Issue No. 39 | January 2025
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
Welcome to 2025 - A message from our CEO
As we start 2025, I extend a warm welcome to the 39th edition of our company newsletter, In the Loop.
SWMDC had a very successful 2024. We launched our new Ready to Work Programme, commenced the Mayo Resettlement Programme, secured the Community Connection Project, submitted a successful Expression of Interest for a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) and started the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).
In 2024, we were delighted to welcome some new members to our Board who are bringing many new skills and experience which complement our current membership. SWMDC relies on the commitment of our volunteer members to support us in our work and we are eternally grateful to them for their valuable input.
Our team has grown to 63 people, and we are all looking forward to working with the people and communities that we serve throughout 2025. We will have more job opportunities coming up in 2025 and expect our team to reach 70 people by the end of the year.
In this edition, we are highlighting some of the funding opportunities that are currently open for applications, and those that will be available in the coming months. Our social media channels are a great way to stay in touch with SWMDC and informed about various opportunities as they arise during the year.
We are always open to feedback, so if you have ideas on how we can improve our newsletter and/or our presence on social media, please feel free to contact us at info@southmayo.com.
Staff Updates
January Starter: Deirdre McDonnell joined our Ready to Work team as an Employment Specialist during the month of January. Deirdre will support people with disabilities to bring them closer to the labour market through a range of supports and interventions as part of the Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme.
Welcome Back: We are delighted to welcome Tracie O’Leary back to the SICAP team. Tracie has been on extended leave, and will be returning to her Life Long Learning post.
New Job Opportunities: We will have several new job opportunities available over the coming weeks and months, so please keep an eye on our website and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X) for more details. When we recruit, we ask for a cover letter and a CV.
If you are interested in applying for one of our jobs, we recommend that you start working on your CV and cover letter now. This means that you will be under less pressure when the job is advertised, and you have more time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the job available. A two-page CV is generally sufficient and a one-page cover letter should cover everything you need to get your points across.
Funding Opportunities Open for Applications
There are several funding opportunities open for applications at the moment, that may be of interest to you or someone you know.
Local Enhancement Programme 2025 – Funding Scheme for Community Groups
What’s available?
- Capital and current funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, purchase equipment, eg: table, chairs, tools, signage, laptops, lawnmowers etc.
- Current funding to support non-pay running costs, eg: electricity & heating charges, refuse charges, rental/lease costs or insurance bills.
Important Details
- Application forms and guidelines are available on https://www.mayo.ie/community/funding/LEP2025
- The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 application form is through an online portal only.
- Closing date 3pm on Thursday 6th February 2025.
- For more information, please email lep2025@mayococo.ie
Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Festival & Participative Events Programme 2025
The Festival & Participate Events Programme for County Mayo aims to support festivals and participative events that will drive domestic tourism and help to improve the visitor experience in Mayo.
To be considered for funding under this Programme, Festivals must generate a minimum of 200 visitors, or 200 tourist bed nights in paid accommodation. A minimum expenditure of €5,000 must be demonstrated in the case of both festivals and participative events.
- More info: https://www.mayo.ie/news/Regional-Festivals-2025
- Closing date for receipt of completed applications 5pm Friday 21st February 2025.
HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme
Community groups and voluntary organisations that provide health or social care services to the community. The funding is available for one-off projects and services that improve the health and social care needs of communities, such as equipment and small fixtures and fittings like hoists, tables, and chairs, or to run camps, classes, courses, personal development training, information or activity events.
- More Info: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lottery-grants/national-lottery-grants/
- Closing date for applications: Midday, Friday 14th February 2025.
Future Funding Opportunities
There will be other funding opportunities opening in the coming months, so please keep an eye on local press and social media for more details:
- Clár Funding ( Advertised March/April) – www.mayo.ie/community/funding CLAR2024
- Community Centre Investment Funding (Advertised June/July) – https://www.gov.ie/ga/eagraiocht/an-roinn-forbartha-tuaithe-agus-pobail/
- Community Heritage Grant Scheme (open in February 2025) – https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/heritage_orgs-fund
Applying for Funding - Community Groups
If you are applying for funding in 2025, here are some points that you may need to consider:
- Quotations – When collecting quotations for your project costs, make sure you are very clear about your requirements (engine size, print quality, servicing etc.) so that you are comparing ‘apples with apples’.
- Community Group Constitution – Does you group have rules around the way it operates? If not, you need to develop a constitution setting out who does what, when you meet, and how money is managed for example. There are plenty of templates online that you can use.
- Bank Account – Does your group have a bank account? Is it in the same legal name as your group? Differences here can become hard to correct when you are facing a deadline, so fix it now while you can.
- Matching Funds – There are very few grants that will cover 100% of your costs. Have you got the ‘matching funds’ to cover the difference between your grant and your total project costs? If you need a loan, contact your bank, credit union or social finance organisation today, as a loan application process can take some time.
Work in Focus - Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force (WRDATF)
Did you know that the WRDATF offers a direct referral, confidential, one-to-one drug and alcohol support service to family members (over 18 years of age) and loved ones experiencing difficult situations?
For Mayo-based support, you can get in touch with Bernie Avdic directly, on 087 335 2831, at bernie.advic@wrdatf.ie, or at the following link: https://www.wrdatf.ie/family-support-services.php
The Drug and Alcohol Family Support Programme offers a wide range of supports including:
- Online Supports: There are various groups, information sessions, and events available for family members to attend online.
- One-to-One Support: A safe and non-judgemental space where you are listened to and supported. The family support worker will help you to identify and work with your needs, goals and strengths.
- Information: Give relevant information on drugs, alcohol, and the effects of substance misuse has on individuals and their families.
- Evidence-Based Support Programmes: There are several programmes available such as 5-Step, CRAFT and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) training. The 5-Step method to family support explores the stress and strain that substance use can have on the family member. CRAFT is a family support programme which focuses on developing skills of the family member to improve their own well-being, while also trying to reduce the substance use of the family member. NVR is a response to child to parent violence and abuse. The training aims to equip parents with the skills to resist, persist, and prevent violence within the home.
- Drug Related Intimidation: Information for families experiencing drug-related intimidation.
- Referral Options: Provide sign posting to further services based on needs.
- Respite & Wellness Options: Planned events for family members.
- Self-Care: Promote physical, mental, and social health and well-being.
WRDATF has a range of training programmes available for Spring 2025 as follows:
- 30th January: Cannabis Intervention Workshop (online)
- 13th February: Putting the Pieces Together Refresher (online)
- 25/27 February & 4/6 March (10am-12noon): Putting the Pieces Together (blended learning)
- 4th March (12-week course): Effective Responses to Cocaine – Application process applies.
- 19/26 March & 2/9 April: Alcohol Related Brain Injury (online)
If you are interested in finding out more about these courses and how to secure a place, please email training@wrdatf.ie or see https://www.wrdatf.ie/training.php.
There are many ways to stay up-to-date with all the supports and training programmes that the WRDATF has to offer as follows:
- Website: www.wrdatf.ie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesternRegionDrugandAlcoholTaskForce
The WRDATF team works hard to maintain a strong presence on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/westrdatf/), so if this is an area that interests you, why not give them a follow and stay in the know.
