CUMANN NA DAOINE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, YOUGHAL, CO. CORK FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 2025
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CUMANN NA DAOINE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, YOUGHAL, CO. CORK FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 – 2025
Catherine Street, Youghal, Co. Cork. Tel: 024-91900 Email: cumannnadaoine@gmail.com Web: cumannnadaoine.com Facebook : Cumann na Daoine
BACKGROUND Cumann na Daoine (CnD) is an independent community development organisation located in Youghal, Co. Cork and was formed in 1997 by a group of local volunteers. In 2001 Cumann na Daoine became incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. Since then, Cumann na Daoine has been managed by local volunteers with a range of skills and experiences. See current list of directors and management committee members in Appendix A. • Cumann na Daoine aims to provide programmes, which will empower people to help themselves and each other in order to improve people’s personal and community life. By giving people a voice, building confidence and creating awareness of social issues. • The spirit of the project is to reach out to all, enhancing their skills, giving them belief in their own dignity and self-worth, breaking down barriers through listening to and accepting each other’s differences. • We work from the principles of equality and inclusion. We are committed to providing a safe, comfortable and confidential environment for people to explore and value their own power. The key principles underpinning the work of Cumann na Daoine are as follows: • Community participation and ownership of community development work and community assets. • Equality and integrity in our work and negotiations with others. • Inclusion of all but especially of those most marginalised. Cumann na Daoine has co-ordinated a very successful community development project in Youghal for the past 22 years. It has gone from strength to strength and has made a significant contribution to the local community (see video clip on the web site www.cumannnadaoine.com). In the last couple of years Cumann na Daoine has played a lead role in taking responsibility for attracting projects that span the East Cork area with a base located in Youghal, e.g. East Cork Traveller Project, East Cork DSGBV Services. In addition, CnD has also been instrumental in attracting key service providers into Youghal, e.g. Barnardos, Jigsaw and leading out on larger projects and collaborations for the benefit of local residents. e.g Employment for co-hosted with DEASP and scoping out local research jointly with UCC and SECAD. Cumann na Daoine’s work has been guided by several strategic plans and this is the most recent plan. This plan was developed by consulting the public (through Survey Monkey), carrying out one to one interviews with external service providers who work in partnership with Cumann na Daoine, meeting with staff and members of the management committee collectively. See the list of those consulted in appendix B. Key priorities were identified by all those consulted and which were subsequently consolidated under main themes. These themes are: • Community Engagement, Participation and Ownership of Cumann na Daoine • Unemployment and the Working Poor • Expanding the role of Community Work in Youghal/East Cork • Minorities & Targeted Community Work • Governance, Organisational Capacity and Sustainability • External Service Providers and Collaborations The key pieces of literature guiding this plan are: Youghal Community Profile (2018), A Critical Guide to Community Engagement (2018), All-Ireland Standards in Community Work (2016) with a link to Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities (Dept of Rural and Community Development, 2019). Acronyms listed on page 11. We are committed to the All Ireland Standards in Community Work (2016) 3
CONSULTATION PROCESS An extensive consultation process was carried out to inform the development of this plan. In particular, all relevant stakeholders (10) were invited to participate as were all staff at CnD (20) and all members of the management committee/board of directors (14). In addition, Survey Monkey was offered to the public to get their input into this plan. Besides detailed work which is included in the action plan itself, key themes emerged from the consultations and these are: • There was a general perception that CnD is doing really valuable, local community development work. That CnD is a very important asset to the town and local residents and the organisation has an excellent reputation for transparency and good governance. • Key developments, such as the establishment of the community cafe was highlighted by many as a great addition to the town as is the front office reception, which is helpful to all that call in. • In relation to challenges, the key theme that emerged was PR. It was mentioned several times that ‘many people do not know who you are, what you do and how they might avail of opportunities or get involved’. This is indeed very challenging as much effort is given to writing newsletters, going on radio, updating web pages and social media. This area will be prioritised again in this new strategic plan. With approximately 25,000 footfall to the centre each year, Cumann na Daoine is a very successful Community Development Project. It goes from strength to strength and has the potential to lead on many important initiatives for Youghal and surrounding areas – particular in relation to community, social inclusion and social services. It is important at this stage that Cumann na Daoine consolidates its work, strengthens its relationships with partners and continues to work with the community and support staff in reaching their full potential. CnD should remain committed to sustainable long term community development. VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are without doubt the backbone of Cumann na Daoine. Volunteers give significant time to all aspects of CnD. The management committee is made up of 14 volunteers who meet monthly at a minimum. Staff Liaison Group and Finance Group are also made up of volunteers who meet who meet monthly to support staff and oversee the financial management of CnD. 4
ORGANISATION CHART As of 2019, Cumann na Daoine has a staff complement of 20 which includes 6 fulltime, 6 part- time and 8 people on supported employment schemes. In addition, there is an average of 4 daily volunteers and the management committee is made up of 14 volunteers. The organisation is structured as follows: Management CommiOee/Board of Directors External Barnardos Volunteers/ Finance Staff Liaison Services Jigsaw Students Group Group DEASP ETB Counselling SECAD HSE > K7 CnD is fully compliant with the Code of Governance, and provides an annual report and audited accounts to the public each year. 5
STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 – 2025 OVERALL AIM To consolidate the work of Cumann na Daoine and continually respond to community needs and priorities especially for those most excluded and marginalised. GOALS 1. To reach out and include those most disadvantaged through the provision of courses, programmes and research. 2. Take on a more strategic role in Youghal and East Cork in relation to Community Development. 3. Build responses and partnerships that are collaborative in order to deliver projects of high impact for the community of Youghal. 4. Manage and deliver community development work that is sustainable, equitable, participatory and democratic. 5. Continually ensure community work is based on evidenced-based need and priorities identified by the local community and with stakeholders who have responsibility for community development. 6. Manage Cumann na Daoine ethically and with a commitment to local community ownership and good governance. 6
Lead Theme Sub-Theme Actions /Partners 1. Community 1.1 Engagement Deliver taster courses throughout the year at CnD, e.g. CnD/PC/Front Engagement, horticulture, health and well-being, life-long learning festival, Office, Participation & Prides ETB Ownership of Organise community events through the Arts, Heritage, CnD/LCDW, Cork CnD History and Culture CoCo Specific targeting of marginalised and disadvantaged All communities will be prioritised, i.e. through History and Heritage programmes, Arts and Culture, Community Garden, etc Seek funding and support to run ‘A Time to Change’ CnD, ETB programme again With YRN – host coffee mornings/chat by estate, e.g. YRN, CHP, LCDW Sarsfield Tce day, etc. engage more local residents 1.2 Participation Local people will be targeted for leadership, committee and All management roles across all programmes, activities and organisational structures Women: Women to agree an annual work plan with support CnD/LCDW from CnD and Finance Men: Men to develop Men’s Shed Allotment project with CnD/DM, CGC, CnD Development Manager and with link to Cafe HSE Older People: Continue to renew and roll out the Spring CnD/LCDW, HSE Chickens programme, support Active Retirement and new initiatives led by older people Community Garden Project: Initiate Community Garden CnD/DM, YTT, project in partnership with Youghal Tidy Towns and Cork Cork CoCo, HSE/ CoCo. Transfer this project to a larger scale project with Links CoOp Links CoOp and the HSE when possible Continue to host and promote the AGM in its current format CnD/MC and invite the public to engage 1.3 Ownership Resource centre will be held in trust for the community by CnD/BOD local community members Capacity building programmes will be led and designed by CnD/PC, LCDW the key target groups, women, men, older people including the provision of community development training 2. Unemployment 2.1 Supports Continue Employment Support Services SECAD, DEASP, & the Working ETB Poor 2.2 Access Seek improvement in Public Transport LEN 2.3 Research Finalise Labour Skills Analysis CnD, DEASP, SECAD Finalise a skills audit of Youghal Employers (sample) CnD, DEASP, SECAD, SE Ed services 2.4 Education & Explore UCC Outreach/Springboard programmes CnD, UCC, ETB Training Host Employer Workshops LEN LTI: Continue the roll out of agreed LTI training, aiming to CnD/LTI, CTC increase nos and develop a new programme of interest to meet local needs After-schools: Continue supporting YRN to deliver two after- YRN, CnD, Tulsa school programmes in Youghal 2.5 Social Support Cafe to reach its maximum capacity/grow business CnD/CSP Mgr Enterprise/ Community Cafe Implement contingency plan fully Link this project to the Community Garden/Allotments when possible Raise awareness of the Cafe through marketing 7
Lead Theme Sub-Theme Actions /Partners 3. Expanding 3.1 Influencing Carry out research into the model of Community CnD/DM the role of Policy Development utilised by a sample of surviving CDPs in Community order to influence future Community Development policy Work in Youghal Explore future role of CnD in influencing policy in CnD, CHP & East Cork collaboration with other like minded projects Lobby on behalf of communities more and educate local Extra CW required residents on why policy and lobbying is important 3.2 Expand Explore the possibility and benefits of expanding CnD into CnD/DM/PC/MC premises extra space 3.3 Whole Town Request the re-establishment of the RAPID structure to CnD/DM, Cork Approach build a whole town approach to priorities CoCo Explore the potential development of Youghal being a CnD/MC, Barnardos ‘Trauma Informed Town’ i.e. -Screen Resilience movie for CnD staff, volunteers, management and other service providers - Develop specific actions to ensure CnD services and activities can include children and adults who may have experienced childhood trauma (training, environment review, service user participation) Lobby with others for the allocation and implementation of CnD, Other groups a Day Care Centre for Youghal e.g. ARG, OPS, HSE 3.4 Green Agenda Prepare for the impact of Climate Change – rising sea CnD/MC levels near the Cumann na Daoine Centre Raise awareness of Climate Change and the ‘Green’ CnD/LCDW/Staff Agenda through local CnD projects, internally and externally Support the introduction of the Greenway into Youghal CnD/MC 3.5 DSGBV Support the development of the new YANA East Cork CnD/DM Service – based in Youghal by participating in the Advisory Group 3.6 CAMHS / Pursue HSE MHS to locate a CAMHS service in Youghal for CnD/HSE MHS/ Mental Health East Cork residents Jigsaw 4. Minorities & 4.1 Travellers Support and Deliver on the ECT strategy agreed for 2020 – CnD/ECT/THU Targeted Work 2025 (separate document) Support ECT workers to deliver their work and be more All staff inclusive of Travellers at CnD Promote Traveller work and culture All staff Ensure CnD policies reflect the inclusion of Travellers and CnD/PC ethnicity 4.2 LGBT+ Support requests to host LGBT events, support the CnD/LCDW Network to develop and support youth organisations to facilitate LGBT youth Seek funding to do a small piece of research into the needs CnD/LCDW/ Extra of the Older LGBT community in East Cork. Expand LGBT+ CW required work in East Cork. Last column Extra CW required Expand LGBT work in East Cork Extra CW required 4.3 Migrant Build connections with migrant communities Extra CW required Populations 4.4 Homeless Carry out preliminary work to assess the numbers and People and needs of Homeless people and Refugees in Youghal Refugees 4.5 Disabilities Bring together all disability group reps in Youghal and support them to develop a collective voice/network 8
Lead Theme Sub-Theme Actions /Partners 5. 5.1 Management Review Memo and Articles for appropriateness for new CnD/BoD Governance & strategic plan period Organisational Development Ensure rotation of officer roles every few years Ensure adequate oversight, reporting and membership every CnD/PC few years 5.2 Premises Continue to manage the premises to high quality fire and CnD/PC safety standards 5.3 Capacity & Continuously offer training to staff and management by CnD/PC Support agreeing a yearly training plan to enhance and build skills and capacity across the board, including Community Development, Cultural Competence, PR, Health and well- being activities Ensure regular staff meetings and appraisals carried out CnD/PC/DM annually. Constantly work at improving communication Ensure structured induction process for new staff particularly CnD/PC in front office, e.g. develop script sheets for new staff 5.4 Finance Review and ensure high quality Financial Management CnD/FG controls and reporting are in place Rental Income – aim to reach maximum capacity each year CnD/FG/MC Request HSE & DRCD to provide increased sustainable CnD/DM funding streams for core staff (4) and programmes 5.5 Volunteers Ensure up to date volunteer policy and procedures in place CnD/PC Ensure regular training made available Ensure adequate supervision and feedback Host an annual volunteer day for all volunteers in Youghal 5.6 PR Hold more open days and celebratory events to promote the CnD/MC/PC work, achievements and the organisation Develop greater awareness of CnD and its offerings through CnD/MC, SEDG more focused marketing techniques with the support of the SEDG and Management Committee 5.7 IT Continually review and introduce solutions that bring CnD/PC efficiencies to CnD environment and work Offer IT up-skilling training regularly 6. External 6.1 DEASP Continue to work together to address the needs of those most CnD, DEASP Service vulnerable in relation to welfare and work Providers @ CnD 6.2 ETB/LTI Consider a new focus for the LTI, post 2020 CnD, ETB Explore the Culinary School proposal for Youghal/East Cork 6.3 SECAD Work with SECAD to deliver responses to unemployment, CnD, SECAD, EPA offer courses and respond to environmental concerns in Youghal Develop research into sustainable towns with UCC and UCC, SECAD, CnD SECAD – funding permitting 6.4 Barnardos Continue to support this work in Youghal CnD/DM 6.5 Jigsaw Continue to support this work in Youghal 6.6 DSGBV Continue to support this work in Youghal 6.7 Childcare/FRC Pursue the approval of an FRC for Youghal when opportunities arise Lead Theme Actions /Partners 7. Collaborations Continue close working relationships with CHP, Foroige, Chamber, SEDG and CnD/DM Cork CoCo, HSE, ETB and agencies listed above providing a service from CnD. Strengthen collaborations internally at CnD between ECT project, LCDW, LTI, All Barnardos and Jigsaw Strengthen links and work with CHP and Youth Services All Strengthen CnD voice on other local structures CnD/DM 9
CHALLENGES FOR THE YEARS AHEAD Distance and Accessibility to Cork city: For those furthest from the labour market, and those with special needs such as mental health concerns, (children or adults) living in and near Youghal is particularly challenging when it comes to travelling to Cork either for work on a daily basis or for services when required. Transport is not frequent enough to allow people to get to work, buses are full early in the morning and people get left behind. The cost of a return trip is €19 per day, i.e. €95 per week (Jan 2020), which is significant on a low income. In addition, return buses from Midleton to Youghal at 4pm/5pm are often full and by-pass Midleton leaving passengers stranded for several hours. Key services such as A&E, mental health and psychology are based in the city, in Douglas and Glanmire. Without private transport, it is time consuming and expensive to get to these places, particularly if you have family members to bring with you. Such services need to have an outreach base and service in Youghal. Communication/PR: This is a challenging task for CnD as there is no dedicated staff/time to focus on this requirement. Management will need to give consideration to this matter and develop a strategy that responds and improves awareness of CnD in the community. Family Resource Centre: Cumann na Daoine has been lobbying (with the support of others) for a Family Resource Centre for Youghal for over ten years. There have been many proposals, promises and work done but no FRC has been allocated to Youghal as of yet. It is essential for families in Youghal to have a centralised support system particularly those families who are vulnerable and exposed to social difficulties. Locating a Family Resource Centre with a community childcare service in Youghal would go a long way to supporting children and parents to respond to the demands of family life. Youth: The online survey for the public to contribute to our strategic plan identified the youth services as the highest priority need for Youghal. We support this request and will work in partnership with youth services to increase responses. Additional Community Workers required: The current level of local community work required for one dedicated part-time community development worker is too much. Workloads are being managed but so much more could be initiated if a second local community development worker was in place. There are shortfalls in other areas too such as co-ordination time for our community garden and the mainstreaming of ‘Spring Chickens’ services to older people. Additional resources are required and will be requested. 10
ACRONYMS HSE Health Service Execu7ve LCDC Local Community Development CommiHee Cork CoCo Cork County Council ARG Ac7ve Re7rement Group ETB Educa7on and Training Board YRN Youghal Residents Network SECAD South & East Cork Area Development CHP Community Health Project DEASP Dept of Employment Affairs and Social LEO Local Enterprise Office Protec7on UCC University College Cork THU Traveller Health Unit MHS Mental Health Services YSEDG Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group CnD Cumann na Daoine PC Project Co-ordinator LCDW Local Community Development Work(er) CGC Community Garden Club DM Development Manager CSP Community Services Programme FG Finance Group SLG Staff Liaison Group KPI’s Key Performance Indicators DSGBV Domes7c, Sexual and Gender-based Violence K17 APPENDIX A BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT MEMBERS 2019 - 2020 Dolores Corcoran Chairperson & Director Mary Daly White Secretary & Director Peggie Biessmann Treasurer & Director Biddy Phelan Director Liam Power Director Margaret Kelleher Director Stephanie Whyte Director Angela O Loughlin Director Patricia McGrath Director Valerie O Donnell Management Member Mary O’ Neill Management Member Geraldine Hearty Management Member Liam McCarthy Management Member Brendan Dempsey Management Member K18 11
APPENDIX B LIST OF STAFF AND KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 2019 - 2020 Maria Power Development Manager Catriona Harrington Project Co-ordinator Hayley Fox-Roberts Local Community Development Worker TJ Hogan East Cork Traveller Project Co-ordintor Amy Hyland East Cork Traveller Outreach Worker Caroline McCall Community Cafe Manager Oonagh Poynton and Brian Keane Cafe Cooks Virginia Sandoval Finance Administrator Margaret Roche, Teresa O Connell, Sarah Mangan, Front Office/Admin Staff (CE, RSS) Sabrina Perozzi John O Shea, Zvonomir, Jason Conney Care-takers (CE, TUS) Volunteers Front Office and Cafe APPENDIX C LIST OF THOSE CONSULTED TO INFORM THIS PLAN K19 Cork County Council Lorraine Hogan, Helen Mulcahy Youghal Socio Economic Development Group Aileen Murray Youghal Chamber of Commerce Sandra McLellan Foroige Catherine Ryan Dept of Employment and Social Protec7on Edel Powell HSE CWD Mags Creed Staff See list above Management See list above Survey Monkey 55 Respondents K20 12
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NOTES 14
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