Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP)

End of Year Progress Report 2016

North East and West Kerry Development

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ContentsGlossary of Terms ...................................................................................................................................3

1) Overview of 2016............................................................................................................................4

2) Engagement with Beneficiaries ....................................................................................................13

3) Targets ..........................................................................................................................................20

4) Horizontal Themes........................................................................................................................23

5) Youth Employment Initiative ........................................................................................................26

6) Case Study ....................................................................................................................................28

7) Updates to IRIS Database .............................................................................................................34

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Glossary of Terms

SICAP Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme

IRIS Individual Information Registration System

BTWEA Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

STEA Short Term Enterprise Allowance

PAP Personal Action Plan

KPI Key Performance Indicator

ESF European Social Fund

YEI Youth Employment Initiative

ESG Enterprise Support Grant

ILND Irish Local Development Network

NEET Not in Employment, Education or Training

DSP Department of Social Protection

LCG Local Community Group

NYCI national Youth Council of Ireland

KETB Kerry Education and Training Board

FEAD Fund for European Aid for the Most Deprived

ILDN Integrated Local Development Network

CSC Children’s Services Committee

STEP Steps to Excellence and Personal Success

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1) Overview of 2016 (max 1000 words):

Please provide an overview of the experience of SICAP implementation for 2016 with reference to the following headings: Note all activities and resources, staff etc., outlined I this report are funded through SICAP as administered by the Kerry LCDC

a. Key Achievements

Foodshare Kerry Foodshare Kerry was supported through SICAP staff and also small grant for marketing .The SICAP staff applied for grant aid on behalf of Foodshare and was granted support under the FEAD programme .This is a European programme which Provides aid for those most deprived in the form of food or clothing and is delivered in Ireland through the Department of Social Protection. Foodshare which collects surplus food from food suppliers and delivers it to charities, will now be able to augment this supply with over €150,000 of food over the next few years

Photo courtesy Kerry’s Eye (c)

STEPS to Excellence and Personal Success ( STEP )SICAP supported the training almost eighty individuals from various geographical areas, and subsequently held quarterly refresher workshops to support individuals in achieving their goals. Due to the positive response of this research based programme, SICAP supported a development worker, to train as a facilitator in STEP’s. This proved to be a cost effective measure, as training was completed in house, which incurred no external facilitation fees. Training completed in 2016 confirms a high level of activation.

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20% of participants secured both part-time and fulltime employment

28% are currently on Community Employment Schemes / Tus Schemes

20% have re-entered education or retrained in new skills to increase and enhance their

prospects of future employment

20% have continued on personal development training programmes

12%, although undertaking the S.T.E.P programme, and regarding it as a positive

experience, nevertheless required further supports.

These results prove the validity and efficiency of the programme, which encouraged and enabled a total of 88% of the participants to progress into one of several options, these being employment, education, training and/or personal development. This is an innovative pathway to embedding the principles of Community Development and Social Inclusion in its core work.

Some participants of the Listowel ‘STEP’s to Excellence’ group October 2016 going through the Programme.

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Enterprise -NEWKD Clients & Awards.

A client who was supported under SICAP was a winner of the Best New Business at the Kerryman

Enterprises Awards. John and Michaela Edwards won their category for best new business. They run

Wild Water Adventures, which was supported by NEWKD Enterprise Department in its development.

In collaboration with South Kerry development Partnership we organised a Kerry Enterprise awards event where by Enterprises supported on to the BTWEA/STEA Scheme were encouraged to submit their application. All applications were assessed and we had ten finalists, two of which were chosen to go forward to the ILDN Regional Awards in Cork which were held in June. SICAP funded the cost of hosting the awards

NEWKD Enterprise Nominees and Awards Winners

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Strategy for Community Work in Estates. NEWKD staff funded under SICAP have developed a strategy for enhancing community development work in estates with Kerry County Council and the work on the ground commenced. The strategy document has been disseminated to the LCDC. A number of estates were identified (see below) as priorities where the majority of resources would be applied and a number of other estates as secondary priorities.

Above some of the key estates in the estates strategy

The foundational approach underpinning the strategy is that it is aimed at developing community work in estates as opposed to purely estate management. As a first step a piece of research was undertaken in the Shanakill, Rathoonane, Muing and Gallowsfield areas in collaboration with University of Limerick (fully funded through SCIAP grant) and the ITT Tralee .The resulting studies were launched and a process of developing plans to respond to the local need commenced .(see pic below)

Photo courtesy Kerry’s Eye (c)

Planning for Real training which supports work in estates was organised by NEWKD and funded by SICAP to support the strategy and other LDCs attended this also.

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A range of other work under this strategy was also carried out including the dissemination of a Quarterly SICAP newsletter to the estates to promote SICAP work and used as a feedback mechanism when carrying out community profiles, etc. A Quarterly Mitchel’s / Boherbee Community Regeneration newsletter developed by NEWKD.

Castleisland Youth Forum:NEWKD supports this interagency group which assists in providing an opportunity for agencies in the Castleisland area to network and share information on youth related issues - mainly drugs & alcohol. They developed a card outlining the range of services available in the area which will be distributed to all schools. The forum also organised a very effective event funded by SCIAP for the local schools in the Castleisland area with guest speaker Dr. Fergus Heffernan a leading educator in the area of mental health, wellbeing, family and teenagers.

Disadvantaged Youth / Prevention of Early school Leaving.17 education assessments were funded by SICAPthrough schools for pupils identified as at risk of early school leaving. Incredible year’s basic parenting programme being delivered in Tralee. Four homework clubs are being funded which directly target young people at risk of early school leaving in post-primary school.Men’s Sheds.Men’s Shed Network – continues to evolve with the training element of the work making huge strides with most sheds completing computer, health and safety as well as manual handling training in 2016. The network has also affiliated with its sister network in South Kerry and has appointed a peer mentor to support its work and to liaise with the Irish Men’s Shed Association Men’s. We facilitated the opening of a new shed in Ballyheigue, upgrading of one in Causeway through SICAP funding as well as supporting the predevelopment of one in Castleisland whereby SICAP funded a container

Disability Sports InitiativeBuilding on the sports initiative for adults with disabilities. NEWKD worked with “Castleisland Parents Together" Committee on the development of sports activities for children with Disabilities to provide an hour support in a safe environment supported by NEWKD volunteers while also providing training and workshops for the parents of the children involved.

Disability Sports inclusion – Mary

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NEWKD Techspace Castleisland

Is a Creative technology movement, inspiring young people to develop 21st century skills - to become digital creators, inventors and makers through technology. SICAP funded IT equipment and also using SICAP funding NEWKD Techspace travelled to Dublin on Friday the 4th of November 2016 to the Foundry, GOOGLE building to attend the Creative Tech Fest 2016, which brings together Youth Artists and Educators from across the TechSpace network to celebrate the creative work produced as part of their TechSpace activities and the AYV Program. Invited guests got the opportunity to experience the work of TechSpace, a national network of youth organisations, schools, partners and 60+ creative technology educators.

The NEWKD Techspace group got to experience different maker workshops and got a tour of the GOOGLE building.

Participants in Techspace Castleisland visit the Google building Dublin

Supports to prevent Early School Leaving SICAP funded a number of initiatives aimed at preventing early school leaving.Incredible Years Tralee :The IY BASIC parenting programme commenced in October with participants being referred from Moyderwell Primary school and Presentation Primary school. The course will run for 14 sessions and is due to finish in early February, 2017. It is delivered every Tuesday morning in the MY building in Boherbee. The agencies involved in supporting the delivery of IY are Springboard, HSCL of Moyderwell Primary/Tralee Educate Together, Kerry ETB, and The HSCL of Colaiste Gleann Li. 2017 hopes to see the expansion of the IY programmes in Listowel. SFP group leader training: SICAP officer organised the training and funded venue and refreshments. The lead trainer is from HSE drug and alcohol service. The training took place in Shanakill FRC in May ’16 as the next Strengthening Families Programme commenced in September ’16 in Shanakill.There is an inter-agency group to oversee the delivery of the SFP in Kerry. The CYPSE co-ordinator is now a member, the Kerry schedule for delivery has been finalised for the next 3 years and will be shared with the CYPSE, other relevant agencies to encourage referrals. The national SFP council needs to be engaged with strategically to ensure our learning from the delivery gets addressed e.g. evaluation of each programme, funding streams are available, enough group leader trainers are available, etc.

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Education assessments: In 2016 SICAP funded 17 assessments. A SCPA recognised psychologists was recruited (Using Public procurement guidelines) at the start of the year, letters went out to schools requesting referrals. The majority of referrals received came from post-primary schools. A waiting list is in operation for the 2017 funding.The Homework Club in Aiseanna na hOige was supported. SICAP funded a bus to transport children from the primary schools to the homework club 4 days per week. This is a new initiative and based on a report from the SICAP officer this project hopes to move toward a more sustainable service over the next 3 years.The Star Pupil initiative continued its work of providing incentives to young Traveller students, who have completed 5th year, to remain in school at complete their Leaving Cert.

b. Challenges and Barriers

Programme -

The clients’ individual expectations of the amount of support the officer can offer them and that they may need is sometimes in conflict with the time available given the amount of administration in processing a client and the high targets. This creates unease within the officer as they are finding it challenging to both give the quality of care and maintain integrity of the service as understood by both their values and the company’s values which have been developed over a period of time working in local development.

From a monitoring perspective there is no incentive to capture the extra work done with clients and therefore NEWKD do not record the majority of it once the client has a had two interventions

SICAP does not allow PI’s to fund community groups directly; this is problematic for groups, the only other fund is the Councils Community Fund and based on 2016 the amount of social inclusion related groups which were funded were very few. There is no other source locally that can assist with small capital items and this can be frustrating for staff as well as communities.

Trying to achieve target numbers set nationally while working with continually changing systems.

IRIS - Personal Action Plans (PAPs) add extra form-fatigue for both the individual and PI staff members

therefore could PAPs be amalgamated somehow into the beneficiary form (e.g. by removing other aspects of the form)?

The individual registration form has changed 5 times since Apr 2015, with no timely notification from Pobal re this, which meant PI Staff were using old forms for a while until they found out by accident that the form had changed, etc.

Gaps in Services- Lack of support for older people, community alert groups and networks. Lack of mainstream / formal interventions to assist 18-25 year olds back into education, training

and / or employment. Such interventions must be high-support with an emphasis on quality work not numbers.

The lack of a school network where social inclusion issues are identified / raised so that SICAP can be informed in its work into the final year of the programme.

Lack of education and training at levels 1-3 (NFQ) in an outreach capacity in our area. There is room for more innovative outreach strategies to target those who left school early without qualifications.

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A number of requests for Occupational Therapy and additional tuition for young people has come from schools. .

Lack of funding for paying staff in the community sector – i.e. pay special needs assistant with full training (e.g. SAMS) to co-ordinate disability groups.

Clients presenting with Mental health issues – depression, anxiety

c. Progress with Annual Plan NEWKD developed some new actions ,for example disability sports for young people ,homework supported a schools traveller transition programme ,supported a befriending programme aimed at refugees and asylum seekers .We also progressed a range of other initiatives

The transition from a community development programme to an activation programmes has proved challenging particularly with the high targets expected. The limitations in the quantity and the quality of job opportunities in the LOT area are key challenges to progressing clients into employment .Many clients who have qualifications would have a better chance of gaining employment outside the county but their mobility is restricted by family ties of the fact that they do not wish to leave the area .There are also many “competing “agencies in the activation arena ,even internally where NEWKD have an LES .While NEWKD graphs for interventions will not illustrate this many clients need more than two intervention and some over 10. Staff do not record all of these as there is no incentive to do so and given the amount of administration involved in the programme.

NEWKD has targets which were almost 3 times the other LDC in the County and given the context described above, the company did well to achieve the vast majority of its 15 headline indicators and indeed the vast majority of its headline indicators. This involved moving resources gradually from community development to activation. Nevertheless quality community development work was undertaken in areas from working in estates to disabilities as outlines in this report.

d. Lessons Learned Provide examples of good practice (e.g. in engaging with the difficult to reach groups) as well as any lessons learned (e.g. actions taken to overcome challenges, or what you would do differently).

Overall-

NEWKD believe that it may have to reduce both the range of community development work and to tweak the approach to the delivery of the 2017 plan in order to meet the targets

Actions such as the training supports to the Men’s Sheds network for example have to be analysed as many of those now in sheds are retired men and these cannot be recorded as individuals and as this is the target which provides the challenge we will have to assess the level of work we can do in this area. Areas such as support mental health at a community level which is an area of work which has been a fruitful one in terms of the range of initiatives and projects that have been set up will also have to be reduced or discontinued for the same reasons

Regarding the approach, targets need to be focussed on first and foremost in terms of how they can be achieved and then look at underlying social issues or possible strategic work accruing as opposed to the reverse.

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There is a need for more capacity building in the area of equality as it is an area which is not fully understood and about which there are differing opinions and interpretations. A greater understanding /debate around these issues, will provide a more supportive environment, greater understanding and impetus for the progression of groups who are excluded.As stated above undertaking this work depends on first being able to meet targets.

Specific Learning -

NEETS: Group work has worked well for the PI and clients as it allows the clients to share experiences, peer support, reduce isolation, form friendships and also allows them to discover their strengths. As work with this group takes time group work is both an effective and efficient way to progress this client group

Supports for young people at risk of early school leaving:Incredible years programmes – the approach of running parenting supports in a child centred way is very effective. IY basic parents programme is delivered whilst the children participate in the small group DINA programme and the teachers have received the teacher classroom management programme. The child is receiving one approach/response to his/her behaviour from the school environment and the home. Learning from Incredible year’s course Learning to date:

2 facilitators are required to deliver the course A minimum of 2 Travellers need to be recruited in order to hold attendance. Attendance has been a bit lower since Christmas. Loan sharks are cited as the reason. KETB require PPSN -some participants are very hesitant to produce it. A neutral venue is required to deliver the course.

The need for education assessments is high amongst schools, further education and third level education and for NEETS. Gaps in services for young people with Asperger and ASD who have left schools between the ages of 16-17yrs.Traveller community need high support to stay in education. SICAP has a very limited role to play here due to target demands.

Community Work in Estates – Rathorig:Rath Oraigh would benefit from a family support worker based in the centre on at least a part-time basis. Community activation will be slow to develop. A commitment to the area for at least 5 years is required to see the community begin to coheese. Our strategic linkages with the Housing Dept. of KCC are very beneficial to our work in the area. The inter-agency group will continue to meet in 2017 to oversee the needs and work in the area.

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2) Engagement with Beneficiaries (max. 1000 words)Please provide an overview of engagement with beneficiaries with reference to the following headings

a. Engagement Strategies:Outline engagement strategies for the target groups e.g. outreach approaches, location of drop in offices, increasing engagement with particular target groups e.g. those not engaged with previously.

Outreach Strategy: Career planning courses were delivered in areas where the participants are e.g. Ballyheigue. This gave us good attendance levels and an insight into the lack of employment perspectives for young men in rural areas e.g. lack of transport, services and employment. Emigration remains an option for clients, highlighting supports such as the Eures programme and ensuring CV’s are up to date and printed before travelling.

Men’s Sheds -Through the support and establishment of Men’s sheds in communities ,we have worked with existing community groups, community centres, family centres, GAA, etc. in order to source clients.Estate Management – We have worked through a rage of engagement strategies 1) we delivered detailed questionnaires to every household in five Tralee estates and collected same 2) We established an estate management residents group on each estate 3) We set up a management steering group with KCC to oversee the work, 4) We work with an established interagency group comprising all statutory, community and agencies in the area

Hard to Reach:Supports for Roma -Some NEKWD staff underwent ROMACT training which is aimed at developing greater knowledge of the ROMA community which will support better and more appropriate service delivery.

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Location of offices:NEWKD have offices in the following locations:Tralee (head office), Listowel, Dingle, Castleisland .Each office has SICAP staff and staff work across offices as required to deliver specific services. The spread of offices helps to ensure that NEWKD is embedded in the communities it serves.

b. Target GroupsThe majority of the clients are from the 35-45 age band, with the next most prominent being the 25-35 age band .Upper and lower secondary comprise the most common educational qualification of clients with over 125 having primary only (see summary graphs below )

INDIVIDUALS -

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LCGs:NEWKD supported a range of groups with the majority being area based and coming from actions 1, 2 / 3 and 6 which illustrates these as the prominent Community Development actions.

c. Individual profileOutline the typical caseload profile of individuals based on the registration information gathered and any insights from this (e.g. common profiles, particular supports required). A few points if you have examples

Enterprise In crude terms there is a dichotomy where clients may be either well educated and having

quite a clear idea of their business and the some of the technical skills required or they may have a very general idea but few of the technical abilities required to develop the business, low levels of education and they may also have literacy difficulties

NEETS Profile

Many presenting with no leaving cert and a percentage with no junior cert – (see iris) Negative views and experiences of the Education systems – PI providing a lot of support to the client to break down the barrier and under the YEI service we found that Basic First Aid training in a group setting works best practise with all having a positive experience and all wanted to up take other training opportunities after completing the course .Learning difficulties in the under 25’s.

Mental Health issues and confidence issues NEWKD often having to make reschedule appointments for YEI service clients.

Only getting a €100 a week Transport- the rising cost price of insurance on young people, if no work locally cannot apply

for the jobs

Unemployed Adult Profile Largely male with low skill sets. Manual work is what they seek but re-skilling is not something they are open to. Supports required – communication skills, self-care, developing an up to date CV, accessing appropriate supports i.e. literacy.

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d. ReferralsOutline the level of referrals of Individuals to SICAP and how this has worked – e.g. overview of main agencies, any impacts of DSP protocol on their numbers, (improved) engagement with Intreo case officers as a result, reasons for referrals back to DSP.

Referrals from DSP / INTREO Gender Breakdown:

INTREO:Referrals for guidance / CVs / mock interviews / enterprise grants / training. Under the YEI service in Castleisland the referrals with Intreo work very well and we provide the service of CV preparing and mock interviews.

TUS&RSS:Linkage and referral with NEWKD Tus programme for under 25’s.We link with the Tus supervisor, the work placement supervisor, to work with the participants. Supported training for RSS participants was also provided.

Kerry Education and Training Board:We collaborate with KETB in terms of organising /requesting /delivering courses and there is referral both ways.

Local Enterprise Offices: Referrals to Back to Work Enterprise Allowance.. Our enterprise evaluation committee encourages that all clients would avail of the “Start Your Own Business Course” provided by the Enterprise Office throughout the year.

Local Employment Service: Referral for courses or social supports. Referrals to Back to Work Enterprise Allowance/Training Workshops.

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FRCs:Family resources centres refer for grant aid or other supports although this has reduced somewhat since their role has changed.

Jobs Clubs:The Tralee and Listowel Jobs Club refer clients to us for training or enterprise supports. Other referrals would include in house programmes such as TUS and RSS.

e. InterventionsThe process of engagment with individuals is difficult due to the amont of information requried for what may extensive or very basic support .Many clients are attempting to change something in their lives and the most effective aproaches here which are of the person centered ,motivational interviewing variety the requirements in the IRIS forms are not necessarily compatble with these proven approaches. NEWKD does not record all interventions as there there is no incentive to do so and it is time consuming.

Breakdown:

1014 of these had 2 interventions 196 had 3 interventions 105 had 4 interventions 123 had more than 5+ interventions

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3) Targets (max 1000 words):a. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Headline Indicators

Provide an update in relation to progress against the agreed targets (as per Action Indicator Report)

Ref Headline Indicator Mid-Year Target

Annual Target

Actuals

1. Total number of disadvantaged individuals (15 years upwards) engaged under SICAP on a one-to-one basis (KPI)

400 1492 1485

1.b % of disadvantaged individuals (15 years upwards) engaged under SICAP on a one-to-one basis living in a disadvantaged area

19 % 367 [24.71%]

2. Number of local community groups assisted under SICAP (KPI)

25 65 65

3. Number of local community groups whose members have been assisted by SICAP to participate in local, regional or national decision-making structures

18 26

4. Number of individuals (15 years upwards) in receipt of a Goal 2 educational support

890 898

4.a % of those targeted should have educational attainment of Leaving Certificate or lower

70 % 682 [75.95%]

5. Number of individuals who have progressed along the education continuum after registering with SICAP

57 228

6. Number of young people (aged 15-24) in receipt of a SICAP, ESF and YEI Goal 2 educational support

69 138

6.a % of those targeted should have educational attainment of Leaving Certificate or lower

80 % 121 [87.68%]

7. Number of young people (aged 15-24) who have progressed along the education continuum after registering with SICAP

12 27

8. Number of children in receipt of a Goal 2 educational or developmental support

1610 2146

9. Number of individuals (15 years upwards) in receipt of Goal 3 employment supports

602 725

9.a % of those targeted should have educational attainment of Leaving Certificate or lower

60 % 456 [62.90%]

10. Number of individuals (15 years upwards) progressing to part-time or full-time employment up to 6 months after receiving a Goal 3 employment support

37 14

11. Number of individuals (15 years upwards) progressing to self- employment up to 6 months after receiving a Goal 3 employment support

192 110

12. Number of young people (aged 15-24) in receipt of a SICAP, ESF and YEI Goal 3 employment support

94 101

12.a % of those targeted should have educational attainment of Leaving Certificate or lower

60 % 81 [80.20%]

13. Number of young people (aged 15-24) progressing to part-time or full-time employment up to 6 months after receiving a Goal 3 employment support

11 0

14. Number of young people (aged 15-24) progressing to self-employment up to 6 months after receiving a Goal 3 employment support

6 2

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15. Number of social enterprises assisted under SICAP 10 9

NEWKD overachieved on almost all the headline indicators except for the following

H13: Couldn’t get the indicator to roll up despite using correct support and outputs – we will contact iris@pobal.ie in 2017 to clarify.

H14: The demand was not there from young people in the target group wanting to go into enterprise. We will reflect and see if we can promote the option in other ways in 2017

H15: NEWKD supported a social enterprise course which took some of the resources which we would have applied to supporting groups.

b. Disadvantaged areas (as per HP Deprivation Index) Specify the percentage achieved for disadvantaged areas (Headline indicator 1b). Provide a rationale for the level achieved (e.g. difficulties encountered, particular disadvantaged areas targeted) and a comparison with the Lot deprivation level.

Disadvantaged Areas (as per HP Deprivation Index) (Headline Indicator 1b)

This section looks at progress in relation to meeting the targets for SICAP during this reporting

24.68% of clients came from disadvantaged areas which seems consistent as the majority of the Lot area is not disadvantaged

Deprivation: While the overall deprivation rate in the LOT area is -2.8, deprivation rates in certain areas put them into the very disadvantaged status with some small areas having a figure of over -20. However the majority of people live in the areas which are rural and not disadvantaged by the Pobal score. The majority of NEWKD clients are from these areas as this is where the majority of

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disadvantaged live .NEWKD has also concentrated on those areas with high levels of deprivation through the action A2/3 community work in estates

Area Profile - North and East Kerry Area Inc. West Kerry (NEKD) LOT 19 - 1

c. Qualitative Indicators Outline progress on qualitative indicators and the methodology in place to measure/evidence the outcomes (if applicable).NEWKD employed an outside body who undertook at an assessment of its work under SICAP in 2016 and this learning will be used in informing our work going forward

d. Other Programme Indicators Provide an update in relation to progress against the agreed targets (as per the Action Indicator report). If applicable, outline the reasons why targets were not achieved.

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4) Horizontal Themes (max 1000 words):

Please provide examples of specific measures in place to promote the SICAP horizontal themes during 2016, including innovative work and practices that address these themes:

a. Promoting an Equality Framework (with particular reference to gender equality and anti- discrimination practices).

Gender

Kerry Women’s Interactive Network (KWIN) is a good example of work carried out within an equality framework. KWIN was set up following the closure of the Equality for Women Measure, a measure rolled out by NEWKD that activated women into education, training and ultimately employment. It was an enormously successful programme that engaged with up to 400 women. . KWIN is principally comprised of women who are interested and committed to keeping women’s issues to the fore, particularly in the public arena. Kerry Women’s Interactive Network puts particular emphasis on activities which can assist in achieving equality for women. NEWKD have supported women to host a number of conferences, workshops and training to support KWIN’s stated aims. In the current economic climate women are still paid significantly less than their male counterparts; are under-represented in politics, hold significantly less managerial positions in both the corporate and public sectors and universities.

Build a Girl Workshop photos:

Photos c. Bernardette Row

Build a Girl is a new and ground breaking programme for girls and young women at risk of sexual exploitation which we were able to bring to Kerry with SICAP funding .The project is owned and managed by Fiona Broadfoot, an experienced youth worker, facilitator, trainer and public speaker, and an expert in the field of sexual exploitation. The ‘Build a Girl’ project provides a safe and therapeutic environment for girls and young women to build a unique self which is confident, and empowered to make informed decisions about sexual behavior in an increasingly pornographic culture. ‘Build a Girl’ sees early intervention in terms of both prevention, after care and support. It uses a structured programme and informal group work in a variety of settings, including schools and youth clubs, and is appropriate to the needs of 9-19 year old girls and young women. The ‘Build a

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Girl’ project also delivers a programme of training to agency and community workers, counsellors, youth workers and many others based within the voluntary sector.

Invited Service Providers:NEWKD ran 2 training days workshops in Listowel and Tralee for a range of Service providers who work with women and young girls, Tralee Women’s Resource Centre, Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, ADAPT refuge center, Jigsaw Kerry , Tralee Adolescent Counselling Centre, independent psychotherapist, HSE workers, youth Workers etc.‘ Build a Girl’ focuses primarily on working with girls and young women at risk of, or who have experienced, child sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse including, exposure to pornography, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual harassment. As stated by the National Council for Women, there can be no meaningful equality for women and girls while they are at risk of sexual violence, in whatever form. Therefore addressing this issue is a way of getting to the core of inequality for young girls and women

Disability

NEWKD supported a range of initiatives aimed at supporting people with disabilities .The supports provided in the Youth Café in Listowel are aimed at giving people access to supports & spaces in the community. Disability sports project support both young people and adults to engage is sports activities by providing activities which are suitable and staff supports which are encouraging and seek to remove barriers.

We also provided Outsmart stress – workshop for teachers, parents & ASD students – Tralee & Listowel. Colaiste Gleann Li, Tralee is developing 2 Autism units this year. The need to provide training to school staff and community in recognising and dealing with stress was highlighted and addressed by Smart Psychology. A workshop was delivered in early December which included identifying anxiety and distress in students with ASD, developing prevention strategies, and supporting those students who become distressed. These workshops were very beneficial for parents as anxiety levels were high and self-care was not deemed a priority.

New Horizons Listowel

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Anti-discrimination -Supporting New Communities/Roma/asylum seekers and refugees

Utilising SICAP funding NEWKD continued to support the work of TIRC in relation to migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and is involved in the interagency group responsible for the resettlement of Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Kerry. NEWKD funded a befriending programme aimed at the programme refugees which involves providing training for people in communities who will then befriend a family or refugee and help to integrate them into the community. Roma were supported in a number including a number of information sessions which supports them to advocate for their rights and entitlement and to navigate the public service system TIRC have linked up with Food share Kerry and Roma families are calling into TIRC every week to receive food parcels.

b. Applying Community Development Approaches (to achieve participation of disadvantaged and marginalised communities).

Community Development:While activation is the key focus of the programme we try to ensure that a Community Development approach underpins all the work. This means an emphasis on social justice, empowerment, and innovation. This is in contrast to a pure service delivery approach which is completely valid in its own right but not appropriate to what we do. For example under Supports for the Unemployed Action 11 we have listened to people’s further support needs and the need to provide a meeting place for them to network and support each other after the courses was highlighted. The provision of this support enables them to keep in touch and maintain motivation and job seeking skills. They have also identified a need to host refresher workshops for clients that have been longer term unemployed and these are being established. This will be beneficial to both client and service providers as a more bespoke approach to needs can be identified.In support for women which is under Action 6 Support for Marginalised Groups what started as the delivery of education services to disadvantaged women, developed into a movement which has resulted in around a dozen women’s groups and a variety of courses and projects, including an independent network in Kerry Women’s Interactive Network (KWIN), which we continue to work with.

b. Developing Collaborative Approaches (with local (through the LCDC) and national stakeholders).

KETB:NEWKD collaborated with KETB on a wide range of training across all goals .The agencies also met in December as part of NEWKDs consultation for the 2017 plan.

Kerry County Council:NEWKD developed a community development strategy for working in estates in collaboration with KCC. (see achievements section 1)

DSP:The Jobs Club employment service in Castleisland collaborated with DSP progressing clients through referrals and information exchange.

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SICAP also supported the development CE rehabilitation scheme in Tralee which will commence operation in early 2017 .This is being achieved in collaboration with DSP who fund the scheme and involved numerous meetings and planning sessions.

SRDTF: The Tralee Community drugs project is supported by SICAP and is overseen by the SICAP Manager. SICAP are represented on the SRDTF and in 2016 undertook SAOR (screening and brief intervention for problem alcohol use) and motivational interviewing training in order to support the project and the drugs strategy overall.

ILDN: NEWKD were represented on the Social Inclusion Subcommittee of ILDN. Children and Young People’s Services Committee:NEWKD/SICAP has representation on the and its sub-groups – Parenting and Progressive pathways. Along with this we sit on the Meitheal Tralee area network.

Disability: Linked with, St John of Gods, Kerry parents and friends, CARA and other disability groups throughout the year.

5) Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) (max 500 words):

Summary of activities targeting young people (aged 15-25 years) who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs). Highlight key achievements and / or challenges and lessons learned.

Changes since June is now that we have offered the YEI service to the NEWKD Tus programme, which is working very well as wraparound of services for the client.

The YEI service continues to work on a Youth Work approach used for groups which target young people who are at risk of early school leaving & NEET’s ( Not in Education Employment or Training ), members of the travelling community & young people from disadvantaged areas. The Work with NEET's – provided by the YEI service –is based on a one to one and group support, guidance, job readiness supports, work experience through LCG's, outreach. , Youth friendly approach, Very Flexible and very patient delivered by experienced youth/development officers. We meet young people "where they are at". Use a variety of techniques and approaches to help get the young person in the door, do a PAP & support them to achieve their PAP.

Challenges

Main challenges have remained the same. Young people presenting with very low self-esteem, low levels of education/training and those from rural areas were extremely isolated.

Transport issues/barriers have increased with the extreme rises in car insurance over the last year, making it extremely difficult to near impossible for youth from rural areas to access training, jobs

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etc. without consistent support from family / friends / neighbours. A number of male clients present with substance abuse issues.

Target Group NEETS (15 – 24)

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6) Case Study (max 1000 words per case study)

Goal 3 Action 11

Name of Case Study: Karl Blanchfield: Male 44 years, married with 3 children (18, 13, 9)

Background/Context Wife qualified as a nurse who works full time on nights. Karl worked in Kerry Group Listowel 11 years, Operation of machines. Involving lifting and stacking heavy pallets.

Karl developed back trouble and on doctors’ advice had to leave his job in 2014. He found this very difficult as it impacted on his mental health being on disability. When he came into the jobs club, he was extremely disillusioned and apathetic about his job prospects.

Target group Unemployed

Challenges / BarriersSome extracts of what Karl conveyed to me at our first interview. Self-esteem diminished, feeling not able to contribute, financial restrictions, felt in a rut and was getting too comfortable staying at home and minding the children. Felt his self-esteem was slipping and he needed a new direction. Didn’t like to say no to his children for normal things, not luxuries etc. Confidence is almost non-existent, feeling low and insecure on many levels. Feeling he won’t ever get out of his situation as he is not getting any younger etc. This is impacting on his self-esteem and confidence.

Interventions & Resulting Achievements:

Registered with Jobs club Castleisland One to one meeting s with Jobs club coordinator to asses and prioritise Karl’s needs. Invited to attend the STEPs training to improve his self-talk and enhance confidence and

motivation and set new goals (A researched based programme that supports individuals to develop their motivation and self-belief to complete further training/education and find employment).

Having completed the STEP’S (see photo) Attended another one to one that resulted in Setting up meeting with INTREO where he

secured a place on ‘Deciding your Future; training fulltime in Castleisland Having successfully completed this Karl attended an interview for a position of Receptionist on a

Community Employment Scheme. Karl is presently working on a C.E. SCHEME Karl was supported to attend Kerry E.T.B literacy tutor training which Karl completed for 8

weeks

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He now is a qualified voluntary literacy tutor for Kerry ETB and will be working with learners on a one to one

Following all these interventions Karl has through his own determination increased his employment opportunities. Increased his self-belief; improved ability to set realistic goals; raised levels of personal accountability and an insight into how their mind works.

STEPS - Steps to Excellence & Personal Success: (see Karl in Photo)Participants receiving their Certificates February 2016.

Learning:NEKD are doing their utmost to meet the needs of those in a similar position to Karl who are genuine hardworking people with real lives, and challenges. Some are really struggling and experiencing mental health issues depression and lack of motivation apathy. This is exasperated by the disjointed supports for people i.e. the government’s inability to meet the needs of the unemployed in a holistic way. There is the obvious effect of unemployment on person, i.e. practically their lack of finances. However the more sinister part is the invisible impact of how it affects the individuals’ mental wellbeing.There is a need to value the psychological effects on someone not having a job, not having anywhere to go, as it can affect a person on many level their emotional and mental health are deep and manifest on all level of a person life.

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TÚS Career Planning Action 11 Goal 3Background:The TÚS Program is a community work placement scheme which provides short term (one year) work opportunities to unemployed people. The Department of Social Welfare have overall responsibility for the scheme and NEWKD have responsibility for the administration and management of the programme in the North Kerry area.

As an area relatively remote form the main urban hubs of employment (Limerick and Cork), North Kerry had felt limited impact from the ongoing national recovery. With limited job opportunities, particularly in the traditional un/semi-skilled sectors (such as construction and services); employment programmes such as TÚS have played an important role in the temporary provision of employment in the region. Feedback from participants however, is that when their one year in TÚS is over, it is very disillusioning for them to go ‘back to square one’. It has been indicated in this research that the lack of integrated training for participants in TÚS is a weakness in the scheme.

Target Group:Unemployed People

Challenges / Barriers:TÚS has no associated training budget. With approximately 120 participants on the scheme at one time (all of whom are eligible for supports under SICAP), staff at NEWKD recognised the need and opportunity to add value to the scheme by providing participants with a career planning course, which provided them with the opportunity to assess their present situation, evaluate the opportunities available and to plan accordingly.

By definition those involved in the TÚS Programme are going through a period of personal and professional change & the Career Planning training programme provided participants with the opportunity to work through the following key topics:

CAREER PLANNING - COURSE OVERVIEWSession 1. Personal Stocktaking(Where am I now with my life?)

Life Cycle Analysis/ValuesSkills Analysis/Strengths (group exercise)Personal QualitiesQualifications Analysis/Up skillingHobbies/InterestsThe importance of Social Networks/Community Psychometric Test Information (if appropriate). Completing a Personal Profile

Session 2.(Where do I want to be?)

Goal Setting (group exercise)(Social, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual)Being ProactiveMotivationDifferent Types of Work/Job Seeking approachesFuture Options – Education/Training, Work etc. Curriculum Vitae/cover letter - examination

Session 3.

(How will I Get There)

Dealing with change (group exercise)The Crossroad choicesWhat supports are available?What resources can help me?Stress Management. Interview Skills Preparation

Session 4. One-to-one

Mock Interview Personal Action Plan

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Achievements As a result of this initiative 110 TÚs participants emerged from the training with a Personal Action Plan (PAP) and have a much clearer vision for how they see their working life post-TÚS. In addition the PAP is also available as a tool for ongoing support of individual clients who may choose to go on to further education and training or self-employment.

Each participant also has a current CV in hand at the end of the training, the development of which is an indispensable tool for self-evaluation and access to the broader workplace. It is hoped that as the slow but gradual recovery in the local economy continues, that TÚS participants who have attended this training will be well placed to progress on to appropriate employment.

Our learning:

1. The added value SICAP provided to TUS and the rural social schemes. Training and professional development for participants was provided which ordinarily does not occur.

2. Career planning courses were delivered in areas where the participants can access/live nearby e.g. Ballyheigue. This resulted in good attendance levels and an insight into the lack of employment perspectives for young men in rural areas e.g. lack of transport, services and employment. Emigration remains an option for clients, highlighting supports such as the Eures programme and ensuring CV’s are up to date and printed before travelling. SICAP brings practical supports to those who need it, where they need it.

3. The need for a targeted approach to the 18-25 year olds on the live register should be adopted by DSP. Ideally, once a young person signs on they should be immediately referred to a specific TUS scheme to be dedicated to this target group with high support due to the level of time required to engage and work with progressing the young people

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Case Study 3 – Navigating Wild Waters

Action 10 Goal 3

Background:Michaela Edwards she and her Husband John set up Wild Water Adventures in early 2015. The business is focused on providing clients with outdoor and mainly water based activities in the North Kerry area. These include Sea Kayaking, ‘Coasteering’, ‘Wild’ Swimming, Open Water Swim Coaching and Hiking.

In 2014 John was made unemployed and with 5 children, one of whom was heading to college the pressure was on to find a business idea that would generate a sustainable income for their family. Initially they received support from the NEWKD enterprise officer to access the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance and received a small grant to help with the initial set up costs of the business.

Target Group:Unemployed

Achievements: The sustenance and growth of their business was the key objective for 2016 and Michaela credits the support provided by the NEWKD enterprise officer as being a huge support for their business in 2016. ‘Margaret (Daly) was always available to us on the end of a phone for advice and support, which gave us confidence to grow and develop our business’.

SICAP enterprise support provided to them NEWKD has worked as a support network and given them access to a wide range of opportunities and information that they would otherwise struggle with. Assistance provided with form filling, notification of awards and information on potential schemes and grants are among the supports provided to the business in 2016. Their most recent success was as winners of ‘Best New Business’ at the Kerryman Enterprise Awards 2016.

Pushing Out the Boat:Michaela has designed and maintains the businesses website (wildwateradventures.ie) and the business is also very active on Social Media (over 1,000 Facebook followers). They have also been getting a large amount of media attention during the year, including articles in publications as varied as the Irish Times, Irish Independent, At Swim Magazine and the Irish Farmers Journal

In 2016 they hired kayaking equipment and facilities in Fenit. However, this was very limiting and highly weather dependant. The ambition for 2017 is to set up a trailer with their own equipment on board, which, when empty, will double as a changing room when on location. As Michaela said ‘it’s often two different days at either side of Kerry Head’. The trailer would allow them to change location according to conditions and avoid costly cancellations.

Wild Water Adventures is example of a business heading for success which has been been nurtured by the enterprise supports provided through the NEWKD SICAP enterprise supports. This case is a good example of the need these valuable micro-enterprises have for a range of business and networking supports in order to sustain themselves and thrive in rural Ireland.

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Challenges/Barriers: Despite being in business not quite two years, they have already recognised the need to increase their activities in the shoulder and off seasons. They have increased their focus on coaching in the pool for triathlon preparation (currently working with Tralee Tri-club) and are also providing kids swim classes as well as pushing the hill waking aspect as a shoulder season activity.

Learning: Part of the enterprise role is providing information /advice on other funding opportunities. The BWTA provided the family with the baseline income to sustain them through the initial setup phase of the business. Michaela and John were not in a position to access LEADER or other funding and in many ways they feel it may be a blessing in disguise. While much of the initial profit from the business has been re-invested in equipment, they have been careful not to burden themselves with a large amount of debt, choosing instead the path of gradual growth.

7) Updates to IRIS Database All completed on the system where appropriate.