Conclusion
The article is emphasizing inclusion and acceptance of different communities who make up the Irish society in general



Source: https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/fashion/ennistymon-traveller-family-model-for-stella-mccartney-campaign-1.3247116

Suggestions
Capital funding alone isn't enough, employment should be created. Back in 2001 a European body was paying workers’ wages, but that has stopped. 

Personal reflection  
This visit has given me a different view on people from  travelling community who, according to the knowledge that I have picked up from the society they are always portrayed as people moving from one place to another, and who do not value education.  But now I have realized that there are those that have decided to settle and send their kids to school.  I also liked the fact that the community lives in harmony and it is equally mixed between the Irish and the Irish travellers.  There seems to be a very good integration in that community.  Overall, I enjoyed the trip very much as I have learnt so much in just a short period of time and I will be looking forward to the next visit.  

 

 

The community aims at Helping people to help themselves. 

There is a 2 equivalent to employed workers (Mary is full, Brid Akiyemi  and Ray O’Brien part timers) f 

Taghmon- has rich old history, a deprived area.

The Community centre was established 9yrs ago (2008). Came after a Needs Analysis to start family community centre, run by Tusla who pays for 2 full time workers. 

 

The centre has evolved while still trying to provide Community consultation.

They do a 3 year strategic plan, e.g. needs for literacy sports. 

Many community members turn up to access services.

There is low number of Foreign nationals (about 2 polish kids)

Offer Driver theory training, funded by Wexford Local Development (WLD).

Leverage a lot of sports, provide family support- counselling (voluntary hours)

Work with Waterford Education Training Board (WETB).

Do hand ball summer camp in schools 

6 week prohibition in primary school - linked with school. 

Challenge – lack of secondary school results to kids being scattered to go to different secondary.

Men have done wood carvings - kids learn to carve 

One on one chats, access to services. 

They advocate for the people of the community 

They run Parenting programs (parent+)

Peer support for primary school children that have suffered bereavement or parent separation.

 

Challenges in the community, lack of education. Transport, unemployment

Tackles Social isolation (men’s shed, women's groups, travelled sports).

 

The centre is now under Department of Children and Youth Affairs under Catherine Zappone, this limits the amount of services offered to the community.

Linked with FETAC courses, but major problem is people not turning up for courses.

People have no access to internet/computers

Tus worker helps around (cleaning and maintenance) do it for 1 year.

 

Funding sources - has now focused towards family (limited) 

Groups for older people are available to meet for free.

Other agencies can use the premises too.

Focus of the work has changed due to funding changes, with existing resources. 

One of the last few to be funded before the McCarthy report.

Registered charity, voluntary board of management (10 local members who are also board of trustees)

Under Charity regulatory authority 

They report to TUSLA, so it’s transparent and accountable.

 

Statistics: 150 people access the centre per week. There are over 5,000 visits per year. Engaged with 300 kids per week, 400 to 500 adults 

Monday to Friday. Food cloud/ collect from Tesco and Aldi distribute to 125 families every week.