This article is from page 14 of the 2011-05-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
RESIDENTS in Newmarket-on-Fergus are being urged to take part in a local survey, the findings of which will play a key role in shaping the future of the village.
Community group Obair is spearheading a community needs assessment, with a view to putting together a range of events for locals. The aim is that those who are struggling with any aspect of their lives will be helped out.
Project co-ordinator Kirsty Horner said the aim of the project is to look at the needs of the community and build on the findings.
“We are targeting specific groups, for example one-parent families, people with disabilities, unemployed males and the elderly. The aim is to create a profile of Newmarket and find out what the needs are in the village and what is here already…what needs to be improved and what needs to be added,” she said.
Kirsty has been working on the project for the past few months and is hoping to have all the information gathered over the coming months. A public meeting will then be held and locals will be encouraged to attend this and present their ideas for the future of the village.
A number of focus groups have been set up and their findings will be made available at a later stage.
“We will form a social inclusion committee, where people who have never been on a committee before will be involved,” she said.
“It is important that people get involved. It’s a chance for them to have their say,” she said.
Kirsty recently completed her Master’s Degree in Partnership Studies at the University of Limerick and completed training with the HSE in relation to compiling a community needs assessment. Arising from this, she got involved in this project.
“We have to build up a profile of the area and put together statistics on social housing units, unemployment and rent supplements in Newmarket,” she said.
“The aim is to help people who are struggling with childcare or who are going back to education. We felt it would be good to have a community fund,” she added.
Anyone wishing to get involved in the project should phone Kirsty in Obair on 061 368030.