Current National Context of WTCDP’s Work:
In September 2008, it was announced that a new Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) would take over previous community development and social inclusion programmes.
The LCDP aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and engagement between Government and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. The LCDP is underpinned by four goals:
1. To promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services: 15%
2. To increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural development activities and resources; 35%
3. To increase peoples ‘work readiness and employment prospects 35%
4. To promote engagement with policy, practice and decision making processes on matters affecting local communities. 15%
There have been difficulties with the design and implementation requirements of the LCDP from the perspective of those engaged in community work.
The National Traveller Partnership structure was approved as the funding structure for Traveller CDP’s nationally in 2011. In January 2012, WTCDP became a member of the National Traveller Partnership Ltd (NTP) which is based in Pavee Point Travellers Centre in Dublin. It received LCDP funding from the new body.
WTCDP welcomes the opportunity to share in good practice nationally. The WTCDP remains directed by members of the local Traveller Community while being connected to the NTP. The WTCDP staff continues to be directly employed by WTCDP management.