Don't forget!
If you have information to share with other groups and organisations in Galway City, members of GCCN, please drop us a quick email at communications@gccn.ie.
Thank you!
Governance Compliance Training Expressions of Interest Invited
We would like to remind you that GCCN is planning to hold a Governance Compliance Training Session in early 2021. If you are interested in this type of training please get in touch. Based on the expressions of interest received, a webinar will be organised potentially in January 2021.
For further details or to confirm your interest in attending the GCCN Governance Compliance Training, please contact Oana at communications@gccn.ie.
A time and date for this training will be confirmed with all members in the coming days.
Your City, Your Future
Have your say on the future of Galway City! Public Consultation on Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029
Galway City Council has launched a public consultation process for the preparation of the City Development Plan 2023-2029. This plan will provide the framework for how the city will grow and develop to 2029 and beyond, building on the current City Development Plan 2017-2023.
Submissions or observations on this public consultation can be made until Friday, 5th March 2021.
Deadline for Sports Capital and Equipment Programme 2020
Extended to Monday 1st March
The 2020 Sports Capital Programme is now open for applications and the deadline for applications has been extended until 5pm on Monday, 1st March, 2021. See the Government website here for details of how to register (registrations will close at 5pm on Monday, 15th February, 2021) and how to make an application.
The Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Its objectives are to:
assist voluntary and community organisations, national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport, local authorities and Education and Training Boards and schools to develop high quality, accessible, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation
prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas and groups (such as people with disabilities) in the provision of sports facilities
encourage the sharing of sports facilities by clubs, community organisations and national governing bodies of sport
The online OSCAR Website is the only way to apply for grants under the Sports Capital Programme. OSCAR also allows groups to view previous grants and payments, change contact details, seek payment of a grant and otherwise communicate with the department online.
Clann Credo: Community Sports Loans for Sports Capital Applicants Information Evening
Clann Credo - Community Loan Finance is hosting an information evening for all sports and community groups who may require evidence of loan finance to support their application under the 2021 Sports Capital Programme.
This will involve;
Practical advice on how to use loan finance effectively to maximise your grant
Top tips on applying for a Clann Credo Community Sports Loan
An introduction to your local Clann Credo representative
Advice from clubs who have combined grants and loans to develop their facilities in the past
50808 is a first of its kind for Ireland: a free 24/7 text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis - big or small.
FREE TEXT 50808 NOW
From breakups or bullying, to anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings, our Crisis Volunteers are available 24/7 for anonymous text conversations. Our aim is to provide immediate support in the short term and connect people to resources that will help them in the future.
Upcoming Health and Wellbeing Related Programmes/Initiatives
Please see below details of upcoming health and wellbeing related programmes and initiatives for your information.
Stress Control Free Online programme
HSE Health and Wellbeing are offering a free Stress Control programme that teaches you practical skills to deal with stress. The six sessions are 90 minutes a session and will cover different topics. Participants are encouraged to watch all sessions, but participants can join at any stage for one or more session.
The current programme started on January 11th. To register please see www.stresscontrol.ie.
Download the timetable here.
Minding Your Wellbeing
HSE Health & Wellbeing have launched a new free, online mental health and wellbeing programme called Minding Your Wellbeing. The programme consists of a series of 5 video sessions of around 20 minutes. Click here to watch or log on to www.yourmentalhealth.ie
Living Well – HSE programme for adults with long term health conditions
There will be four online programmes starting on dates outlined below, and each programmes runs once a week for 6 weeks.
check out easy-to-use Drinks Calculator to see what you could gain by reducing your alcohol intake.
If you are worried about your or someone else's relationship with alcohol, there is help available.
For support and advice, call the HSE Alcohol helpline on 1800 459 459 or email helpline@hse.ieFree 12-week Online Exercise Programme for over 55s
This which online exercise programme is being delivered by Siel Bleu.
Places are limited. Those interested should email paul.kirwan@sielbleu.ie to register.
Online Art & Ageing Programme Irish Museum of Modern Art
In partnership with Creative Ireland, Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is pleased to provide a new arts programme for older people. This new programme offers a variety of engaging creative events, workshops and resources for older people. This programme delivers a range of free, inclusive arts-based activities as part of an effort to counteract the social side-effects of the pandemic.
This new partnership seeks to address some of the challenges around cocooning and social distancing by enabling access to meaningful cultural encounters and arts experiences, both at home and in residential settings via a range of digital and non-digital means.
National Family Support Network Virtual Conference
The National Family Support Network are very excited to invite you to our virtual conference, taking place on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd of January. On Friday 22nd workshops will take place on the topics of: Dual Diagnosis, Non-Violent Resistance, Kinship Care and Drug Related Intimidation. On Saturday, the 23rd, we will host wellbeing workshops on the themes of: Bereavement, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness and Laughing Yoga. The event is free.
Find further details at the link: https://www.activelink.ie/node/79242
Lockdown Diaries Creative Writing Competition for Older Galway Residents
Submissions are sought from older residents of Galway City & County to reflect life in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Entries are welcome in Irish or English, can be in short story or diary format and must be of maximum 500 words. One entry only per person. Submissions accepted between January 11th and February 19th to:
Email: lockdowndiariesgalway@gmail.com
Post: Galway City Library, Hynes Building, St. Augustine St., Galway H91 R6WF
Conduct Your Own Life Audit for a Balanced and Fulfilled Life in 2021 FREE 1 Hour Webinar
On the 15th January, Londa Ford, Personal Development Coach and Trainer will be running a free 1-hour webinar on Conducting Your Own Life Audit.
With this free webinar, you will learn how to take an objective view of your life as it is and even more importantly, how to make the small adjustments required for positive change.
There is no preparation required, but please come with a pen (plus highlighters if you have them) plenty of paper and of course – an open mind!
Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation. Then you will receive your link and pass-codes 2 days prior to the event.
Age&Opportunity are expanding their FitLine initiative in 2021 to reach more older adults right across the country. and are now looking for more volunteer mentors, individuals or groups, to join our FitLine team, to help them deliver this very worthwhile initiative.
FitLine is a volunteer peer-led telephone-based motivation line which encourages older adults to introduce physical activity into their daily lives. FitLine mentor volunteers are required to provide encouragement and ideas about how older adults can do simple physical activities as part of their day to day routine to suit their own lifestyle, and to provide information about clubs, groups and facilities in their own communities.
The role of a FitLine mentor
• To make regular calls to registered participants who would like to start being more physically active.
• To be the voice of Age & Opportunity’s FitLine initiative while providing information, advice and gentle encouragement to participants to get moving.
• To be a key point of information on the FitLine initiative.
• To be a warm, friendly and welcoming presence.
• To act as a point of contact for members of the public.
• To have a good knowledge of the Age & Opportunity’s Active programme and be ready to share key information and make recommendations to the public.
• Be a self-starter and take initiative if you see something that needs attention.
• To enter basic information onto our CRM system.
• To follow the procedures outlined in Age & Opportunity’s Procedures manual
Applicants must:
• Have an interest in physical activity and overall health and wellbeing;
• Have capacity to make phone calls for approximately three hours once a fortnight, to participants who have already registered to take part in the initiative;
• Have capacity to work from home;
• Have use of a laptop or computer and internet access;
• Be available to attend FitLine volunteer mentor training (3x2 hour sessions via zoom);
• Be willing to take part in ongoing training, such as leadership and resilience, when offered by Age & Opportunity;
• Enjoy being part of network of volunteers;
• Have excellent communication skills and a positive and encouraging outlook on life.
Reasons to volunteer
• Meet other older adults and older adult groups;
• Learn about benefits of physical activity and sport;
• Improve your communication skills by learning about motivational interviewing and behavioural change;
• Help older adults to remain independent and stay as healthy as possible.
To apply, please fill in the FitLine mentor volunteer application form here.
Return your form to:
Margaret Roe, HR Manager, Age & Opportunity, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9, or email it to Margaret.roe@ageandopportunity.ie by 12 noon on Monday the 11th of January 2021.
COVID-19 Emergency Fund (2nd Round) Information Webinar
Galway City Community Network is pleased to work with the Galway City Council and the LCDC to facilitate an information webinar on the 2nd round of COVID-19 Emergency Funding, on:
Monday, 18th January 2021 from 6pm to 7pm. If you wish to attend please register here.
Applications are invited under the 2nd round of COVID-19 Emergency Funding within the Galway City Administrative area from community groups/organisations. The closing date for applications is Friday, 5th February 2021 at 4.00pm.
Message from Covid-19 Stakeholder Communications Support Tuesday 12th January 2021
Dear Colleague,
We are grateful for your continuing support in helping to share information about COVID-19. Below are a few communications updates for you.
Public Health Measures
New Level 5 restrictions have come into place.
You can see the measures in place here.
We are experiencing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in Ireland. Right now, we all need to stay at home and act as if we have COVID-19.
Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Residential Care Facilities Webinar
Friday, 15th January (12-1pm)
You can register for the webinar here.
For telephone access, please use the following:
Telephone: 01 526 0058
Access code: 175 879 7250
Updates to COVID-19 Testing and Tracing
Main changes to COVID-19 Testing and Tracing, effective from the 31st December:
-The HSE will not be referring close contacts for a test. This is so that people who are symptomatic can be prioritised and receive a test as quickly as possible.
-People who received notification by SMS that they are a close contact must restrict their movements for 14 days. If they develop symptoms, they should call their GP or GP Out of Hours service and arrange a test.
-The text message that is sent to close contacts will now advise every close contact that they should restrict their movements and if they show symptoms they should immediately contact their GP to arrange a test. Close contacts can also access our advice for them on this link https://hse.ie/cvdcc
This temporary measure is being implemented in consultation with GPs, to ensure those who have symptoms are tested as quickly as possible and that we can continue to try to reduce the spread of the virus.
COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
Since 29th December, the HSE has been giving the vaccine to people in the highest priority groups – frontline healthcare workers, and people living in long-term care facilities who are aged 65 or over.
The COVID-19 vaccine will offer you protection from COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine should also protect you from the serious complications of COVID-19. The aim in offering the vaccine to the population is to protect people and reduce the illness and deaths caused by this virus.
We encourage everyone in Ireland to read about the COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – www.gov.ie/covid19vaccine is a good place to start, and you can find COVID-19 vaccine information materials at www.hse.ie/covid19vaccinematerials
The COVID-19 Vaccine radio ad started on 30th December across local and national radio stations. Listen to it here.
Face coverings
This video demonstrates the correct way to wear a face covering. Face coverings are advised where social distancing is not possible, such as in crowded outdoor areas, indoor communal workplaces and in shops and on public transport. Find out more:
Clinical and professional guidance relating to COVID-19 is available on www.hpsc.ie where you’ll find up to date guidance for healthcare settings and non-clinical settings.
Please check here for the most up to date partner resources for COVID-19.
Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on the Keep Well campaign.
New Grant Scheme to Support Creativity in the Community During COVID-19 Irish Hospice Foundation
Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) has announced its new IHF Seed Grant Scheme to inspire and support creative responses to the themes of dying, death and bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In partnership with the Creative Ireland Programme, the aim of IHF Seed Grants is to support groups, organisations and individuals in exploring creative initiatives and approaches to reflect and remember.
This may take the form of starting new local art projects, or to support existing projects gain momentum - this may involve artists, crafts people or coders or may be a group or individual who has a good idea.
For more details and how to apply visit hospicefoundation.ie
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the National Public Health Emergency Team’s (NPHET) epidemiological modelling advisory group, has said that the reproduction number for COVID-19, a key measure of how fast the disease is spreading, is now between 2.4 and 3 – having not previously exceeded 1.6 at any point since the beginning of the first wave.
Public health officials have attributed the rise both to high levels of socialisation and contact, and to the growth in cases of the new variant. While there are signs of a slowing in growth rates, Prof Nolan said there is “a considerable way to go”, and urged people to “continue and redouble” their efforts to stop transmission of the virus.
Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said that while the figures are “the worst set of data we’ve ever had to consider”, there are “signs of encouragement” that progress is being made. Meanwhile, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has advised businesses that are currently closed to prepare for remaining closed for “a three month period” – although he said that restrictions would be eased when possible.
See details at the links below: The Irish TimesThe Irish TimesIrish ExaminerIrish Independent
Minister for Education Norma Foley has announced “with regret” that plans for Leaving Certificate students to return to class for three days a week have been scrapped, pending “further engagement with all education stakeholders”. The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) had instructed its members not to cooperate with Monday’s planned reopening of schools, based on “significant concerns about the health and safety of students, teachers and other staff”, while the Teachers’ Union of Ireland said members would not be attending their workplaces on Monday “or on subsequent days, but will be available to provide emergency remote teaching and to support their students including, in particular, students with special educational needs”. The Union welcomed the decision “now taken, somewhat belatedly, by Government to finally do the right thing”.
See further details at the links below: The Irish TimesIrish ExaminerIrish Independent
#OurHealthService: Family Carers Share their Covid Experience
Veronica Anderson and Nora Murphy, two family carers from Galway, share their experiences of caring full-time for a loved one during COVID-19. Filmed in May and June the video illustrates the challenges they faced, the supports they received and outlines what helped them to keep going and stay positive. In organising the video, Community Healthcare West set out to acknowledge the incredible work and commitment of family carers. Expressing her gratitude to Veronica and Nora, Breda Crehan Roche, Chief Officer, CHW noted:
“We wanted to let everyone see what it is that family carers do and the impact their work has on individuals, families and communities. We wanted to say thank you to family carers right across the country. Covid 19 brought new challenges for everyone, but we wanted to show how these family carers met those challenges with care, dedication and commitment.
There is no doubt that without them our acute and community services would be adversely affected.”
The Galway City Community Call Helpline New Flyer GraphicsThe helpline is open to anyone who needs it, seven days a week.
If you need support or help to get access to shopping, food, medication or if you feel isolated or lonely and need someone to talk to, please get in touch at:
1800 400 150 covidsupport@galwaycity.ie
Please find below the new graphics for the Community Call for Galway City, for your information and onwards circulation and promotion:
The Keep Well campaign provides guidelines, information, and tips on how we can add healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines around five simple actions: keeping active, keeping in contact, switching off and getting creative, eating well and minding your mood
With the winter months approaching, we would like to share once again some of the main helplines for older people to access, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 alert.
Galway City COVID-19 Community Call Helpline: 1800 400 150
COPE Galway Helpline: 085 87 67 785
Alone Helpline: 0818 222 024
Senior Line: 1800 804 591
We highly encourage you to share these numbers with any older person you know.
As part of the ongoing work of the Galway City Community Response Forum, Galway City Community Network and Galway City Council have developed a map of the COVID-19 related responses, activities and services available to people in Galway City.
The map is publicly available and can be used as a useful information resource both for individuals made vulnerable by COVID-19 and by organisations or agencies that need to know where they may refer their clients to for support.
“We wanted to let everyone see what it is that family carers do and the impact their work has on individuals, families and communities. We wanted to say thank you to family carers right across the country. Covid 19 brought new challenges for everyone, but we wanted to show how these family carers met those challenges with care, dedication and commitment. 
