3 Year Progress Report

CONTENTS

• FOREWORD
• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
  • Organisational structure
  • Changes in the local development environment
  • Co-ordination and linkages
• ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT AND ENTERPRISE
  • Inner City Employment Service
  • Employer Liaison Officer
  • Adult Education Guidance
  • Enterprise Support Services/Inner City Enterprise
  • Pre Enterprise Support
  • The Gateway Project
  • Accredited Training
  • Jobs Initiative Co-ordination
  • Community Arts & Cultural Initiative
• PROMOTING COMMUNITY REGENERATION
  • Digital Communities Initiative
  • Information Technology Training
  • St Teresa’s Gardens Environmental & Employment Project
  • O’Devaney Gardens
  • St Catherine’s Combined Communities Project
  • Environmental/Planning Advice Service
  • Community Project Development Course
  • Voter Education Initiative
  • Community Action Network
  • Women’s Health Programme - CAIRDE
  • Community Development Support
    • North West Inner City
    • South West Inner City
    • North East Inner City
    • South East Inner City
• TACKLING EDUCATIONAL DISADVANTAGE
  • Inner City Childcare Network
  • Inner City Primary Schools Initiative
  • Therapeutic Counselling Service – Suaimhneas Project
  • Second Level Schools Network
  • Dublin Inner-City Schools Computerisation Project (DISC)
  • Third Level Access – Strive Fund
• PROMOTING EQUALITY RIGHTS
  • Pan African Organisation
  • Older Persons’ Council
  • NWICAN Intercultural Group
  • North West Inner City Women’s Network
  • Sports Against Racism Ireland
  • Equal at Work
  • WIDE
  • The Participation and Practice of Rights
  • Tenants First
• APPENDIX: SUMMARY OF OUTCOMES
  • Measure A: Services for the Unemployed
  • Measure B: Community Development
  • Measure C: Community based Youth Initiatives
  • Board Members
  • Three year financial allocations

FOREWORD

The Partnership’s Strategic Action Plan for 2001-2006, “Achieving Equality, Overcoming Exclusion: Strategy to Secure Social and Economic Rights in the Inner City”, was launched in September 2001.

This three-year progress report highlights some of the achievements of the Partnership and its associated infrastructure during the first half of the Implementation Plan for the period 2001- 2003.

Now mid-way through the implementation of this plan, the Partnership has an opportunity to reflect on the actions carried out to date, and to document the successes of the approach.

The primary focus of the Partnership activity has been to:

• improve co-ordination between the different organisations involved in local development in the inner city
• to target resources at the most disadvantaged residential areas
• to introduce new responses to the particular circumstances of those most affected by poverty and exclusion.

The Partnership plays a key role in mobilising the community and voluntary sector and promoting active engagement with the statutory sector in response to the social and economic needs of inner city residents experiencing poverty and social exclusion. Our objective is to target resources and activities at the most disadvantaged areas in the inner city, and to ensure that private and public investments and services are used in the most cost effective manner and directly benefit the local residents with the most acute needs.

Partnership staff provide advice, support and direction to achieve this objective. This work requires participation by Partnership staff in local, regional and national structures that are relevant to the partnership remit.

The activities supported through the Partnership plan and funding are delivered in the main by independent local community based organisations. This vibrant local development infrastructure has provided the means to ensure that the resources are targeted at those most in need and to retain the capacity to remain flexible and innovative in response to changes at local level.

Over the past three years a high level of co-operation has been achieved between the different local development structures in the inner city, including the two local Drug Task Forces, the four RAPID Area Implementation Teams and the four Community Networks (that include the eight Community Development Projects). This coordination was necessary to ensure the most effective use of public funding and to avoid duplication of effort. As a result of this co-ordination through the DICP the local development sector in the inner city remains highly focused and efficient.

Over the last three years the DICP has support-ed a wide range of initiatives relevant to our action plan with representatives of over one hundred and twenty organisations participating in the Partnership.

• Direct investment was made in over fifty different community organisations.
• Over three thousand residents obtained direct benefit from the services and activities supported by the partnership.

These included access to work, specific skills training, school based activities and interventions, third level access, teacher training, management capacity development in local tenant organisations, expansion of ‘state of the art’ information technology to schools and communities and professional advice on urban planning and renewal.

A specific focus over the last three years has been on issues of equality and access of opportunity. The DICP has worked with the many different communities in the inner city in order to address some of the most acute social and economic problems. In line with the objective of our six-year strategic plan we have sought to develop a rights based approach to these issues.

The success achieved and the wide range of activities undertaken would not have been possible without the active cooperation and participation of the many individuals and organisations committed to change in the inner city. We wish to thank most sincerely all those who have supported us over the three years, both on a voluntary and professional basis. The many successes achieved are as a result of this active and consistent contribution and commitment to tackling poverty in Dublin inner city.

Joyce O’Connor

Chairperson, DICP

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Over the three-year period, the Partnership has worked to address issues of socio-economic exclusion in inner city communities, building on the experience of delivering previous action plans. Outcomes have included the continuation and expansion of successful initiatives, such as the DISC computer project, and the introduction of new initiatives in areas of need, such as in O’Devaney Gardens local authority flat complex.

Major changes in the local development delivery infrastructure have included:

• Establishment of the Digital Communities initiative in 11 flat complexes
• Development of ICON Youth at Risk initiatives
• Tenant Development Empowerment Programme
• Inner City Voter Education Task Force
• Introduction of a community-based Environment and Planning Advice Service
• Establishment of Second-level Schools Initiative
• Expansion of Dublin Inner-city Schools Computerisation Project
• New community regeneration initiative in O’Devaney Gardens
• Completion of the St. Catherine’s Foyer and Sports Building on Marrowbone Lane
• Introduction of an Employer Liaison Service as part of the Inner City Employment Service network
• Campaigns to prevent the withdraw of community resources, Community Employment and Jobs Initiatives positions
• Needs Analysis of Dominick Street/Hardwick Street area residents
• Establishment of a Community Forum in the north west inner city
• Establishment of the ‘Council for Services to Older Persons’ in NWICAN area
• Negotiation of community gain from key developments
• Piloting of Suaimhneas in primary schools, therapeutic counselling for children at risk

Organisational structure

DICP is one of 38 area-based partnership companies that operate in areas of disadvantage with the aim of promoting social inclusion and addressing long-term unemployment. The Board of DICP is drawn from the private, community, trade union and statutory sectors and elected representatives. Community directors are nominated to the Board on an annual basis by the four community networks operating in the inner city.

During the 2001-2003 period, the Partnership board and six subcommittees met on a regular basis with over 100 representatives from the different sectors actively participating on the Partnership internal organisation structures.

DICP employs a core staff of seven to manage its workload, in addition to contracting certain activities to community-based organisations. Its main funding source is the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme, via Area Development Management, and Department of Enterprise and Employment, via FÁS employment services.

Changes in the local development environment

The Partnership is operating in an increasingly complex and sophisticated local development environment. The needs of local residents have changed significantly over the past decade and this has required the partnership to continuously review and respond to these changing needs in order to remain relevant. In response to the new local needs, the community and local State structures have also changed with a consequent demand for participation and realignment. In addition to the Partnership development work locally, this requires participation in Local Drug Task Forces, the Dublin Employment Pact, the EU EQUAL initiative, and the City Development Board.

Since this implementation plan was agreed, the inner city community has witnessed a number of significant changes in the local development sector. These include the introduction of new State initiatives and structures, such as:

• RAPID in four areas of the inner city
• Dublin City Childcare Committee
• School Completion Programme
• FÁS Social Economy Programme
• Introduction of the National Employment Action Plan

Co-ordination and Linkages

During this implementation phase, the Partnership worked closely with an existing infrastructure that assisted with the delivery of actions outlined in the strategic plan. This infrastructure is comprised of community-based organisations located in the different communities in the inner city area.

The Partnership worked in conjunction with other local development organisations including the four community networks, the two local Drug Task Forces and the local Community Development Projects. The interventions supported by Partnership complemented other area-based initiatives developed by the statutory sector which include the Docklands Authority, the City Council Integrated Area Plans, the RAPID initiative, the Digital Hub and the Department of Education Schools Completion Programme.

In the wider development context the Partnership enhanced its links to the Dublin Employment Pact, Dublin City Development Board and the Belfast Area Partnerships. On a national basis, DICP worked with PLANET, the network of area based partnership companies.

Dublin Inner City Partnership Organisational Structure

Strategy A - Access to Employment and Enterprise

• St Teresa’s Gardens
• O’Devaney Gardens
• The Gateway Project
• Inner City Enterprise
• Pre Enterprise Support
• Larkin Unemployed Centre
• Fountain Resource Group
• Inner City Employment Service
• Connolly Information Centre
• Inner City Renewal Group
• North West Inner City
• St Andrews Resource Centre

Strategy B - Promoting Community Regeneration

• Environmental Planning
• Advice Service – CTA
• Policy Analysis/
• Research Service
• Community Networks
  • ICON,
  • SWICN,
  • NWICAN,
  • SEAN
• Inner City Childcare Network
• Digital Communities

Strategy C - Tackling Educational Disadvantage

• Inner City Secondary Schools Initiative
• Dublin Inner City Schools Computerisation Project
• DISC Special Projects

ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT AND ENTERPRISE

Inner City Employment Service

The Inner City Employment Service operates in four community based locations, reflecting the four quadrants of the inner city. The locations are:

• ICES Connolly Information Centre, Dublin 8
• ICES Inner City Renewal Group, Dublin 1
• ICES Northwest Inner City, Dublin 7
• ICES St Andrew’s Resource Centre, Dublin 2

ICES provides a comprehensive job placement, mediation and guidance service for long-term unemployed people in the inner city, and residents at risk of becoming long-term unemployed.

The local ICES centres also operate outreach into the wider community. During the three year period implementation plans were developed for each ICES Centre. Staff from the four centres collaborated on the development of an ICES database to capture additional data. ICES staff training focused on working with ex-offenders, people with disability, people with addiction problems, ethnic minorities, and NEAP referred clients. Partners in this initiative include FÁS and the local community service delivery infrastructure.

ICES has been used as a model for the development of employment services in Belfast, called the Gasworks Employment Matching Service (GEMS). The Partnership’s Employment and Enterprise Coordinator has been supporting the development of the GEMS service in Belfast. The service is primarily focused on providing access to employment with businesses situated within the Gasworks and Laganside sites in Belfast.

Employer Liaison Officer

An ICES Network Employer Liaison Officer operates an employment liaison service on behalf of ICES in all quadrants. The aim of this service is to improve the availability and range of job opportunities for local unemployed people through liaison with employer organisations. During this three year period, a large portion of the ELO workload focused on the Fast-track to Information Technology (FIT) Initiative, which is training designed to upskill unemployed people for jobs in the information technology sector. FIT courses ran in St. Andrew’s Resource Centre and in Ringsend Technical College. The scope of FIT was expanded during subsequent academic years to include ECDL and MOUS, Web design and FTP, computerised accounts and payroll.

The Employer Liaison Officer also undertook Local Labour Clause negotiations with employer organisations, including Dublin City Council, Chief O’Neill’s Hotel, Jury’s Hotel, Bank of Ireland, Ratigan Construction, Imax Cinema, GAA Croke Park, in addition to negotiations with IT companies around progression options for FIT participants.

Enterprise Support Services – Inner City Enterprise

Inner City Enterprise provides a commercial starter enterprise support service to inner city residents on behalf of the Partnership. Its service targets individuals seeking to establish their own businesses and works with them towards achieving commercial viability.

Although ICE has traditionally experienced a majority of male clients, the number of enquiries from women has increased in recent years. ICE promotes its services through employment centres, community groups and Labour Exchanges. Partners in this initiative include the Dublin City Enterprise Board, FÁS, and private companies. The following table summarises the quantitative outcomes from ICE over the three year period.

Pre Enterprise Support

Pre-enterprise support services are provided through the Larkin Unemployed Centre in the north inner city and the Fountain Resource Group in the south inner city. Both of these groups provide an initial support service for inner city disadvantaged residents who wish to explore the possibility of entering self-employment. They also provide a registration service for the Back to Work (Enterprise) Allowance. Partners in this initiative include DICP, FÁS, Dublin City Enterprise Board, and the Department of Social & Family Affairs.

Adult Education Guidance

DICP participates in the management of the Adult Education Guidance Service (AEGS) which provides education guidance, information and support to adults attending basic education centres and literacy schemes in the geographical area of the Dublin Inner City Partnership. AEGS was established in 2000. The majority of the clients of the service are inner city people who are unemployed or in low skilled, low-paid jobs.

ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT AND ENTERPRISE

The Gateway Project

The Gateway Project offers pre-employment training for a group of twenty women from the north west inner city of Dublin. The area experiences high levels of disadvantage, such as early school leaving and unemployment. Many women left school early and/or did not gain any formal qualifications, which impacts on their ability to gain employment and maintain financial security for their families. Gateway aims to address these problems locally by providing a specialised delivery mechanism for a range of vocational and personal development training options.

Key features of the programme include: provision of practical, relevant and individually paced education and training; the participant centred management and delivery; a strong ethos of respect for the individual; and flexible range of supports provided in response to individual needs. All participants complete work experience placements.

Gateway is also supported by

• the FÁS Community Employment Programme;
• the Department of Education & Science (Back to Education Initiative);
• City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee;
• and the North Inner City Drugs Task Force.

Accredited Training

• ATRS Travel and Tourism Introductory Airport Training Course;
• Bookkeeping and Payroll;
• Classroom Assistant Course;
• Community Development;
• Drugs Awareness Module;
• ECDL Computers;
• FETAC Business Calculations,
• Caring for Children,
• Child Play and Development,
• Personal Care and Presentation,
• Catering,
• Communications,
• Computer Literacy,
• English,
• Food and Nutrition,
• Keyboard Skills,
• Maths,
• Office Procedures;
• First Aid;
• Job Preparation Skills;
• Junior Certificate English;
• Lifting Course;
• Pitman Telephone Skills, Word Processing and Typing.

Other Training

• Photography;
• Creative Writing;
• Interior Design;
• Managing Your Money;
• Stained Glass;
• First Aid;
• Personal Development;
• Parenting Plus;
• Arts and Crafts;
• Women in History.

Other Events

• Photographic exhibition in December 2001;
• trip to Kilmainham Gaol,
• breakfast to celebrate International Women’s Day;
• intercultural exchange with Cuban women;
• excursion to a photographic exhibition in Temple Bar.

Community Arts & Cultural Initiative

DICP supported the employment of a Community Arts Worker, through Arts Limited, to develop an inner city cultural strategy and promote job creation in the arts in the inner city. The worker provided support to arts organisations and individuals working in the field, giving advice on job seeking, business development and training opportunities, and was involved in the delivery of ‘Arts in Business’ training.

The programme of work involved provision of support to a number of organisations and groups in the area of capacity building, research, policy formulation, strategic planning and advice on finance raising etc. Clients included: Show Racism the Red Card, Sport Against Racism in Ireland, Ethnovision, Macro Youth Services Drama, Irish Fans United Cultural Programme, Bull Alley Drama Department, City Arts Centre Civic Inquiry on the Arts, NCCRI Multicultural Policy, Musicians Union, Sculptors’ Society. Research projects included ‘The Role of Arts and Culture in the accumulation of Social Capital in Dublin Inner City Communities’, a comparative study on multiculturalism in Toronto and Dublin, and a study on the cultural elements of EU Interreg Fund for Ireland/Wales. Submissions were made to the four RAPID areas with proposals for increasing arts and cultural activity in the inner city.

Jobs Initiative Co-ordination

In different parts of the inner city, Managing Agents supported workers employed under the Whole-time Jobs Initiative. This work involved coordinating the placement of workers in community-based projects, and providing initial and ongoing support to the workers around their training and progression needs. Exit strategies were developed for workers who were unable to progress to the open labour market. Supervisory support was provided to the projects in which the workers were placed.

In the south west inner city, SWICN acted as Managing Agent for the initiative. The SWICN JI Coordinator was also involved in research on the impact of the Jobs Initiative at local level which resulted in quantitative and qualitative data. In the north west inner city, Parishes Employment Network acted as Managing Agent. JI workers participated in a wide range of courses organised by PEN, including plasterwork, woodwork, maintenance, accounts, adult psychology, community development, health and safety, video production, care of the elderly, childcare, and computer training. Funding for the PEN position now comes from the Social Economy Programme.

The Partnership invested in the JI Coordinator positions during this implementation period.

The Partnership has also been active in campaigns to prevent the loss of Jobs Initiative and Community Employment positions in inner city community projects. The decision to reduce the number of Community Employment places began to impact severely on disadvantaged inner city communities. In the inner city at present there are many essential community-based services that have evolved to respond to the needs of the local community. DICP supports the use of CE as a means to increase investment in inner city low-income communities, families and individuals.

There are approximately 250 workers employed on the Jobs Initiative in the inner city. There is a seventy per cent progression rate from the initiative over the three year period.

Managing Agents

• Energy Action 12
• SWICN 64
• Focus Ireland 20
• Ringsend 18
• Parishes Employment Network 26
• TEN 78
• St Andrew’s Resource Centre 30

PROMOTING COMMUNITY REGENERATION

Information Technology

Digital Communities Initiative

One of the significant achievements during the 2001-2003 implementation phase is the establishment of the Digital Communities Initiatives, which is a major IT initiative that involves equipping disadvantaged communities with computer hardware and software and implementing appropriate training. The initiative is a collaboration between DICP, Dublin Institute of Technology, Hewlett Packard, Eircom, the National Centre for Technology in Education, Dublin City Council and The Digital Hub. To date, eleven local authority flat complexes have been equipped with state of the art PCs and peripherals. Local residents are undertaking training through the Microsoft IT Academy, starting with the IC3 qualification and with opportunities to advance to higher qualification levels. Job creation in computer training will ensue as local residents gain the appropriate accreditation that will enable them to act as tutors in their own communities. This initiative is managed under the DISC project.

Participating communities are:

• Bridgefoot Street
• Iveagh Trust
• Charlemont Street
• Michael Mallin House
• Dolphin House
• O’Devaney Gardens
• Dominick Street
• St Teresa’s Gardens
• Fatima Mansions
• Whitefriar Street
• Hardwicke Street

These community centres are based in flat complexes in inner city Dublin that experience a range of social problems. All are currently undergoing major regeneration programmes and see the development of computer training as essential within their overall plans.

Information Technology Training

An IT training was delivered in 2002. Staff from eleven organisations affiliated to the SWICN network were trained in PC components, software, peripherals, PC maintenance and introduction to internet and email. Training was delivered by Technofutures Limited.

Community Regeneration Programmes

St Teresa’s Gardens Environmental & Employment Project

St. Teresa’s Gardens Environmental & Employment Project employs local residents in the regeneration of their estate and provides comprehensive training to enable their progression. The Local Authority flat complex is located in the south west inner city, and traditionally experienced a high prevalence of indicators of social exclusion, including unemployment, early-school leaving, and anti-social behaviour.

The CE and JI workers employed on the project provide a valuable service to the community, in that they undertake necessary maintenance work on flats and environmental improvements. The visible appearance of the complex has improved dramatically since the project commenced, as workers address graffiti and vandalism. The project promotes recycling and succeeded in having a recycling station located in the complex.

The project has been responsible for negotiating with statutory services for improvements in the complex. A Health Board clinic has been established in the flat complex, operating on a fortnightly basis. An estate management agreement was negotiated with the Local Authority.

A range of training is provided to scheme participants and the community of St. Teresa’s Gardens. The project operates an annual summer project in July that is attended by one hundred young people. In 2003, the project joined the Digital Communities initiative which resulted in the opening of a computer resource room and commenced a range of training programmes. St. Teresa’s publishes a local newsletter to disseminate information on developments to local residents, and has undertaken research, for example, a needs analysis of older people living in the complex

The project develops the capacity of local residents to participate in organisational structures, such as residents associations, and encourages them to engage with statutory and other service providers to bring about the regeneration of the area. The initiative is also supported by the FÁS Community Employment and Jobs Initiative Programmes and by Dublin City Council.

Courses organised by St. Teresa’s regeneration project have included:

• Return to Education;
• Recycling Programme;
• Precinct Improvement Plan;
• Information Technology training as part of the Digital Communities Project;
• Educational Support Group;
• Safe Pass course;
• Youth at Risk Programme;
• Maintenance Application Skills Training (MAST);
• Health & Hygiene awareness through the South Western Area Health Board.

O’Devaney Gardens

O’Devaney Gardens flat complex in the north west inner city is home to over 800 people. Built in the 1950s, the complex has experienced many problems over the years, such as high unemployment, early school-leaving and a significant drug problem. In 1999, a new group was established to try to deal with some of the more serious problems.

The O’Devaney Gardens Community Development Forum is an inter-agency group comprising representatives of statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and community based groups. In 2001, the Partnership supported the research costs for a five year development plan that outlined changes necessary to improve the quality of life for residents of the flat complex. A £1.3 million grant was announced by An Taoiseach in 2001 towards the construction of a Community Resource Centre, one of the targets of the five year implementation plan.

In 2002 the Partnership approved investment for a Development Worker for the project. The worker has been involved in promoting local involvement in block committees, co-ordinates the computer resource room established under the Digital Communities Initiative and has organised training for young mothers.

St Catherine’s Combined Communities Project

St. Catherine’s was established in 1992 as an umbrella group for resident and tenant organisations in its immediate catchment area of the south west inner city. DICP supported the employment of a Development Worker in St. Catherine’s over a number of years. The group’s activities have included sponsoring a Community Employment scheme, producing a local newsletter, and providing a range of supports to affiliated organisations, including administrative and IT support. The project was involved in the development of a community leadership programme for young people, and worked with SICCDA and An Garda Siochana to develop a Neighbourhood Youth Project targeting young people at risk.

One of the group’s principal achievements has been to successfully campaign and support the development of new community and sports facility on Marrowbone Lane. This initiative was also supported by Dublin City Council and Cara Housing.

Environmental / Planning Advice Service

Community Technical Aid delivers a community planning service on behalf of the Partnership. A full-time, dedicated Community Planner is employed to work on an inner city wide basis, providing support to local residents’ and tenants’ groups and community organisations around issues of planning, housing and community gain. This objective of the planning service is to empower and build the capacity of local communities to understand and participate in the planning, management and evaluation of social and physical changes in their communities. The service supports local disadvantaged communities that have been excluded from the planning process, including residents who are elderly, homeless, Local Authority tenants and low income households.

An additional element of this service is the delivery of accredited planning training to local residents and community workers in the north west inner city. To date, ten people have undertaken this training that is accredited by FETAC and the Open College Network. Community gain has been negotiated with developers in Smithfield, to include the donation of a community resource centre, a local employment and training commitment (apprenticeships), and refurbishment of two community premises. The Planner provides specific skills support to a range of projects, for example, a Health Inequality Project in Blackhall Place, and a needs analysis in Drumalee housing estate. She has worked with residents in the Markets area, Blessington Street, and Stella Gardens, Liberty House, Spencer Dock and the SWICN network on planning and housing issues.

Community and Project Development Course

A one year Community and Project Development course was delivered in conjunction with UCD, commencing in autumn 2001. The course was delivered over one day per week for the academic year, and covered modules such as social policy, project development, research and evaluation skills, social analysis. Fourteen people commenced and six completed the course; the high drop-out rate was partly due to participants, work commitments and time constraints. A review of the course was carried out in January 2003. The evaluation showed that participants felt the course was well structured and well managed, but that the academic level was too high in relation to the people’s work and there was not enough time between assignments.

Voter Education Initiative

The SWICN network was involved in research on voter turnout in the south west inner city. The research was launched and a conference was held on the topic. As a consequence of this, a voter education task force was established, with the aim of forming a group of people across the inner city who would be willing and able to deliver voter education programmes. Training was provided by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice and local community workers began to deliver voter education training in their communities.

Community Action Network

Community Action Network was contracted to deliver an eight-week training course in community development between October and December 2002. The course was targeted at people working in community development on a paid or unpaid capacity. It aimed to develop skills relevant to the community development process and assist community workers to become more effective in articulating and meeting the needs of their areas. Ten participants completed the course. This action was delivered as part of a joint training initiative with Finglas Cabra Partnership.

Women’s Health Programme – CAIRDE

Cairde is a non-government organisation working to reduce health inequalities among ethnic minorities. DICP provided financial support to Cairde during 2003 to enable the group to undertake participatory action research on the needs of ethnic minority women living with HIV. Clients involved in Cairde’s Women’s Health Action programme wished to undertake research to identify their own health needs and to build their capacity to collectively address them. A researcher was employed to work with a core group of women from ethnic minority backgrounds and to help them develop research and analysis skills. The training explored gender and sexism, racism and discrimination, and power and oppression. One to one interviews were conducted using key questions set out in questionnaire format to guide the interview process. Eight women from minority ethnic backgrounds were trained in research methods. Qualitative interviews took place with 49 women and the research findings were published and communicated via radio interviews, press releases and launch of report. Partners in this project included the Combat Poverty Agency and the Northern Area Health Board.

Community Development Support

The DICP invests funding in the local community infrastructure in the four St Catherine’s Building on Marrowbone Lane Smithfield development quadrants of the inner city. In each area, a local community network has been formed to co-ordinate and target activity at the most disadvantaged areas.

North West Inner City

The north west inner city covers Smithfield and Markets area, Stoneybatter, Manor Street and North Circular Road. NWICAN is the area network for this quadrant. It has a membership of approximately 50 groups. The objectives of the network are to create a forum of community and voluntary bodies in the area to address issues of social exclusion and marginalisation; to ensure the north west inner city receives its fair share of resources and to seek to influence policy on issues that affect the community. Between 2001 and 2003 the Partnership supported the employment of a Coordinator and a Development Worker. Achievements this period have included:

• Skills training for steering committee
• Establishment of a Community Forum
• Fund-raising and excursions organised by the Youth Forum
• Establishment of the ‘Council for Services to Older Persons’ by Senior Citizens Group
• Intercultural activities including Information Day, good practice guide, local maps, cultural awareness visits.
• Involvement in RAPID AIT and support for community representatives
• Negotiation of community gain from Smithfield developments

A Community Participation Worker commenced work in January 2002, funded by the North Inner City Drugs Task Force.

South West Inner City

The south west inner city covers Liberties/ Coombe area, Thomas Street and Kilmainham, and Charlemont Street, South Circular Road. Established in 1994, SWICN is the community network operating in this quadrant. It has a membership of approximately 80 groups. Between 2001- 2003, the Partnership supported the employment of a Coordinator and Policy Analyst in the network. SWICN is a forum where issues affecting the community are identified and joint action is planned to address them. Achievements this period have included:

• Development of a capacity building initiative to work with 60 local tenants
• Monitoring of Liberties Coombe IAP,
• Publication of Community Gain report and roundtable conference
• Participation in RAPID programme for the area
• Support for the development of youth groups in the area
• Completion of Environment Implementation Plan
• Co-ordination of the voter turnout research ‘Unequal Participation - Unequal Influence’
• Conference and establishment of inner city voter education initiative
• Anti-racism work including research and public awareness
• Opening of Computer Clubhouse in partnership with CDYSB and Media Lab Europe
• Preparation of planning appeals on key tax designated sites with the IAP
• Co-ordination of research on social housing
• Participation in Tenants First initiative

North East Inner City

The north east inner city area covers Ballybough and Summerhill, Sean McDermott Street, North Wall and Sheriff Street areas. The Partnership supported the employment of a Development Worker, Tenant Worker and part-time Administrator in the ICON network, which operates in the north east inner city area. ICON is an umbrella organisation of about 80 voluntary and community groups. The purpose of the network is to act as a source of information, a forum for debate and local policy making and a means of lobbying issues as they arise within the community. Key achievements this implementation period included:

• Developing the Youth at Risk initiative
• ICON Conference in Waterford in November 2002 with over 200 people
• Submission to the National Action Plan Against Racism in Ireland
• Educational activities for 10-21 year olds in the North Wall Area
• Needs analysis of St Agatha’s Youth Development Group catchment area
• Support for community participation in RAPID
• Lobbying against cutbacks in the Community Employment programme
• Participating in Voter Education initiative
• Women’s Aid outreach clinic
• Monto Festival
• Fundraising and activities for the elderly committee
• Needs Analysis of Dominick Street area residents
• Training courses in leadership and committee skills for local tenants

The Tenant Development Worker supports tenants to be effective in dealing with statutory agencies, and has provided training in committee skills, group work, assertiveness and facilitation skills. She facilitated tenants’ negotiations for precinct improvement in flat complexes with the aim of improving quality of life issues in the neighbourhood. Through the tenant development empowerment initiative, she has worked with tenants in 23 flat complexes to support them to participate in meetings with agencies.

South East Inner City

The south east area covers the Pearse Street and Ringsend/ Irishtown localities. During this implementation period, the Partnership worked with groups to try to re-establish the network for this area. The network had previously provided an effective response to social exclusion in the area, and was prominent in the anti high rise campaigns to protect the interests of residential communities.

The Partnership will continue to work to ensure that the area obtains its fair share of statutory resources. It is a cause of concern that no school in the south east inner city has been selected for participation in the School Completion Programme, and the Ringsend area has been excluded from the RAPID Programme. Key achievements this period include:

• Support for the Ringsend community centre
• Maintenance of the JI Managing agent in the Ringsend and Pearse Street area, totaling 88 workers
• Participating in the Rapid AIT
• Provision of outreach local employment services in Charlemont Street and Pearse Street.

TACKLING EDUCATIONAL DISADVANTAGE

Inner City Childcare Network

The Inner City Childcare Network comprises community based childcare providers and other organisations that aim to promote the development of quality childcare services in the inner city area. The network acts as a forum where members can share information, discuss issues of good practice, and feed into policy debates. Members provide informal mentoring support for new childcare facilities.

The network is also facilitated by the Partnership to provide a range of practical supports to childcare services in disadvantaged areas. In 2003, the South Western Area Health Board delivered a two-day course on the Children First regulations for childcare groups in the south west inner city area. The network ran an evening course on diversity issues in the childcare setting. In November 2002, the Network ran a one day Child Protection and Welfare workshop, which was delivered by Barnardos. The purpose was to increase childcare workers’ knowledge of child protection issues and awareness of appropriate procedures.

In early 2002, an eight week Management Skills course was delivered by Barnardos, covering topics such as fund-raising, report writing, record keeping, committee skills, managing children’s behaviour, legislation and policy developments, client relations, and staffing issues. An information seminar was held in April 2001 on the topic of staff recruitment and personnel issues. The network produces a quarterly childcare newsletter, Rattle Mag, which is distributed to community-based childcare providers and support organisations.

Inner City Primary Schools Initiative

The Dublin Inner City Primary Schools Initiative operated between 1996 and 2002, acting as a very innovative response to educational disadvantage in ten inner city schools. The initiative promoted networking between the schools and introduced activities with the aim of improving retention and addressing issues of morale. The Partnership supported the employment of a Programme Coordinator and ancillary activities. Teachers and principals from the ten schools worked together in sub-groups that were formed around themes, e.g. Sports, Principals’ Group, Parent-Teacher Interest Group, Curriculum Group, Issues Group, New Teachers Group and Teacher Development Group. Examples of PSI achievements include:

• Development of links with DISC computer project and teacher training in ICTs
• Plan submitted to the Department of Education & Science.
• In-service training for teachers and principals
• Teachers attended Abbey Theatre Outreach Programme courses
• Art classes for children in each of the ten schools by National Gallery Outreach Programme
• ‘Positive Emotional Health’ course
• Football Blitz for children
• Read to Succeed courses for parents run by Dublin Adult Learning Centre.
• Children’s story books written by parents
• Parental involvement through maths and educational games
• Drugs and health choices awareness for pupils (Life Education Centre / Drugs Bus)
• Teachers’ survey to identify issues of concern
• Visits from The Science Bus from Dublin City University
• Teacher training in Circle Time
• Development of the Suaimhneas initiative for supporting children at risk

Therapeutic Counselling Service – Suaimhneas Project

The Partnership supported the introduction of a therapeutic counselling service in disadvantaged inner city schools involved in the Primary Schools Initiative. The process for introducing this service involved commissioning a feasibility study in 1998 as a response to the high numbers of pupils presenting with emotional and behavioural issues.

Suaimhneas was established in September 2002 and aimed to provide therapeutic and practical supports for children ‘at risk’, to involve parents and guardians in the process and to broaden involvement in the project to ensure community participation. A Clinical Psychologist and a Social Worker were employed on a full-time basis to work in the schools. The project tried to address the needs of children who display poor attendance, inappropriate behaviour in school, a disinterest in education and low self-esteem. A Parenting Plus programme was delivered jointly with the HSCL teacher in two schools.

Suaimhneas was introduced through a collaboration between the Partnership, the PSI and the North and South Inner City Drugs Task Forces. The pilot phased has been completed and the initiative is presently being evaluated by the National Drugs Strategy Team.

Second-Level Schools Network

The Second-level Schools Network is a collaborative initiative between 12 disadvantaged second-level schools in the DICP catchment area. The Partnership supported the Network to develop a strategy and structures for the network, and to initiate a dialogue with the Department of Education & Science around the needs of inner city schools.

Research was undertaken on the unique characteristics of inner city schools and the extent of educational disadvantage among students. An audit of resources in the vicinity of the schools was carried out. The network was formally launched at a conference for over 300 teachers held in the National College of Ireland in March 2003. Research findings were used to inform an action plan that was prepared by principals and submitted to the Department of Education & Science at the request of the Minister in early 2004.

Dublin Inner-City Schools Computerisation (DISC) Project

The DISC project operates in 40 inner city primary and secondary schools, with the objective of bringing all participating schools to high specification multi-media capacity. This involves the installation of computer resources in schools and implementing a programme of relevant teacher training to integrate the use of computers into the teaching/learning process in all curricular areas. Teacher training has included network management, basic troubleshooting, Intel Teach to the Future, internet and web design. Teachers are involved in software evaluations.

DISC originally operated in 20 schools, and following on from the success of phase one, it expanded to a total of 40 schools in 2001, nine of which are post-primary and 31 primary.

DISC was established by the Dublin Institute of Technology (Community Links Department) and includes

• the Department of Education & Science (through the National Centre for Technology in Education),
• Hewlett Packard, the Primary Schools Initiative,
• The Digital Hub,
• DICP, and
• Digital Communities Initiative as partners.

In 2003, a new element of DISC was established, called the ‘DISC Special Projects’. This resulted in the recruitment of a worker to undertake specialised information technology activities in the classroom.

During the 2001-2003 timeframe, DISC also began to branch out into the community, and was able to support a number of community groups with donations of IT equipment. It has also been a lead player in the development of the Digital Communities initiative in local communities.

Third Level Access – Strive Fund

The Partnership supported access to third level education through the Millennium Partnership Fund for Disadvantage. This fund enabled the Partnership to provide small-scale support to inner city residents in full-time third level education who had experience of social exclusion (e.g. lone parents, early school leavers, people with a disability). Support was provided towards childcare costs, travel, books, subsistence (living expenses) and fees. Over the two academic years (2001/2002) the Partnership disbursed grants to 99 students from the inner city.

PROMOTING EQUALITY AND RIGHTS

The Partnership has undertaken work in promoting gender equality, anti-racism and in developing approaches to secure the equal rights of key target groups, such as older people and ex-prisoners.

Pan African Organisation

The Partnership supported the coordination costs of the Pan African Organisation, a group providing support services to black and African ethnic minorities living in Dublin. The project aimed to address issues of racism, high unemployment, poor medical provision and limited access to decision-making processes among the black and African communities living in Dublin. The organisation was involved in advocacy and policy development work as well as providing practical supports to its client group, such as computer training, language classes, research, meeting rooms, and childcare services.

Older Persons’ Council

The Partnership facilitated the development of the Council of Services for Older People in the north west inner city. The Council is an attempt to ensure that adequate services to older people are delivered in a coordinated and effective manner. It is piloting an approach it believes will have a positive impact on the quality of life and well being of vulnerable older persons from the Dublin’s north west inner city community. The Partnership is represented on the management committee, and also provided small scale support for the launch of the Council in May 2002. The initiative involves a collaboration of statutory, community and voluntary service providers in the locality. Partners include the Northern Area Health Board, DICP, An Síol and local community organisations

NWICAN Intercultural Group

The Partnership invested in the NWICAN Intercultural Working Group to deliver a programme of activities aimed at supporting the development of a harmonious and positive interaction between the various ethnic cultures that make up the community. This has included anti-racism training, consultation days with new communities and local service providers, an information fair and debate on interculturalism. The working group organised a multi-cultural celebration event in March 2002 that brought together the many different ethnic groups now living in the north west inner city area. This event also featured a drama section by Smashing Times Theatre highlighting the issue of racism in Dublin. Local national schools helped advertise the celebration by designing a poster and invitations. A set of good practice guidelines for intercultural work in the community was published, for which the group received a MAMA award (Media and Multicultural Award).

North West Inner City Women’s Network

The Partnership supported the coordination costs of the North West Inner City Women’s Network which operates in the Dublin 7 area of the city. The network works with locally based women’s groups and community organisations to provide a specific response to women’s social exclusion. Achievements this period included:

• Raising awareness of the Beijing Platform for Action
• Consultation around the Draft National Plan for Women.
• Research on Violence Against Women
• New premises secured
• Funding obtained towards developing a national network for women’s networks
• Compilation of women’s folklore book
• Participation in intercultural activities of the area network
• Planning sessions and training held for working groups and women’s groups
• Development of links with women from new communities
• Compiled results of research on the needs of African women
• Information stall and fund-raising for Women’s Aid
• Participation on management of local community projects
• Submission to the Government Action Plan Against Racism

Sports Against Racism Ireland

The Partnership invested in the annual multicultural soccer tournament organised by the intercultural organisation, Sports Against Racism Ireland. SARI has developed into an effective vehicle to tackle racism and xenophobia in Ireland. It started in the EU Year Against Racism in 1997, and is now part of the UEFA backed Football Against Racism in Europe. The organisation stages an annual 7-aside tournament involving teams from different ethnic backgrounds.

One World Initiative

DICP supported an intercultural and diversity education initiative in St. Enda’s National School, Whitefriar Street. One World was developed by members of the Community Policing Department in Pearse Street Garda Station. It involves a collaboration between the Gardai, local business, third level institutes, schools and the community organisations. Thirty primary school pupils from fifth and sixth class participated in the week-long programme, in which they teamed up with third level students from a range of different countries. The initiative included classroom activities and excursion around the theme of interculturalism.

Equal at Work

Equal at Work is one of 21 projects operating in Ireland between 2001 and 2004 under the EU Equal Programme. The project is led by the Dublin Employment Pact and it aims to develop new and more inclusive models of recruitment and in-work progression. Equal at Work comes under the ‘adaptability’ pillar of the Equal Programme. The project involves 48 partner organisations from the public, private and community and voluntary sectors. The partners operate through four ‘sites’ where specific initiatives are piloted. Two of these sites are in the public sector, one is in the private sector and one is in the community and voluntary sector.

DICP was involved at all levels of Equal at Work, and played a very prominent role in the Community and Voluntary site of the project, which was responsible for addressing Human Resource issues within employer organisations in the Community and Voluntary sector. DICP was the lead partner for research on HR issues in the sector in Dublin, which was carried out in 2003. Findings indicated that the C&V sector in Dublin does not exhibit equal overall terms, conditions and HR practices that are equal to those generic to public service employment. 8 out of 10 groups receive funding from more than one source, which has implications for staffing issues and for reporting and accountability. The main challenges in attracting and retaining staff cited by C&V groups were low pay, limited career and promotion prospects, insecure employment, poor non pay benefits, short term contracts and comparatively difficult working conditions. There is also a trend of low union membership in the sector.

WIDE

DICP also participates in the WIDE Project, which is managed by Community Technical Aid. The overall aim of the WIDE project is to facilitate access to the labour market for the long-term unemployed and other groups with specific needs in the Inner City of Dublin. This involves challenging the institutional and cultural blocks experienced by these groups. The project focuses on those people in Dublin’s Inner City who have the most difficulty accessing the labour market, including long-term unemployed people, ex-drug users, ex-prisoners, minority ethnic communities including Travellers and women parenting alone.

As part of the WIDE Project, CTA undertook research into the experience of prisoners upon their release from prison. The report, entitled, Getting Out, Staying Out’ examined the issues and difficulties that prisoners and ex-prisoners face upon their release, including preparation for release, timing of releases and access to services required upon release. And discussed their reintegration needs.

The impetuous for this research stemmed from a conference held by the Dublin Inner City Partnership in January 2003. At that meeting CTA expressed an interest in carrying out research, through the WIDE project on which the DICP are active participants.

The Participation and Practice of Rights

The Partnership is involved in a new project in Dublin‚s north inner city that aims to develop a rights-based approach to redressing many of the socio-economic deficits in the area.The project developed as a local response to a larger initiative that looks at the participation and practice of rights in Ireland. This initiative, spearheaded by Inez McCormack of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, commenced in 2001 and, in collaboration with partner organisations, held a north-south conference which stimulated regional meetings on the topic. In the local area, the key players are the area networks (ICON and NWICAN), DICP, residents and tenants groups, and community projects.

Funding was received from Atlantic Philanthropies at the end of 2003 to support a six month planning and feasibility study for a pilot project exploring how human rights concepts and tools can enable those experiencing poverty and social exclusion to participate in processes and policies that affect them.The initial elements of the north inner city project include the collation of existing surveys and needs analyses and support for specific actions to address the violation of rights in certain areas (e.g. housing, education). These planning phase will contribute to the development of a strategy to secure long-term funding for the rights-based programme.

Tenants First

A new initiative has commenced that aims to protect the housing interests of local residents in the inner city.This has been developed in response to changes in public housing policy in the city, particularly the development of Public Private Partnerships that will entail the redevelopment of major local authority flat complexes in conjunction with private developers.This will have the result of reducing the stock of public housing available to low income families and individuals, and of fragmenting existing inner city communities. Community Technical Aid has been leading the initiative, called Tenants First, which provides an important critical response to fundamental changes in housing policy by Dublin City Council and the Department of the Environment. Since its initial meeting in October 2003, Tenants First has developed a mission statement, a set of objectives and a membership form. Eighty tenants from all over the city were in attendance at the formal launch of the initiative in January 2004.

APPENDIX

Summary of Outcomes 2001-2003

The following tables summaries the outcomes from Partnership investment in community-based services and initiatives during the 2001-2003 period.

Measure A Services for the Unemployed

• Inner City Employment Service - Achieving sustainable local job placements for inner city residents
  • Four local employment centres providing employment guidance, job placement and progression opportunities for inner city long-term unemployed clients.
• Employment Access – Skills Training for Women - Achieving sustainable local job placements for inner city women
  • Vocational skills training for 20 women (The Gateway Project)
  • Business skills course for 14 women (North Wall Women’s Centre)
• Enterprise Support - Training and financial assistance for new business
  • Inner City Enterprise – 116 jobs created
• Community Development Courses - Delivery of community development training
  • Cairde Skills Development course
  • UCD Certificate in Community Development
  • Introduction to Community Development Course
  • Participatory Appraisal courses x 3
  • Voter Education workshops
• Community-based Regeneration Programmes - Establishment of four regeneration programmes
  • St. Catherine’s Combined Communities Group
  • O’Devaney Gardens Development Centre
  • St. Teresa’s Gardens Environmental & Employment Project
  • Support for regeneration programmes in Hardwicke Street / Smithfield / Blackhall Place /Oliver Bond House
• Information Technology Service - Pilot initiative to develop the information technology capacity of local communities
  • Digital Communities initiative established in eleven flat complexes
  • IT training course in south west inner city area

Measure B Community Development

• Development of Inner City Community-based Networks - Four community based networks in each quadrant of the inner city
  • ICON — north east quadrant
    • Development of Youth at Risk model
    • Multicultural Working Group events
    • Needs analysis of Hardwicke Street/Dominick Street area
    • Supporting community participation in RAPID
    • ICON Activities Group for the Elderly
    • Needs Analysis in St Agatha’s Youth Development Group
    • Tenant Development Empowerment Programme
  • NWICAN — north west quadrant
    • Intercultural Work
    • Publicity campaign re Community Employment cuts
    • Council of Services to Older Persons
    • Co-ordination of community involvement in French fair
    • Negotiation of gain from west side of Smithfield development
  • SWICN — south west quadrant
    • Voter Education Task Force
    • Monitoring of IAP developments
    • Research on social housing
    • Needs analysis of minority communities
  • SEN — south east quadrant
    • (in process)
• Environmental Planning Advice Service - Employment of Environment and Planning Officer
  • Community gain worth €1 million negotiated with Smithfield developers.
  • Accredited training in planning and development issues (10 participants)
  • Development of local childcare and play facilities (e.g. Blackhall Place)
  • Ensuring appropriate development in each quadrant
• Formation of a Community Arts and Cultural Initiative - Establishment of arts and cultural scene in inner city Dublin
  • One organisation developed
  • Three jobs created
  • Community arts & cultural strategy developed
  • Action plan produced
  • Technical support sessions for inner city community arts projects
  • Five strategic partnerships formed
  • Three community arts and culture training courses developed and delivered
• Estate Management Programmes - The delivery of customised and appropriate estate management training programmes targeted at disadvantaged communities
  • Tenant Development Empowerment programme. Estate management training delivered by ICON tenant worker targeting 23 flat complexes
  • Estate management training delivered by CTA community planner.
• North West Inner City Women’s Network - Co-ordination of NWIC Women’s Network
  • Research on violence against women and local supports available
  • Awareness raising of violence against women through Women’s Aid’s 16 Days of Action campaign and fundraising
  • Training for local women and working group members
  • Development of folklore book on women’s history
  • Research on the needs of African women

Measure C – Community based Youth Initiatives – reducing educational disadvantage

• Primary Schools Initiative - Tackling educational disadvantage through a network of inner city primary schools
  • Extra curricular activities for children (drama, art, music, sport, study visits)
  • Training opportunities for teachers
  • Involvement of parents in the school system and adult education for parents
  • Plan for primary schools submitted to Department of Education & Science
• Establishment of Secondary Schools Initiative - Tackling educational disadvantage through a network of inner city secondary schools
  • Audit of resources in the vicinity of SSN schools carried out
  • Database of local resources was developed
  • Primary research with Principals and Teachers
  • Publication of news-sheet with research findings
  • Sub-committees formed around key issues
  • Meetings were held with Department
  • Consultation process with teachers and principals for development of strategic plan
  • Conference in March 2003
• Dublin Inner-city Schools Computerisation Project - Upgrading a network of schools with high spec IT, training for teachers
  • Expansion of DISC to 40 schools
  • Upgrading of schools with NWIC equipment
  • 150 teachers trained in 2003; 200 trained in 2002
  • Community links developed through Digital Communities Initiative
• Establishment of a Therapeutic Counselling Service - Support pupils’ psychological needs, increase attainment potential, reduce burden on teachers
  • A therapeutic counselling service available to 12 primary schools
  • A full-time clinical psychologist and full time social worker service available to schools
  • Twenty-one children and their families supported by social worker; 16 supported by clinical psychologist during pilot phase
  • Initiative established as a pilot, currently being evaluated by National Drugs Strategy Team
• Childcare Providers Support Service - Support for a network of inner city childcare providers
  • Support for a network of inner city childcare providers
  • Quarterly Newsletter
  • Workshops on relevant issues
  • Policy development on good practice issues (recruitment, staff vaccinations)
  • Training for childcare managers and staff (management skills, diversity awareness, child protection, Children First)

Board Members

• Independent Chair Joyce O’Connor
• Statutory
  • Fergus McCabe National Drugs Strategy Team/EHRA
  • Nessan Vaughan FÁS
  • Peter Coyne Dublin Docklands Development Authority
  • Marie Dooley Probation & Welfare Service
  • Paul Maloney Dublin City Council
• Employer
  • Evelyn Fitzpatrick Focus Ireland
• Community
  • Pauline Kane Inner City Organisations Network (North East Inner City)
  • Seanie Lambe Inner City Organisations Network (North East Inner City)
  • Ava Stapleton South West Inner City Network
  • James Boylan South West Inner City Network
  • Gabrielle Weafer South East Network
  • Maureen Blake South East Network
  • Carmel Brien North West Inner City Network
  • Danny Pender North West Inner City Network
• Trade Union
  • Des Bonass Dublin Trades Council
  • Maria Tyrrell The Larkin Unemployed Centre (ICTU)
  • Joan Aust ICTU
• Councillors
  • Emer Costello Elected Representative – Dublin City Council
  • Royston Brady Elected Representative – Dublin City Council,Lord Mayor

Three year financial allocations

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