A new group aims to end the isolation of food poverty by creating warm, inclusive spaces, where everyone has a seat at the table. Launched in early February, the new Dublin 10 Food Alliance describes itself as “a coalition dedicated to transforming the local food landscape”. It is a response to research that revealed that 40% of the community in Ballyfermot faces food poverty.
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Alice Ann Lee is employed by an organisation called Families First / Archways which is focused on early intervention, empowerment, and keeping families together and connected to their communities.
The project is funded primarily by the Department of Justice.
She tells the project’s story here.
The inaugural Local Development Conference held recently in Ballina, Co. Mayo, marked a major milestone for the community-led local development sector, celebrating the essential role Local Development Companies play in social inclusion, rural development, enterprise support, and community services nationwide. Hosted by the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), the two-day event brought together leaders and changemakers from various sectors to explore “how to build stronger communities, inclusive societies, and resilient local economies”.
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The Clare branch of Women’s Collective Ireland (WCI) fresh from a successful open day, held yesterday, now invites women from across the Banner County to connect with their project, to explore upcoming training and events, and to discover how to get involved in empowering women across the county.
One of the empowering upcoming initiatives is a new practical training programme called ‘Rock the System: Women Changing the Story’ which begins on October 8th, running for eight weeks. A free course, it promises a blend of in-person, field trips and online experiences.
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Gabriel O’Connell, CEO of Monaghan Integrated Development, retires this autumn and after 26 years working in the community and voluntary sector we thought – correctly – that he may have some wisdom to impart. He gave a fascinating interview to OWEN RYAN recently, including advice for people engaged in community development, for policy-makers and all who believe in the importance of community development.
Of interest, Gabriel does not see the need for commercial tendering for the services delivered by local development companies on behalf of the State. He also reveals his current reading, his liking for Clint Eastwood, and how his work influenced his own journey.