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Social Inclusion Measures Group

Sligo Social Inclusion Measures Group (SIM)
The Sligo Social Inclusion Measures (SIM) group is a sub committee of the County Development Board set up to coordinate social inclusion activity in the county. This Committee is facilitated by the Office of Community and Enterprise and aims to ensure that all local plans to address education, employment, welfare, accommodation, personal & community development, crime and health are co-ordinated in order to ensure positive outcomes for both individuals and the communities they live in. The group also develops integrated plans to respond to the needs of specific groups in society who are particularly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion.

Agencies participating in Social Inclusion Measure (SIM)
FAS, Department of Social and Family Affairs, Sligo Leader Partnership Company, Department of Education and Science, Health Services Executive, County Childcare Committee, VEC, Gardai, Sligo Education Centre, RAPID programme, Sligo County Council, Teagasc, Peace II, Regional Drugs Taskforce, Comhairle, Sligo Community Forum and the Probation and Welfare Service.

Activities 2005
During 2005 the SIM group held five meeting, the focus of which was to ensure that service providers are aware of each other’s plans, policies and programmes and that these are co-ordinated to eliminate duplications in service provision and maximise opportunities for synergy. Specific activities include;
  1. Developing and monitoring a three year Integrated Plan targeting marginalised single men in rural County Sligo (piloting West Sligo in 2005). Previously there was no agency in the County with a remit for this group despite the high levels of ill health, poor accommodation, poverty, under employment, literacy difficulties and isolation. In developing the plan the SIM group identified clear roles for the various agencies in relation to community development, research, consultation, information dissemination, employment, accommodation and education and health.
  2. Advising the County Development Board in relation to the endorsement of local and community plans.
  3. Monitoring the RAPID programme.
  4. Monitoring and reviewing the County Development Board Strategy 2002-2012.
  5. Advisory role to CDB on 2006-2008 Action Plan.
  6. Advising on submission to the Cohesion Fund.
  7. Agreeing on a template for equality proofing.
Developing Opportunities for Play and Recreation in 2005
Dromore West playground opened to the public in May 2005. Its location adjacent to the community centre in the heart of the village makes it an attractive amenity for children and parents in the surrounding area. The equipment was chosen in line with EU best practice guidelines and the design was based on the outcome of a consultation with local children and the local Playground Committee. This project represents a positive example of a successful partnership between Sligo County Council, the Dromore West Community Council, the local community, the National Children's Office and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Funding was also secured under the National Disability Strategy to develop and improve facilities for people with mobility difficulties at Mitchell Curley Park and Hillside Adventure Park in Sligo City.


Playground Grant Scheme 2005
The Playground Grant Scheme in June 2005 organised by the Office of Community, Enterprise and Arts highlighted a significant demand for community based play facilities around the County. This scheme was developed in response to the DOEHLG's scheme to provide €60,000 to each Local Authority to encourage the development of community based play facilities. This was match funded by Sligo County Council as part of an initiative to encourage Community/Local Authority partnerships as regards the provision of community facilities.

Submissions were received from Riverstown, Coolaney, Tubbercurry, Skreen-Dromard, Geevagh, St Cecelia’s School and Enniscrone. A further seven groups who are planning to develop play facilities over the coming years were also in contact.

Projects were assessed according to certain criteria including accessibility, safety, community involvement, local contribution, proven demand and consultation with children. It was agreed to support one major play development project (Riverstown) and refurbish an existing playground (Tubbercurry) in 2005.


Play Policy
Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council have recently come together to develop a play policy for the County. A play policy is considered necessary for the following reasons:
  • To outline the Local Authorities role in relation to the development of play opportunities in the County through a range of local authority services including planning, arts, community, parks, environment etc.
  • To ensure consistency and quality in the provision of play facilities.
  • To engage local communities in the development of play opportunities.
  • To provide clarity regarding joint management arrangements between communities and local authorities, covering issues of safety, litigation, insurance and funding.
The policy is currently at draft stage and will be presented to both authorities in 2006.
 
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