Case Study
‘Be Kind -Together We are Stronger!’
A Community Project based on Engagement and Collaboration
Overview
Supports to the ‘new vulnerable’ while living alongside Covid-19 including
Disadvantaged Families, Lone Parents, New Communities, Older Persons, Travellers, the homeless, those experiencing domestic abuse, those at risk of poverty and young people.
Introduction/Context
There is no doubt that the last 18 months have been challenging for all of us, individuals, and communities alike. There is also no doubt that while we may all have faced our own particular challenges that none have been more adversely impacted than those experiencing social isolation and disadvantage, those already living in poverty or on the margins of society and those who are vulnerable whether because of age, physical or mental health or disability or lack of access to supports. These communities and individuals are all a target group for SICAP. In recognising ongoing challenges we have also agreed a new action, action 12 – Supports to the ‘new vulnerable’ while living alongside Covid-19. The ‘Be Kind’ project is one of the supports developed.
The ‘Be Kind – Together We are Stronger’ community project is located at what is known locally as the Perry’s building in Carlow town. This project is an example of true collaboration between the Carlow County Development Partnership, Carlow LCDC and Carlow County Council. The premises has been made available for the project by the later. ‘Be Kind’ is based on a participatory community engagement process. It values our communities and encourages viewing through an empathetic lens, while building a system that increases knowledge of the value of resources and a plan to transfer those assets to others in the community. The project demonstrates the importance and impact of working together to build capacity and empower individuals and communities to make positive changes.
As well as employing a community development methodology the project embraces the emerging research advocating acts of kindness in developing strong communities, organisations and social capital, (Anderson, Brownlie & Milne, 2015) https://d1ssu070pg2v9i.cloudfront.net/pex/pex_carnegie2021/2016/10/06153942/Kinder-Communities.pdf
It is also underpinned by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory.
The Project:
This project started in a very small way. In early January 2021 Carlow Older Persons Forum (OPF) and Carlow County Development Partnership (CCDP) as well as numerous partner organizations became very aware of the need for furniture, basic household items etc. which were not available due to the Covid pandemic and an increased level of poverty and new vulnerabilities. We were advised of one older man sleeping on the floor of an unfurnished flat. We appealed for items on social media and were inundated with offers. People wanted to donate, outside a charity model, look at repurposing and being kinder. Such was the response that a storage space was required and with the assistance of the Council and LCDC the ‘Be Kind’ project was born.
The main aim of the project is to match what people do not need with those who do, through referral. Through collaboration with all agencies and stakeholders, e.g., Carlow Older Persons Forum, An Gardai, Amber Refuge, community groups etc., a need is identified, and we respond to that. We get a list from the referral agency/community group, and we deliver everything on that list, mindful of the dignity and respect of individuals. If people are in need of assistance in order to move on the last thing that they need is to feel that they are begging for help. In fact, often it is the people most in need who are most reluctant to come forward.
A clear example of how this works in practice is our link with the Amber Refuge outreach worker. When a woman leaves an abusive relationship, they frequently leave with nothing. Where they have
secured accommodation or are moving out of the Refuge, we are provided with a list of all items required. This could be everything from spoons to beds, from clothing to toys. We arrange to deliver what we have in one run so that the family can start to move forward. The same process applies to all referrals where possible. The project also supports community groups who may need items.
‘Be Kind’ project in action:
The Be Kind project has helped a number of people since its infancy in April. Those who have been supported have come from a variety of backgrounds and needs. One example is of a family living in a Carnew near Hackstetown. Their house was flooded in bad weather, and they had to evacuate from their family home. As there were major repairs to be completed to make the house habitable once again, the family were placed in temporary accommodation. This new accommodation was not furnished. Through a community referral the family made contact with the project. The family listed out the items which they needed, and the team responded. Beds, mattresses, linen, a dining table, a sofa, kitchen cutlery, glasses and crockery as well as other items were gathered up. All items were delivered to the new house for the family by the project. Currently the family are still living in their temporary accommodation whilst their home is being repaired.
“The project really was a lifeline for us when we needed it. When we had to move out from our home it was heart breaking. The service was incredible and was such a help to us in these difficult times. We would not have been able to manage without it. “
Another example of the project is that of collaborative work with Amber Women’s Refuge. We were contacted in May of this year by a worker from the refuge. A one parent family, all female, from Syria, had been provided with a house by the local authority. The premises was based on the Tullow Road area, which is an area of high deprivation within the county. Through the Be Kind Project the family were supported during the process and were provided with several items for the house ranging from kitchen appliances such as a fridge and washing machine as well as other large items such as kitchen table and chairs, sofas and a TV, to smaller items such as cutlery, cups and glasses.
The referral was made through the case worker in Amber and the items were tested and delivered to the house for the family. As a knock-on effect of this engagement, the family then also availed of other supports through the SICAP programme including participating in the Failte Isteach English language programme. Throughout the process the workers engaging with the family were supportive and sensitive in their communication and interactions with the family members. The process was carried out in a very discreet manner so as not to identify the family and their interaction on the project. As a result, the family have now transformed their house into a home and have a support network that they can avail of on an ongoing basis.
Potential
Future Potential
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring stated that “recent weeks have demonstrated as never before the benefit of having a robust community structure in place. It is vital that we continue to support our communities as our country moves into recovery phase.” Since April 2021 the Be Kind project has been a huge support for individuals throughout the county and has been an integral support to disadvantaged families and individuals all over the county. The project has brought the community of Carlow together to support each other in hard times and has demonstrated the kindness, supportive and caring nature of our society. While this project started out to support the vulnerable while living alongside Covid it’s potential has grown to address other issues and move towards a new phase of collaboration and engagement, including a circular economy model and an innovative way of addressing climate change.
Circular Economy
According to the Community Foundation of Ireland “in a circular economy, nothing is wasted and material resources are valued. These innovative projects will increase awareness of the circular economy at community level and show how new ways of doing things can have a real impact” Our model in the Be Kind project is now moving toward the model of the circular economy and bringing it one step further to demonstrate how a community model such as this has a positive and long lasting impact in our community. The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In a circular economy, the life cycle of products is extended. In practice, and from an environmental perspective it implies reducing waste to a minimum. The model shows how items can be productively used again and again, thereby creating further value.
Collaboration
Carlow SICAP Case Study 2021 ‘Be Kind -Together We are Stronger!’ – A Community Project based on Engagement and Collaboration
The project captured the imagination of the community across Carlow and from further afield. These are just some of the comments received
“it is great that this is available in Carlow. It means that you can help someone out who is finding it difficult at the moment. Sharing what we have is making a difference. It’s a great initiative.”
Provider of items to the project
“I put a little write up on our Ladies group on our Facebook page and sent out messages to people I thought may benefit or know others who might need some help. The response was overwhelming. Our phones were hopping with requests. Fergal and his team have since delivered numerous items of furniture and baby equipment to the most desperately in need persons who had to move either because their homes were flood damaged or they were evicted. Many were new mothers and expectant mothers and many others were simply in need of help. We in Hacketstown are very grateful and hope the “BE KIND” project will continue to help many other similar communities.”
Community leader in Hacketstown
“The overall experience was amazing. I was excited at the prospect of what we were going to do. I was having days of great job satisfaction when the flow of stock was moving in and out. It was great seeing the emotion on the faces of the people that were receiving the stock.”
Tús Participant
“It is great to see those that are vulnerable receiving items that make a difference in their lives”
Community Centre Myshall
“All the team complement one another in order to keep this service running. It runs very efficiently, and the need is there for it. It is a great service for our community”
Tullow Road community leader
“It is an absolute fantastic service that has been invaluable to our community. We have referred people in need in relation to clothes, furniture and toys. It is also helping stop the dumping of items that are no longer wanted. Well done to everyone involved in the project”
New Oak Community Leader
“Covid has had a huge impact on people. The need is alarmingly high for a service such as the Be Kind project. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any suggestion that things are going to improve for disadvantaged families. The team have worked hard to be able to cater for the needs in the community. A fantastic example of a community development approach responding to the needs on the ground”
St Vincent De Paul
“The Perry’s service is a great initiative “
Public Health Nurse, Graguecullen Area
“A lot of the things that we are now using in our home came from the Be Kind project. It meant that we could sit and have food as a family, we could look after ourselves and stand alone. We have also been able to give back some items that we no longer needed and hopefully other families like us have been able to make use of them. Because of the project we made contact with Failte Isteach and this means we have improved our English and has helped me to be able to go on to a PLC course.”
SICAP Participant
“Just wanted to say thank you to you and the team at Be Kind for the delivery for the family! I was speaking with them and they are absolutely delighted with what you gave them.
A great service.”
Outreach Worker, Amber Women’s Refuge
“From working in the building, I myself have spoken to so many people donating and also to those in need of items. Those who donate to the Project are so delighted to do so, and think the service is brilliant. The fact we don’t charge or expect any monetary return is just so good, they love to hear that their items can make a difference. Those receiving the items are really grateful by the way in which they are treated. It’s a very simple process and the fact we can offer collections and deliveries and even lifting the items into people’s homes is a tremendous help to those that may live alone. The idea that it is also helping the environment and reusing items that would go to the dump is also of great interest to people.”
Care and Respond Scheme Coordinator
“The Service is amazing and so beneficial, particularly to the elderly and how simple the process is when making a request really assists us, our service will certainly be keeping in regular contact”
Public Health Nurse
“I’m so delighted with my mattress and table and chairs; I couldn’t afford them just on my pension” I received a food box as well and was thrilled with it as well”.
Recipient from south Carlow Rural Village
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