The purpose of the SIM group is to contribute to the better co-ordination of social inclusion services and activities at a local level. In May 2009 new guidelines, circular LG08/09, were issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to each City/County Development Board.
These guidelines set out the main role of the SIM Group which includes; better co-ordination of publicly funded services prioritisation of social inclusion matters implementation of inter-agency initiatives endorsement of local/community development plans identify and address duplication and gaps in service provision supporting the RAPID programme and the exchange of information.
SIM will engage in a number of key actions in 2010/2011 under the following themes;
1. Mental health.
2. Supports and activation for the unemployed/underemployed.
3. Rural isolation i.e. depopulation and decline in services.
Membership of the SIM group 2010 (19 representatives) include: FAS, Dept. Social Protection, Health Service Executive, An Garda Siochána, Cork County Council, Cork County Community & Voluntary Forum, Disability Federation Ireland, Avondhu/Blackwater Development Ltd., South and East Cork Area Development, Meitheal Mhúscraí, Ballyhoura Development Group, I.R.D. Duhallow, West Cork Development Partnership, Comhdhail Oileáin na hÉireann, Community Development Programmes, RAPID (Mallow & Youghal), Cork County Childcare Company, Cork County VEC.
Recent activities/events 2010.
For further information please contact Ms. Fiona Hayes, Office of Community & Enterprise, Cork County Council or Tel: 021-4285338.
