The Community Effect aims to help people to develop confidence and skills so that they can work for change in their communities. The Community Effect offers the potential for active community engagement and leadership within a safe learning environment. Participants will develop their critical awareness skills and explore how wider societal issues impact on the lives of older people and motivate them to bring about change on issues affecting their lives.

Maire Brady who attended The Community Effect in Enniscorthy back in December, organised by the Wexford Local Development, talks about her experience on the course:
‘I’ve met there many interesting and different people, and I’ve learned there a lot about others and also myself. I always thought that people in my age group have similar beliefs and opinions, and only there I’ve discovered that we are more complex and varied. We’re all part of the community and there is a place for variety and various options within it. We can all contribute.

The course has changed the way I look at people and also how I view myself. I’ve learned not to judge people by their appearance but to get to know them first. I also realised that I should think more of myself and not to doubt myself. I gained confidence’

‘After the course, I got involved in more things. I’ve started volunteering with the local Penny Bank. It’s a local initiative, a small savings bank aimed at local people. I enjoy working there and dealing with people. Since the course I’ve also started the lip reading classes, as I have a hearing problems. I’ve also became an Ambassador for Active Ageing in Partnership initiative, and am hoping to promote active ageing’.