Longford County Development · PDF fileLongford County Development Board ... NDP National Development Plan. ... Affluence and deprivation indices relate to three dimensions of social

LongfordCounty Development

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Anti

Pove

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Stra

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2009

Longford County Development Board

Anti-Poverty Strategy

May 2009

Longford County Development Board Anti-Poverty Strategy

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Acknowledgements The Longford Local Anti-Poverty Strategy was compiled by the Social Inclusion Measures (SIM) Working Group: Local Social Inclusion Strategy Research Group of Longford County Development Board.

The Strategy Research Group gratefully acknowledges the assistance of all of those agencies, social inclusion organisations and individuals who have collaborated in compiling this Anti-Poverty Strategy for the County.

Disclaimer Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document, the authors and publishers cannot accept any responsibility for errors and omissions contained herein.

EXODEA Europe Consulting Limited Cork Office: FBD House, Spa Square, Mallow, Co. Cork. T: 022 53407 F: 022 53407 Dublin Office: Fitzwilliam Business Centre, 26 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2. T: 01-6373951 F: 01-6620365 e-mail: [email protected] Web: www.exodea-europe.com Registered in Ireland – Registered No. 391534. VAT Registration No. 6411534I


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Contents

Acknowledgements ............................................................. 2Glossary of Terms ............................................................... 41 Introduction ............................................... 51.1 Report Outline........................................................... 52 Poverty Profile ........................................... 62.1 Demographic Factors ................................................ 72.1.1 Population ......................................................................... 72.1.2 Age Profile and Dependency............................................. 72.1.3 Household Structure.......................................................... 72.1.4 Social Class....................................................................... 82.1.5 Education and Literacy ..................................................... 82.1.6 Affluence and Deprivation ................................................ 82.1.7 People with a Disability .................................................... 92.1.8 Ethnicity ............................................................................ 92.1.9 Unemployment and Labour Force .................................... 92.1.10 Housing and Accommodation ....................................... 102.1.11 Young People ................................................................ 102.2 Other Social Inclusion Issues .................................. 112.2.1 Overarching Role of SIM ................................................ 112.2.2 Education and Training .................................................. 112.2.3 Community Development ................................................ 112.2.4 Young People .................................................................. 112.2.5 Employment and Enterprise............................................ 112.2.6 People with Disabilities .................................................. 122.2.7 Older People ................................................................... 122.2.8 Housing and Built Environment...................................... 122.2.9 Childcare......................................................................... 122.2.10 Substance Abuse............................................................ 122.2.11 Healthcare and Infrastructure ...................................... 132.2.12 Families and Family Support........................................ 132.3 Key Themes ............................................................ 133 Anti-Poverty Strategy ............................. 153.1 NAPinclusion 2007-2016........................................ 153.1.1 Lifecycle Approach.......................................................... 163.2 Co. Longford LAPS Action Plan ............................ 173.2.1 Children and Young People ............................................ 183.2.2 People of Working Age.................................................... 223.2.3 Older People ................................................................... 243.2.4 Disabled People .............................................................. 253.2.5 Communities.................................................................... 264 Implementation........................................ 274.1 Role of SIMWG ...................................................... 274.1.1 Peer Review..................................................................... 274.2 Communication ....................................................... 284.2.1 Internal Communication ................................................. 284.2.2 External Communication ................................................ 284.2.3 Stakeholder Communication ........................................... 28Appendix 1 – SIMWG Membership ............ 29

Figures Figure 1 - Key Theme Relationships...............................................14Figure 2 – Typical Poverty Spiral ...................................................16Figure 3 – ‘Lifecycle’ Model ...........................................................17Figure 4 – Longford SIMWG Membership ....................................29

Maps

Map 1 – Co. Longford Electoral Divisions (Source: CSO) ..............6


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Glossary of Terms

CDB County Development Board.

CDP Community Development Project.

CSO Central Statistics Office.

DS&FA Department of Social and Family Affairs.

HSE Health Service Executive.

LAPSIS Local Anti-Poverty Social Inclusion Strategy.

LCRL Longford Community Resources Limited.

NAP National Action Plan.

NAPinclusion National Action Plan for Social Inclusion, 2007-2016.

NAPS National Anti-Poverty Strategy.

NDP National Development Plan.

PwDI People with Disabilities in Ireland.

SIMWG Social Inclusion Measures Working Group.


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1 Introduction The development of a Poverty Profile and Local Social Inclusion Strategy is one of the thirteen prioritised key actions emerging from the review of the Longford County Development Board Strategic Plan. The Social Inclusion Measures Working Group was charged with the delivery of this action, and established a Steering Group to oversee the development of the poverty profile and social inclusion strategy. The Steering Group consists of representatives from the local authorities, state agencies, local development agencies and the community and voluntary sector.

1.1 Report Outline Section Two provides a summary of the Co. Longford Local Poverty Profile.

Section Three presents the body of the Anti-Poverty Strategy. The Co. Longford Anti-Poverty Action Plan 2009 develops the five target themes of Children and Young People, People of Working Age, Older People, People with Disabilities and Communities. The five target themes are considered in respect of their individual vision and aims, and the actions through which the targets will be realised. Each action is provided with a description of the anticipated outcome, the proposed method of measurement, and the identified lead agency.

Section Four considers issues relating to the implementation of the Anti-Poverty Strategy. In particular, it establishes a review mechanism, and a communication strategy.


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2 Poverty Profile The following is a summary of the key indicators of poverty in Co. Longford, as identified in the companion Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile (March, 2009).

The indicators generally reference the outcomes of the CSO Census of Population 2006. Map 1 – Co. Longford Electoral Divisions (Source: CSO)


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2.1 Demographic Factors

2.1.1 Population

The Census of Population 2006 records the population of Longford as 34,391 persons, of which 17,573 were males, with 16,818 females.

Demographic Decline is a recognised measure of deprivation.

Ireland experienced a population growth of 20.3% between 1991 and 2006 whilst the Midlands Region grew at a rate of 24.0%, making it, after the Mid East, the second fastest growing region. However, Co. Longford is the exception within the region, with a growth rate of only 13.5% in 2006.

At local level, the fastest growing EDs were Caldragh (74.0%), Foxhall (44.9%) and Moatfarrell (42.7%). However, these are comparatively low growth rates for the fastest growing areas. In most other counties, at least some areas would have doubled or even trebled their population over the past fifteen years.

County Longford has a low population density (31.6%) in comparison with the national average of 60.6%.

2.1.2 Age Profile and Dependency

Within any population the young and the elderly are considered to be more at risk of poverty due to dependencies.

There was a continuous decline in the age dependency rate (measured as the proportion of population under 15 years of age or over 64 as a proportion of the total population) throughout Ireland in recent years, from 38.1% in 1991 to 31.4% in 2006. A slightly greater decline applies to Co. Longford (42.4% to 34.3%).

The 2006 age dependency rate for Co. Longford remains nearly three percentage points above the national average; due in large part to it is rurality.

Within Co. Longford there exists the typical urban-rural differential, with age dependency being slightly lower in Longford Urban (33.2%), and a few percentage points higher in all of its rural areas.

Age dependency rates exceed 40% in two EDs, Moyne (42.3%) and Firry/Newgrove (41.2%).

2.1.3 Household Structure

An understanding of the nature and distribution of the structure of households within the county enables identification of those more likely to be at risk.

The proportion of lone parents in Ireland has exactly doubled over the past 15 years, growing from 10.7% in 1991 to 21.3% nationally in 2006.

Longford had a rate of 21.6% in 2006; just marginally above the national average, but comparatively high for a predominantly rural county. Reflecting the urban-rural dichotomy within the county, Longford No 1 Urban (48.6%), Longford Rural (34.6%) and Granard Urban (33.3%) all have rates that are high even by comparison with other urban areas throughout the country. In contrast, there are 20 EDs, all of which are rural, where the rate is under 10 per cent.


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Longford has the fourth highest percentage of people over 65 years of age and living alone (31.7%), after Leitrim, Cavan and Dublin City. The county has the sixth highest percentage of people over 70 living alone at 30.6%.

2.1.4 Social Class

Social class background has a considerable impact in many areas of life: educational achievements, health, housing, crime, economic status and many more.

In Co. Longford, the proportion in the professional classes (27.2%) and the proportion in the lower skilled professions (20.9%) mark a class composition below the national average.

Differences in the social class composition within the county reflect those of educational attainment, with Longford RD having the highest composition (31.4% professionals, 18.7% semi- and unskilled manual classes), and Longford Urban District having the lowest (21.5%, 24.8%). However, the differentiation within the county occurs within a comparatively narrow spectrum.

2.1.5 Education and Literacy

The lack of literacy and numeracy skills are known to be key indicators of individuals at risk. Education attainment levels are linked to employability levels for individuals.

Longford has the sixth highest percentage in the State of people who left school with no primary education, and the tenth highest percentage of people with either primary education or lower secondary education only.

The proportion of the population in Co. Longford (20%) whose full-time education ceased before the age of 16 is above the national average (17.9%). This is twelfth highest in the country and the county is eighth highest for those whose full-time education ceased before the age of 15 years.

The proportion of Co. Longford’s population with third level education has grown from 8.9% in 1991 to 22.3% in 2006, a growth below that which has occurred nationally and levels also have remained persistently well below national comparison.

Within the county, and mirroring the incidence of low education, the proportion of adults with higher education in some areas, Granard Rural (19.8%) has remained lower than is the case for, for example, Longford RD (23.6%), which has the highest levels of third level education amongst its adult population. However, the differences are small when compared to disparities in other counties.

It is noted that there is a distinct lack of graduate employment opportunities available in Co. Longford, and this has a major influence of the education profile of the population.

2.1.6 Affluence and Deprivation

Affluence and deprivation indices relate to three dimensions of social disadvantage: Demographic Decline, Social Class Disadvantage and Labour Market Deprivation.

Overall, the Midlands Region is the second most disadvantaged region of Ireland, and Longford is the most disadvantaged local authority area within the region and the third most disadvantaged county in Ireland as a whole.

The relative position of Longford has gradually worsened over the past fifteen years from a score of –2.0 in 1991 to a score of –4.5 in 2006.


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At a local level, the most disadvantaged EDs are Foxhall (-25.6) and Longford No 1 Urban (-21.6), followed by Meathas Truim (-16.3) and Drummeel (-15.0). However, only the first two EDs fall into the ‘very disadvantaged’ category.

Five EDs fall into the ‘disadvantaged’ category, whilst all other EDs are marginally below the national average.

Caldragh (12.2) is the only ED in the county in the ‘affluent’ category.

2.1.7 People with a Disability

People with disabilities are marginalised, excluded and discriminated against. Poverty can be both the cause and the consequence of disability.

County Longford has a lower percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 1-14 (8.1%) than is the case either at regional (9.1%) or national (8.4%) level. Equally, the county has a lower percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 15-24 (6.7%) than is the case either at regional (7.1%) or national (7.4%) level. The county also has a lower percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 25-44 (16.8%) than is the case either at regional (19.1%) or national (19.9%) level.

County Longford has a higher percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 45-64 (30.9%) than is the case either at regional (29.1%) or national (29.2%) level. The county also has a higher percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 65 years and over (37.5%) than is the case either at regional (35.7%) or national (35.1%) level.

2.1.8 Ethnicity

There is a growing body of evidence that poverty levels among minority ethnic groups are disproportionately high.

County Longford has the second highest number of members of the Traveller Community per 1,000 of population, after Galway City at 15.8. This is almost three times above the national average of 5.3.

In 2003, there were approximately 700 Refugees and Asylum Seekers predominantly living in Longford town.

In 2002, there were over 100 migrant workers a month registering for PPS numbers. The total number of immigrants into the State in the year to April 2008 fell by 26,000 to 83,800, while the number of emigrants has shown a marginal increase on the previous year to 45,300. As a result net migration is estimated to have fallen from 67,300 in the year ending April 2007 to 38,500 in the most recent period.

2.1.9 Unemployment and Labour Force

Unemployment rates throughout Ireland have broadly halved over the past 15 years.

The most recent Live Register Statistics1 showed 5,091 persons signing-on in Co. Longford in April 2009, compared to 2,745 persons for the same month in 2008. Unemployment rates for the county (11.4%) remain high in comparison to the national

1 The Live Register includes part-time workers (those who work up to three days a week), seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance.


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average (8.5%). County Longford has the fourth highest unemployment rate after Limerick City, Donegal and Waterford City.

Male unemployment rates for Co. Longford have fallen at a slower pace than the nationally prevailing one between 1991 and 2006 (-5.9% compared to -9.6% nationally), whilst female unemployment has actually increased (+1.3% compared to -6.0% nationally).

In 2006, Co. Longford had the highest female unemployment rate in the country. Unemployment blackspots at local level include the EDs of Foxhall (26.1%), Longford No 1 Urban (24.4%) and Meathas Truim (22.2%).

The labour force participation rate for Co. Longford stood at 60.9% in 2006, slightly below the national average at 62.5%. Physical access to facilities can often be a major barrier to participation as can affordability, transport, particularly in rural areas and lack of crèche facilities.

Agriculture remains an important source of employment in the county. The average farm size in Co. Longford in 2000 was 26.9 hectares. Farmers with less than 50 acres are likely to be more vulnerable than those with larger tracts of land. In Co. Longford in 2004, there were 48.5% of farms less than 20.2 hectares.

The average economic size of farm units in Ireland in 2000 was 20.7, with Co. Longford at 12.8. This was the seventh lowest in Ireland. The majority of farmers are aged 45-54 years.

2.1.10 Housing and Accommodation

A priority for social inclusion is to enable households experiencing poverty and disadvantage to have available to them housing or accommodation, which is affordable, accessible, of good quality, suitable to their needs, culturally acceptable, located in a sustainable community and, as far as possible, in a secure tenure of their choice.

There has been a 2.3% decline in the proportion of local authority housing in Ireland over the 15 years, from 9.8% in 1991 to 7.5% in 2006. The proportion in the Midlands Region has declined by 0.4%, from 6.9% to 6.5%. In contrast, Longford has seen an increase of 2.1% from 9.2% to 11.3%, the fifth highest level of local authority housing provision in any local authority area.

At ED level, the highest concentrations of local authority housing are found in Longford No 1 Urban (26.8%), followed by Foxhall (23.9%), Ballinalee (18.5%) and Longford Rural (18.1%).

2.1.11 Young People

National policy objectives aim to ensure that all young people leave the education system with a high quality education and related qualifications to support their full participation in society and in the economy.

The size of the population of young people, in proportional terms, is diminishing. There were 12,218 people under the age of twenty-five in Co. Longford in 2006, with 7,463 people under the age of fifteen. Whilst Co. Longford has marginally more young people than the State average (35.5% as opposed to 35.3% for the State), it shares, in the longer term, a trend towards an ageing of society as a whole.

The greatest percentage population under the age of 25 was to be found in Coolamber (42.1%), Milltown (41%), and Mountdavis (40.7%). The lowest percentage population under the age of 25 was to found in Drummeel (28.3%) and Moyne (29.5%).


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2.2 Other Social Inclusion Issues In addition to the quantitative demographic information carried above, the development of the Poverty Profile was informed by the implementation of a comprehensive consultation process. The key outcomes of the consultation are included below.

2.2.1 Overarching Role of SIM

There is a clear opportunity to improve the levels of coordination and collaboration amongst all agencies responsible for addressing aspects of poverty in Co. Longford. The Social Inclusion Measures Group is best placed to oversee the integration from a countywide perspective, and to establish commitments from all stakeholders on resource allocations.

2.2.2 Education and Training

Given the profile of educational attainment in Co. Longford, opportunity exists to focus on the provision of progression pathways, and the availability of, and access to outreach facilities and courses to encourage the maximum levels of engagement with education, adult education, and training. The prevention of early school leaving is a priority to provide the young person with the greatest educational opportunities.

2.2.3 Community Development

Through a structured process of capacity building to be achieved through training, community organisations need to be empowered to deal with aspects of social change, including the promotion of diversity. Community organisations also need support to develop their structures through shared understanding and vision. This can be achieved through improved levels of participation and representation.

2.2.4 Young People

The lack of affordable facilities for young people should be addressed, in the first instance, through the maximisation of the use of existing facilities for youth services. The lack of volunteers to support actions and activities for young people is a significant problem that should be addressed by assisting Co. Longford Youth Services to widen and deepen its volunteer base.

2.2.5 Employment and Enterprise

Baseline research is required into the skills needs of employers in Co. Longford. Given the current economic climate it will be necessary to update this needs profile annually.

The development of an ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship’ Programme based on EU models will provide a focus on the specific, indigenous, business start-up needs of members of the Traveller Community, Smallholders, Women, Ethnic Minorities, and People with Disabilities.

The development of a range of employment initiatives designed to support the Traveller Community, particularly young Travellers, would improve access to the world of work. Models of such interventions from the Local Employment Service and elsewhere across the country should be transferred to Co. Longford. Similarly, the development of


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employment initiatives in off-farm enterprises that are suitable for those in small-scale agriculture should be implemented. EU and State examples of intervention should be examined and transferred.

2.2.6 People with Disabilities

Longford does not have a network of People with Disabilities. The development of an effective network model should be undertaken. The objective of the network must be to improve services for those with disabilities by bringing their particular needs to the attention of the key agencies serving the county.

The provision for more sports facilities for people with disabilities has already been identified as a priority to improve the quality of life, and to help maintain an independent lifestyle.

The development of better pathways to employment for disabled people is important, as is better housing provision. Equally, much greater accessibility for people with disabilities in the built environment, and public transport, including the Rural Transport Programme will improve the quality of life.

2.2.7 Older People

It is highly desirable to support older people to live independently, sustainably and safely in their own homes. This can be achieved in part by ensuring that all services and infrastructure is ‘proofed’ against the needs of the older person, using models of best practice. Additionally, the improvement of access to support and information services for the older person will have the benefit of sustaining independent living, as will the impact of improving physical accessibility and the opportunity for increased mobility generally.

The role of the carer, both for older people and for people with disabilities requires a considerably greater level of support. This should commence with a baseline research study into the needs of carers in the county, building upon research conducted across the Country.

2.2.8 Housing and Built Environment

In addition to the need to make the built environment of Co. Longford friendlier towards people with disabilities and the older person, there is a need to improve in the provision of housing for members of the Traveller Community.

2.2.9 Childcare

Easy access to adult education and training courses is vital for those who may be disadvantaged in order that they can improve their opportunities to compete in the labour market. Opportunity exists to develop the use of the innovative mobile childcare unit; ‘Catkins on the Move’ to provide supporting crèche and childcare facilities to facilitate greater training and reskilling access.

2.2.10 Substance Abuse

A strategic, coordinated approach is required to the implementation of a Drug Education and Prevention Programme involving young people, parents, the community, and


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schools. Similarly, the implementation of a community based Drug and Alcohol Family Support and Treatment Programme in the county would be highly beneficial.

2.2.11 Healthcare and Infrastructure

Greater outreach provision of services is required to overcome the lack of public transport. Additionally, improvement in the existing rural transport services would be beneficial as an action to practically address aspects of rural isolation, particularly given the large numbers of elderly people living alone.

2.2.12 Families and Family Support

The provision of appropriate supports for families at risk through the implementation of an integrated Family Support Model is required. The Family Support Model will strengthen and empower families for healthy development, with the goal of developing their own capacity to solve problems and achieve long-lasting self-reliance and interdependence within their own communities.

The implementation of a Family Support Model will typically require that agencies and communities will transform the way they work with families, focusing on their strengths, with families setting their own goals, and fostering collaboration and integration between service providers.

2.3 Key Themes In the course of developing the Poverty Profile it was evident that the key themes were all interrelated, and that a model to capture these relationships would assist in understanding the strategic issues.

The model developed identifies the main relationships between the key factors, and places the family and family support central to the process.

Families and Family Supports provide the logical strategic focus for county-based actions to address the identified poverty-related issues. In mapping the other issues identified in the consultation process the inter-relationships become evident.

There are many core common needs of older people and people with disabilities, with the needs of carers linking the two. There is a strategic relationship between the provision of education and training, the needs of young people, childcare provision and employment and enterprise. Community development is the accepted medium for empowering and enabling people, and has a fundamental role in promoting diversity and developing ethnicity. It is also the driver for much infrastructural provision, including facilities for young people and the development of sustainable social enterprises. The relationship between the family and the often-linked twin issues of domestic violence and substance abuse are clear, with crosscutting influences of poor housing and built environment. The standards of both housing and the built environment will define key aspects of the quality of life for the older person and those with a disability.

All of these themes require attention in Co. Longford to ensure that the impact of poverty and social exclusion are minimised or eliminated.


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Figure 1 - Key Theme Relationships


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3 Anti-Poverty Strategy Longford County Development Board recognises that poverty and social exclusion are critical issues that must be tackled. The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion) highlights the role of local authorities in tacking poverty.

3.1 NAPinclusion 2007-2016 The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 builds on the work of the previous decade. It places a strong emphasis on actions and targets. The overall goal is to: ‘Reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2% and 4% by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016’.

The National Action Plan is designed to complement the National Development Plan and takes a life-cycle approach across the following themes: -

1. Children; 2. People of working age; 3. Older people; 4. People with disabilities; and 5. Communities

The specific issues underpinning each of these are seen to include: -

Children: -

Health: fundamental to a young person’s well-being; Education: vital to future prospects; Income Support: helping to secure a good quality of life; and Other priorities: nutrition; homelessness; Traveller children; sport and leisure;

training; justice; and substance abuse.

People of Working Age: -

Employment/Unemployment: the need to improve employability; Education: addressing literacy and ‘second chance’ education; Gender: improving social and economic outcomes for women; Income Support: helping secure a good quality of life; and Other: health, lone parents and justice issues.

Older People: -

Care in Old Age: providing the care support needed when and where it’s needed; Income Support: helping secure a good quality of life; and Other: housing; education; and community participation.

People With Disabilities: -

Employment and Participation: the need to improve employability and involvement; Income Support: helping secure a good quality of life; and


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Other: access to services, housing, buildings, transport, and facilities.

Communities: -

Housing: meeting housing needs, including those of homeless people; Health: better targeted services and responding to carers’ needs; Other: addressing issues related to Travellers, migrants, transport, libraries,

citizenship, fuel poverty, ‘e-inclusion’, and sport; Programmes: maintaining and developing a range of community-based

programmes; and National Drugs Strategy: continuing investment.

NAPinclusion affirms the role of Longford County Development Board as the key coordinating mechanism for public service delivery at local level, including joined-up delivery of social inclusion programmes.

3.1.1 Lifecycle Approach

Poverty and exclusion are dynamic rather than static issues. People generally experience them in multiple forms, with one aspect effectively compounding another. Disadvantage is rarely one-dimensional. For example, lone parents will frequently be out of work; usually survive on low incomes; tend to live in poor housing; often suffer health problems; and may be low achievers in educational terms. The difficulties that one generation experiences are usually, in turn, experienced by the next generation. The type of downward or vicious spiral that this can create can be represented as follows: Figure 2 – Typical Poverty Spiral

The Lifecycle Model identifies the key populations recognised to be in particular danger of poverty. These key populations are: children, the working aged population, older people, and people with disabilities.

NAPinclusion recognises that education at all stages of a child’s life is of central importance for their development and future well being. In addition, the importance of income support in tackling child poverty is also recognised.

With respect to individuals of working age, NAPinclusion notes the importance of employment in combating poverty and social exclusion. The Action Plan makes provision for supports for those who are furthest from the labour market to take up employment. For those outside the labour force, income supports are seen to be important to provide the individual with an acceptable standard of living.


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Figure 3 – ‘Lifecycle’ Model

NAPinclusion recognises that community care services are essential to enable older people to maintain their health and wellbeing, in order to live active, full independent lives, at home for as long as possible. Income also has a key role to play in alleviating poverty in old age.

In considering people with disabilities, NAPinclusion observes that many such individuals would like to take up employment if given the opportunity. It is noted that this measure is crosscutting, in that disabilities can impact on all people in society, including children, people of working age, and older people.

The Action Plan notes that building and supporting sustainable communities is of crucial importance, particularly those that are subject to disadvantage. Again, the thrust of this measure is multidimensional, in that the need for sustainable communities, be they geographical communities or communities of interest, will have a positive impact on all people in society, including children, people of working age, and older people.

3.2 Co. Longford LAPS Action Plan The Co. Longford Local Anti-Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2009 echoes the ‘lifecycle’ approach, and focuses on the five target themes: -

1. Children and Young People;

Families and Family Support;

Education and Literacy;

Childcare; and

Young People

2. People of Working Age;

Education and Literacy; and

Employment;

3. Older People;

4. People with Disabilities; and

5. Communities


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3.2.1 Children and Young People

Vision County Longford will continue to be a society where children and young people are respected as citizens with a valued contribution to make, and a voice of their own; where all children are cherished and supported by family and the wider society; where they enjoy a more fulfilling childhood and realise their potential through play.

Goals 1. Every child and young person should grow up in a family with access to sufficient resources, supports and services, to nurture and care for the child, and foster the child’s development and full and equal participation in society;

2. Every family should be able to access childcare services that are appropriate to the circumstances and needs of their children; 3. Every young person should leave primary school literate and numerate; 4. Every student should complete a senior-cycle or equivalent programme, appropriate to their capacity and interests; 5. Every child should have access to world-class health, personal social services and suitable accommodation; 6. Every child should have access to quality play, sport, recreation and cultural activities to enrich their experience of childhood; and 7. Every child and young person will have access to appropriate participation in local and national decision-making.


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Children and Young People - Action Framework

1 Families and Family Support

Intervention Logic Action Anticipated Outcome Measurement Lead Agency

Affluence and Deprivation The Midlands Region is the second most disadvantaged region of Ireland, and Longford is the most disadvantaged local authority area within the region and the third most disadvantaged county in Ireland as a whole. The relative position of Longford has gradually worsened over the past fifteen years from a score of –2.0 in 1991 to a score of –4.5 in 2006.

Development of Integrated Family Support Model. Encouragement of inter-agency cooperation.

Greater understanding of the multi-dimensional issues driving disadvantage. Improved outcomes for families. Integration of agencies and actions to overcome disadvantage.

Improvement of the score of disadvantage by 2014.

SIMWG

Lone Parents Co. Longford lone parent rate of 21.6% in 2006; this is comparatively high for a predominantly rural county.

Self-advocacy supports for lone parents. Enhanced interagency cooperation.

Improved capacities Greater participation of lone parents in decision-making and representative structures.

SIMWG


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2 Education and Literacy

Intervention Logic Action Anticipated Outcome Measurement Lead Agency The county has the sixth highest percentage in the State of people who left school with no primary education. The proportion of the population (20%) whose full-time education ceased before the age of 16 is above the national average (17.9%) ranking twelfth highest in the country.

Research early-school leaving comparative information. Maximise access to third-level education to encourage progression

Improved rates of educational progression. Easier access to third-level for those facing aspects of disadvantage.

Development of innovative pre-schools and schools links to address educational disadvantaged. Number of PESL interventions introduced. Increased numbers of young people from families living in, or at risk of social exclusion accessing third level courses through outreach initiatives.

SIMWG


3 Childcare

Intervention Logic Action Anticipated Outcome Measurement Lead Agency There are issues with childcare affordability and accessibility, particularly outside of Longford town.

Ensure that childcare provision is available for adult education and training courses through the use of mobile childcare unit – ‘Catkins on the Move’.

Increased accessibility to adult education and training courses.

Increased numbers of socially excluded individuals using childcare services. Increased numbers of socially excluded individuals accessing education and training courses.

Longford County Childcare Committee


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4 Young People

Intervention Logic Action Anticipated Outcome Measurement Lead Agency Co. Longford has marginally more young people than the State average (35.5% as opposed to 35.3% for the State). There is a lack of facilities for young people around the county.

Encourage use of existing facilities for youth services. Encourage volunteerism to support actions for young people Support Co. Longford Youth Services to widen volunteer base. Develop affordable youth facilities.

Improved youth services. Development of quality facilities for young people. Increased accessibility.

Number of innovative actions for young people. Increased numbers of accredited youth workers. Increased number of facilities for young people, particularly outside of Longford town. Greater number of youth volunteers.

VEC County Longford Youth Service


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3.2.2 People of Working Age

Vision In Co. Longford all people of working age should have sufficient income and opportunity to participate as fully as possible in economic and social life. All individuals and their families should enjoy the support of a range of quality public services to enhance their quality of life and their well-being.

Goals 1. Every person of working age should have an income level to sustain an acceptable standard of living and to enable them to provide for an adequate income in retirement.

2. Every person of working age should be encouraged and supported to participate fully in social, civic and economic life. 3. Every person of working age should have access to life-long learning, a sense of personal security in a changing work environment and an

opportunity to balance work and family commitments consistent with business needs. 4. Every person of working age in receipt of social welfare should have access to supports towards progression and inclusion, access to quality work

and learning opportunities. 5. Every person, irrespective of background or gender, should enjoy equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination. 6. Every family should have access to health and social care, affordable accommodation appropriate to their needs and a well-functioning public

transport system. 7. Every person with caring responsibilities should have access to appropriate supports to enable them to meet these responsibilities in addition to

employment and other commitments.


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People of Working Age - Action Framework

1 Education and Literacy

Intervention Logic Action Anticipated Outcome Measurement Lead Agency The population with third level education has grown from 8.9% in 1991 to 22.3% in 2006, a growth below that which has occurred nationally.

Improve access to third-level education opportunities.

Increased numbers of young people from families living in, or at risk of social exclusion accessing third level courses through outreach initiatives.

Number of target group young people accessing third level courses through outreach initiatives.

SIMWG

People of Working Age - Action Framework

2 Employment

Intervention Logic Action Anticipated Outcome Measurement Lead Agency There were 4,320 persons on the Live Register in Co. Longford in January 2009. This figure stood at 2,287 in October 2007. Co. Longford has the fourth highest unemployment rate. In 2006, Co. Longford had the highest female unemployment rate in the country. The labour force participation rate for Co. Longford stood at 60.9% in 2006, slightly below the national average at 62.5%. Agriculture remains an important source of employment in the county.

Undertake research into skills needs in Co. Longford. Develop employment initiatives designed to support the Traveller Community, particularly young Travellers. Develop employment initiatives in off-farm enterprises, suitable for those in small-scale agriculture. Development of programme of ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship’ to focus on Traveller Community, Smallholders, Women, Ethnic Minorities, and People with Disabilities.

Encouragement of sustainable employment opportunities, particularly to replace those in the construction industry. Encouragement of farmers to remain and earn a living in rural locations. Easier access to training and reskilling opportunities, particularly for those who may be socially excluded.

Number and quality of sustainable employment opportunities created. Number and quality of sustainable employment opportunities accessed by members of the Traveller Community. Number and quality of sustainable off-farm employment opportunities created for smallholders. Numbers of disadvantaged people who are able to access training and reskilling opportunities.

County Enterprise Board FÁS LCRL Enterprise Ireland


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3.2.3 Older People

Vision In Co. Longford supports should be provided to enable older people to maintain their health and well-being, as well as to live active and full lives, in an independent way in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

Goals 1. Every older person in Co. Longford will be encouraged and supported to participate to the greatest extent possible in social and civic life. 2. Every older person in Co. Longford will have adequate support to enable them to remain living independently in their own homes for as long as

possible. This will involve access to good quality services in the community, including: health, education, transport, housing and security.

Older People - Action Framework

Intervention Logic Action Anticipated Outcome Measurement Lead Agency Co. Longford has the fourth highest percentage of people over 65 years of age and living alone (31.7%). The county has the sixth highest percentage of people over 70 living alone at 30.6%. There is a demand for retirement villages and supported accommodation where older people can live alone and retain independence, but have communal services and supports.

Support older people to live independently, sustainably and safely in their own homes. Ensure that all services and infrastructure is ‘proofed’ against the needs of the older person. Undertake research into the needs of carers. Improve access to support and information services. Improve accessibility and mobility generally.

Greater numbers of older people who are able to maintain their independence. Increased accessibility of existing support structures for older people. Increased awareness of issues facing older people, translating into more innovative initiatives to address needs.

Numbers of people over 75 years of age living quality lives with greater independence. Increasing uptake of existing supports and entitlements. Number and quality of new initiatives to specifically address the needs of older people.

HSE Longford County Council Older Person’s Network County Development Board LCRL


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3.2.4 Disabled People

Vision To create a county where people with disabilities have, to the greatest extent possible, the opportunity to live a full life with their families, and as part of their local community, free from discrimination.

Goals 1. Every person with a disability in Co. Longford will have access to appropriate care, health, education, employment and training and social services;

2. Every person with a disability in Co. Longford will have access to public spaces, buildings, transport, information, advocacy and other public services and appropriate housing.

3. Every person with a disability in Co. Longford will be supported to enable them, as far as possible, to lead full and independent lives, to participate in work and in society and to maximise their potential.

4. Carers will be acknowledged and supported in their caring role.

Disabled People - Action Framework

Intervention Logic Action Anticipated Outcome Measurement Lead Agency Higher percentage of the county population with a disability in the age range 45-64 (30.9%) than is the case either at regional (29.1%) or national (29.2%) level. Higher percentage of the county population with a disability in the age range 65 years and over (37.5%) than is the case either at regional (35.7%) or national (35.1%) level. There are 1,381 people who were identified as carers in the Census 2006, which is above the comparative national figure.

Research for network of People with Disabilities in the county. Improve services for those with disabilities. Create more sports provision for people with disabilities. Create better pathways to employment for disabled people. Provide better housing for people with disabilities. Encourage greater accessibility for people with disabilities in the built environment, and public transport, including the Rural Transport Programme.

Provide network of People with Disabilities in the county. Higher quality service provision for people with disabilities. Improved standard of life for people with disabilities. Increased levels of social and economic independence.

Number of new and improved services. Quality and quantity of sports provision for people with disabilities. Number of disabled people in quality, sustainable jobs and training. Number of disabled people living in appropriately designed accommodation, and more easily able to access the built environment of the county. Number of disabled people able to use public transport without the need for special arrangements.

HSE Longford County Council Partnership County Sports Partnership

Longford County Development Board Draft Anti-Poverty Strategy

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3.2.5 Communities

Vision To build viable and sustainable communities in Co. Longford, thereby improving the lives of people living in disadvantaged areas and building social capital.

Goals To address the manifestation of multiple disadvantage through social inclusion. To tackle the incidence of urban poverty, notably present in poor households living in urban areas, urban communities where there are high levels of unemployment and high concentrations of poverty and areas suffering from a decline in the environmental and social infrastructure. To address rural poverty, which can be defined by declining or slow-growing populations, migration of younger people from rural to urban areas, lack of services, lack of employment opportunities, low income farming households, higher dependency levels and isolation are examples.

Communities - Action Framework

Intervention Logic Action Anticipated Outcome Measurement Lead Agency Co. Longford has over 240 active community and voluntary groups and organisations and many sporting groups. Longford has more people involved in volunteering (17.8% compared to a national average of 16.4%).

Develop strategy for community engagement, participation and representation. Encourage shared understandings and vision. Greater inter-agency cooperation. Increased participation of socially excluded in local decision making structures. Improvement of resources to target and work with those most in need. Implementation of a community communications strategy. Recognise cultural diversity.

Increasing levels of trust among the communities and the voluntary and statutory agencies. Greater strategic vision. Increased efficiencies in targeting those most disadvantaged. Improve the dissemination of relevant and timely community information.

Incidence of co-operative, interagency actions to support community actions. Incidence of new, targeted community interventions. Increasing networking across the community and voluntary sector. Increasing levels of intercultural activity.

CDB Partnership


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4 Implementation 4.1 Role of SIMWG

The role of the Social Inclusion Measures Working Group of Longford County Development Board is pivotal in the implementation of the Local Anti-Poverty Strategy Action Plan 2009. The key stakeholders of the SIMWG are responsible for ensuring that the Action Plan is implemented, and are also responsible for ensuring that the necessary resources are provided. The resources will be found from within the existing operational budgets of the stakeholders, or from additional budget lines to be developed. Where existing operational budgets from a number of stakeholders are to be employed to support a single action, the primary role of the SIMWG will be to ensure that maximum levels of integration and inter-agency cooperation are obtained.

Each action will have a nominated lead agency. The lead agency will be responsible for ensuring that the action is delivered, and for the preparation of six-monthly progress reports for presentation through the SIMWG to the County Development Board. These reports will be expected to highlight examples of good practice in interagency cooperation, or to identify blockages that are militating against the achievement of the targets.

The SIMWG will be responsible for implementing a three-year review of the Action Plan.

4.1.1 Peer Review

Longford County Development Board intends to adopt the recommendations of the Combat Poverty Agency2 in implementing a peer review process.

To measure the progress of the Action Plan in meeting its targets Longford County Development Board will instigate a peer review process by a peer review group from another CDB area.

The peer review group will agree the extent of the review. It will be expected to consult with key stakeholders, particularly community and voluntary groups with a focus on addressing poverty-related issues. The peer review group will be required to measure the performance of the Action Plan against agreed targets of good practice in social inclusion.

Based upon the findings of the review, the Anti-Poverty Strategy will be revised or improved so that it is most likely to obtain the best results.

2 Combat Poverty Agency – ‘A Guide to Developing a Local Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy’ - 2007.


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4.2 Communication It is recognised that communicating the Anti-Poverty Strategy is vital if success is to be assured. The communication levels will need to be internal, external, and to stakeholders.

4.2.1 Internal Communication

A clear message of the strategic aims and importance of the Co. Longford Anti-Poverty Strategy will be communicated to all members of staff of the County Council. This will be achieved using the existing internal communications structures within LCC, including a fact sheet.

4.2.2 External Communication

Using the Community and Voluntary Forum as the primary network, together all other networks in the county that are focussed on aspects of social inclusion, a newsletter and briefing pack will be developed and disseminated. It is anticipated that information updates will be provided at six-month intervals, based in the reporting information provided to the County Development Board by the SIMWG. The communication pathway will encourage feedback to be received and presented to the SIMWG.

It is proposed that an annual conference will be organised, subject to resources being identified, to act as a platform for social inclusion issues in the county. It is intended that this annual conference will be organised with the Community and Voluntary Forum.

4.2.3 Stakeholder Communication

The Co. Longford Anti-Poverty Strategy will be communicated to the key stakeholder organisations through the SIMWG and the County Development Board. This will enable the stakeholder organisations to align their strategies and focus with that of the Anti-Poverty Strategy, and also to leverage any required additional resources.


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Appendix 1 – SIMWG Membership Figure 4 – Longford SIMWG Membership

Representing Position Representative

ACORN CDP Coordinator Josephine Stroker

Co. Longford VEC Adult Education Coordinator Francis Stephenson

DS&FA Area Manager Declan Neville

FÁS Coordinator Soinbhe Hoare

Gardai Community Sgt. Ursula Hussey

HSE Local Manager Donie Murtagh

LCRL LDSIP Coordinator Valerie McFarlane

Longford CDB Administrative Officer David Minton

Longford County Childcare Committee Manager Marie McCardle

Longford Women’s Link Director Tess Murphy

RAPID Longford Coordinator Frank Horne

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