering problems placing them at risk of social exclusion. Fundamentally intercultural awareness, whereby people are encouraged to have an appreciation for both their own culture and the culture of people from different backgrounds, is central to the ethos of the Equality Working Group. Throughout the period 2019-2020 a number of supportive actions and events were undertaken, which were all underscored with the theme of valuing the diversity of Duhallow. Thinking long and hard about what he wants for Christmas, a child meets Santa and Mrs Claus at the annual multicultural Christmas event in Rathmore. Supporting Migrants in Direct Provision IRD Duhallow CLG provides representation at the ‘Friends of Drishane’ group, which was formed to facilitate a joined-up network of agencies involved in the delivery of supports for those residents in the Drishane Castle Accommodation Centre. Meeting regularly, attendees who are derived from a broad spectrum of professional backgrounds, meet to give their input into the emerging and existing needs of the residents of the center. Focused on optimising the overall service response through communication and co-ordination of efforts, this forum is focused on strengthening co-operation and connection. A group attending digital skills training provided through Benefit Training in IRD Duhallow, with their trainer Helena Enright and Mairéad Hanrahan of Kasi. PALS Physical Activity Training Through the SICAP Programme, IRD Duhallow in conjunction with Cork Sports Partnership were in a position to support two residents of Drishane Accommodation Centre in the first part of their training as PALS leaders. Under the SCIAP action Integration of New Communities, trainees were supported to travel to training in Cork City. Here they became equipped with skills which could in turn be shared with other members of the community via group activities. Physical activities were incorporated into group work and events in the Drishane Accommodation Centre as an outcome of this support, with the two trainees invited to assist PALS leaders in other areas. It is anticipated that links will be established with a local active retirement group in the future. Multicultural Christmas Event Two long term fixtures in IRD Duhallow’s annual programme of integration activity are the multicultural Christmas events that are hosted in Kanturk and Rathmore. Designed to support positive interactions between migrants, their children and families and the broader local community, the overarching Eliza and Julie meeting Santa in Kanturk as part aim of these events is to create of the multicultural Christmas celebrations 2019. improved community cohesion, thereby supporting integration over the long term. Under the theme ‘Embracing Diversity at Christmas Time’, these events support both social interaction and interculturalism in the period before the Christmas season. At both events children were able to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who both gave the children an abundance of time and attention. A wide array of festive treats were on offer to those

in attendance and each child received a special gift from Santa.

Simon and Maria Pachikara from India now married and settled in Duhallow with 3 children. Maria nurses in Teach Araglin Boherbue and Simon teaches yoga and has started up a business selling fresh Indian curry spices in Boherbue village. The couple recently celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary at home with their children where they enjoyed a cake from Duhallow Community Food Services.

Lifelong learning opportunities IRD Duhallow has long recognised the value of self-progression through training and lifelong learning. Basic computer training was delivered to participants who are resident in the Drishane Accommodation Centre over a period of five weeks in late 2019 under the Benefit Training Programme. During this period of time participants learned important basic internet and computer skills. Classes were delivered to the group by trainers who were at all times aware of cultural sensitivities and potential language barriers. The training was delivered in the computer room in the James O’Keeffe Institute, in Newmarket with residents travelling each week to participate. Along with being a weekly fixture for the attendees, there was a strong social aspect to these classes, with students having to exchange their digital skills and knowledge. In late 2019 and early 2020 six residents of the Drishane Centre were supported to attend a reception skills course held in the James O’Keeffe Institute in Newmarket. This training provided participants with an array of learning opportunities including the fundamentals of reception skills and office administration .

Equality and Social Inclusion

Duhallow Carers on a well deserved break for their Christmas night out for dinner in Macroom.

Duhallow Carers The Duhallow Carers Network meet on the first Thursday of every month in the James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket where members get the opportunity to step away from being a carer and take time for themselves to meet with others in similar circumstances and share information and support each other. New members are always welcome and find that they can get such valuable information from the experiences of long term carers. Annually the Duhallow Cares network organise social outings including an annual summer trip which was to Lough Derg and Limerick in 2019, a carers mass in November and a Christmas dinner. We launched our Dormant Accounts training programme last June and since then carers in Duhallow have had a busy 12 months with a variety of training courses, workshops and seminars organized. The main purpose of this programme is to enable carers to provide the best care possible to the care recipient, reduce the risk of injury to both parties and support carers to successfully cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their role. 4 accredited courses were delivered to carers; First aid, palliative care, care of the elderly and patient moving and handling all of which will help carers improve the care they provide. However, the benefit of unaccredited courses and networking events cannot be under estimated. A variety of such were delivered including yoga, mindfulness, managing challenging behaviours workshops, autism awareness workshops, grief & loss, and insights into dementia. Due to Covid 19 this programme has been extended to September 2020 with a number of online webinars and courses organized for the coming weeks.

Spooktacular Halloween Camp for Macroom Direct Provision Centre At the invitation of new Board Member John Lyons, who had seen first-hand the success and benefit to children and parents, of our Afterschools in Newmarket, staff from IRD Duhallow Afterschools were tasked with organizing and facilitating two Halloween camps for the children in the new Direct Provision Centre in Macroom.

Brighid-Ide Walsh and Jodie O Mahony of Newmarket Afterschools who provided a mini Halloween Camp in the Direct Provision Centre Macroom.

It had only opened in the Autumn with several families now resident, with 17 nationalities and children that had left home and country, often under difficult circumstances, who were now all together in Macroom. In planning the camps, we focused on physical activities that would promote team building; games that would encourage critical thinking as well as opportunities for children to share their own cultural traditions as well as experiencing some of ours. The children enjoyed Halloween themed baking, arts and crafts, activities and games during. All of the children dressed up for the occasion and were very eager to participate in all activities. These camps not only offered a social outlet but also an opportunity to share and learn in an informal fun way. Over 30 children attended each day while on their mid-term break from school and their parents were afforded time out, which is not often possible in a direct provision setting. The staff that organized and led the camps found the experience enriching and inspirational.

Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 launched in January 2020.

A Dementia Awareness Seminar well attended in Newmarket.

Employment and Training

IRD Duhallow’s Employment and Training Service provides access to Employment, Training and Educational opportunities. The recent global pandemic has had a huge impact on workers across the region. Many people have now found themselves unemployed, particularly those working in hospitality, retail and tourism. Unemployment figures have dramatically risen across the country. Unemployment figures in Ireland have risen by a dramatic 5.6% per cent in recent weeks. The rise in unemployment occurring across all sectors will be most difficult to resolve in rural areas which are over-reliant on primary industries such as agriculture, construction and low-level manufacturing. People in Duhallow, now more than ever, are experiencing the effects of this pandemic and are operating in economic circumstances that many have not seen since the economic recession in 2012. The effect of company closures is highly evident with a significant increase in the number of people registered to the IRD Duhallow Job Centre. As we find ourselves in the unprecedented situation of a global pandemic, IRD Duhallow is cognisant that individuals face a lot of uncertainty. In the last 12 months, IRD Duhallow has organised a range of initiatives with the aim of supporting people who are both short and long term unemployed, to secure and sustain full time paid employment.

A large crowd in attendance at the Lucy Wolfe, Sleep Seminar.

Adult and Second Chance Education Bursaries IRD Duhallow Employment and Training Working Group has allocated a number of grants to individuals to facilitate access and entry to further and higher-level education. IRD Duhallow is cognisant that the contribution which education can make to social and economic change and to enhancing the everyday lives of adults cannot be overstated. It is clear that rural dwellers face many barriers when trying to access higher education such as poor broadband infrastructure, the infrequency of public transport and of course the financial constraints that people face. In the last year, 7 individuals have received funding from this measure under our SICAP programme. The availability of these bursaries has allowed these individuals to continue their education and become trained in various disciplines including Childcare, Veterinary and Barbering. The working group is aware that bursaries are a crucial way of facilitating access and entry to further education and training opportunities and ultimately help to improve the circumstances of those who receive them. Digital Skills for Citizen’s Training During the recent health crisis, it has been evident that digital skills are an essential skill for everyday life and for people to stay in touch while selfisolating and cocooning. Denis Crowley who participated in the The Digital Skills for Citizen’s training Digital Skills for Citizen’s Training receiving his certificate from Maura Walsh, CEO IRD scheme provides individuals with Duhallow at the annual Recognition of basic digital skills training for people Learning Ceremony. throughout Duhallow. This scheme is funded through the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, with IRD Duhalllow involved in a consortium group with Age Action. It is designed to provide citizens who have never used the internet with the confidence, motivation and skills to reap the benefits of participating in today’s digital world. In 2019, 5 courses were ran with 36 citizens being trained in digital skills.

Job Centre IRD Duhallow’s Job Centre has continued to provide a range of services and supports to both Jobseekers and Employers in the region throughout the last year. Due to the COVID-19 crisis there has been higher levels of unemployment evident First Aid Responder Training was in the region. Finding the right job can be a one of the many training courses challenge at the best of times, so therefore to choose from during the year. it is important that it is approached correctly by individuals. IRD Duhallow’s Job Centre utilises a person-centred approach to provide a range of services to individuals looking for a job. These services include assistance with CV’s, job application forms and mock interviews. The mentoring support provided by the Job Centre coordinator enhances the service provision and focuses on the individual’s strengths, resources and ability to seek employment in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. The coordinator also actively works with employers and recognises the fact that recruitment, upskilling and maintaining staff can take up more and more time for employers. For this reason, the Job Centre assists employers with recruiting and promoting the best people to serve the current and future employment needs. During the recent Health Crisis remote support and guidance was provided for individuals on applying for Covid-19 unemployment benefits and on applying for vacant positions. Advice was also provided to individuals on further education and training for those wishing to upskill and we can offer advice and guidance around accessing these.

Employment and Training

Community Education and Lifelong Learning Through Community Education and Lifelong Learning, SICAP clients have been provided with an opportunity to increase their participation in civic life, education and/or employment opportunities. IRD Duhallow recognises that short term learning and training opportunities are key to engaging with the most educationally disadvantaged and those at risk of experiencing social exclusion. These short/part-time courses provide lifelong learning opportunities, while also instilling confidence and providing resources to seek further training opportunities in the future. Over 85 individuals in the last year have been supported through SICAP Goal 2 – providing lifelong learning opportunities through a range of different programmes including: Mindfulness Workshop, Addiction Awareness Training, Art Classes for Beginners, Grow Your Own Workshops, Bee Keeping Workshops, to name but a few of the programmes delivered. The continuous demand for these courses show their need in the area and the positive feedback received from participants following their workshop/training course is a reinforcement for how community education and lifelong learning contributes to empowering people to develop their confidence and for promoting social inclusion.

Labour Market Activation Through our Labour Market Activation measure we aim to provide programmes that are flexible and responsive to the needs of the individuals that Piotr Mazur and David Shelly completing their Forklift Training offered through we support. In Ireland, the proportion SICAP’s Labour Market Activation measure. of people not working due to inactivity (having the capacity to work but having left the labour market and no longer seeking work) is comparatively higher than other EU and OECD countries. Long term unemployment (in excess of 12 months) leads to skill degradation so it is important that supports are made available to ensure that individuals in Duhallow have access to relevant up-skilling supports to enable them to re-enter the workforce. This entails the delivery of different programmes depending on where the client is at, for example some people are relatively close to the labour market and “job ready” and may need short term job specific training whilst other individuals may need more intensive supports and guidance and require one to one assistance to help overcome the challenges they face. A range of training has been delivered over the last year to meet the varying needs including Safe Pass Training for the Unemployed, Children with Additional Needs QQI Level 5, Care Skills QQI Level 5 and Good Agricultural Collection Practices.

Recognition of Learning Ceremony IRD Duhallow’s annual Recognition of Learning Ceremony is an important event in the annual calendar to celebrate the achievements of learners who participated in training courses throughout the year. Over 150 certificates were handed out on the night including 64 QQI Level 5 Certificates.

Participants of the Children with Additional Needs QQI Level 5 offered through our SICAP Labour Market Activation Measure. The Working Group organized a cycling skills workshop as part of National Bike Week.

John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, was the keynote speaker on the night. John began by congratulating all those who graduated in their various courses, he said that ‘each learner should be immensely proud of their success and added that people are never too old to pursue further education’. John entered the Prison Service in 1968 and said that throughout the years that followed, he saw human nature at its worst - and often, unexpectedly, at its best, thereby developing a deep understanding both of human nature and Irish Society. John is a strong advocate of life-long learning and that through his work, he has seen first-hand the positive impact that education can have on a person’s life.

John Lonergan, Former Mountjoy Governor, the Keynote Speaker at the 2019 Recognition of Learning Ceremony.

Courses were completed across a range of disciplines included the following; Community Education & Training Courses delivered through SICAP; Local Training Initiative - Horticulture QQ1 Major Award; Digital Skills for Citizens Training; LEADER - Genealogy & Start Your Own Business; PEIL; Dormant Accounts - Courses for Family & Voluntary Carers; Skillnet - All courses delivered through the Skillnet Programme.