The new Empowering Communities Programme aims to empower local communities to craft their own responses to area based poverty, social exclusion and the resulting consequences. This programme will initially be targeted in the Athy Area.
The aim is to enhance the Citizens’ voices in Athy and allow others to have their voice heard for the first time. We hope to identify areas of overlap and gaps in services that we can then try to close collectively. This will be a people-focused, capacity building and collaborative effort.
Having the voice of the community both empowered and engaged will help to ensure this initiative has a sustainable future. There is a significant body of work to be done in developing and facilitating relationships between the local community and other relevant stakeholders.
To Find out more about Empowering Communities Programme in Athy please contact Jason at the number and email below:
Scrub a Dub Dub….
Big turn out for the Empowering Communities soap making workshop, facilitated by Rosaleen Kelly.
With over 20 participants taking part and also taking home hand made soaps.
Thanks to Rosaleen Kelly who delivered the workshop, and all the wonderful ladies who came to the centre and spent a great morning of creativity and camaraderie together.
Beep beep, we got a ticket to drive.
Great turn out for the Driving theory test held today and yesterday.
The empowering communities programme had the pleasure of supporting 16 people taking the first step in the path of achieving their driving licence.
Big thanks to the VDH for hosting the event. Also to the people who turned up to do the classes.
The first morning of stress management workshop, was held today.
Helping people to self manage stress and anxiety.
New year, new skills to help handle all challenges.
The workshop was delivered by Suzanne Hughes from Tranquility Wellbeing.
Workshops will be continuing on Friday mornings for the next 5 weeks.
Some of the participants beginning their two modules Understanding Mental health and Holistic Recovery respectively level 5 QQI with the training delivered by Barrow Training for the next 8 weeks.
The training is being delivered in the The Dara Project Athy two days a week.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES.
Out with the old and in with the new, what a way to start 2024!
The residents of Athy West Urban had a clean up on the 6th of January, with many hands making light work in the estates. Well done to everyone who took part and helped out.
They say that teamwork makes the dream work, and today that sentiment came to life in CastlePark. With a shared commitment to creating a cleaner and more vibrant community, and giving the back yard of the Community House a spruce up, the residents of CastlePark and the dedicated participants of the Dara Project rolled up their sleeves for a day of yard cleaning at the community house.
Under the warm sun and clear skies, the power of collaboration was evident as many hands joined together to tackle the task at hand. The result? A transformed and revitalised community house yard that serves as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together for a common purpose.
A special shoutout goes to Johnny and Rose, the dynamic duo from the Castle Park Residents Committee, who led the charge and ensured that every detail was taken care of. Their dedication and enthusiasm were contagious, inspiring others to give their best and turn this cleanup into a true community bonding experience.
The Dara Project participants also brought their A-game, showcasing their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact beyond their own circles. Their presence not only added muscle to the effort but also exemplified the essence of being good neighbors and responsible citizens.
As the day came to a close, tired yet satisfied smiles could be seen all around. The sense of achievement in revitalising a shared space was matched only by the camaraderie and friendships forged during this hands-on endeavor. It’s a reminder that every small act of care and cooperation contributes to the larger tapestry of community spirit.
So, here’s to Castle Park, the Dara Project, Johnny, Rose, and everyone who lent a hand today! Your dedication has not only beautified a space but has also enriched the bonds that hold your community together. Let this be a shining example of how collective efforts can create positive ripples that extend far beyond a single day of work. An example of Empowering Communities at work !
At the heart of the Empowering Communities Project is Jason, the dedicated Project Worker who recently shared a glimpse into the magic of the Summer Art Workshops, held in collaboration with Tribe Art Studios.
These workshops stand as a testament to the belief that creativity knows no boundaries, embracing individuals from the tender age of 5 to 12.
The vibrant atmosphere of these workshops welcomed young minds into a realm of artistic exploration and self-expression, fostering an environment where every child could flourish.
The shared experience of crafting, painting, and creating together became a conduit for inclusivity, joy, and camaraderie. We catch a glimpse of the sheer delight radiating from the young artists as they poured their imagination onto canvases, sculptures, and crafts. Laughter echoed through the workshop space, as each stroke of color and every glue-stick moment added to the tapestry of experiences these children will carry with them.
The shared snapshots capture more than just the finished pieces; they encapsulate the journey of discovery, growth, and the boundless potential that unfolds when young hearts and minds are nurtured through creativity.
Jason particularly wanted to thank the volunteers, parents and children that attended, a wonderful time was had by all.
Great Excitement as “IN THE BAG” Empowers Athy West Urban Area Children
An Empowering Communities Initiative Creates Waves of Enthusiasm
In a heartwarming and empowering endeavor, the Athy West Urban Area is abuzz with excitement as the “IN THE BAG” initiative takes flight. This extraordinary initiative, aimed at nurturing the potential of every child in the community, has brought joy and anticipation to children from junior infants to sixth class. With an array of thoughtfully curated essentials, “IN THE BAG” has not only provided tangible items but has also woven a fabric of community unity and care.
The heart of this initiative lies in its commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among the children of the Athy West Urban Area. As they embark on a new academic year, each child is armed not only with a school bag or sports bag but also with an array of supplies tailored to their upcoming grade. From vibrant pencil cases to comprehensive stationery kits, “IN THE BAG” ensures that these young minds are well-equipped to dive into their educational journeys.
Beyond the academic tools, the initiative understands the holistic needs of these budding scholars. Every bag includes a reusable water bottle, a high visibility vest for safety, and a handcrafted hat, lovingly donated by the Women’s Shed Athy. This combination of practical items sends a strong message of care and consideration for the well-being of the community’s children.
One of the standout features of this initiative is its emphasis on holistic health. Inside each bag, families will find informative leaflets that make adopting a healthy diet a breeze. The “healthy food made easy” leaflets serve as a resource to guide families toward making nutritious choices, supporting the well-rounded growth of these young minds and bodies.
The excitement around “IN THE BAG” reached its pinnacle during the bag distribution event, where children not only collected their carefully prepared bags but also had the chance to enjoy fresh fruit and engage with the community leaders behind this initiative. The event also provided an opportunity for children to meet the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Team and the dedicated Empowering Communities Programme Worker, Jason Leigh. This interaction further solidified the sense of community and connection that “IN THE BAG” aims to foster.
With the spirit of collaboration at its core, “IN THE BAG” is a prime example of a community identifying a need and coming together to address it in a meaningful way. The initiative’s focus on empowering every child, regardless of their age or background, sends a powerful message of inclusivity and solidarity.
For those interested in getting involved or learning more about this remarkable initiative, contact details are provided below:
Empowering Communities Programme Worker: Jason Leigh Email: jason@countykildarelp.ie Phone: 086-1360482
As September approaches, the children of the Athy West Urban Area are embarking on their educational journeys with a newfound sense of excitement, empowerment, and community support. “IN THE BAG” stands as a shining example of how a community’s collective efforts can bring about positive change and create lasting memories for its youngest members.
Teamwork makes the dream work. Brilliant work by residents of Castle Park on the renovation of their area. The residents came together through their newly elected committee and decided to remove old broken down flower pots, that were at the entrance of the estate.
The committee were also looking towards solving some of the environmental issues, and in doing this the committee contacted the Kildare County Council environmental department and availed of a compost box for green waste. Green waste had been causing an issue in the estate.
Residents assembled the box on the green area for use of all the community. This has been a very successful. The residents on the day were supported by the Empowering Communities Programme as well as TÙS participants.
Here are some photographs of the progress made on the day:
Phase 2 of the St.Dominics Park initiative has seen the members of the residents committee installing new raised flowerbeds.
The needs of the residents highlighted by positive activities and future planting and maintenance of the flowerbeds to be undertaken soon.
All of this was done with the support of Athy Alternative Project and Karim from the KWETB. They look so study and well built.
The participants who took part in accredited FAI kickstart level 1 coaching training on Friday 23rd June, in Athy.
Brian, Allan, Oriel, Tomós, Jordan,B.J, Noel,Chris and Paul. Well done to All
The course is designed to assist parents and coaches in how to plan, organise and implement FUN game orientated activities. Parents and coaches will acquire specific knowledge of the development of young players aged between 6-9 years, with an emphasis on FUNdamental movement skills. The course aims to provide parents and coaches with the ability to create a fun, safe and enjoyable environment, coaches will learn how to create structured theme based sessions.
Students cover the following:
The Way Forward – Player Development Plan
What is football?
The FUNdamental Player & Coach
Planning / Implementing FUN coaching sessions
Tutor lead structured training sessions
YOU are the coach – Coaching practice
Don’t X the line – FAI respect campaign
A picture from last night, where the Empowering Communities Community Worker, Jason Leigh , held the estate Meeting for Castle Park in Athy, in Athy Family Resource Centre at 7.00pm.
At the meeting feedback and input was given on the findings of the community and estate surveys, and all results were relayed back to the residents.
A date was agreed for a EGM meeting for the residents committee on the 25th July.
This is in the hopes of reforming the residents association committee. The meeting was well attended with 17 households being represented, and makes it a very positive outlook towards getting the residents association back up and running and functioning effectively again.
Thank you so much to the 17 households that came and chatted and shared opinions.
On 17th May, a community meeting was held for all of the residents of St. Dominic’s Park in Athy.
At this event the results of a local survey and plan, conducted by Community Engagement Worker Jason Leigh, was shared and residents had a chance to voice their opinion and give some input to what should happen next in the estate.
It was unanimously agreed at that meeting, that a residents association would be formed, to carry out some of the actions identified by the residents, and a date was set for the 13th June, with anyone wishing to take an officer role on the committee to be in the room on the night.
On 13th June the Residents Association meeting went ahead as planned, and residents were able to democratically nominate and elect the new officers to the residents association committee.
The New posts are as follows:
Chairperson: Kevin Vernal
Vice-Chairperson: Paul Holohan
Secretary: Noreen Delaney
Vice Secretary: Margaret O’Keeffe
Treasurer: Maggie Tyrell
Vice Treasurer: Aidan Bowdan
The next stage for the committee is to prepare their Constitution , which they will work on together as a team, before having some Committee Skills Training to establish the group and build on skills and capacity. We wish them the very best of luck over the next few weeks.
Jason Leigh – Empowering Communities Programme Development Worker – Can be contacted on:
Kevin, Aidan and Walter Three residents of St Dominics Park who came together to deep clean their entrance to the estate.
Great work and achievement for the lads in Phase 1 of the St. Dominics Park initiative.
Empowering communities programme supporting locals to highlight and address issues in their area.
Before and after pictures:
Another job done this week in Townspark, At the Community House
Three weeks ago, a member of the community highlighted to Jason the state of disrepair of the gate at the rear of the community house. It was really bothering everyone, as this entrance was the only wheelchair access point, to the building and it was causing difficulties for people attending the house.
With the help of the community we were able to remove the old gate and had a new gate was made and hung in its place.
This has ensured that all people of all abilities can now access the community house for workshops,meetings, courses etc.
It was great to see a job , well done, made all the difference !
Trip to Waterford with residents of Castle Park, Carbury Park and Townspark, from Athy Community to view street art and communal gardens for inspiration for future projects planned for the estates, accompanied by Jason Leigh, Empowering Communities Programme, Community Engagement Officer.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.