This article is from page 40 of the 2008-07-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 40 JPG
VULNERABLE groups in Shannon will be given special attention by the newly-appointed community devel- opment worker in the town.
Regina Steward has just taken up the post at the Shannon Family Re- source Centre.
Looking ahead to her new job, she said she would focus on improving the lives of lone parents and new- comers to the town.
“It is a great opportunity to work with the community in Shannon. It iS a very proactive community,” said the French native, who moved to Ire- land 32 years ago.
“IT see my job as being a catalyst in the community, to bring people
together, to explore what needs are there and consult with the people. We will see what we can do to achieve that,’ she added.
“IT will work with disadvantaged groups. My work is with individuals and groups, more so groups, target groups including lone parents and the new community, to keep it flow- bites
“We will look at what we can do to- gether to improve the well-being and lifestyles of those who feel isolated,” she added.
“We will try to organise activities and also look at the social aspect of it and ask questions like if someone wants to go back to work how can we Support them and help them access courses that can suit their needs?”
she said.
She said that improving literacy would be one focus and she planned to start computer classes at the re- source centre.
Ms Steward will slot in alongside the co-ordinator of the centre, Marie Rowland, who took up her post ear- lier this year.
Ms Rowland’s main aims are the promotion of equality and inclusion and she is keen to see the develop- ment of relationships with the local community.
“T will work alongside Marie and identify how we can design courses. We will work with people all the time,” said Ms Steward.
Her plans will be geared towards integration and she is firmly focused
on ensuring everybody’s needs are addressed, where possible.
“We don’t want to segregate peo- ple. If a lone parent comes to us and says she wants to do a course, we Say, ‘Why not’. We have to go along with ideas. We are flexible,” she pointed out.
Ms Steward is encouraging the people of Shannon to get in touch with her at the family resource cen- tre, phone 061 707600.
“We are open to ideas, if anyone wants to discuss anything with us,’ she said.