Comeragh Social Enterprise network hopes to set up coordinator for entire area
The network hopes to establish a coordinator for organisations throughout the Comeragh region. Stock image.
The Comeragh Social Enterprise Network (Comhar Camaraigh Network) has just published the first edition of a new newsletter and highlighted a plan to set up a fulltime coordinator to support villages, social enterprises and clubs in the area.
The motto of the CNN task group is 'Stronger Together' and a spokesperson said the setting up of the network follows on from 12 months of research that began in October 2023.
"We firmly believe that as a network we will achieve many additional improvements in the region by sharing information and learning outcomes," said the spokesperson.
"The newsletter will facilitate sharing information on resources, solutions, best practices and achievements."
The newsletter will be circulated across a network of 22 villages, 30 social enterprises, 25 GAA clubs and other voluntary and community groups within the area.
It will also be circulated among local state agencies, politicians, civil servants and other relevant people and organisations.
"Our ‘Shared Learning Network’ is committed to working with and helping network members advance their local plans and add value through collaborative engagements," said the spokesperson.
"Members are encouraged to contribute interesting news items and photos for each quarterly edition," she added. It's hoped that every news item might represent a learning opportunity to be followed up with the provider.
The CCN team is planning to hold a network meeting on Wednesday, January 22, in Dunhill Education Centre from 7pm to 8.30pm, supported by Waterford Area Partnership.
The aim of that meeting will be to agree the content of a strategic CCN Business Plan, funding proposal, job description and Coordinator Work Plan in order to move forward and make a strong application for the funding for a three-year CCN Pilot Project.
"We are convinced that if we can source a full time social enterprise coordinator we will make giant strides on many projects that will play a part in developing an inclusive and prosperous Comeragh Region," said the spokesperson.
It's hoped that every village and social enterprise will send a representative to the meeting. The network concept has already attracted support from a number of agencies and individuals including Waterford City & County Council, Waterford Area Partnership, Leader Partnership, SETU, SERI and SEWF.
"We need a full time coordinator to work with individual villages, social enterprises, GAA clubs, other clubs and organisations to raise levels of inclusion and prosperity across network and region," said the spokesperson.
