Belmayne Community Group Reform

Belmayne Community Group reformed in November 2022 after a Resident Engagement meeting with Clúid. A lot of members from the original group rejoined, in addition to a number of new members. The group wasted no time in getting back to planning how to tackle issues in their community and revitalise the community spirit. As many of the group had previously been part of the former Community Group, they had lots of experience and lessons learned to set them up for success this time round. Luckily for us, Michelle McGolderick from Belmayne was happy to share some of those tips and lessons for anyone considering, or currently in the process of, setting up a Community Group.

Here are Michelle’s top tips:
– Be clear on your aims and get people involved with a shared vision and goals. Our main aim is to work together to improve the lives of people living in our community.
– It is important that people know there is a level of commitment needed and that everyone is expected to do their bit to lighten the load for others – everyone has something to offer.
– Be organised. I would suggest monthly meetings. Pick a regular day and time so everyone knows when it is and has plenty of notice to make arrangements to be there.
– Have a constitution and a code of conduct that is agreed by all members.
– Nominate and select roles – get guidance from Clúid if needed. It is important that everyone knows what is expected of them in their roles on the committee but also at events and activities.
– Everyone’s time is precious so be conscious of that. It is best to have an agenda and stick to the timeframe allocated for meetings. I recommend finishing the meeting within the hour.
– All committee members and volunteers should feel appreciated for the work that they do.
– Organise a couple of volunteer team building or appreciation days per year. This gives volunteers an opportunity to bond and get to know each other better and build relationships.
– Have good policies and procedures in place so everyone is clear on expectations. Do induction training also, especially with youth activities.
– Link in with Crosscare to set up youth activities and training. Give plenty of time to get garda vetted and receive child protection training.
– Link in with local partnerships for help with funding applications.

These are just a handful of the activities we have been involved in so far, this past year;
– Community Christmas and Easter events
– Set up as a registered Youth Club so we can do things with the kids in the area throughout the year.
– Linked in with Mountaineering Ireland, running a free 8-week course in Awesome Walls for kids in the Youth Club.
– Set up a Garda Clinic every Wednesday in Belmayne Hub 8-9pm
– Working with local TDs and Councillors to try and improve the area and get community facilities.
– Linked in with the Northside Partnership and have set up a networking meeting on a quarterly bases with organisations that want to provide services in Belmayne.
– Kilbarrack Coast Community Programme (KCCP) provides support to those who have loved ones in addiction, every Tuesday.
– Ran a suicide prevention workshop.

A huge well done to Michelle McGolderick and the Community Group in Belmayne for a fantastic come back and the incredible things you have achieved this past year. Your commitment to building a positive healthy community is inspiring to us all.