Tipperary PPN July Newsletter 2025
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Please Welcome our Newest Member of Staff Here in the Tipperary PPN office!
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We have recently announced our new community mapping project, in partnership with Tipperary County Council, and now we have our new community mapping worker too. Here she is:
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Hello, my name is Shoyna O`Gorman. I am the Tipperary PPN community mapping worker in County Tipperary and I am delighted to be a part of The Power of Place & People in Tipperary mapping project. Together, with my two colleagues from Tipperary County Council, mapping of the PPN community and voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups has begun.
We are going to meet with every PPN-registered community group in Tipperary is the plan. I am looking forward to meeting lots of new and interesting people and discovering what you do in your community.
I am involved in my own community and volunteer as Chair in Newport Women’s Shed. I set up the Shed in October 2021, just as we were coming out of the pandemic. The need for connection was my driving force.
I am proud to say that we have over 50 members from Newport and the surrounding areas. We go from strength to strength and are continually getting new member enquiries. Our sense of identity has been built on the connections made, friendships formed, a sense of belonging and the shared cups of tea and endless chats!
I have also mentored new Sheds in their setting up stages. I understand what’s involved in being part of a community group and the commitment and passion needed to keep it going. I know from experience how beneficial community groups are in uniting people. Recently, I completed QQI Level 6 studies in Business, Enterprise and Community Development with EQUAL Ireland.
From the groups I have already met, I am blown away by all the selfless good work that is being achieved in every little corner of our county. The sometimes-unseen great work and the positive impact they are all making in their communities is evident.
I am delighted with the opportunity to highlight all County Tipperary has to offer and am so pleased that I can play my part in helping to build an accessible, informative database of every single one of the community groups, registered to the PPN, in our county.
Together with the PPN & Tipperary County Council we hope to gather a clearer understanding of the needs of registered community groups and support them in their growth and development. Looking forward to meeting you soon.
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National PPN Event 2025: Building Community Resilience for Times of Emergency
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Representatives from 31 Public Participation Networks (PPNs) across Ireland were warmly welcomed to Laois on Thursday, 17th July 2025, for a landmark National PPN Event hosted at the Midlands Park Hotel, themed ‘Building Community Resilience for Times of Emergency’. This significant gathering marked a milestone in national collaboration and community development.
The event aimed to foster networking, share knowledge, identify challenges, and develop collaborative solutions to strengthen the resilience of communities throughout Ireland. A series of interactive workshops—all aligned with the central theme—were facilitated by professional consultant Harriet Emerson, who guided the discussions and learnings. She is also compiling a report from the event to capture what was said on the day.
The national PPN event was officially opened by Dan Bergin of Laois PPN, who extended a warm welcome to all attendees.
Charles Stanley-Smith, a member of Tipperary PPN’s board of management, provided context and outlined the vision and purpose for this pioneering event, whilst Ruth Smith, the coordinator of Tipperary PPN, gave the attendees some food for thought around creating resilient, adaptive communities, including all living there, whether human or not.
Brian Smith of Leitrim PPN then gave an insightful presentation on the impact that storms had in County Leitrim and the role that Leitrim PPN had played in the response.
This initiative was proudly hosted in Laois, with national support from Minister of State Jerry Buttimer and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG), with responsibility for Community Development & Charities.
The organising committee—comprising representatives from Laois, Leitrim, and Tipperary PPNs—express their heartfelt thanks to all PPN representatives who contributed their insights and experience to the workshops. Their active participation made the event a success and reinforced the crucial role PPNs play in supporting communities during emergencies.
At the conclusion of the event, Charles named further future opportunities to follow, “Several of us will take the report that is currently being compiled to the Minister, Jerry Buttimer T.D. and it is strongly hoped that there will be funding to support a second, wider meeting soon to continue this crucial collaborative exercise in building resilience in communities for times of emergency.”
PPNs across Ireland continue to be recognised as critical pillars of support and communication in times of crisis, demonstrating the power of grassroots collaboration and preparedness.
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Ruth Smith, Tipperary PPN coordinator, Mike Edwards, Tipperary PPN secretariat member, Sharon Melbourne, Tipperary PPN administrator and Charles Stanley-Smith, Tipperary PPN secretariat member (Photographer: Denis Byrne)
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Co-hosts (organisers) :Sharon Melbourne (Tipperary PPN), Majella Moore (Laois PPN), Mary McKeon (Leitrim PPN), Ruth Smith (Tipperary PPN), Charles Stanley-Smith (Tipperary PPN), Mary McGirl, (Leitrim PPN) and Dan Bergin (Laois PPN) (Photographer: Denis Byrne)
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Tell Us What’s Happening Around the County for Positive Ageing Week 2025
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We would like to know what’s happening around the county in positive ageing week 2025, which takes place on Monday 29th September to Friday 3rd October. Positive Ageing Week celebrates ageing and the contribution and older people make to society, whilst highlighting the positivity of older age. The week will carry the theme of “Challenging Ageism – Reframing How We Think, Feel and Act towards ageing and older persons.”
Throughout the week, nationally, there are opportunities as individuals, in workplaces and community groups to celebrate older people we know who enrich our lives and communities. It is very much part of the ongoing work in County Tipperary also and we want everyone to know about what is taking place in that week so they have an option to take part and make your event a success.
Here at the PPN, we will be doing a special extra September edition of our newsletter with the theme of Age Friendly, Older Persons and Positive Ageing.
If you have any relevant news, an awareness campaign you may be doing highlighting local or an event that you are delivering during that time, we want to know about it and will let all our community groups know too.
Please submit your information to us by 5pm on Thursday 28th August to Ruth at coordinator@ppntipperary.ie or Sharon at admin@ppntipperary.ie
Any queries or further details about the newsletter, just contact us and we will be only too happy to help you advertise your event. Let’s celebrate our older people!
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Funding & Grant Opportunities
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Destination Development Programming Support 2025
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The Destination Development Programming Support 2025 is now open for Ireland based tour operators to apply for.
The Business Development Team in Fáilte Ireland strives to support travel trade in Ireland to sustainably grow their revenue in support of our corporate priorities, of regional distribution of Ireland’s tourism business and season extension of that business. This includes supporting new programming for business across our four programme brand areas (Wild Atlantic Way, Dublin, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands), and extending the tourism season.
The Destination Development Programming Support is focused on:
- The creation of new programmes for Ireland
- Support establishing Ireland as a leading sustainable tourism destination
- Supporting the tourism industry in achieving government targets for carbon emissions and energy efficiency by 2030
- Driving regional distribution of business, supporting a sustainable visitor economy that drives revenue into local areas across our four programme brands
- Driving season extension of business across our four programme brands
To express your interest please contact: Businessdevelopment@failteireland.ie
Closing date for all applications is Thursday 30th October 2025
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Ireland Against Racism Fund
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The Ireland Against Racism Fund (IARF) provides funding for national and regional projects that aim to combat racism and foster racial equality and community cohesion. The Ireland Against Racism Fund supports the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism and the achievement of its objectives.
The funding call will be based on five thematic pillars:
- Being Safe and Being Heard – Supporting people who experience racism and protecting people from racist incidents and crimes
- Being Equal – Addressing ethnic inequities
- Being Seen and Taking Part – Enabling minority participation
- Being Counted – Measuring the impacts of racism
- Being Together – A shared journey to racial equality
The fund has two Schemes:
- Scheme A for projects seeking grants between €40,000 to €100,000.
- Scheme B for projects seeking grants between €5,000 to €10,000.
The closing date for receipt of applications is noon on Wednesday 27th August 2025.
For more information and to apply visit https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/campaigns/ireland-against-racism-fund/
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Creative Action Production Programme 2025
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Disrupt Disability Arts Festival aims to break down barriers and make art more accessible by hiring several independent disabled arts workers in assistant producer roles to work with their festival artists from diverse disability arts communities.
The Creative Access Production Programme will offer mentorship, training, support and work placements over 14 to 18 months.
Disrupt are looking for a group of diverse artists, arts workers or producers, with a lived experience of disability, who have a passion for Creative Accessible Production.
You can find more details on application, an easy read guide, audio resources, and ISL interpreted information, by visiting https://www.disruptfestival.ie/hub/creative-access-production-programme-2025/
The deadline for applications is Monday 18th August at 1pm
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Artist in the Community Scheme
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The Artist in the Community Scheme is managed by Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts, on behalf of the Arts Council.
Opportunities available under this award include:
- A Research and Development Award (without mentoring)
- A Research and Development Award (with mentoring)
- A Recent Graduate Research and Development Award (with mentoring)
- A Project Realisation Award
Closing date for application Monday 29th September at 5pm
For more information and to apply visit https://artscouncil.ie/funding-opportunities/artist-in-the-community-scheme-round-2/
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Call for Projects 2025 – Developing The Green Economy
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Funding is available through the LEADER Programme for enterprises and social enterprises to carry out projects which will contribute to developing Co. Tipperary’s Green Economy and employment in the sector.
Eligible capital, technical assistance and training projects will include :
- green technologies,
- decarbonisation,
- circular economy,
- bioeconomy
- sustainable operations.
- awareness and skills development to strategically integrate green procurement, production and operations.
For further information on eligibility and details on how to apply please see attached document or go to https://stdc.ie/rural-development-programme-leader/
Closing date for expressions of interest is Monday 8th Sept 2025.
The LEADER programme is implemented by North Tipperary Development CLG www.ntdc.ie and South Tipperary Development CLG www.stdc.ie in their catchment areas, in partnership with Tipperary LCDC.
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Local Sports Action Plan Stakeholder Survey
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Tipperary County Council is leading on the development of a Local Sports Plan for the County with support from Tipperary Sports Partnership. This Plan reflects the Council’s commitment Under Action 8 of National Sports Policy 2018- 2027. The survey provides an opportunity for all people across the County, regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, ability or location to help us to develop a Plan which reflects your aspirations and requirements for sports and physical activity.
In order to find better ways for us to work together, both internally and with our partners, we are asking stakeholders across Tipperary to contribute to this consultation process.
As a valued stakeholder, we ask that you complete this survey which will take approx. 10 minutes so Tipperary County Council hears your organisations voice.
Closing date for receipt of completed surveys is 31st August 2025
To have your say visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/35F8Z52
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Stakeholder Consultation on a new Strategy to support the Community and Voluntary Sector in Ireland
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Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, announced the commencement of a stakeholder consultation on the development of a new Government strategy to support the sector.
The announcement to develop a new whole-of-government strategy acknowledges the important role played by the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. It will reinforce the progress made under the current strategy: Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 2019-2024, which was extended into 2025.
The new strategy will look to build upon the structures, achievements and objectives of Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities for the upcoming period 2026 – 2030. The development of the new strategy will be led by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in collaboration with the Cross-Sectoral Group on local and community development. The Department will engage with national and local government and key stakeholders from the community and voluntary sector.
An important part of the strategy development process will be inclusive consultation with stakeholders across the local development, community and voluntary and charity sectors in relation to the vision, objectives and actions to be included in the new strategy.
The consultation will give organisations across the community and voluntary sector an opportunity to contribute to the new strategy.
To have your say visit https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/186c66aa-34ef-1005-02db-134813c69c0b
Closing date for submissions Friday 15th August 2025
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Are You Living With Or After A Cancer Diagnosis
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We would like to know about you and what you think about community based cancer support services. We are recruiting. Are you over 18? Are you a cancer survivor? Can you help us inform future services?
Learn more and take part https://tinyurl.com/UCDCommunityCancerStudy
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National Recycling Bin Survey is back!
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In 2023, VOICE Ireland led the first National Recycling Bin Survey (NRBS), a citizen-led piece of research involving 130 participants across 12 counties. With this survey we took a deep dive into what’s really ending up in our recycling bins, but also attributing this waste to specific retail sectors.
Plastic made up 50% of the average Irish recycling bin, and supermarkets were responsible for two-thirds of all packaging waste. That means the problem isn’t just individual behaviour – it’s what’s being put on our shelves in the first place.
This year, we’re back for Edition Two – and we’re calling on households across the country to take part.
By collecting this information, we’re doing two things:
- Shifting the blame: For too long, the focus of waste reduction has been on consumer behaviour. But what if we looked further upstream? This survey flips the script and looks at the source of packaging waste – retailers and producers.
- Informing evolutions for better policies: Since the first NRBS, new policies like the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) have launched in Ireland, and the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is bringing in new rules across Europe.
By joining the National Recycling Bin Survey, you will contribute to an important environmental database in the country. You’ll:
- Count and record the packaging in your household’s recycling bin
- Note where items came from (supermarkets, takeaways, etc)
- Reflect on your own consumption – and maybe even be surprised by it!
It’s a small commitment but can have a big impact. Here is the link for people to sign up: https://airtable.com/app7scgaRPSylaNEd/pagt5cDAY6irIHVh0/form
For more information visit https://www.voiceireland.org/national-recycling-bin-survey
Anyone who signs-in will automatically enter our Recycling Bin Survey competition to win one of five €100 One4All gift voucher.
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Sustainability Awareness course
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2-hour Sustainability Awareness course, delivered through a collaboration between SOLAS (An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna), Kildare and Wicklow ETB Training Services, and Fifty Shades Greener, is now open for registration — completely free of charge to learners or your organisation.
Key Details:
- Fully funded – no cost to your organisation!
- Fully online – accessible on your phone, tablet, laptop, or PC.
- Just 2 hours to complete, with flexible 10-minute modules.
- Covers essential topics: climate change, energy conservation, waste, biodiversity, circular economy, diversity & inclusion, and more!
- Available in 4 languages: Ukrainian, Polish, Irish, and English – inclusivity at its best!
The aim of this course is to promote awareness and embrace sustainable practices while encouraging diversity and accessibility.
Anyone that is interested can learn more and sign up here: https://www.greenskillskwetb.ie/solas-sustainability-for-beginners
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Managing Communities for Pollinators
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The National Community Café’s Action Group –
“Sustaining Communities Through Coffee, Conversation and Compassion”
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On Wednesday 2nd July, The National Community Café Action Group launched the impact report at Leinster House hosted by Ryan O’Meara TD. This impact report is in direct response to a ‘call to action’ by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP at the inaugural National Community Café Action Group meeting at the Horse and Jockey, Thurles in January 2025. At this meeting representatives from the 27 Community Café’s nationally came together to discuss the challenges they faced, with the same theme emerging – as social enterprises established in response to reduced rural amenities and increased rural isolation, our ability to pass on increased business costs to our customers was in direct contradiction to our mission – to provide a place for all in our community.
Nationally there are 27 known Community Café’s at varied stages of their evolution, through a mix of commercialism and volunteerism these cafés provide a service which neither the state nor the private sector would deem commercially viable. They incorporate elements of a café, shop and a meeting place for rural communities. The Cottage Loughmore, a cooperative based on the Plunkett system is the flagship established in 2012. Many Community Cafes have been established since then, some with the direct help of Mary Fogarty, co-founder at The Cottage. While all community cafes are independent, they are all social enterprises offering amenities to their rural communities which are not otherwise available. Such services always include food / hospitality, but may also include bill-pay, postage and parcel facilities, community noticeboard and hub, tickets to local tourist attractions or community events to name but a few.
There are cafes across ten counties, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mayo, Offaly, Sligo, Tipperary and Wexford employing 18 full-time and 32 part-time staff assisted by just under 400 volunteers. Community Cafés have many impacts at their local community level but also at a national level, such impacts include socio-cultural, economic, environmental and inter-generational.
Future Viability – The Community Cafés are on thin ice. Spiralling business costs have made conditions extremely difficult for all businesses across Ireland; however, Community Cafés are under direct threat of closure. The mission and ethos are to ensure a place for all – meeting the challenges of rural isolation head on and increasing amenities in local communities that ensure community bonds and heritage are maintained for future generations. There is a limit to the costs Community Cafés can pass on to their customers before this becomes exclusionary and therefore incompatible with their mission.
We know the Government sees the value of Community Café’s nationally, this has been acknowledged through the provision in the Programme for Government to ‘work to support the development and retention of community-run shops and cafes.’ However, we need this provision turned into urgent action – showcasing our impact report at a local and national level is the first step along with furnishing the Government with our ask.
To read the impact report click here
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Ruth Smith, PPN coordinator, and Mary Fogarty, co-founder and manager of The Cottage Loughmore, with the impact report
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Take Part in SDG Week 2025!
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Ireland’s fourth Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week is taking place this year from 19 to 28 September. It forms part of the wider European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW), which runs from 18 September to 8 October 2025, now in its tenth year!
Last year, ESDW saw over 4,000 activities taking place across 39 countries, with almost 200 events taking place in Ireland.
The SDGs belong to everyone and SDG Week is open to all – individuals, groups, schools and colleges, businesses and institutions.
To take part, organise an event – however big or small – or highlight an activity or project that promotes sustainable development and join the annual week of action for the SDGs.
- Start now! – Think about how you could promote sustainable development and plan an activity, project or event to take place during SDG Week
- Register – Upload your idea on the ESDW website: www.esdn.eu/esdw
- Act! – Organise and promote your initiative during ESDW – 18th September to 8th October 2025!
For more information on sustainable development, SDG Week and ideas for taking part, please see www.gov.ie/SDGs.
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EcoVision presents ‘Thurles Retrofit Expo’ information event in the Dome, Thurles- Thursday 28th August 2025 from 2pm-4pm.
The Mount Lucas Retrofit Rig will be present. This event is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners, businesses, communities and anyone interested in sustainable living to gain insights and practical knowledge from industry experts.
Don’t miss out on this chance to learn how you can make your home or business more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Contact Ecovision on 061 61031 or visit www.ecovision.ie
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The inaugural Darby Ryan International Poetry Contest and the Tipperary Song of Peace, are coming together for a joint event on Wednesday August 20th at 7pm at Templeneiry Old Church, Bansha, Co. Tipperary. There will be 6 finalists in each category and it promises to be a great evening of poetry and song. The event is being held as part of the programme for Heritage Week. Guest judges for the Song of Peace Final include country music star, Louise Morrissey and actor and performer Patrick Bergin.
Those wishing to attend can purchase tickets on Eventbrite at the following link; https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-darby-ryan-international-poetry-contest-and-the-tipperary-song-of-peace-tickets-1481041818949
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Roisin Markham Irish Doughnut Economics Network Seminar
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Fethard And District Day Care Centre Clg Presents Roisin Markham Irish Doughnut Economics Network Workshop/Seminar on Friday 26th September in the Convent Chapel, Fethard from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
The interactive workshop is strictly confined to 50 participants (10:00am – 11:30am).
A further 30 people can be accommodated at the Seminar (12:00pm – 2:00pm).
Tea/Coffee and light lunch will be provided on the day.
This seminar will be chaired by Playwright, Actress, Author and inspirational speaker, Nuala McKeever, who will be performing her one woman show on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th in Abymill, Fethard.
Roisin Markham is a strategic designer, systems thinker, technologist and innovative business leader. Described by others as an inspiring cultural thinker, she lives with questions. She works on closing the gap between policy, and strategy to operationalise the deep design of business for a post growth societal transformation. Her creative work is in new social imaginaries, alivelihoods and deep time. Founder and network steward of the Irish Doughnut Economics Network (IDEN). Cofounder BDT Consultancy Ltd where she is the Director of Innovative Services.
Please text your name & contact number to 087 6174853 to book your place on workshop or seminar or both.
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Age Friendly Ireland Newsletter
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Changing Ireland Newsletter
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Farming for Nature Newsletter
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HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast
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Connecting Nationwide Newsletter
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July edition of Connecting Nationwide, our monthly newsletter full of environmental news and events throughout Ireland. This month’s newsletter features upcoming events, announcements on local and national projects, upcoming funding to keep an eye out for and more July’s Newsletter
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Jigsaw’s mental health supports for parents/guardians
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Neart is a partnership between Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health and the National Educational Psychological Service/Department of Education.
Jigsaw provides mental health webinars, podcasts and other resources for parents/guardians.
To register for a monthly newsletter or visit https://jigsaw.ie/neart/
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National Men’s Shed Newsletter
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Tipperary Together Newsletter
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Please click here to see the latest newsletter. If you or your community group would like to provide content to the next issue of this newsletter or add your organisation as a group that receives newsletter please email: tipperarytogether@tipperarycoco.ie
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