Funded By The Irish Government Under The National Development Plan 2007-2013
 






History

History and establishment of Atlantic View CDP

  • The project originated from a network of community groups (Erne Community Network) in 1998.
  • In 2000 the group applied for funding to develop a CDP to the Dept Social Community & Family Affairs.
  • They then undertook a period of training.
  • In Feb 2001 the group's application was accepted by the Department.
  • The group set up as a Ltd Company in Aug 2001.
  • The project opened it's office in a room that it rented from Tirhugh Resource Centre in Sept 2001.
  • The Company employed a Community Development Worker and part-time Admin/Finance Worker, full time after the 1 year.
  • The Company relocated to Tir Conaill St in Nov 2002
  • Atlantic View CDP applied for and received Charitable Status in April 2003.
  • The Company bought it's own premises on Main St in 2004 with a grant from the Dept of Community Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs.
  • They moved to their new and present premises on Main St, Ballyshannon in Sept 2004.


With the current down turn in the economy and the rise in unemployment in the area, the work of Atlantic View CDP has never been more in demand. The centre has become busier with the use of the meeting room ruuning at almost full capacity. We continue to provide space for counselling, domestic violence advocacy, creative and community group meetings and educational and training courses. The ongoing acredited computer courses up-skills those unemployed with funding from the VEC Adult Eduction and Training Programme. We also access funding from the VEC for community groups such as the Active Retirement, Active Age, Women's Group, Carers, the Unemployed and Marginalised groups to run courses which range from arts & crafts to physical activities.

We provide free computer access for anyone creating CVs writing letters, filling application forms or doing research on the web. We assist Donegal County Council in delivering smoke alarms to marginalised people and homes of the elderly. We access funding from various agencies for Cross Border Work, the National Lottery Block Grant for respite breaks for carers and the Department of Social and Family Affairs for personal development and educational courses. We work with MABS and CIC developing flyers and information for the unemployed and others.

We continue to organise projects, courses and events to include those members of our society who continue to experience poverty, exclusion and discrimination. We work Cross Border with groups researching and running workshops endeavouring to break down stereotyping and segregation and promote Peace Building. We provide expertise and supervision for placement students from colleges and adult education centres.

We work with local and county councils to access funding for the upkeep of estates and to develop a community garden and allotments for members of the community to grow plants and vegetables. We assisted in the publishing of a gardening booklet for the Donegal Gardening Group.

We supply information, administration, research, photocopying, letter writing, financial information and publicity for groups and indiviual running courses and events. We access funding and assist many groups in many ways. We organise education and training with funding from other agencies including the VEC, and involve various community groups in local cultural, social and educational activities.

Atlantic View CDP works very much on the ground with those who are most marginalised in our society fighting poverty. We work very closely with and for the community and are very much a front line service whose work is a direct response to the needs of our community. Our central location on the Main Street makes it very accessible to the general public who freqeuntly call in to access help.