Knockanrawley Resource Centre has worked out of a community development model of practice since it opened. Since 1994, the Centre has been part of the National Community Development Programme, now funded by the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs.

The central ethic of community development is to work with people, not for them. We seek to empower and enable people to take control of their own lives, by first, recognising the issues challenging them, and then, being supported in making decisions to deal with them. Through this method, the community can promote positive change in society, in favour of those who benefit least.

Individuals develop their own skills, knowledge and experience. Through this process, and by working together the community can challenge the root causes of poverty and social exclusion. We oppose discrimination against any individual or group.

We work closely with residents groups e.g. training in group work skills, etc, supporting clean ups, summer camps, parties etc.and their network (Tipperary Residents Network) empowering and supporting the groups to make relevant changes within their communities.

The section has a variety of women's groups here in the Centre. They meet weekly in the mornings, mostly.

At the moment, we have established women's groups with experience in varying skills, sharing, supporting one another and having fun too! Childcare is provided free for people attending these groups.(If places available)

We are currently establishing an evening group for women who would find that time more convenient to attend agroup. The group will start a course in Women's Health. All women's groups have a nominal €2 charge to cover heating and lighting etc.

Knockanrawley Resource Centre has one men's group (Thursday) and a Men's Shed on Tuesday(both are evening groups) The Men's Shed is part of the Organic Garden. The men's group has been skills-based, doing activities such as stained glass painting, art, computers, woodwork etc and visiting various places of interest, including other men's groups. The group meets the women's groups at social occasions outing & relevant training

Examples of different types of activities and training which the groups engage in are personal development, building confidence and self esteem, health & fitness, crafts, computers and drama.

All women's groups in the Centre come together under the umbrella of Tipperary Women's Network, as well as other groups in the West Tipperary area. This organisation gives the women a collective voice and encourages the women to take on leadership roles in the community they live in. Groups grow, flourish and come to an end naturally. Within the groups, the participants will find a safe, confidential atmosphere to meet new people and relax.

Together we can identify and address our needs, both in our own lives and in the community in general, and hopefully make friends and have fun too!

A significant programme within the Community Development section is the Parent & Family Support Programme. It is a programme of personal and educational supports for parents and families, including parenting skills and family communication, which will lead to improved family relationships.

There are a number of groups under our Tipperary Credit Union & HSE-funded Parent & Family Support Programme including:

• Two weekly Parent Support groups
• Personal Development for Parents who Parent alone
• Parent, Baby & Toddler group
• Support for Parents with children with challenging behaviour
• Developmental English for Non-Irish Parents
• Rainbows: A peer support programme which aims to assist children grieving a death, seperation or other painful transitions in their family.

The main funders of our community development section are the National Community Development Programme under The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.