WLD News
WLD Presentation of FETAC Certificates September 2011
STAYING POSITIVE WHEN UNEMPLOYED
Almost 200 people from all corners of County Wexford gathered at an awards ceremony in the Riverbank Hotel last Wednesday night to celebrate the successful completion of a number of FETAC accredited courses. Family, friends and colleagues applauded loudly as 80 people received their certificates from Pat Rath Chairman of Wexford Local Development.
“We were delighted to run these programmes which are just the beginning for some of the people here tonight who we hope will continue with their education and training that will maximise their job prospects in the future.
We in Wexford Local Development pledge to support you along every step of the way” he said “whether it be back to education, into employment or starting your own business”
“Wexford Local Development has responded to the unprecedented levels of unemployment, particularly in this county, which has suffered more than most from the collapse of the construction industry and the general downturn. We are providing local opportunities for people to up skill, re skill or change career entirely by initiating and running these courses.” he added.
Linda Leacy from Wexford, who successfully completed the Introduction to Beauty Therapy course spoke frankly about her experiences.
“I was at home and not working when I contacted Wexford Local Development seeking help. With some nervousness I signed up for the course. It wasn’t a bit like school and I found the staff and all the tutors very supportive and encouraging.
Having completed the course I moved on to a higher level course and I now plan with the further help of WLD to take the big leap and set up my own business. The whole experience did wonders for my confidence and I would encourage anybody out there who wants to move forward to contact them” said Linda.
Another participant, Anita Cody from Gorey told her story. “I was unemployed when I went to Wexford Local Development. I applied for a job where the employer told me I needed a Health & Safety Certificate so I signed up for the FETAC Safety & Health at Work Course. I told the employer this and he gave me a second chance at interview and on completion of the course I got the Job. I am now working and could not be happier”
The newly appointed CEO of Wexford Local Development Brian Kehoe who was also present at the award ceremony said “Following research while developing our strategic plan we have identified, in so far as possible, the areas that are likely to provide potential employment in the local economy in the future. These are areas such as Healthcare, Information Technology, Personal Care and Beauty and the Service Industry. “We have responded to this by providing a range of FETAC accredited courses which maximise the participants chances of finding employment in these sectors. These accredited modules are building blocks which allow people to continuously and professionally develop their skills over a period of time which suit their own individual circumstances. “It is very gratifying to see all the people here tonight who are rightly proud of their efforts and I wish them all the very best in the future.”
Ann Dempsey Training Co-ordinator said “We now have a number of ways where people can access our services - our Website www.wld.ie , our Facebook page, Twitter, by telephone 053 9155800 or simply by calling into any of our offices in Gorey, Wexford, Enniscorthy or New Ross. We are a countywide service and we are here to help”
National Rural Development Programme
The National Rural Development Programme (NRDP) is specifically aimed at the development of projects from the enterprise and community sectors. There is a range of grants available for eligible projects. For information on how to apply please contact WLD:
Eileen Dake/Seamus Doran 053-9155885 Helena Dempsey 053-9155864 For more information please click on the programme directory page and go to the National Rural Development Programme
WLD Strategic Plan 2011-2013
Wexford Local Development would like to thank everyone who participated in the recent meetings, consultations and on line surveys contributing to the strategic planning process. Nationally the deadline for the Strategic Plan had been extended to June and more information will appear on the website in due course.
Clonroche Lifestyle Challenge
After 11 weeks of healthy living 67 people from the Clonroche area were presented with certificates at the end of their Lifestyle Challenge. Developed as an initiative between Wexford Local Development and Clonroche Development Association, this community health initiative provided taster sessions in many areas of healthy living and health awareness including yoga, nutrition, reflexology, exercise through dance, heart health and natural remedies. Weight, height, body mass index and blood pressure checks on the first and last nights of the programme were a valuable way for the participants to monitor their progress.
Each session took place in Clonroche Community Centre on Wednesdays from 8-9pm and they quickly became a popular weekly community get together. Although the programme was supported under WLD's Age Equality Programme many younger people attended also, both male and female.
When evaluating the success of the Challenge the group heard of one participant who had identified a high blood pressure concern, followed up through a GP visit and some changes to diet. Happily, following the final blood pressure check and weigh in, the participant's blood pressure was back to normal and he had lost 12lbs. Another participant said 'you can never evaluate the good that comes out of these courses'
Computer Training for over 55's in the Enniscorthy Area
Over 20 older people have started computer training especially designed for beginners in Clonroche and in Bunclody.
The training is designed to offer those with no experience the opportunity to learn new technologies and is being based in local community settings, in order to make it accessible and has proven very popular in both areas.
Using WLD’s mobile laptop suite, participants will have eight weekly sessions – on Monday mornings in Bunclody Pastoral Centre and on Tuesday mornings in Clonroche Community Centre. Those attending include users of Bunclody Day Care Centre and Bunclody Active Retirement Group, as well as members of Clonroche Development Association.
This initiative is one of a number of projects under the WLD Age Equality Programme and is funded under the Local and Community Development Programme
‘Beating the Recession’ – the 7th Annual Wexford Area Community Conference
"Putting people first: Communities shaping the Future"
The 7th annual Wexford Area Community Conference was held at Clonard Community Centre on 13th November 2010 where over 120 delegates participated in workshops centred on the theme ‘Putting People First: Communities Shaping the Future’.
The conference was opened by Pat Rath, Chairman of Wexford Local Development whose passionate address highlighted the importance of communities and the human connections needed to deliver a better future. ‘Economics is only part of the equation and economic growth in the absence of a fair and equal society cannot be sustained. This is perhaps the greatest lesson of the Celtic Tiger era' said Mr Rath.
Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive of Barnardos and the keynote speaker, echoed the need for a positive response to the challenges faced by communities. ‘People are right to be angry at what has gone on, where, after cuts in the most basic services we see fleets of Mercedes going into Farmleigh and pronouncements that we should all eat cheese. There seems to be a complete disconnect between the rulers and the ruled’
But we are not angry enough he told delegates. ‘Channelling that anger is what matters. If we are to march then let it be for something and not against something. He urged communities to stick together, to reclaim their values and to demand the right to be heard. ‘Power rests with us unless we give it away’ he said.
The conference continued with workshops hosted by Brid O’Brien of the National Organisation for the Unemployed, Seamus Boland of Irish Rural Link and Aiden Lloyd of Is Féidir Lin.
The conference was a fitting tribute to the late Bernard O’Brien whose drive and vision led to what has now become an annual celebration of the community and voluntary work in the county.
Wexford Area Community Team
The Wexford Area Community Team (WACT) is planning to get together early in 2011. WACT is a network of community organisations working for social inclusion in the Wexford area. Areas and groups already represented on the team include Taghmon, Castlebridge, Tagoat, Kilmore Quay/Bridgetown and the three RAPID areas of Wexford Town, Southend, Clonard/Coolcotts and West Wexford. The team was instrumental to the success of the community conference in November 2010 and will be looking to develop a new plan for 2011 at the next get together.
"Motivation for Learning"
Wexford Education Network Annual Conference & AGM 2010
Wexford Education Network held its 10th annual conference and AGM on 18 November 2010 in the Talbot Hotel Wexford. The theme of the conference was "Motivating for Learning" and the keynote speaker was Dr. Stephen Minton from Trinity College Dublin. Dr. Minton delivered an inspiring address on the theme of Motivation for Learning.Deirdre MacDonald (Chairperson WEN) presided over the AGM and the election of the new Steering group for 2011. Next steering group meeting will be held in January 2011.
Our photograph shows Deirdre MacDonald (Chairperson WEN and Dr. Stephen Minton, TCD.
To view Dr. Minton's presentation click here
- Launch of NEW edition of "Stop It! Steps to Address Bullying Booklet by Wexford Education Network www.wexfordeducationnetwork.ie
