Social Inclusion
Social Inclusion is at the heart of what Local Development Companies do – assisting people and communities to participate fully in all aspects of life whatever their economic or cultural background or health status.
Personal Development and Well-Being
Local Development Companies are concerned about people and their personal journey. We serve our communities by dealing with the whole person as more than an economic unit. Local Development Companies continue to develop a range of programmes and supports to assist individuals in their personal journey and to help them fulfill their goals in the widest possible sense.
Early Years and Family Supports
Parenting and Early Years development present some of the greatest joys and challenges in life and society. Local Development Companies recognise that many families struggle in providing a supportive and nurturing environment for their children and so offer a range of supports to assist in these challenges.
Education & Training
Education and training are key transformative processes in human development. Unfortunately, for many in our society, appropriate education and training opportunities are not always accessible, available or affordable. Local Development Companies guide and support individuals on their education journey and match them with suitable, accessible opportunities so that they have the greatest chance of achieving their full potential.
Urban and Rural Development
Local Development Companies were initially set up to respond to the multi-dimensional nature of social exclusion through a locally responsive, innovative, integrated approach, built on a partnership model, with local ownership’ (OECD 2005). Today they offer place-based solutions to the challenges of urban and rural development across Ireland. Today there are 14 urban and 35 rural Local Development Companies, covering the entire state and implementing place-based solutions based on local knowledge and input.
Employment Services
Local Development Companies are to the forefront of assisting people into meaningful work. Programmes include Local Employment Service (LES), Tús, Rural Social Scheme, Jobs Clubs and more.
Enterprise and Social Enterprise Development
Social enterprises are businesses whose core objective is to achieve a social or environmental impact. Like other businesses, they trade in goods or services on an ongoing basis but any surpluses they generate are re-invested into achieving their social purpose. Local Development Companies support social enterprises throughout Ireland though LEADER, SICAP and other programmes.
Climate Change and Just Transition
Climate Action is a key challenge for our time requiring coherent responses at community level. Local Development Companies are working across several facets of this challenge. For example, a Just Transition is required to assist many communities and sectors to adapt to climate change without undue personal cost. Local Development Companies are working with communities suffering fuel poverty as well as those where fossil fuel-related employment must adapt to new circumstances.
