Allies
Corpus Christi, established in 1984, is an outstanding primary school that provides a top class education for the youth of Moyross and surrounding areas. We see Corpus Christi as a caring, safe and happy environment. It is a centre of learning where we strive through education to develop the whole person. Our school will consistently promote a greater awareness of the roles, rights and responsibilities of all.”
Contact: Hilary McAlea T: (061) 455 166
E: [email protected]
Website: www.corpuschristips.com/
“Since CWELL expanded in 2018, we have been a northside partner helping to recruit CWELL students and supporting CWELL projects. We have collaborated with the CWELL team in so many ways since then, to the benefit of our pupils, their parents and our community. It’s a great partnership that helps to bring the University of Limerick closer to our community.”
Hilary McAlea – Deputy Principal, Corpus Christi Primary School
The Haven Hub is a mental health awareness and suicide prevention charity operating on a solely volunteer basis. Their mission is to make mental health supports freely and widely available in the community and to empower people to take control of their own mental health, to support this ambition the Haven Hub provide a range of wellness programmes, support groups and courses.
The Haven Hub operates primarily in Limerick and Ennis. These areas experience high levels of disadvantage and as such are affected by an increased risk of mental health issues and suicidal behaviour. The mid-west region of Ireland experiences suicide rates above the national average *(CSO, 2023). The Haven Hub aims to support the work of the HSE as well as other organizations in addressing mental health issues. They are leading the way nationally by providing Ireland’s only Late Night Crisis Café. Crisis Cafés such as this are proposed as a new referral option in the Sharing the Vision Mental Health Strategy (2020). Since opening, the Haven Hub has delivered over 750 interventions in the Mid West and beyond.
Contact: Haven Hub – Limerick
T: 085 201 9250 Haven Hub – Ennis 089 407 3370
"I really recommend any organisation at a stage where you’re looking for some answers and you want somebody on the outside to maybe have a look at some things that sometimes, you know, it’s hard to do that to step away from the operational side of your organisation. And getting in somebody like the CWELL team in has just been a huge asset to us. It really has. It’s just the most positive experience. And we met some good friends as well and people that we’ll definitely stay in touch with." Leona O’Callaghan, Founder and Director, Haven Hub
Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) is a member of one of the world’s largest educational non-profits, helping prepare young people for their futures by delivering hands-on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, employability, financial literacy and the value of STEAM.
Contact: Regina Kelly
T: (01) 293 0210 E:
Website: https://jai.ie/
Email: [email protected]
"Junior Achievement Ireland’s partnership with UL Engage shows the power of collaboration to prepare our young people for the changing world of education and work. UL Engage is a committed supporter of JAI with over 100 UL volunteers participating since 2020. Staff from across the University have given time, with the support of UL, to work with students across the MidWest region. A volunteer from University of Limerick provides students with the opportunity to see the relevance of what they are learning in school to further education and the workplace. To date UL volunteers have reached almost 2,500 students through JAI activities. Thank you to all the volunteers and UL Engage for giving primary and secondary students these valuable experiences through our continuing partnership! " Helen Rafferty, CEO
The mission is to support and provide access to training, information, education and employment opportunities so as to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities experiencing disadvantage.
Contact: Sean Sweeney
T: 061 411 0761
E: [email protected].
Website: www.limerickcitycdp.ie
"CWELL is a great partnership between UL, the communities and Limerick City CDP. It provides fantastic opportunities for students to upskill, build confidence and get involved in their community, with participants progressing onto further education, employment and/or involvement in their community. It is a project that has gone from strength to strength and one that I am happy to support and promote."
Susan O’Neil – Team Leader, Limerick City CDP (2010-2022)
The Limerick Community Education Network (LCEN) is a network of organisations and individuals involved in supporting and promoting community education in Limerick City. Our mission is to provide a forum for the promotion, provision, co-ordination, and development of Community Education in Limerick City.
Contact: Mary Hughes
T: 087 764 2659 E: [email protected]
Website: www.lcen.ie/
Patrick Fitzgerald 089 4696654 and [email protected]
“LCEN supports CWELL because the programme’s principles depict similarities to the ethos and vision of LCEN. The focus is on empowering the communities through learning, engaging in community partnerships, lifelong learning, and encouraging people in active citizenship. The CWELL programme has Community Development Principles at its core, many of which overlap with the principles of Community Education, such as being learner centred, promoting inclusion and diversity and allows participants to build life-skills and leadership skills. Developing critical thinking allows the participant to identify the needs of their community and voice and advocate for those in their community, creating social awareness resulting in successful social change.”
Mary Hughes, Education Development Worker at LCEN Limerick Community Education Network (2021-2023)
A charitable trust company with the objectives of employment skills training, education & community development. LEDP is actively engaged in supporting innovation in community & education.
Contact: Niall O’Callaghan
T: 061 460 060 E: [email protected]
Website: www.ledp.ie
Limerick City and County Council (Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Luimnigh) is the authority responsible for local government in the City of Limerick and County Limerick in Ireland. It came into operation on 1st June 2014 after the 2014 local elections. It is a merger of Limerick City Council and Limerick County Council under the provisions of the Local Government Reform Act 2014.
T: 087 764 2659 E: [email protected]
Website: www.limerick.ie/council.com
"The CWELL Programme is a prime example of how the Economic & Social Intervention Fund has greatly benefited the Regeneration communities. Through partnership with the University of Limerick this seed funding, allocated by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage through Limerick City & County Council, played a key part to embedding this programme into the University and assist with its transition to mainstream education. CWELL is a great example of community-university collaboration making a real impact on the ground." Fiona McCormack A/Senior Executive Officer, Regeneration, Sports & Recreation Directorate
Limerick City Partnership Limerick is a multi-sectoral partnership company promoting social inclusion in Limerick City. Our organisation includes representatives of communities, state agencies, social partners, voluntary groups and elected representatives.
We work with local communities and groups of people that have benefited least from economic and social development and aim to improve the quality of life for people living in Limerick City.
We were initially set up in 1989 as People Action Against Unemployment Ltd and referred to as PAUL Partnership. We were established to address the high levels of long-term unemployment at the time in Limerick City. Since then, our remit has expanded to a broader objective of supporting social inclusion.
Contact: Hannah Jansen
T: (+353 (61) 419 388 E: [email protected]
Website: www.paulpartnership.ie/
"Limerick City Area Partnership, formerly PAUL Partnership, is delighted to be working with CWELL students. The CWELL programme aligns with our principles of community involvement and empowerment. The CWELL students are people from our communities, giving back to our communities." Hannah Jansen SICAP Climate Action Worker
Moyross Youth Academy was set up in the early 1990’s to offer training and educational opportunities to local youth. Though initially run by volunteers, we now employs 26 staff providing training, mentoring and education to over 100 young people. We also provide a home to many innovative projects including the Céim ar Chéim Probation Project, the Garda Diversion Projects and our well regarded Horse Welfare and Education Programme.
Contact: Andrew Byrne
T: 061 322 122
Website: www.facebook.com/MYAMoyrossYouthAcademy/
“We here in Moyross Youth Academy are delighted to be associated with the CWELL programme. We have seen the direct benefits for both the young people involved and also in the communities in which they live. It is encouraging to see the engagement and collaboration that the University quite rightly brings to communities across the city and the reciprocal nature of being a Civic University.”
Andrew Byrne – Manager, Moyross Youth Academy
Our Lady of Lourdes is a DEIS primary school based in Rosbrien, Limerick. Primary School
Contact: Mary Maguire, Deputy Principal
T: +353 61 302733E: [email protected]
Website: https://stgabriels.ie/
"Working with UL Engage has brought fresh energy and expertise into our school. Through this partnership our students gain new experiences and develop new skills. It has also strengthened our links with the wider community and supported our staff with practical, professional insights. The impact has been incredibly positive — for teaching, learning, and overall wellbeing." Mary Maguire, Deputy Principal
Established in 1992 Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group works for and support the alleviation of poverty and social exclusion in the community of Our Lady of Lourdes parish and surrounding areas by providing services and facilities for individuals, families and groups at risk. Our Lady of Lourdes CSG works to promote the advancement of education for the members of the community and empower individuals, groups and vulnerable members of the community to combat problems of social exclusion, marginalisation and inequality. They also assist in the improvement of quality of life and outcomes for children and young people in the community through the provision of a dedicated childcare facility and dedicated youth service facility.
Contact: John Bennett
T: 061 228 596 E: [email protected]
Website: www.ololcsg.ie
Date: 2020-2023
“Our Lady of Lourdes support CWELL because it allows members of our community to access learning and peer development opportunities enabling them to grow and develop into active citizens and promote inclusion and equal participation of marginalised persons in their community. Graduates of CWELL are sought after professionals who bring a wealth of lived and learned knowledge to the community development sector and as such are highly employable in our sector.”
John Bennett – CEO, Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group (2020-2023)
Southside Gymnastics Club (SGC) is a volunteer community-based club, which was opened in 2006 by Head Coach, Michelle Bourke. Michelle, originally from O’ Malley Park, has 35 years of gymnastics experience. Growing up in the area Michelle noticed children in the green grass areas practicing gymnastics and felt sure that there would be a demand for this kind of sport. Today the club has over 100 children and more than 20 Gymnastics Ireland trained coaches. Many coaches were first introduced to the club as members themselves: some coaches involved in the club today first joined as junior gymnasts at 4 years of age.
Contact: via the Southill Hub
T: +353 61 603710 E: [email protected]
“We are all so busy just running the club, we never got a chance to think about the good we might be doing. The CWELL report is great for us to have to show to people. It has given us a real boost” Michelle Bourke, Founder & Leader, Southside Gymnastics Club
The Southill Family Resource Centre is a voluntary led organisation. We offer a range of activities, supports and services to families, individuals and children on the Southside of Limerick city. Services offered include family support, (through programmes such as Strengthening Families and Incredible Year), health and wellbeing advice, education and training, advocacy services, community supports and peer group mentoring.
Contact: Jimmy Prior
T: 061 440 250 E: [email protected]
Website: www.southillfrc.com
“The Southill Family Resource Centre is delighted to collaborate with the CWELL Programme as it provides opportunities for students on the Southside of the city to gain skills and qualifications for use in their community. It provides the knowledge to empower the students to reach their own capacity on their pathway to further education.” Jimmy Prior – Manager, Southill Family Resource Centre
The Southill Hub provides a central hub for the locality and supports community needs though responsive programmes and ongoing services. The Centre provides a number of locally based services: – a community café, a sports hall, meeting rooms and a community garden. The Centre works in a particular way with Southill’s young people through the provision of mainstream youth programmes which offer a safe space for young people to access educational, recreational and social opportunities.
Contact: Karen O’Donnell O’Connor
T: 061 603 710 E: [email protected]
Website: www.southillhub.org
“The Hub supports CWELL because the community link and the benefit to local people is very evident to us. We have worked with students to plan and support community events in the Hub and that partnership approach has served us both very well.”
Karen O’ Donnell O’ Connor – Manager, Southill Hub
Founded in 1961, St. Gabriel’s Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, providing services to children with disabilities and their families through two Children’s Disability Network Teams (Treehouse and South City), Hydrotherapy, Orthotics and a purpose-built state of the art Children’s Respite House in Mungret. St. Gabriel’s Special School is situated on the Dooradoyle campus and provides education for children age 4-18 years. Our Mission is to support children and young adults with disabilities to reach their potential to live their best life Our Values are reflected in the daily work we do and provide the basis for our interactions and communication with our service users and stakeholders. These values are based on a set of principles which include;
- Showing kindness
- Respecting individuals
- Working in partnership
- Valuing everyone’s contribution
- Being accountable
T: +353 61 302733 E: [email protected]
Website: https://stgabriels.ie/
“St Gabriel’s has been working with the University of Limerick for many years providing in-house student placements and more recently on the delivery of the HAPPEE project which is an alternative approach to providing essential services to children with disabilities. UL Engage understands the needs we are trying to address in the community and through our collaboration with the team there, we truly believe that together, we will provide better, more fruitful outcomes for children and their families.” Treasa McAuliffe, CEO
St. Mary’s National School
St Mary’s in a DEIS primary school
Contact: Eoghan O’Byrne, Principal
T: 061 419264 E: [email protected]
Website: http://www.stmarysnslimerick.ie/
“As Principal of St Mary’s National School, I am delighted to commend the CWELL programme: the programme’s emphasis on collaboration, reflective practice, and evidence-based interventions aligns perfectly with our ethos of continuous improvement and inclusion. UL Staff involved in the programme have demonstrated exceptional insight, compassion, and professional growth.” Eoghan O’Byrne, Principal
St Munchins Community Centre has had an active role in promoting and developing community involvement within the Parish since our establishment in 2005. We aim to be an approachable, energetic, motivating and developing group who will assist our community to develop a sense of pride and reach its full potential. Our aim is to achieve this through offering quality community based services, supporting development within our community, networking and identifying and responding to needs and issues. We also aim to enjoy what we do.
Contact: Linda Ledger
T: 061 458 651 E: [email protected]
Website: www.stmunchinscommunitycentre.ie/
“St. Munchin’s supports CWELL because it is a very important link from UL to the community. As most community people feel that UL is only for other people, CWELL makes the link. Also, the idea of doing community projects together is great, and the chance of the participants getting jobs after it is excellent.” Linda Ledger – CEO, St Munchin’s Community Centre
Formed in 2023 the Southside Women’s Shed provides a space for women to empower and support each other. They offer a diverse range of interesting classes and activities, host information sessions and provide advice and guidance. Above all the Southside Women’s Shed acts as a welcoming and inclusive space for all, a space where people can be themselves, connect with old friends and make new friends. The Southside Women’s Shed holds weekly meetings on alternate weeks the meetings take place on Wednesday mornings and Tuesday evenings. By alternating their meetings in this way, the Southside Women’s Shed makes attending the meetings more accessible for local women. If the daytime meeting does not suit you can attend the evening meeting the following week.
“Working with CWELL has given some of our women a chance to be involved in some amazing opportunities that comes from CWELL and UL, it also makes the community of southside women’s shed realise that UL isn’t as out of reach as they thought especially being from disadvantaged areas across Limerick” Karol Canty, Founder of the Southside Women’s Shed & CWELL Graduate
The Hunt Museum was established to house the internationally important collection of approximately 2,000 works of art and antiquities formed by John and Gertrude Hunt during their lifetimes. The Museum was officially opened by An Taoiseach, John Bruton, on 14 February 1997. While John nor Gertrude Hunt lived to realise their dream, the Hunt Museum stands as a monument to their enthusiasm, curiosity and generosity.
T: 061 312 833 E: [email protected]
Website: www.huntmuseum.com
Women’s Collective Ireland - Limerick, WCI-Limerick (formerly Limerick Women’s Network) is part of the national Women’s Collective Ireland network. WCI-Limerick promotes gender equality via information and support services for women on health provision, screening services, domestic abuse, and returning to education and/or employment. Workshops and courses include: creative writing, community singing, Representing Women, Women and Politics Training Day, Political Participation Training for Migrant Women and Women in Local Leadership. Regularly involved in local and national campaigns and public consultations, WCI-Limerick were instrumental in the establishment of the Limerick Women’s Caucus, the first of its kind at a local level in the country. They are feminist, inclusive and pro-choice and work using feminist and community development principles.
T: 087 328 3746. E: [email protected]
"We have built up an excellent working relationship with the CWELL students and have seen first-hand, their enthusiasm and dedication, not only towards this project but towards community development in a wider context."
Yvie Murphy, Coordinator, Women's Collective Ireland - Limerick