Limerick City CDP

Annual Report 2013

Table of Contents

Sections
1. Introduction
a. Chairpersons Address
b. Managers Report
2. Organisational Profile
a. Management Structures
b. Staff and their Roles
3. Work Context
4. Community Engagement
5. Education and Training
6. Health and Wellbeing
7. Acknowledgements

Chairpersons Address
The last number of years has been a turbulent time for the Community and Voluntary Sector in
Ireland. The re-structuring of Local Government, the changes in the relationship between Local
Government and Local Development and the move to privatise community work is changing the
landscape that Limerick City CDP operates in. Along with the structural and funding changes has
been the growing use of the term the charities sector to refer to what we always called the
community and voluntary sector.
Like virtually all community and voluntary groups we are now a registered charity as a requirement
to receive government funding but charity does not describe what Limerick City CDP does or how we
do it. Charity suggests that communities and people benefit from the generosity of the government
and others. Community Development sees people not as passive recipients rather as active agents
for change in their own and their wider communities lives.
Limerick City CDP and the projects from which it grew, have for years delivered supports that
resulted in communities developing essential services and facilities in areas long neglected. Limerick
City CDP does not work from a charity model but from a community development model based on
solidarity with those who wish to assert their rights and be treated as equals. The original
Community Development Programme was a recognition by government that the primary agents of
change to improve their lives are those most affected by the problem and should be resourced to do
so.
Amidst the changes to local government and local development structures there is a strong focus on
active citizenship and community engagement. This is a priority for Limerick City CDP but we need to
develop an openness among policy makers to listen to challenge and criticism in order for real
change to take place.
I am proud to be a small part of a great effort by volunteers and staff to bring about positive social
change for communities in Limerick. I want to especially thank our dedicated staff for whom 2013
was another year of significant achievement in very difficult circumstances.
Dr. Jennifer McMahon
Chairperson

Managers Report
2013 was another challenging but successful year for Limerick City CDP. Under the Local and
Community Development Programme and the Drugs Education and Prevention Strategy Limerick
City CDP directly worked with 3,645 people providing a wide variety of supports including education,
training and employment opportunities. People experiencing social exclusion and living in areas ear
marked for regeneration were engaged in a series of initiatives and community activities. These led
to many getting further involved with their neighbours and groups to work on issues of concern to
them.
A new initiative supported by Limerick City CDP was the CWELL project, a joint initiative between UL
and the community of St. Marys. The programme aims to address health issues through a range of
educational interventions. Through their assignments the students from regeneration areas
contribute to improving their own quality of life, their families and the creation of healthier
communities.
Our support for CWELL was made possible through the Regeneration Social Intervention Fund.
Regeneration funding also supported delivery of actions with Mens Sheds, Music Groups, Summer
Camps, Time Out Groups, Fitness Through Football, supports for third level students, personal
empowerment programme for young unemployed people, community education and be able to run
the projects Southill Community Bus that linked people to services especially people who moved
out of the area as part of regeneration and wished to stay connected to their social and education
supports.
The year saw significant changes with a new independent chairperson, Dr. Jennifer McMahon (UL)
joining the board to work alongside committed community representatives. Our Advisory and
Steering Groups provided opportunities for volunteers to input into the work of Limerick City CDP
and hold our staff accountable to the community. The Drugs Education and Prevention Strategy
work was further consolidated with the amalgamation of committees and starting to develop a city
wide work plan.
I want to acknowledge the support from PAUL Partnership, Limerick and Clare ETB, Mid West
Regional Drugs Task Force, HSE, Limerick City and County Council including Regeneration, JP
McManus Trust who all provide significant funding for the work of Limerick City CDP. Also the
support of Moyross Community Enterprise Centre, St. Munchins Community Enterprise Centre,
Northstar Family Support Project, from whom we rent office space along with Southill FRC, Moyross
Residents Forum and STEPS School Completion with whom we share premises is much appreciated.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to the volunteers who give of their time and energy at all levels of the
project and to our staff who continued to show flexibility and innovation to ensure the work in
communities was not negatively affected by continuing cuts.
Juan Carlos Azzopardi, Manager of Limerick City CDP

Organisation Profile
Project Name:
Company Address:

Limerick City Community Development Project Ltd.

5, Verdant Crescent
Kings Island
Limerick

Administration Hub:

St Munchins Community Centre

Kileely Court
Kileely
Limerick

Contact Details:

Phone (061) 328690

E-mail manager@limerickcitycdp.ie

Structures
Limerick City Community Development Project Ltd is a company limited by guarantee. There are 6
local advisory committees and two DEPS steering committees who each nominate a maximum of
two representatives on to the Board of Management and act as directors. There is an independent
chairperson and involvement from other agencies as appropriate.
List of Advisory Groups
St. Munchins CDP
St. Marys CDP
Our Lady of Lourdes CDP
Community Development Network Moyross
Southill CDP
Limerick Adult Basic Education Support Group (LABESG)
Northside DEPS Steering Committee
Southside DEPS Steering Committee
Board of Directors 2013
Name
Dr. Jennifer McMahon
Mary Ryan Rose
Martin Griffin
Geraldine Minogue
Katherine Kirby
Christy Rainbow
Stephen Gallagher
Marie McNamara
Joan Vaughan
Deirdre O Driscoll
Gundega Kakule

Organisation
Independent Chairperson
City of Limerick VEC
Southill Advisory Group
Southill Advisory Group
Our Lady of Lourdes Advisory Group
St Marys Advisory Group
St Marys Advisory Group
St Munchins Advisory Group
St Munchins Advisory Group
Moyross Advisory Group
LABESG

Geraldine Clohessy

Company Secretary

Staff
Manager:

Juan Carlos Azzopardi

Administrator:

Annette Stewart

Co-ordinators:

Ann Bourke
Majella OConnor
Susan ONeill
Ide Ni Dhalaigh
Nuala Rennison

Southside
City Centre
Northside
LABESG
Enterprise Support

Community Development
Workers:
Geraldine Clohessy
Mary Fitzpatrick
Helen Flanagan
Kay Flanagan
Joan Keehan

Moyross
Southill
St. Munchins
Our Lady of Lourdes
St. Marys

Adult Literacy Outreach

Tutor:
Grainne Smith Muldowney

LABESG

Drugs Education and

Prevention Workers:

Noel Phelan
Daniel Butler
Sarah Butler
Ca ONeill
Caroline Keane
Karen Ryan

Northside
Northside
Northside
Southside
Southside
Southside

Local Offices:
-

St. Munchins Community Centre, Kileely Court, Limerick

5 Verdant Crescent, Kings Island, Limerick
4 Garryglass, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick
Moyross Community Centre, Moyross, Limerick
266 Avondale Court, OMalley Park, Southill, Limerick
St. Vincents, The Mount, OConnell Avenue, Limerick
Unit 11C, Watch House Cross Shopping Centre, Moyross, Limerick

Voluntary Board of Management

6 Former CDP
Advisory Groups

VEC

2 Drugs Education
Committeess

(Funding rep)

(1 rep from each on

board

Independent Chair

2 reps from each on

board

MANAGER
ADMINISTRATOR

ADMINISTRATOR

5 CO-ORDINATORS
3 Geographically based in disadvantaged communities /
1 issue based on literacy and 1 assigned Enterprise Support Worker

6 DRUGS EDUCATION AND

PREVENTION WORKERS

6 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT,
LITERACY & HEALTH WORKERS

Organisational Structure

MANAGER

Figure 1: Organisation Structure

Admin (2)
CDP Advisory Gps (2)
DEPS Steering Committee

CDP Advisory Gps (2)

SOUTHSIDE

CDP Advisory Gps (2)

DEPS Steering Committee

CITY CENTRE

NORTHSIDE

THEMES

THEMES

Co-ordinator

Co-ordinator
THEMES

3 DEPWs

2 CDWs
1 Co-ordinator as
Enterprise Support

THEMES

THEMES

LCDP Team
DEPS Team

Co-ordinator

THEMES

LCDP Team
1 CDW
1 LABESG Co-ordinator
1 LABESG Tutor

Staffing Structure

LCDP Team
THEMES

2 CDWs

DEPS Team
3 DEPWs

Work Context
Limerick City Community Development Project (Limerick City CDP) is part of the National Local and
Community Development Programme, funded by the Dept. of Environment, Community and Local
Government. The project is also funded as part of the National Drugs Strategy by the Dept. of
Children and Youth Affairs, to deliver drugs education and prevention programmes across targeted
areas of Limerick City. Under both programmes Limerick City CDP works to meet the needs of
communities experiencing greatest levels of socio economic disadvantage and social exclusion.
Limerick is the second most disadvantage county in Ireland (CSO, 2006; 2011), with a number of
local housing estates in the city e.g. Moyross, Southill, St. Marys Park, St Munchins, Ballinacurra
Weston among those experiencing the highest deprivation levels in the country. The RAPID and
Regeneration programmes have also highlighted that unemployment in these areas is above the
state average, education attainment is lower with 55% having primary school only, social exclusion is
higher, as is the proportion of lone parents compared to other areas in the city and the state.
Despite the many developments that have taken place in these communities over the years, the
underlying issues of marginalization and social exclusion still persist today.
Social exclusion and disadvantage also have negative health impacts. Inequalities in health
between people with higher and lower educational level, occupational class and income level
have been found in all European countries and the gap is widening. (EU Commission, Health
Inequalities: Europe in Profile, by Dr J. Mackenbach, (2006))
Research by the Institute of Public Health across the island of Ireland illustrated that people on
lower incomes and living in areas of disadvantage experience higher mortality rates and poorer
health outcomes. This includes mortality rates 130% higher than those from the highest
occupational class. When compared with the national average certain causes of death were
higher with alcohol and drug related mortality rates (113% higher), suicides (73% higher) and
respiratory death rates (66% higher). All the evidence shows that there are also higher than
average levels of chronic illness and psychological distress and the percentage who smoke is
higher among those on lower incomes including children. (IPH Inequalities in Mortality 19891998).
Mission Statement
It is against this background that Limerick City Community Development Project works. Our mission
therefore is:
To support and provide access to training, information, education and employment
opportunities so as to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities
experiencing social and economic disadvantage

The Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP)

The Local and Community Development Programme aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion
through partnership and constructive engagement between Government and its agencies and
people in disadvantaged communities. It is a key tool of Government in providing employment
supports, training, personal development/capacity building and other supports for the harder to
reach in the most disadvantaged areas in society. It is a locally accessible, front-line intervention,
supporting disadvantaged communities. The LCDP is underpinned by four high level goals:
To promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and
community services;
To increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural
development activities and resources;
To increase peoples work readiness and employment prospects; and
To promote engagement with policy, practice and decision making processes on matters
affecting local communities
Limerick City CDP funding is channelled through PAUL Partnership to deliver agreed actions under
the 4 goals above.
Beneficiaries Supported Through LCDP 2013 by Limerick City CDP
Number of people engaged with LCDP
Number of local community groups and committees
supported
People participating in accredited education and
training
Individuals supported into employment including selfemployment

2,359
98
402 (accredited)
594 (unaccredited)
180

The Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF)

The Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund aims to assist in the development of preventative
strategies/initiatives in a targeted manner through the development of youth facilities, (including
sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug
problem exists or has the potential to develop. The objective of the Fund is to attract "at risk" young
people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the
dangers of substance abuse. The target group for YPFSF are 10-21 year olds who are marginalised
through a combination of risk factors relating to family background, environmental circumstances,
educational disadvantage, and involvement in crime or drugs. Limerick City CDP funding is
channelled through Limerick City VEC to host the Drugs Education and Prevention Strategy (DEPS)
Participants Supported Through YPFSF 2013 by Limerick City CDP DEPS
Number of people engaged with DEPS
1,286
Females participating in programmes
876
Males participating in programmes
410
Young people engaged in summer camps
480
Total No. of Contacts*
8,431
* Number of contacts refers to the overall numbers of visits/contacts by all young people, e.g. if a
young person attends a group weekly for 40 weeks, then they will have 40 contacts

Community Engagement
Policy Context
Limerick City Community Development Project delivers quality community work by engaging with
communities on the basis of mutual trust and respect which in turn leads to greater community
engagement with agencies, services and decision making and consultative structures.
This is increasingly important in the context of the changes to local government and local and
community development under Putting People First and the recommendations of the Working
Group on Citizen Engagement with Local Government(December 2013). The current emphasis on
engagement is building on the reports and policy initiatives at national and European level such as:

The White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity and for Developing the
Relationship between the State and the Community and Voluntary Sector (Sept 2000).
The Council of Europes Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the Decision-Making
Process (October 2009)
Report of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship (2007)

Community and voluntary organisations play a vital part in the life of communities, enabling people
to come together for their own purposes and take part in community activity by engaging in social or
leisure pursuits, helping themselves and others, or promoting a cause they feel strongly about.
Voluntary and community organizations are, as a result, very important facilitators of community
involvement. Achieving social inclusion depends on our commitment to ensure that active
citizenship embraces principles of community development. This approach will allow people to have,
as of right, the opportunity to influence and participate in the decisions that affect them. Supporting
the capacity to organise, especially in disadvantaged communities, will also have the effect of
improving the level of engagement with the political process at local level thereby reducing
alienation and strengthening democracy (The Wheels View of Active Citizenship and Community
and Voluntary Organisations 2014, www.wheel.ie)

Kings Island Community Festival

Barriers
Community Engagement is the process of supporting individuals and groups to engage at various
levels within their own community, with their neighbours, local services, local organisations, service
providers and state agencies. As in all our work the building of personal relationships leading to trust
and respect is key. Limerick City CDP works with people from disadvantaged communities to
overcome the multiple challenges and barriers they experience that can prevent their participation
and engagement. These barriers create a democratic deficit at local level according to the Taskforce
on Active Citizenship.
Barriers to engagement include:
a. Lack of knowledge and awareness of opportunities
b. Previous negative experiences and lack of trust in institutions
c. Lack of confidence and isolation
d. Time constraints
e. Personal and family health issues
f. Lack of relevance and perceived lack of influence

Process
The process of supporting people to become involved and engage with their community demands
time and face to face interaction. We meet with people, provide information, and build relationships
and trust in order to overcome some of the barriers that prevent their participation. Supporting
community groups and their representatives to engage with statutory agencies, consultative fora
and decision making bodies produces similar challenges to those mentioned above.
A. Lack of Knowledge and Awareness
The Local and Community Development Programme Goal 1 puts emphasis on providing information
and referrals to services to address a lack of knowledge and awareness. Limerick City CDP does this
in a number of ways by trying to introduce people to whats available and giving practical support to
assist them to access services relevant to their needs. Our offices in the communities provide easier
access for drop in and staff are able to make personal contact with people in the area. The project
also uses other means and last year included the production of community newsletters in Our Lady
of Lourdes, St. Marys and Moyross; service directories in Our Lady of Lourdes and Southill,
information leaflets and event flyers including community education classes on offer that act as a
first point of engagement for some people. In total 3,593 people directly received information
through these and 156 were directly referred to another service while 1,249 people accessed a
service or took part in a community based recreational or cultural activity.
This year we ran our first Careers in Community Work Courses Fair. Many of the volunteers who
have taken part in accredited training or completed certificates and diplomas are interested in
pursuing a career in this field and working in their own communities. Four third level colleges UCC,
UL, LIT and NUIM contributed. Three local secondary schools also took part and 68 young people
attended. Our innovative 10 week Making Choices Course engaged 17 young adults who developed
their confidence and explored their potential career paths. As a result a number have engaged with
the LES and become involved as volunteers in their community.

B. Previous Negative Experiences and Lack of Trust

Many people we attempt to engage cite previous negative experiences when dealing with services
or agencies. This can range from childhood memories of school to dealing with welfare agencies and
numerous false dawns with programmes that did not deliver. It is important then that people have
positive experiences as early and as often as possible. One of the first introductions to youth and
community engagement is through childrens participation in Summer Camps. Limerick City CDP
resourced and coordinated summer provision on the Northside delivered by various groups and with
direct involvement from the DEPS workers. Summer Projects on the Southside were also delivered.
Over 480 young people participated in summer camps this year.

Summer Camp Kings Johns Castle Trip

Participation in community activities that are recreational and social is often the starting point
leading on to engagement in the development of services for their areas or with policy makers
whose decisions impact on the quality of their lives and the places where they live. The
opportunities to meet people involved in the agencies in informal and fun situations make it easier
later for both to relate to each other when other needs arise. Also where people have little or no
connection with the rest of the community it is hard to get them to engage. Therefore the
promotion of strong community spirit through Community Fairs and other celebrations is another
method to facilitate the participation of the community in events that can lead to further
engagement at a deeper level. Last year up to 1,000 people participated in events held in St. Marys,
Our Lady of Lourdes, Southill and Moyross.

C. Lack of Relevance
At both an individual and a group level people do not engage where they see no relevance to
themselves. Helping them to identify their interest and finding others who share that interest is part
of a community development approach to community engagement.

Limerick City CDP were this year requested to lead the Traveller Engagement Sub Group aimed at
opening a new dialogue with Travellers to assist in their engagement with consultative structures
relating to the Limerick Traveller Inter -Agency Strategic Plan. PAUL Partnership, HSE, ETB and
Limerick City and County Council personnel participated and 4 site visits involving two halting sites
saw 23 families engaged in consultation on the Limerick Traveller Inter-Agency Strategic Plan and
their health needs. Despite an openness on the part of Travellers to meet our inability to engage on
the issue of accommodation proved a major obstacle to more meaningful engagement.
D. Lack of Influence
The CDP worked with 98 groups and committees over 2013 and was involved in supporting 13
groups in their capacity to be a representative voice for residents including local umbrella groups.
Communities have been able to engage to influence policies and plans in relation to RAPID,
Regeneration and other initiatives. The project continued to play a significant role in supporting
Limerick City Community and Voluntary Forum it its role as the key nominating body for citizen
participation on policy and decision making structures including the Limerick City Council Strategic
Policy Committees (SPCs).The very structure of Limerick City CDP with our Board of Management,
Advisory and Steering Committees is a mechanism for community engagement at decision making
level. This year 39 individuals were facilitated to get involved as volunteers in their community with
our own and other projects. The change to our project structure and the emphasis of the Local and
Community Development Programme has negatively impacted on the sense of volunteers been able
to influence the decisions that impact on them and their community. Despite this we have over 100
volunteers involved in the management and delivery of the work of Limerick City CDP who find an
area of interest to them and work on it.
E. Lack of Confidence and Isolation
The capacity to connect with people and stay in touch while they are struggling with difficulties in
their lives is an important component in helping them find some equilibrium and identify a way
forward. The experience of volunteer tutor, Sue Sheehy is an example of the way engagement can
evolve and the multiple benefits to the individual and community as she now delivers classes to
people starting their own engagement.
Case Study
Sue Sheehy
Volunteer Tutor Computer Classes
I was very ill with clinical depression and had isolated myself completely. I am a 48
year old woman and felt lost and not of much use to anyone. It was only through the
perseverance of the staff at Limerick City CDP who suggested I come over to help the
computer teacher with his class. I will never forget that day. I was welcomed and felt
at home. I knew this was a place I was accepted and included. I have been here now
over two years and can say that the CDP and the community centre have changed my
life for the better. I regained my confidence and my health has improved immensely
and my family and children are actively involved with the childrens summer camps
and the Learning Hub. They have gained communication skills that will better
prepare them for adulthood and have learned the importance of inclusion, community
and working as a team. I have also furthered my education which I could not have
afforded without the aid Limerick City CDP and ultimately would love to get back to
work. My life has improved vastly since I became involved with the classes and St
Munchins Community Centre, through the CDP.

Community Education
Introduction
As Limerick City CDP has community based offices across Limerick City, we are well placed to
respond directly to the 3 aims the government has defined for community education, which are:
-

Enhancing learning
Fostering empowerment
Contributing to civic society

In this section, we will demonstrate how the project implemented government policy on the ground
in 2013.
While adult and community education is widely available throughout Limerick City, and learners can
access a range of formal and in-formal or recreational opportunities in their communities or
academic institutions, Limerick City CDP works at a local level to provide information, access,
ongoing support and practical assistance to those who:
-

Have secured a place in 3rd level and live in areas of social and economic disadvantage,
where there is low levels of participation in further education.
Are disengaged from education, and thus employment
Are socially isolated and/or are intimidated by technology.
Providing them with opportunities, supports and practical assistance to take up a place and
remain in education/training.

The following are some examples of the ways in which this has been achieved:
(1) As we are community based, and needs led, we worked closely with local residents, building
relationships of trust and mutual respect. As a result, we supported those most distant from
education, and facilitated them to ease back into group settings and informal opportunities
for learning. This included basic IT, provided by community volunteers, for as long as is
required. As well as gaining basic skills around IT, this positive learning and non-threatening
approach increased their self-confidence, so that many progressed onto accredited
programmes, organised locally by the CDP, with tutors provided by the ETB.
(2) When learners progress to accredited training such as hair dressing or catering support, the
CDP ensured that classes are delivered at a pace that suits the learners. In addition, there
are very often significant costs associated with this. These include printing, photocopying,
books and materials. The project, with funding secured from Regeneration, covered these
costs, making accreditation more accessible for all.
(3) The project provided supports and practical assistance to local 3rd level students, assisting
them in taking up or remaining in education. This support includes mentoring (to those who
have received a place but are struggling with the steps necessary to take up that place),
annual bursary for books, materials, accommodation deposits etc, assistance with
application for SUSI and other grants, and ongoing free access to computers, photocopying,
printing, binding, etc. These supports were crucial for the young people we work with.
(4) Organised a Personal Empowerment Programme to those most disconnected from
employment, providing them with the skills, confidence and information to progress to
employment, through further education, if necessary.

(5) With the support of committed local volunteers, the project provided basic IT for older
people, which in addition to developing the skills and confidence to use computers, helps
combat isolation and social exclusion faced by this group. Through our computer classes
residents learned how to use the internet, e-mail and social media sites to keep in touch
with family and friends abroad. In addition, many made new friends and were introduced
and take up other community services such as subsidised lunches, social clubs etc. While this
work is difficult to quantify, the positive implications for residents are easily qualified.
Community Education
This year, with hours secured from the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB) and
committed local volunteers, we provided access and ongoing support for learners, provided a venue,
organised and oversaw the delivery of several community education classes, across a wide range of
topics, which were prioritised by local residents during our consultation process in April and May.
In September community education registration days took place across the City, and this year over
300 learners attended the registration day organised by the CDP in Kileely.

Community Education Registration Day Held in Kileely in September 2013

The following is a breakdown of recreational classes provided by the CDP and numbers of people
who participated:

Recreational Learning
160
140
120
100
80
Non FETAC

60
40
20
0
Information
technology

Skills based

Health

Personal
development

While many learners participate in community education to learn a new skill, improve their physical
and mental health and/or increase their social outlet, others are seeking pathways to accreditation
through FETAC/QQI.
The following is a breakdown of FETAC/QQI organised by the CDP and the numbers who
participated:

FETAC/QQI Accreditted Learning

FETAC level 5 hair dressing (44)
FETAC level 4 General
learning(8)
FETAC level 4 catering support
(6)
FETAC level 3 ICT(10)
FETAC level 2 in essential skills
(7)
FETAC level 5 Addiction Studies
(19)

3rd Level Support

In addition to facilitating community based recreational and accredited programme, this year the
CDP supported local residents to access 3rd level in the following way:
-

We supported the community to work closely with UL, funders and local residents to design
and deliver accredited locally based initiative directly (CWELL)
Provided support to 3rd level students, living in local communities, attending academic
institution in Limerick or beyond.

Community, Wellness, Empowerment and Life Skills (CWELL)

This year, in partnership with UL and local residents from Kings Island we supported the community
to pilot a diploma in Community, Wellness, Empowerment and Life Skills (CWELL). The aim of the
programme is that local residents and community activists would develop the skills and capacity in
wellbeing and lifestyle education resulting in improved relationships within families and the
community as a whole. In total 15 residents participated in the course, most of whom were from
the St. Marys area, and upon completion will receive a recognised diploma from UL.
Student Bursaries
Over the last few years we have witnessed an increase in the amount of local students requiring
supports, facilitating them to take up or indeed remain in 3rd level. This year, the project secured
funding from a variety of agencies, including Regeneration, the JP McManus Foundation, Vincent
DePaul, LIT Credit Union and Local Education Committee, providing 176 students with bursaries.
Applying for a student bursary is often the first point of contact with the office and leads to ongoing
supports through college. Funding provided covered costs such as registration, accommodation
deposits, books and materials. Together with one to one support provided, and ongoing access to
IT, printing, photocopying, binding etc, makes the difference to students taking up a place or
remaining in 3rd level.

CDP gave me the foundation for starting college. Without the CDP I would
not have known where to start, and probably have gave up and not taken up
my place. They helped me understand letters I was receiving from the college,
find accommodation and funded my deposit. They continue to give me free
access to IT, internet printing and photocopying, and are there to help out
with any difficulties I am having
(Jamie Shinners from Ballynanty studying Accountancy in UCC)

From this, it is clear that the CDP was vital to ensuring that education and training, both accredited
and unaccredited was accessible to all, irrespective of; educational background, geographical
location, desire to progress or ability to pay. At local level the project worked directly with residents
to identify and respond to individual educational needs. In the communities in which we are based,
as educational attainment is below the national average, the supports we provided were crucial in
supporting learners to take up or remaining in further education.
Findings from research conducted by the VEC and Limerick Regeneration Agency indicate that
Community-based adult education is having a positive impact on learners, in overcoming their
negative experiences of previous formal education

Case Study
Making Choices Personal Empowerment Programme (PEP)
The Making Choices Personal Empowerment Programme (PEP was a life skills programme
organised by the CDP for unemployed people 18 25 years from across Limerick City.
This 10 week programme engaged 15 participants who were unemployed and had become
disengaged from work and learning.
The aim of this project was to build the confidence of participants, supporting them to realise
their potential.
This programme was delivered by MGT training LTD, who broke the programme down into very
practical elements. These included:
Team-building
Agreeing group contract
Agreeing programme content
Learning to work in a group environment
Unemployment verses work
The history of work
Barriers to employment
Understanding the recession
Self-assessmentskills, interests, values and needs
Completing Job Application forms, CVs, preparation for interviews and follow-through
support.
One-to-one meetings with a guidance counsellor continued throughout the programme which
enabled members to explore and enhance the learning from the group sessions and develop very
clear path ways to further education/training and/or employment.
On a practical level the group visited UL, LIT, Mary Immaculate College and VTOS where they
were introduced to co-ordinators, mature students and access officers. For most this was their
first time visiting these institutions. The group benefited from these visits, as they had been
previously unaware of the supports available to them. The group were also introduced to the
Jobs Club and the Local Employment Service and met with key staff in these services, arranging
follow up supports.
The people who have so far done this programme have described it as a great confidence
builder and a huge motivation to wanting and finding a job
The progression from this programme was very high with 4 applying to return to education, 2
securing positions on CE and 2 volunteering in their local community.

PEP Making Choices Participants Awards December 2014

Health and Wellbeing

Limerick City CDP through its work aims to support positive health and wellbeing. It has targeted its
work to be in line with national strategies locally, specifically, The Healthy Ireland Framework 20132025. The four goals of this framework are supported locally by the work Limerick City CDP does.
Goal 1: Increase the proportion of people who are healthy at all stages of life
This means addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors at every stage of life which is
achieved in various methods through community development workers, drug education and
prevention team and through funding that was secured for a new Community Wellbeing Worker to
come online in early 2014.
Fitness through football was a run for the 4th time in 2013. The programme was designed to target
the 18-25 age group that traditionally is difficult to engage and is considered a high risk category
group in terms of risky behaviours such as drug use. This year the programme attracted 30 initially
and finished the programme with 20 participants. This is a high completion rate of 67%. The
programme is run in partnership with the HSE and the FAI development officers. It has a 3 pronged
approach using nutrition workshops where they learn how to cook cheap nutritious meals, health
workshops to deliver key health education topics such as mental and sexual health and finally the
fitness workshops where the use of soccer training and gym work to get fit. This was all supported by
a key partnership with the English Football Premierships Sunderland AFC. Due to the programmes
success an evaluation is to be carried out for it to be further replicated in other communities.
Goal 2: Reduce health inequalities
Health and wellbeing are not evenly distributed across Irish society according to the Healthy Ireland
Framework. It states this goal requires not only interventions to target particular health risks, but
also a broad focus on addressing the wider social determinants of health the circumstances in
which people are born, grow, live, work and age to create economic, social, cultural and physical
environments that foster healthy living. Targeting areas of deprivation and inequalities in many
aspects including health is an integral element of what Limerick City CDP sets out to achieve. It does
this primarily through drug education and health days.

Community Health Day held St Munchins Community Centre, Kileely.

General local health days took place across the city attracting 215 people to separate events across
the city. These provided access to locals to various health tests and treatments and information
stands. The health days brought communities together to focus on their health and to consider
screening for relevant illnesses. X-hale was also run by the Limerick City DEPS team in conjunction
with the Irish Cancer Society. This is a short film competition run across the city and county where
young people design and record short films on the dangers of smoking. Just over 100 people
attended a cinema screening in a local cinema. Drug education workers delivered a series of drug
education workshops across the city in schools, youth group settings, adult groups and to youth
related professionals.
Goal 3: Protect the public from threats to health and wellbeing
Healthy Ireland is designed to ensure effective strategies and interventions to protect the public
from new and emerging threats to health and wellbeing are implemented. Prevention is a key
objective in what Limerick City CDP sets out to achieve. A clear example of this is the Limerick City
Drug Education and Prevention Strategy(DEPS) that sets out through education and varied
prevention programmes to engage those at risk of drug use or engaging in drug use and abuse.
(According to the Healthy Ireland Framework
Under the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 Limerick City DEPS comes under the Prevention Pillar.
Under this pillar the key objectives are:
1. To develop a greater understanding of the dangers of problem drug/alcohol use among the
general population
2. To promote healthier lifestyle choices among society generally
3. To prioritise prevention interventions on those in communities who are at particular risk of
problem drug/alcohol use.
Limerick City DEPS achieves these goals through its activities of drug education and prevention
programmes. Limerick City DEPS also is a member of the MWRDTF Education and Prevention subgroup.
Drug education and prevention programmes delivered by Limerick City DEPS made 1286 individual
contacts with 410 of those being males and 876 being female. 8431 contacts were made with those
young people over the course of the year which means that most of the young people met with a
drugs worker 5-7 times on average. This is line with the policy of the group to deliver a minimum of 4
drug education classes per group in order to effect real and substantive change or growth amongst
group members. The graph here displays the age group and sex breakdown of the individual
contacts.
The graph highlights the above figures. It is worth noting the high number of engagement of young
women over young men. This is in large respect to our ongoing relationship with all female schools.
We have focused here as it can be difficult to engage with young women in out of school settings. It
is also worth noting that engagement with young men is more challenging in a broader context
although we have reversed that trend in the 18-25 year old age bracket.

350
310
283

300
250
200

169

Male
Female

150
107
90

100
50

47

45 41

56

71
50
17

0
<10

10 to 14

15 to 17

18 to 21

22 to 24

>24

Male/Female individual contacts by age groups by Limerick City DEPS

Goal 4: Create an environment where every individual and sector of society can play their part in
achieving a healthy Ireland
It is beyond the capability of any one Government Department or organisation to promote society
wide health and wellbeing. This can only be done through society-wide involvement in and
engagement with health and wellbeing promotion and improvement activities - from individuals
making positive lifestyle choices and projects run by community and local groups, to policy and
legislative changes at the highest level of government., Healthy Ireland Framework 2013-2025. This
an absolute strength of Limerick City CDP in terms of engagement with the local population in
widespread aspects relating to health but also in terms of the promotion of positive lifestyle
choices. Our work over the period of 2013 while challenging in terms of resources allowed the
organisation to build on its strength of engaging effectively with the community to get them further
involved in affecting change in regards to positive lifestyle choices offsetting financial restraints to a
degree.
Awareness and information days were held across the city including a smoking awareness day and
drug information mornings. In support of creating awareness and accessing education opportunities
the Limerick City DEPS team attending various conferences and citywide information days to
promote the work and provide information for parents, professionals and mainly young people. This
is done through the use of interactive education tools on all stands. Through these information days
approximate figures indicate DEPS met with 150-200 people.
Members of the DEPS team have also been fully trained to deliver Aural Acupuncture Detoxification.
This type of acupuncture was designed to support people who may be detoxing from drugs. It has
additional side effects such as improved sleep and reduced anxiety. It is these secondary effects that
the practitioners focus on looking to reduce anxiety and increase engagement in groups and
highlighting the connection between mental health, anxiety and stress in particular, and drug use.

Some members have reported it helped with their reduction in use of cigarettes. This has been a
popular service and has proved effective as part of the overall deliver of drug education and
prevention. This is part of a review in how Limerick City DEPS can engage creatively with the people
they work with.

Fitness through Football Case Study

Fitness through Football is running into its 5th year. The programme has delivered regularly high numbers
over the that period with up to 160 signing up to be a part of the programme over that time. The
programme achieved last year a 67% completion rate which is reflective of previous years. While figures
can offer a certain reflection of the success more quantitative data more often provide clearer evaluation
information. Below are some examples of that:

6 have now gained full time employment and 3 have secured part time/casual work
2 have enlisted on the Youth and Community Course and have completed it
1 is starting the Grow it Yourself Gardening Project
1 is emigrating to take up work in Australia
1 is training to achieve his coaching badges
1 has gained recovery from his drinking problem and now is an advocate for the Bedford Row
Project
1 has started a FAS course
2 have engaged the support of substance misuse support services
8 now attend the weekly open football sessions

Other examples include:

Reduced drug use during and after programme

Abstinence from drug use during programme leading some to gain recovery
New friendships formed with men who are seeking to better themselves creating positive social
supports for participants
Improved relations at home with partners, children or parents
Positive feedback from home on participants
Increased fitness after fitness tests
Weight loss for those overweight and increased weight for those underweight
Improved motivation levels and energy levels reported back by participants and family

Fitness through Football 2013 group being instructed by Jason Hendry of Sunderland AFC.

Acknowledgements
Limerick City Community Development Project wish to acknowledge all those who supported or
participated in the work to improve the quality of life of people experiencing social exclusion.
We commend the dedication and professionalism of our staff in their engagement with the
community and other agencies. The project thanks the volunteers who deliver the work, participate
in groups and serve on various committees including the directors of the company.
We appreciate the agencies and community groups who work alongside us to try and achieve the
best possible outcomes for communities and those who delivered services and supports to us
including our auditors Noonan OCinneide, Helix HR, MGT Training, Davis Printers, Thomond Printing,
Catriona NicGhiollaphadraig, St. Munchins Community Centre, Moyross Community Centre,
Northstar Family Support Project and UL Access Office.
We are grateful to the funders who endorsed the efforts of Limerick City CDP in 2013 including:

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

PAUL Partnership

City of Limerick VEC

Limerick City Council

Limerick Regeneration Agency

Mid West Regional Drugs Task Force

Health Service Executive West

Limerick Institute of Technology

Department of Social Protection

The Family Support Agency

St. Vincent de Paul

JP McManus Trust