Social inclusion is the work undertaken to tackle the issues of poverty, disadvantage and discrimination experienced by various people and communities. For example people can be said to experience social exclusion when they have poor access to services, to education, health and employment, or are living on low-income, or at risk of discrimination.
Working with Groups to Address Issues of Social Exclusion
South Kerry Development Partnership works closely with community groups, organisations and state agencies to tackle issues of isolation, inequality and disadvantage that some sections of our society experience.
The partnership has developed its plans to counter social exclusion and isolation through its collaborations with local community organisations, non-government organisations and state agencies. We know from our experience in SKDP, and from our consultations and research that certain areas and groups are at higher risk of experiencing social exclusion. Certain rural areas as well as village and town areas have greater need of support and programmes etc. Also, some people are at risk of discrimination or inequality, for example Travellers, members of the Gay & Lesbian community, people with a disability etc.
What Does Social Exclusion Mean?
Social exclusion has a broader meaning than poverty. Social exclusion is a process whereby certain groups are excluded from participating fully in society by virtue of their poverty (see opposite), education status or other life skills. The process of social exclusion has been defined as: Cumulative marginalisation from production (employment), from consumption (income poverty), from social networks (community, family and neighbours), from decision-making and adequate quality of life.
Social exclusion is a reality for many individuals and communities in Ireland today. An individual may be socially excluded without living in poverty, for example Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) young people living in rural areas may experience social exclusion in terms of victimisation and harassment at school, or social isolation from their family. The effects of these experiences may contribute to high incidence of drug use or mental health issues. And therefore these individuals may be socially excluded without necessarily being at risk of poverty.
What is the Community Development approach
The challenges in this work are complex and require long-term commitment by all concerned – no one group has all the answers. South Kerry Development Partnership works in partnership with state agencies, non-government organisations and community groups to develop projects and programmes to combat social exclusion. Using a Community Development approach these are the actions for 2012 run in conjunction with a range of community groups and partner organisations.
Defining Community Development (extract from Pobal guidelines on the Local & Community Development Programme).
Community Development has long been accepted as an approach which is about enabling socially excluded people to work together in shaping a more just and equal society. It involves tackling inequalities by forming groups (collectivising individual needs), developing knowledge and awareness and working towards the achievement of agreed goals (strategic action). It is therefore a key strategic approach evident both in the goals of the Programme and eligible actions defined later in this document. The DCEGA defined Community Development as being:
“about promoting positive social change in society in favour of those who benefit least from national and global social and economic developments… (it) seeks to challenge the causes of poverty and disadvantage and to offer new opportunities for those-lacking choice, power and resources”
Pobal has defined community development as:
“..a developmental activity composed of both a task and a process. The task is the achievement of social change linked to equality and social justice, and the process is the application of the principles of participation, empowerment and collective decision making in a structured and coordinated way”.
What are the stages of Community Development?
In order to provide LDC and community groups with a basis for engagement the Community Development Stages Matrix was devised. This provides a benchmark for assessment of the current development status of the general community sector and/ or subsets of communities of interest — e.g. Travellers, lone parents, disadvantaged women etc. The Matrix relates these levels to the development task facing community workers — the first stage necessitating pre-development work, the second indicating the need for enhanced capacity and the third pointing towards agenda-setting strategic work.
The Community Workers Cooperative in Ireland identifies the essential, distinguishing elements of community work as work that:
- Involves and enables people to work together to influence, change and exert control over the social, political and economic issues that affect their lives.
- Is about a collective focus rather than a response to individual crisis.
- Challenges inequitable power relationships within society and promotes the redistribution of wealth and resources in a more just and equitable fashion.
- Is based on participative processes and structures which include and empower
- marginalised and excluded groups within society.
- Is based on solidarity with the interests of those experiencing social exclusion.
- Is understood as including both geographic communities and communities of interest.
- Presents alternative ways of working, seeks to be dynamic, innovative and creative in approach.
- Challenges the nature of the relationship between the users and providers of services.
- Is open and responsive to innovation from other countries and seeks to build alliances with other organisations challenging marginalisation in their own countries and globally.
- Involves strategies which confront prejudice and discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, class, religion, socioeconomic status, age, sexuality, skin colour or disability.
Working with groups to address issues of Social Exclusion.
South Kerry Development Partnership works closely with community groups, organisations and state agencies to tackle issues of isolation, inequality and disadvantage that some sections of our society experience.
A Community Development approach is used. This involves building up the strength, knowledge and capacity of the groups to achieve their own goals.
Below are the current areas of work:
Support for Men’s Sheds
Isolation and exclusion faced by men has been a priority area for SKDP for over a decade. Initiatives taken by the partnership have included;
- Research into the needs of rural men 2002
- A 2-year outreach project 2006-2008 including the Keels to Sneem area of Iveragh
- Development of the Men’s Social Project 2008 to date
- From 2011 supporting the development of Men’s Sheds
The report produced by Dr Denise O’Leary & Dr Siobhan Ni Mhaolrunaigh of Institute of Technology Tralee on the Outreach Project in 2008 highlighted a range of issues and challenges arising from the conversations and activities with up to 100 men.
ITT Rural Men’s Outreach Summary Report 2008
TT Rural Men’s Outreach Full Report 2008
In many respects, over the years men’ s issues have not been very visible, men don’t tend to gather to deal with issues of isolation, well-being, better services etc. Men’s Sheds helps to address this problem in a very practical and social way.
The Partnership has been addressing isolation and disadvantaged experienced by some men and has run a few projects on this issue including initial research, an outreach project and men’s social events. In 2011 we invited John Evoy, Development Officer with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association to give a presentation and arising from this we set about supporting the development of Men’s Sheds in the SKDP area.
‘What it says on the tin!’
Men’s Sheds is a bit like ‘what it says on the tin’ – a place for men to go, to meet other men in a social atmosphere and to take on some practical projects.
A Men’s Shed is any community-based, non-commercial organisation which is open to all men where the primary activity is the provision of a safe, friendly and inclusive environment where the men are able to gather and/or work on meaningful projects at their own pace, in their own time and in the company of other men and where the primary objective is to advance the health and well- being of the participating men. Men’s sheds may look like a shed in your back yard yet they innovatively share some characteristics of both community education and health promotion projects.
From Australia to Ireland
The idea originated in Australia and is very well advanced there. Strong links have developed between the Irish Men’s Sheds Association and the Australian Men’s Sheds Association. A shed can be a room, an old warehouse or factory where men would have access to some workshop tools and equipment to take on small or not so small projects, eg woodwork, boat-building, restoring old engines etc. It is not a training course but training is sometimes offered, all depending on what the men themselves want to take on. It is a social space for men who have some spare time regardless of what skills they have – they might even learn new skills.
As of May 2013 there are five sheds up and running in the South Kerry Development Partnership area. SKDP has been the lead organisation in helping the sheds become established.
SKDP has assisted the development of the sheds in Killarney, Kenmare, Sneem, Ballinskelligs, Caherciveen, Killorglin, Annascaul and Keel/ Castlemaine. This assistance has included;
- Small start-up grants for new sheds
- Access to Leader/ RDP grants for larger projects eg renovation and equipment
- Committee development, constitution, AGM, policy etc
- Health and safety assessment and training
- Quarterly networking of all sheds
- IT training programmes in conjunction with Kerry Flyer and Men’s Well-Being in conjunction with HSE
- Developing links with local organisations and agencies
In their own way, each shed has been involved in assisting projects in their local community, and through this have gained considerable community support.
Kenmare
Established in September 2011 – the Kenmare shed has moved from the Adult Education Centre to a vacant industrial unit – it needed bigger doors to bring the boats in and out! Their woodwork course led them on to a boat-building project and a Currach is almost complete. The men are now working on restoring other boats, renovating a vintage car and various other projects. A grant from Leader/ RDP helped the project purchase woodworking machines as well as providing training.
Opening hours: Tuesday and Thurs 10.00 to 1.00
Contact: Michael Cavanagh 087 1606312
email; [email protected]
Killarney
The Killarney Men’s Shed was established in November 2011, and is based in the former Ross Products building on Lewis Road where they have converted half of the old factory into a workshop, a social room/ kitchen and office. There are a few ‘Del-Boys’ in this project as they have been very adept at finding all sorts of bits and pieces needed to renovate the premises including old back doors, fitted kitchens and heavy-duty workbenches. The shed was honoured to have David Helmer, Chief Executive of the Australian Men’s Shed Network perform the official opening of their premises on 20th June 2012. Kerry Mental Health Association has been a very pro-active partner in supporting and developing this project.
Location: Former Ross Products Factory, Lewis Road, Killarney.
Opening hours 10.oo – 4.00 Monday to Friday
Contact: Pat O’Mahony 089 4629623
http://killarneymensshed.weebly.com/
email: [email protected]
Killorglin
The Killorglin Shed is situated right in the heart of the town in the Fairfield.Work on renovating the shed began in Summer 2012 and in February 2013 it was officially opened with great support from the local community. The men sell kindling, make planters, play cards and there is even a Men’s Choir! Similar to the Kenmare Shed, this project received Leader/ RDP grant-aid to purchase tools and equipment.
Location: Fairfield, Killorglin
Opening hours Monday to Friday 10.00 – 4.00
Contact: Jack O’Sullivan 087 710 3030
email: [email protected]
Caherciveen.
Situated in one of the old units in the Industrial Estate, Caherciveen Mens’ Shed was set up in Summer 2012. With assistance from SKDP Rural Social Scheme the premises was cleaned and tidied, making it ready for use. One of the first projects the men took on was to restore an antique Pool Table that was formerly housed in the Cable Station on Valentia. It is now the centre-piece for this shed. As of November 2013, with a lease secured from Kerry County Council for the premises, and a Leader/ RDP grant from SKDP, renovation work is now well underway to ensure the premises is a more comfortable purpose of the men’s social, recreational and education projects.
Location: Industrial Estate (behind former Wilson Socks), Valentia Road
Contact: Tommy O’Connell 087 2495083
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.00 to 4.00
email; [email protected]
Members of South Kerry sheds Visit to Men’s Sheds Projects in Limerick City
Ballinskelligs
Based in an industrial unit in the Gaeltacht Sciobol na Bhfear, Baile an Sceilg
was formed in November 2012. The first project for the men was to kit out the building with work benches and tools and equipment. A small grant from SKDP Local & Community Development Programme has enabled the project to purchase the initial equipment needed to get the shed up and running. In Spring 2013 the men took receipt of an old Seine boat, The Roving Swan for restoration. Over the summer the men worked on this project and re-launched the boat as part of Ballinskelligs Summer Festival. This project received national attention from the media and did a lot to raise the profile of Men’s Sheds across the country. While it will not be a working vessel again it will be refurbished as an item of important local heritage and pride.
Ballilnskelligs Men’s Shed renovating the Roving Swan seine boat 2012
Each shed is different; different membership, premises, activities etc. But all have one thing in common, ie a place where men can meet with other men to socialise, to learn new skills and to make a positive contribution to their local community.
SKDP continues to support Men’ s Sheds in developing their activities, plans and facilities, in promotion and recruiting of members, in building links with other organisations and agencies and ensuring the issues faced by isolated men continue to be addressed.
Location: Udaras Industrial Estate, behind Browne’s Shop, Ballinskelligs.
Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm
Contact: Denis Garvey 087 2833471
email; [email protected]
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/mihal.hurryman?fref=ts
Partnership Support
South Kerry Development Partnership has been very involved in the development of these projects to date through grant aid, identifying premises, advising the men’s groups on how to organise themselves, preparing a constitution, assisting with lease arrangements, advising of grant applications, supporting the group’s plans and labour through the RSS/TUS schemes. These sheds provide a very positive outlet for men who have the time and interest to learn something new, to take on a project or to share a skill they have with other men in an informal and social environment. Local community support in each area has been very encouraging for all of the Men’s Sheds involved. Contact Paul O’Raw Community Development Officer for more details at 087 2317204, Killorglin Office 066 9761615.
Men’s Sheds and Positive Mental Health – Kerry Mental Health Association.
Men’s Sheds provide an ideal environment for the promoting and fostering of positive mental health leading to an improvement in one’s overall health and wellbeing. This can be done through the provision of mental health information leaflets and literature within the shed itself or through talks on the topic delivered by guest speakers. More importantly, the shed provides an opportunity for men to socially interact and integrate with other men, encourage conversation and share problems, learn and develop new skills, enhance self esteem and be occupied. These are key factors which contribute to positive mental health leading to a greater level of overall health and wellbeing.
Kerry Mental Health Association is an active partner in supporting the development of Men’s Sheds.
Contact Dan O’Connor, Development Officer at 087 6998901,
email; [email protected]
Irish National Men’s Shed Association
It was a talk by John Evoy, Development Officer for the Irish National Men’s Shed Association, organised by SKDP in early 2011 that introduced the Men’s Shed idea to the area – and as they say the rest is history. With funding from the Guiness Social Entreprenuer Fund the IMSA has been able to support the development of new sheds, provide assistance to existing sheds and liaise with national organisations etc to promote the benefits of sheds throughout the country.
Check out IMSA website for valuable information and news:
Mobile: 086 8046748
O’Connell Men’s Report 2002 (Full Version)
O’Connell Men’s Report 2002 Summary
Link to Irish Men’s Sheds Association Website
For further information contact;
Paul O’Raw – SKDP Community Development Officer
37 High Street, Killarney
Co Kerry
064 66 36572
087 2317204
Email; [email protected]
Background
SKDP has been supporting Resident’s Associations in Kerry County Council Housing Estates since 2003. Over time a strategy has developed which includes providing the following assistance;
- Developing/ clarifying plans
- Local needs analysis
- Working with individual groups as well as holding quarterly networking meetings
- Inter-agency work to provide coordinated supports to groups
- Training in committee skills, presentation skills, developing plans
- Supporting groups to present their needs and plans eg to Local Municipal Area Meetings
- Assisting groups acquire resources including premises
This work includes groups from the following towns and villages;
- Killarney area; Pinewood, Ballydribeen and Ballyspillane
- Killorglin area; Iveragh Park, Bansha and Tuarinn Linn
- Caherciveen area; Fertha Drive, Woodbrook, and Ard Aoibheann
- Kenmare area; Dromnevane and Ard Bhearna
Resident’s Association Network Meeting
Groups have been assisted to undertake needs analysis through community surveys in their areas. As well as providing a written report outlining some key priorities for the local area, the process also ensures greater community participation and ownership of the results and plans which is essential to good community cohesion.
Links to community survey reports… (Fertha Drive, Pinewood, Dromnevane, Ballydribeen)
Bansha
Fertha Drive
Pinewood
Ballydribeen
Dromnevane
This work is underpinned by interagency collaboration; in particular with the Housing Dept of Kerry County Council. KCC fully supports and values the strategy of developing the capacity of Resident’s Associations to develop plans and to represent the needs of their communities. KCC contributes to the costs of training and network meetings. Where the need is proved and where resources allow KCC has also been very positive in making premises available to groups to develop local resource centres.
In most areas Family Resource Centres provide valuable support to resident’s groups in their area, providing groups with meeting space, information on education programmes and administrative support. Interagency work with Resident’s Associations is vital to more effective services, facilities and services for families and individuals. Other agencies providing valuable assistance to groups include HSE and Kerry Education & Training Board.
SKDP continues to support Resident’s Associations to identify and respond to local needs, to build up their skills in developing and presenting their plans, and in supporting the participation of group representatives on local structures.
For further information contact;
Paul O’Raw – SKDP Community Development Officer
37 High Street, Killarney
Co Kerry
064 66 36572
087 2317204
Email; [email protected]
Associations:
Iveragh Park Residents Association – SKDP & HSE supported Iveragh Park Residents Association to develop their plans, to apply to Kerry County Council for a small premises for a Community Resource Centre. Negotiations led to a single unit being allocated initially. The members of the residents group did a lot of work to renovate the premises and acquire furniture, equipment etc. to make it comfortable. Further discussions with HSE Community Dept led to funding for a part-time project worker who was employed by SKDP to develop the work of the centre. A Needs Analysis was undertaken for the estate, this was funded by SKDP Leader and helped identify the needs on the estate.
As the project grew in confidence and activities two additional adjoining premises were allocated by Kerry County Council. In the meantime the Residents Association were actively pursuing their plans to be approved for Family Resource Centre status – this was secured in 2008 and allowed the project to employ a full-time manager as well as a project worker. Having this staff meant that a lot more activities, programmes etc. could now be arranged for families and the local community. A separate board was established to oversee these responsibilities. Great credit must be given to the work of Robert Gamble RIP, chairman of the Residents Association at the time for driving the work, liaising with agencies, leading his committee members and pursuing the vision to have good resources for the local community.
Contact; John Sheehan 089 4614380
email: [email protected]
Bansha Residents Association – was founded in 2004 and in 2006 they approached SKDP for assistance in developing their plans and ideas. For the first few years committee meetings were held in a member’s kitchen. They were very keen to acquire further resources for families and residents on the estate as it is 2 km outside of Killorglin town. Similar to Iveragh Park the Residents Association also worked closely with HSE Community Dept and KCC Housing Liaison Officer. The group compiled a short profile of the area and its needs and presented this to a local area meeting of KCC. Subsequent to this a single bungalow was allocated for community resources purposes to the residents. Likewise, HSE funded a part-time project worker to implement the plans for the centre. This worker is employed by Killorglin Family Resource Centre. The centre also has an Admin worker employed through the Community Employment Scheme.
Having premises, active committees and staff means that a range of activities can be planned to meet the needs of children, families and individuals. Outside agencies have developed good links with the committees and can bring their programmes and resources into the centres. Committees have comfortable and equipped premises where they can meet and plan their work. Their confidence grows and so does a greater sense of local ownership and identity. I.e. local communities learn to be lead partners in addressing local issues.
Activities include; Childcare, Breakfast Club, After-schools Activities, Children’s Programmes, Adult Education Classes, Family Support Programmes, Counselling, Talks, etc.
Contact the chairperson Chris O’Connor; 087 3509150
Email: [email protected]
Fertha Drive Residents Association prioritises the upkeep and enhancement of their estate. In recent times they have developed plans for landscaping and recreation facilities, especially for the younger children. The committee gives reports on their meetings to each home though getting greater involvement of residents is a challenge. The weekly collection of €2 per household is very successful and shows that most households have an interest in their area. The Corpus Christi celebration in Fertha Drive 2 years ago was a great success and the Residents Association is very proud of the event. The group would like to plant mature trees, have a landscaping plan, build a potting shed and develop a children’s play/ community leisure area. They are keen to liaise closely with organisations including Kerry County Council, South Kerry Development Partnership, Caherciveen Family Resource Centre etc to work for betterment of their area.
With assistance from a Student on placement with SKDP from UCC Youth & Community Degree, Fertha Drive Residents Association have undertaken a door-to-door community profile of their area November 2013. The results of the survey will assist the group in catering for the needs of the estate over the coming years.
Contact person: Sheila O’Donoghue 087 2220034
Dromnevane Residents Association in Kenmare re-established and re-invigorated their organisation early 2013. The new committee has been busy consulting with the community, liaising with Kerry County Council Housing Dept and meeting with SKDP to develop their ideas and to learn about supports available to their work. As of November 2013, this group is in the process of designing a community survey to get a better picture of the needs of their estate. This will help them clarify their development plans for the estate as well as family needs that may arise.
Contact the chairperson, Ben van Deventer, 087 3892991
Social Exclusion – Dr Brendan O’Keeffe Report. When SKDP was preparing its Social Inclusion Plan (LCDP) for 2011-2013 it contracted Dr Brendan O’Keeffe to do an analysis of needs of disadvantaged groups and communities across the full SKDP area. From this it can be seen that many families and individuals in Local Authority Housing Estates are at risk of disadvantage – low income, unemployment, less education opportunities etc. Supporting the Residents Groups is a priority for SKDP so that they can become stronger organisations, know what assistance is available for them, develop their plans etc.
Training – In 2011 SKDP developed a training project aimed at building up the skills of committee members. Content covered; meeting skills, roles of officers, strengths and weaknesses, mission statement and developing plans. The following Residents Associations participated in the training 2011 & 2012; Iveragh Park (Killorglin), Bansha (Killorglin), Fertha Drive (Caherciveen), Ard Aoibheann (Waterville) and Tuarinn Linn (Milltown).
As a result of the supports received from SKDP some of the groups have; applied for KES Community Education, SKDP Leader funding, updated the local needs analysis and developed estate landscaping plans.
Networking – SKDP initiated network meetings of the Residents Associations late 2012. The purpose of these quarterly meetings is for the groups to share their experiences, what works well and why, what are their challenges and how have other groups dealt with similar challenges, dealing with local needs and, hopefully lobbying on behalf of their communities. At these meetings members of residents associations have shared updates on their plans, their achievements, how they have accessed funding, and agencies and organisations they have worked with. The members are very supportive of each other and are keen to give a word of advice, encouragement and a boost to other groups.
For further information, you can contact your local SKDP Office: