‘Moms Matter’ as Bealtaine gets into full swing

IRD Duhallow has once again proved it is to the forefront in providing opportunities for the people within its catchment area when a brand new programme – the Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women Project - was launched last week in Newmarket.

IRD Duhallow has been awarded funding through the Department of Justice and Equality supporting the ESF PEIL ‘Gender Equality – Women Returning to the Workforce’ programme. This three year programme will provide a series of training opportunities for women focusing on self-development and work related skills such as confidence building, assertiveness skills, the development of ‘Moms Matter’ - a group for mother’s who work in the home - basic IT plus accredited and non-accredited training.

A sample of the accredited training modules will include: ECDL Start, Care Support QQI Level 5, Care Skills QQI Level 5, Communications QQI Level 5,

Frontline Office and Reception Skills QQI Level 5, Intermediate Excel ... to name but a few.

Importantly, childcare may be subsidised, where applicable, for a person whilst undertaking the training and training will be delivered in Newmarket.

On the evening of the launch, and as part of the ongoing Duhallow Bealtaine Festival, a very successful information seminar was delivered on ‘Outsmarting Stress and Anxiety’. This seminar was presented by counselling psychologist Marianne Wall from Smart Psychology, who looked at stress and anxiety from a practical approach. There was a great turn-out on the night and it is hoped follow up training will be provided in this area.

Meanwhile, various Bealtaine Festival events took place during the week around Duhallow, with plenty more on offer until the end of May.

Women seeking further information about the programme can contact IRD Duhallow on 029 60633 and speak to Jacinta or Mary. Alternatively, more information can be found on the website www.irdduhallow.com.

The programme is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund as part of Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

Con O’Sullivan of IRD Duhallow leading a group in the Island Wood walk in Newmarket as part of the Bealtaine Festival. Photos: Sheila Fitzgerald

Noreen Angland, Newmarket; Anna O’Brien, Dromagh, and Noreen O’Regan, Donoughmore, unleash their creativity with the help of artist Claire O’Keeffe at the Bealtaine Festival Card Making Workshop.

Eileen Fleming, Kate Wilson, Breda Murphy, and Eileen Mulcahy enjoying the Alzheimer’s Tea Morning hosted by Tureencahill Actively Retired Group as part of the Bealtaine Festival.

Anne Quinlan, Joan O’Flynn, Margaret Geary, Eileen Murphy, and Mary O’Connor pictured with Counselling Psychologist Marianne Wall from Smart Psychology at the ‘Outsmart Stress & Anxiety’ seminar hosted by IRD Duhallow as part of the Bealtaine Festival.