Westmeath Community Development, under the LEADER 2014-2020 programme, awarded grant aid to Midland Regional Youth Services t/a Youth Work Ireland Midlands, the project promotor, for this Instrumental Outreach Programme project. 

The Instrumental Outreach Programme aims were to develop a bank of musical instruments allowing children and young people to access and benefit from learning a musical instrument without the burden of making an investment as well promoting social inclusion.  Watch the youtube video above to learn more. 

Last Friday, 20/09/2019, Mount Carmel Drive Residents Association, with the support of Westmeath Community Development (WCD) and Westmeath County Council (WCC), held a very successful Sports/Play & Recreational Day. There was a wonderful turn out of residents from the very young to the very old as they went back to basics playing Sack Race, Egg and Spoon Race, Wheelbarrow Race, Sprint Racing, Musical Statues, Hopscotch, 3 Legged Race and the day ended with children and teenagers created teams and playing soccer.

Westmeath Community development (WCD) continued to provide support to RAPID areas in 2018. The SICAP Community Development section plays a lead role in the co-ordination of RAPID, as well as working with the local groups on the ground, assisting with designing and implementing plans as well as assisting communities in highlighting issues and needs at different fora.

A Training Month was held in November and representatives from committees were invited to attend. Training included topics such as, committee skills, funding, media skills, governance, garda clearance, minding your mental health and how to retain volunteers.

L to R : Bernie Leavy, LEADER Programme, Westmeath Community Development, Anita Keane, Bernie Winters, James Buckley and Anita Kelly – all from Rosemount Playground Committee with Peter Ormond , LEADER Westmeath Community Development and Cllr. Tom Farrell.

The official opening of the Rosemount Playground took place on Saturday 21^st September 2019. The playground was funded by the LEADER Programme 2014-2020, Westmeath County Council and the local community. The playground is located in the GAA grounds in the village and is a most welcome addition to the recreational and community facilities already in situ at the grounds.