- Waterford PPN recommences work on a Vision for Community Wellbeing for Waterford.
- Virtual workshops to take place throughout November, community groups encouraged to take part.
- Initiative to support long term community response to Covid-19.
What do we need for the wellbeing of the communities across Waterford City and County? That is the question being posed by Waterford Public Participation Network (PPN), who are bringing together social inclusion, environment, community and voluntary groups across Waterford, virtually.
Waterford PPN was setup in 2014 as a volunteer led network of more than 700 community organisations across Waterford. As part of a national initiative, the PPN is tasked with the development of a Vision for Community Wellbeing at a Municipal District and County level.
“Developing a Vision for Community Wellbeing means thinking about what we have and what we need to help Waterford to be as great as it can be for us and for the many generations that follow on from ours.” explained Garrett Wyse, member of the steering committee leading this initiative.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has further reinforced and demonstrated the vital role of community and voluntary groups in our day to day. Groups have used their local knowledge and resources across the whole of Waterford in supporting communities to work together and step up throughout this challenging year.” noted Jennifer Harris, member of the steering committee.
Muriel Tobin, coordinator with Waterford PPN, said “One thing everyone can agree on is that we would like our community to be the very best it can be. Our wellbeing is affected by many things; the economy, the environment, community services and more. We really want to hear from the groups and organisations on the ground what is important to them.
“We originally commenced this initiative in early 2020, but like many others, our plans were put on hold due to Covid-19. We understand that the virtual space is not accessible to everyone and with this in mind we will be writing out to 700 groups across the City and County and setting up a free post address for community groups to submit their views. We believe this initiative will support the long term community response to Covid-19.”
In progressing this initiative, the PPN is hosting a number of webinars during the month of November to continue this important conversation:
- Tuesday 10th November, 7pm: Groups in Waterford City, Tramore, Dunmore East and Passage East areas.
- Thursday 17th November, 7pm: Groups in the Comeragh Area (Kilmeaden through the Comeragh mountain area, along the Copper Coast, the Greenway community, Rathgormack, Nire Valley, and Dunhill.
- Tuesday 24th November, 7pm: Groups in the Dungarvan and West Waterford Area (Ardmore, Clonea, Gaeltacht na nDéise, Cappoquin, Lismore, Tallow and Kinsalebeg)
Groups will also be able to feed into this initiative outside of these meeting times. The full detail is available on www.waterfordppn.ie.
All the information collected will be brought together and be used to guide the work of the PPN, help influence local policy, and work towards achieving the community’s goals.
What is Community Wellbeing
Although we often think about wellbeing in terms of good physical and mental health, it can also describe the wider conditions we need as individuals and communities to have a better quality of life, healthier environment and increased prosperity. Community Wellbeing, rather than an individual, is where the conditions applying for everyone in the community are the focus.
“So a community with a high level of wellbeing is likely to be one where all people have a strong sense of belonging and identity, opportunities to work individually and together for the common good, are able to support each other through different life stages, access the services they need, live consciously sustainable lives in a positive environment, and are able to participate in the making the decisions that affect them, and so forth.” explained Jennifer Harris.
Under this programme, Waterford PPN will consider all the aspects of community wellbeing together to help identify actions that can be undertaken by communities. These aspects include social and community development; environment and sustainability; work, economy and resources; health; values, culture and meaning; and participation, democracy and good governance.
Getting involved
Groups can register for a meeting using the form below or by contacting Muriel Tobin on 086 172 3298.