The PPN has three main objectives: to share information, to offer capacity building training and to have PPN representatives on local authority committees, so that groups can participate more in local authority decision making.
In terms of training, Dublin City PPN signposts member groups to the wonderful training already taking place throughout Dublin City. The weekly Bulletin often times has updates about the training that the host, Dublin City Volunteer Centre is providing. Likewise, the Bulletin promotes the work of the partnerships, Carmelite Centre and the training of the member groups that is open to the public. The PPN also offers bespoke training to its Secretariat and Representatives. And the PPN offers some training to its member groups during September and October, called, “the Autumn series of training”.
This year’s autumn series of training came in three packages. The PPN offered anti-racism training with Dr Ebun Joseph and you can read a summary of that work here.
In addition, the PPN offered training called, “Reset Recharge: managing and preventing burnout, through learning how to nourish the body and mind”. These workshops were developed by Martin Saunders and Eveanna O’Meara to help workers and volunteers in the community sector, manage their physical and mental well-being to avoid burn out and to equip them with tools and information to do so. Four 3-hour in person sessions were offered in Carmichael, where refreshments were provided. The holistic workshop focussed on the four recognised pillars of health: nutrition, stress management, sleep quality and exercise, which when managed well, can help us achieve optimal overall physical and mental health. These workshops were very popular and benefited a number of workers and volunteers involved in the PPN.
The PPN also offered some online skills training, which were free to Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown PPN member groups, which would give the PPNs a chance to intermingle. This programme was delivered in partnership with Carmichael, and the following sessions were offered:
- Facilitation Skills for online meetings with Clare Mulvany.
- Facilitation Skills for in-person meetings with Clare Mulvany.
- Grant Applications with Evelyn Fitzpatrick.
- Mastering Powerpoint for Impactful Presentations with Fiona Walsh.
PPN member groups could come to one, many or all of the sessions offered during the Autumn series of training and many people did come to everything! Many thanks to all the facilitators, organisers and of course participants who got involved this year! Looking forward already to our Autumn series of training in 2025!