Flood-relief Volunteers & Community give it all

- while Government criticised

'Changing Ireland' reporter Darragh Clifford-Cronin spoke to volunteers who came to the community's aid after flooding of St Mary's Park, Limerick, and to local residents. Local and central Government's input was less than desired and, this week, residents published a report which was very critical of the official response and forwarded a copy onto An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

Darragh, a media student with Limerick College of Further Education, was on placement with 'Changing Ireland'. Watch out for his print media reports in our Spring 2013 edition.

Volunteers now running 3 job-seekers' centres

Citizens fill in where there are no staff in West Cork

By Robert McNamara

Three community led job-seekers centres, staffed by volunteers, are currently operating in the West Cork area, with plans for three more to be opened.

Only for them, unemployed people in West Cork would be left to swim.

The centres which offer free advice and confidential support in Bandon, Kinsale and Clonakilty are managed by the West Cork Development Board (WCDP) and offer a "holistic" approach to job-searching. A “buddy” system operates, with volunteers assisting the job-seekers in all aspects of the process.

The centres serve a region that comprises of eight mid-size towns, which currently have approximately 10,000 people on the live register. There are no Local Employment Services Offices, or Jobs Clubs, and only 9 per cent of the territory is covered by Local Development Plans.

The huge satisfaction in serving others - Karen Moroney, Volunteer at Clonakilty Job-seekers’ centre

Karen Moroney

INTERVIEW BY ROBERT MCNAMARA

Karen Moroney was unemployed at one stage and appreciated the support she got. She’s now doing the same for others by volunteering with Clonakilty Job-Seekers’ Centre which was set up under the LCDP. Her volunteering is something that’s important to her.

What are you reading at the moment?

I'm reading Tess of the d'Urbervilles. It's set way back in Victorian times and it's about a woman making her way in life.

What’s the last film you saw?

Dark Shadows with Johnny Depp.

Person you most admire?

I don't tend to admire people as such. I may admire actions that people take, but I don't have one particular person that I admire. I don't hold any one person up as a role model.

Activists learning from old hands, through Spunout

Activists in Ireland are now learning from old hands, through Spunout.
The youth organisation is organising its 2nd 'Academy for Activists' which will be held in June. You can read full details in their press release here.
Among those leading the learning will be Sarah Clancy (pictured).