Dear Everyone, wishing you a Happy Easter and let's stay safe and stay local.
Firstly a huge welcome to Yvonne Murphy who is returning to the role of Cork City PPN Coordinator from her maternity leave. What a time to return and what a chance to find opportunity in crisis.
A special Thank You to Darren McAdam-O'Connell for stepping in as Coordinator for the past 6 months. We are very lucky to have amazing people and organisations in this network, committed to community values. All our strengths will be called on more now and in the future.
Below are some updates, and funding news. A list of resources and initiatives will follow next week.
Table of Contents
Update and Notices
- Cork City Council - Community Call
- Cork Volunteer Centre - Support if you need volunteers
- Cork Gay Project - Recruitment Project Coordinator
Initiatives and Training
- Arts for All.ie
- Stress Control - Online Course
- Cork Gay Project - Upcoming Workshop - Men In the Middle
- Together-Razem Response to COVID-19
- Sexual Health Centre campaigns - safeRsexwork and safeRsex
Funding
Consultations and Surveys
Resources
Please stay in contact. We are here to support and connect and are very inspired by your work and the initiatives over the past month. Tag us on social media @CorkCityPPN. Forward on resources, and input to update the network.
Yvonne Murphy | Coordinator | email coordinator@corkcityppn.ie | Tel: 086 1422 747
Carol Doyle | Support Worker | email info@corkcityppn.ie | Tel: 083 0157662
PS. You are also receiving emails sent through our mailing list from Volunteering Ireland on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development. We acknowledge the increased volume of information and communications. It is a decision taken to ensure communities are kept up to date in this public health emergency. Please let us know if there are any technical issues and also any public information resources you need.
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Cork City Council - Community Call
Cork City Council offices are currently closed to the public. Use the following numbers:
Customer Service Unit Tel: 021 492 4000
for all enquiries
Email: community@corkcity.ie
For general queries regarding the Cork City Community response to the virus
Cork City Community Support Helpline:
Tel: 1800-222-226 (Mon-Sun 8am - 8pm) Email covidsupport@corkcity.ie
This helpline aims is to ensure more vulnerable members of the community or those living alone can access deliveries of groceries, medicine & fuels and can avail of social care supports, as needed. It is part of the Community Call Initiative. Click to read more:
For health advice and the most reliable up-to-date information, see the HSE Coronavirus page:
HSE National Helpline Number 1850 241850.
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Does your organisation need volunteers
Cork Volunteer Centre have 700 people offering to volunteer to help with covid-19 across Cork City & County.
If you require help to deliver services to those who are ill or isolating over the coming weeks or they many need assistance with regular activities due to existing volunteers/staff members unavailability due to illness/childcare etc., contact The Volunteer Centre for support.
www.volunteercork.ie
Julie Connelly (Manager) Tel: 086 852 3347 julie@volunteercork.ie
If you need volunteers contact Gosia Waldowska Tel 086 852 3462 gosia@volunteercork.ie
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Gay Project Ltd is recruiting for a Project Coordinator. The Project Coordinator will work in partnership with the Voluntary Board of Directors to implement the work of the project.
The ideal candidate should have:
- Recognised qualification in Community Work, Social Work, Social Science or other related area and/or 3-5 years full- time experience of working in the community and voluntary sector.
- Project Management Experience – policy development, staff management and ability to implement strategic plan.
- Experience of working with volunteers, preferably in a supervisory capacity
- Demonstrate excellent English language skills.
Email application to email to CGPChair@gmail.com
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www.artsforall.ie
Connecting Communities through creativity
The “Arts for All” initiative, brings together inspiration, ideas and responses from the Arts Community to the current COVID 19 crisis. The website www.artsforall.ie is a collection of activities, workshops, talks, performances etc. to support people to stay well through creativity at home. The aim is to amplify the ongoing work of the arts community and provide added value to it by highlighting creative contribution through the artsforall.ie website.
Arts For All are calling out for creative & collective action to pool our resources, skills and ideas
How to Get Involved:
- Visit the website www.artsforall.ie.
- Submit your ideas/offers
- Share through your networks and social media @ArtsForAllCork
If you have ideas or would like to contribute
contact artsforallcork@gmail.com Tel: Eoin Nash 086-8074037
www.artsforall.ie
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Stress Control Online Course
Starting: Monday 13 April
Visit http://stresscontrol.org
Visit http://stresscontrol.org where you can learn more about the class and get the dates. Everything you need to successfully complete the class – the booklets, self-assessment, relaxation and mindfulness - can be found in the ‘Free zone’.
Life is very hard for us just now and there are no easy solutions or magic cures, but, with hard work and determination, we can boost our resilience to cope with these difficult times and come out the other end stronger.
Please pass this on to anyone who you think might benefit from the class.
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Upcoming Workshop
"Men In The Middle"
Expressions of Interest Are being Sought
The Gay Project is accepting expressions of interest in an upcoming workshop ‘Men in the Middle’
Over the past ten years, the suicide rate among middle-aged men in Ireland has been the highest of all age cohorts and self-harm rate among these men has also increased. Read ‘Middle-Aged Men and Suicide in Ireland’ (www.mhfi.org/MAMRMreport.pdf).
During 2017, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) received funding from the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention to undertake a three year initiative to support service providers to address the needs of middle-aged men.
The workshops will be free for all participants. The aim of these workshops is to assist a broad range of practitioners and service providers to develop practical strategies for effectively engaging with middle-aged men around mental health and wellbeing issues.
To register and for details, contact: Michael O Donnell, michael@gayproject.ie Tel: 0873647901
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Together Razem have introduced a new temporary support programmes aimed to support Polish and Eastern European community in Cork and Cork County, including all public health information and posters available in polish.
- Garda Vetted volunteers are shopping for those in need. Contact: Together Razem: 089 9474987 & Cork Migrant Centre 0862641434.
- Supports also include social welfare advice & psychotherapy online. Counselling is FREE for the period of this emergency, to all laid off, all on COVID social welfare payments. Our psychotherapists are accredited and fully insured in Ireland. Services are delivered in Polish language. Registration is necessary all information available here: https://together-razem.org/pl/teleasysta/
For more information and to volunteer email info@together-razem.org, visit www.facebook.com/together.razem/
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safeRsexwork
Guide for individuals undertaking sex work & escort work during the COVID-19 outbreak
Read more here: safeRsexwork_campaign
The Sexual Health Centre launched a new campaign today, safeRsexwork, offering a practical, step-by-step harm reduction guide for individuals undertaking sex work and escort work during the COVID-19 outbreak.
While it is most advisable for sex workers and escorts to take time off work if at all possible, the Sexual Health Centre recognises that some individuals will not have that option, and that those individuals deserve to have the information and support required at this difficult time. In line with our client-centred approach, the Sexual Health Centre consulted with sex workers and escorts from across the country and SWAI to ensure a relevant and supportive resource would be available to those who must continue to work at this challenging time.
The Sexual Health Centre is continuing to respond to different client group needs. Communications have previously launched an inclusive safeRsex campaign for advice on sexual health during Covid - Click here to read more about the safeRsex campaign
Share and Follow on social media Facebook @BeSexyStayHealthy | Twitter @SHC_Cork
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Age Action and Red Cross Hardship Fund
for Older People who need extra support during the Covid 19 period
Examples of expenses include small household maintenance, repairs and safety improvements, food, provisions, delivery costs, small appliances; digital technology contribution towards increased energy costs or telephone bills; home or personal security costs; additional travel costs for essential reasons (medical appointments, etc.)
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Community Foundation for Ireland’s Covid-19 Community Fund
Click here to apply: Covid-19 Response Fund
This fund is aimed at the immediate needs of organisations impacted by Covid-19.
The focus is on the following groups: People over 60; People with respiratory illnesses or cancer; experiencing domestic abuse; isolated vulnerable people and families, particularly in rural areas; Mental health issues for those affected by Covid- 19
Applications can be made to continue or adapt existing work or to pilot new work that will support those most vulnerable as a result of Covid-19. Grants between €1,000 and €10,000.
A high level of interest in this fund is anticipated. Apply as soon as possible.
Apply here Covid-19 Response Fund
For queries contact the Grants team covidresponse@foundation.ie
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The Sustainable Cork Fund will support not-for-profit organisations to increase the sustainability of Cork’s urban and rural communities through environmental, social and economic innovations which shape a more inclusive future for all. Grants up to €55,000 are available plus a business support package. The Fund will support projects achieving impact in:
- Climate action and environmental awareness:
- Community inclusion and cohesion:
- Sustainable employment and economic development:
www.socialinnovation.ie/sustainable-cork-fund/
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Social Entrepreneurs Grants - Ideas Academy
Deadline for application extended : Tuesday 14 April, 12:00
The Ideas Academy is for people who have identified a social problem and have an idea to help solve it. Participants on this programme receive training and support in key areas of importance to idea-stage social entrepreneurs such as how to develop your idea, pilot it, and set up your project. The Ideas Academy will help you to take those first steps to move from idea to action.
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CorkCity PPN Funding Digest
Available Funding Mar-Apr
Click here to download CorkCityPPNFundingDigestMar_Apr
European Social Catalyst Fund (Learn More on Pg 34)
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Type: social innovation / philanthropy |
Deadline: 15 April |
National Geographic Society Grants
(Learn more Pg 36)
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Type: environment / wildlife |
Deadline: 22 April |
DM Thomas Foundation for Young People Grants
(Learn More Pg 38)
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Type: youth / children / health
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Deadline: 05 May |
Energy for Generations Fund
(learn more Pg 40) |
Type: suicide / homelessness / education
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Deadline: 05 May |
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Cork City Council want to know the aspects of Cork City's heritage that you value and want to see understood, enhanced and celebrated. Our heritage is diverse and vibrant and is all around us. It includes archaeology, built, natural and cultural heritage. It is what we the community who live, work and study in Cork city have inherited from the past, what defines Cork city, and makes it unique and distinct from any other place.
Complete the survey to feed into the upcoming Cork City Heritage Plan, which will guide the implementation of priority heritage actions over the next five years.
The 2015-2020 Heritage Plan can be viewed via the following link, along with other information:
www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/arts-culture-heritage/heritage/
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Annual reports may be filed with the Charities Regulator on any date from 12 March 2020 up to 30 June 2020.
Useful Resources: Charities Regulator's FAQs Charity Governance and Operations during the COVID-19 crisis
www.charitiesregulator.ie/en/information-for-charities/coronavirus-covid-19-and-charities
Survey: The impact of COVID-19 on Your organisation
The Charities Regulator asking that you take a few moments to fill in an anonymous short online survey. The overall survey results will also be shared with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
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Also visit www.corkcityppn.ie
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In the event of a customer not being able to collect their Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection payments personally at the post office, a nominated person (temporary agent) can be nominated to collect the payment on their behalf. This will be important for older people who may not be in a position to collect their pensions as well as people who are immune suppressed or have other underlying health conditions and are in receipt of social welfare payments.
Postmen and postwomen across the country will call to the front doors of older and vulnerable customers along their delivery route.
A nominated person
Bank of Ireland has a service designed to help customers self-isolating during the Covid-19 pandemic - including older customers and those in vulnerable situations – access cash for groceries, newspapers and other day-to-day expenses.
Customers can nominate another person to make in-branch cash withdrawals and lodgements on their behalf. The facility will have built-in safeguards such as limits on withdrawals and daily monitoring by Bank of Ireland’s dedicated Vulnerable Customer Unit.
Customers who wish to avail of this service are advised to complete the “Cocooning Support” form which is available on the Covid-19 Customer Hub, visit: www.bankofireland.com/coronavirus-update/
Free breakdown assistance for Healthcare Workers and Older People
AA Breakdown are offering a service to Healthcare workers and older people and is free to them even if they are not members they can receive free breakdown assistance during Covid 19 The contact number is 1800667788
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Anam Cara Cork is part of a national organisation that offers support to all bereaved parents. Families are even more vulnerable now because of the restrictions on their natural support network of extended family and friends.
They have produced new online resources, to give parents an opportunity to hear a bereavement professional talk about parental grief, the challenges faced and the milestones ahead.
Anam Cara groups are currently suspended until safe to resume monthly meetings. Contact Anam Cara about potential Zoom meetings in for May/ June.
Email info@anamcara.ie
https://anamcara.ie/contact-us/
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Resources for Carers and people with Dementia
Tips for family carers NOT living at home with persons with dementia during Covid-19
https://alzheimer.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tips-for-carers-of-people-with-dementia-.pdf
Tips for family carers living with persons with dementia during Covid-19 https://alzheimer.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/People-living-with-someone-who-has-dementia.pdf
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s National Helpline Service is open 6 days a week. Call 1800 341 341 or email helpline@alzheimer.ie
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National Adult Literacy Agency - Supports and Resources
Visit https://www.nala.ie/
Freefone 1800 202065 – Text Learn 500 50
NALA (National Adult Literacy Agency) offers a broad range of supports and services, to ensure a clearer understanding of complex information and to facilitate learners, with resources for tutors, ideas for parent’s, and free learning online courses
- Help for people with literacy, numeracy or digital skills needs
- Help for parents with their kids learning
- Help for people with understanding health, financial and other information
- Help for tutors who need teaching resources
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Cork City Community Response Forum (CRF) is being co-ordinated by Cork City Council. In addition to the Community Phoneline, the Council’s COVID-19 Community Response Forum will work to ensure that local community resources are getting to the people that need them including social care support and social contact.
Cork City has been broken into 16 local area teams with a Cork City Council community worker and HSE community worker in each area who will work with ‘local champions’ - namely the existing voluntary organisations and groups who know their locality and can help us to match need with service delivery. Each of the 16 local areas also has a link to Community Garda Services.
The core aim of this forum is to contribute to the community-wide effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring a coordinated community response. Cork City Council’s COVID-19 Community Response Forum will work to ensure that local resources - including social care support and social contact – are targeted at the people who need them most. There are many agencies currently doing super work in delivering care to older and vulnerable people in our communities and this forum is aimed at building on this, not duplicating it.
Read more about changes to the way Cork City Council is delivering its service in these times:
www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/news-room/covid-19-updates/
Other Changes and Updates
- Housing: HAP tenants contact 021 492 4000, email hap@corkcity.ie or www.corkcity.ie
The Homeless Unit is now located at City Quarter, Lapps Quay. Tel: 021 - 4924248 or by email homeless@corkcity.ie
- Parking: No charges will apply for on street parking in the city, and Cork City Council-controlled on & off-street parking in Douglas. Multi-storey car parks ( Paul St & North Main St) are free of charge in this time.
- Emergency response crews are still in place to respond to flooding, traffic accidents, fallen trees or branches, to make emergency public light repairs etc
- Cork City Council is deferring rates payments for three months in line with the Government’s announcement. Details of business supports, put in places by the Department of Social Protection visit www.welfare.ie and www.corkcity.ie
- The English Market remains open. Let support all local traders who are managing to keep the doors open.
- Libraries, leisure and cultural spaces: Cork City Libraries online resources are available online www.corkcitylibraries.ie where you can borrow eBooks, eMagazines, listen to music, take an online course – and it’s all free with your library card.
Read more here: www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/news-room/latest-news/cork-city-covid-19-community-response-forum.html
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Thanks for reading. Please forward any events etc you would like us to promote to the members. Your comments, ideas and feedback are very welcome to ensure this newsletter is useful to you or what services you would like to see.
Cork City Public Participation Network, PPN, 13 North Main Street, T12 Y6W0, Cork
Our offices are currently closed due to COVID-19. We are available on mobile, email and social media.
Contacts:
Click here to see your PPN Representatives: www.corkcityppn.ie/meet-the-new-ppn-representatives-in-cork-city/
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