The exhibition is organised by the Knocknaheeny Justice Project in partnership with the Garda Superintendent and Gardai at Gurranabraher
A Community Policing Initiative is taking place at the Terence Mac Sweeney Community College at Knocknaheeney on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th February 2009. The Emergency Voluntary Services Information and Recruitment Exhibition involves many voluntary and support services who will be providing information stands at the event.
The exhibition is organised by the Knocknaheeny Justice Project in partnership with the Garda Superintendent and Gardai at Gurranabraher.
The exhibition will, for the first time, bring a majority of the Voluntary Emergency Services together with a view to encouraging young people and adults to inform themselves of the many emergency services that are in existence, and the crucial role they play in the civic, tourism and sporting life of the city and county. There will also be the opportunity to join the services at the exhibition.
There will be a lot of activity, indoors and out, over the weekend!
Inside the superb facilities of the Terence MacSweeney College, over 18 voluntary organisations will have information areas, and representatives will be there to answer any questions or register potential volunteers.
Simulating crash scenes, sea riders and rib displays, fire fighting displays, and a simulated rescue operation involving abseilling are just a taste of what will be taking place outside the school throughout the weekend.
Each of the schools throughout the City and County have been contacted with information about the exhibition through Community Gardaí under the Garda Youth Diversion Project. The event will also be supported by staff of the Cork Local Drugs Task Force.
This collaborative approach by the local community in Knocknaheeny is certainly a model of best practice in terms of supporting young people in their personal development, career support, civic pride and community development.
As such, the public across the city and county, especially all young people, are encouraged to come to Knocknaheeny on the 6th and 7th of February 2009 in order to learn about the possibilities provided by voluntary services.
Superintendent of Gurranabraher outlines -
"This initiative calls on all individuals in the community to get involved, and encourages them to join one of the many voluntary services which are always receptive to new members. The exhibition provides the community in Cork with a unique opportunity to visit the many stands and find out first hand what each of the organisations have to offer."
The following voluntary organisations have committed to the weekend:
The Coast Guard
The Lifeboat Service
The Garda Reserve
The Army Reserve
The Navy and Naval Reserve
The Civil Defence
The Order of Malta
St Johns Ambulance
Irish Coastguard
Irish Lifeboats.
HSE Ambulance Service
Scouts
National Office of Suicide Prevention ( HSE)
Cork City Fire Services
Cork City Ambulance Services
Cork Area Water Safety
The Academy of Emergency Care in Sport
Knocknaheeny Hollyhill Special Justice Project
The majority of the voluntary services are currently recruiting people. The services might appeal to people between 16 and 21 years of age who wish to enhance their CV’s and continue their personal development.
Mr Batt O Keefe T.D, Minister for Education and Science will open the event on Friday 6th February 2009 (time to be confirmed). The event will run from 3 to 6pm on the 6th February and 12 noon to 4 pm on Saturday the 7th February 2009.
All are welcome!
Travel arrangements
Bus Eireann
Bus Éireann is delighted to be involved with the Emergency Volunteer Services Exhibition. Exhibition attendees can use our high frequency no 2 city bus to travel to Knocknaheeny.
The no 2 service leaves Merchants Quay (directly across the road from the Parnell Place, Bus Station) and will drop-off and pick-up directly outside the exhibition venue. The no 2 departs every 15 minutes on a Friday and every 20 minutes on a Saturday.
Passengers can purchase a Cork City Day Saver for €4.40, which gives unlimited travel on all city routes on the day of purchase. Alternatively, adult single fares are €1.60 and child single fares are €1.00.
Background Information
This concept came about as a result of a recent Community Safety Meeting in Knocknaheeney / Churchfield area of the city. Concerned parents outlined that all codes of sport were catered for in the community, however they felt that for teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 who were not interested in sport, there was nothing for them to do.
At a daily accountability meeting in Gurranabraher Garda Station this issue was discussed in detail. It was decided that each of the voluntary services would be approached with a view to running a two day information seminar. Superintendent Con Cadogan contacted management at each of the organisations and all fully supported the initiative. Superintendent Cadogan arranged a meeting with Knocknaheeney / Hollyhill Justice Project which caters for youth in the north side of Cork City. The Project manager Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald fully supported it and outlined that the Justice Project were willing to coordinate the event with Community Policing in Gurranabraher Station.
Garda Press Office.
2nd February 2009
