Wexford PPN Bulletins

Public Consultation on the future of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy

The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, has launched Ireland’s public consultation on the future of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy.

Cohesion Policy constitutes the main investment policy of the EU, and is due to account for around a third of its budget, or EUR 392 billion over the period of 2021-2027. Cohesion Policy is designed to contribute to strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion in the European Union. It aims to correct imbalances between countries and regions. It delivers on the Union’s political priorities, especially the green and digital transition.

We invite you to participate in this important consultation, details of which can be found here

Annual Online Gathering of Community Growers

Next month, Community Gardens Ireland & Social Farms & Gardens Northern Ireland are together organising our 3rd annual online gathering and forum! The event starts at 11am on Saturday 2nd March.

This free event takes place online and will include speakers from allotments, community gardens & groups across Ireland.

Further info available Here

Climate competition for community groups

Global Action Plan Ireland is inviting community groups all over Ireland to take part in an innovative and exciting climate competition.

Funded by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs, the ‘Climate Heroes’ competition will see local groups across the country compete to reduce their carbon footprints. Participants will take as many climate-positive actions as they can, and our online app will translate activities logged into CO2 emissions saved. The team that saves the greatest amount of greenhouse gas emissions are the winners of this exciting competition.

The team-based climate competition will begin on 15th April and last until 26th April and further can be found Here

Healthy Food Made Easy Expression of Interest 2024

South East Healthy Food Made Easy is now open to accepting Expressions of interest to host Healthy Food Made Easy Programmes for 2024. Closing Date Wednesday 28th Feb .

The HFME programme offers a basic nutrition and cookery course that helps people switch to a healthier diet, plan meals on a budget and create easy to cook meals.  The course content is based on the most up-to-date healthy eating guidelines from the Department of Health in Ireland. It is a national programme.

Course Content includes:

Session 1– ‘Building a Food Pyramid’ (introducing healthy eating guidelines)

Session 2– ‘The Fibre Providers’ (Fibre in cereals, fruit & vegetables)

Session 3– ‘Focus on Fats’ (learning about the good & bad fats)

Session 4– ‘Food for Life’ (family eating, children’s diets)

Session 5– ‘Shop Smart’ (Shopping on a budget, food labelling)

Session 6– ‘The Road Ahead’ (planning long term changes in eating habits)

If you are an organisation /  group that have a registered charity number,  that would be interested in a Healthy Food Made Easy programme in 2024 , please send an expression of interest to southeasthfme@hse.ie

.IE Digital Town Awards 2024

The .ie Digital Town Awards has a total prize fund of €60,000 across 10 categories in areas such as sustainability, agri-tech, digital tourism, community, education, and digital business.

We’re calling on people and voluntary groups across Ireland to enter the annual .ie Digital Town Awards 2024, which celebrate the digital achievements of local towns, businesses and citizens across the country.

Entry to the Awards is free, applications close at 5pm on Friday 1 March 2024.

You can find more info Here

Bealtaine Hero Award

The call for applications to the Bealtaine Hero Award is open to local, community based groups (or individuals) who wish to submit proposals for an event that offers an ambitious, creative and experimental invitation to their community this May, and that celebrates the spirit of the festival. All art forms and event types will be considered, however non-arts events will not be considered (please see guidelines for examples of arts and non-arts events).

Two awards of €500 will be made to the two successful applicants.

Deadline: 5pm, Friday February 19th, 2024.

Those wishing to apply for the Bealtaine Hero Award should complete the online application form Here

Improving Your Nonprofit’s Annual Report

Carmichael is delighted to provide this free training webinar.

In this webinar nonprofits of all sizes will gain tips and advice from an expert panel on how to improve the content and narrative of their Annual Report.

The webinar takes place on February 27th 2024 from 10.05-10.55.

Further info Here

Development Perspectives SDG Advocate training

Development Perspectives SDG Advocate training is a great chance for people interested in developing skills and taking on a project to make positive change in their work or volunteering environments.

This year’s project is open to anyone in the Adult and Community Education Sector who is passionate about sustainability and interested in joining a group of diverse, creative and innovative people to further their GCE skills and contribute to achieving the SDGs in Ireland.

For further information and application form Here

Creative Ireland Wexford Information Clinics

Wexford County Council Arts Department and Creative Ireland Wexford will host five county-wide information cafes about upcoming funding opportunities. Open to communities, artists and creatives, the information cafes will explore the types of funding that is available, look at how to write a good funding application, and provide a chance to chat with peers over tea and coffee.

Wed 14^th Feb, 2.30pm to 4.00pm – Enniscorthy, Presentation Centre

Thur 15^th Feb, 2.00pm to 3.30pm – Wexford, Wexford Library

Thur 15^th Feb, 10.00am to 11.30am – Rosslare, Stella Maris Centre

Please email artsoffice@wexfordcoco.ie  to register your attendance.

SEAI Free Home Energy Drop-In Clinics

Check out the upcoming Home Energy Clinic, being hosted in Gorey Library, aimed at bringing energy awareness and efficiency to our communities and homes. These Energy Clinics, run by SEAI’s Sustainable Energy County Mentor team, will dive into the ins and outs of our energy use, energy savings and practical tips for making our home and community more energy efficient. Whether you’re an energy efficiency pro or just getting started, these clinics are for everyone in the community.

• Learn simple and effective practices to make your daily life more energy-aware and efficient.
• Discover available grants and support to meet your unique energy needs.
• An SEAI Energy Mentor will be on hand to answer any questions or guide you on the next step on your energy efficiency journey or supports available to you.

Drop into Gorey Library on Tuesday 13th February any time between 17:30 and 19:30 (No need to book in advance)

Further information Here

Energise Your Community – SEC Webinar

As part of the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme, the South East Energy Agency is delighted to announce our webinar for groups interested in joining the SEC programme. This webinar is directed at community groups in the South East, as well as any interested parties and stakeholders.

This online webinar takes place on February 21^st, 7.30pm – 8.30pm.

Further info Here

LGBT+ Helpline

The LGBT+ Helpline (Freephone 1800 929 539) is available 7 days a week with trained volunteers ready to listen. Our Helpline is available: Monday to Thursday: 6:30pm to 10:00pm, Fridays: 4:00pm to 10:00pm and Weekends: 4:00pm to 6:00pm.