Community’s ABCD Journey Begins

By Maria Connolly

Brian King, BACD Vice Chair & BCU Board; Grainne Murphy, CEO BCU; Lyn Donnelly, BACD; Sean Madden, Chair BCU; Stephen Kerr, ABCD Animator; Shane McNeill, BCU & ABCD Animator.

Ballinasloe witnessed a significant gathering as stakeholders from across the community came together in Gullane’s Hotel for the inaugural Peer-to-Peer Forum under the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) initiative last December. Representatives from a wide range of organisations attended, including An Garda Síochána, Ballinasloe Area Community Development, Ballinasloe Credit Union, Ballinasloe Lions Club, Ballinasloe Social Services, Ballinasloe Tidy Towns, Ballinasloe Training for Employment, Ballinasloe Sports Hub (Galway Sports Partnership), Brothers of Charity, Canal House, Family Support Services, Galway Rural Development, Galway Traveller Movement, GRETB, HSE (Older Persons Network), Involve Youth Service, Galway County Council Integration Team, Parent Child+, St. Vincent de Paul, The Junction (Youth Work Ireland), Tuath Housing, Fáilte Isteach, and TÚS.

Each stakeholder brought a unique perspective, reinforcing the principle at the heart of the ABCD approach: “Start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong.” “Attending the Peer-to-Peer Forum was an eye-opener,” said Orla McCaffrey from Canal House. “I had the chance to connect with organisations I wasn’t even aware of before the meeting. These new connections have already sparked ideas for collaboration that could greatly benefit our service users. Working together like this has the potential to create real, positive change in Ballinasloe.”

“The Peer-to-Peer Forum was a fantastic platform to meet other groups and organisations dedicated to making a difference in Ballinasloe,” said Karyn Gavin of Galway Rural Development. “By coming together and sharing our resources and knowledge, we can create stronger partnerships that not only enhance our individual efforts but also have a lasting impact on the entire community.” Brian King, Vice Chair of BACD CLG, reflected on the significance of the day: “The ABCD approach is about tapping into our collective strengths and working together for a brighter future. Whether you’re a local group, business, or individual passionate about Ballinasloe, there’s a place for you in this exciting initiative.” For many, the day’s most valuable takeaway was the focus on better communication and collaboration. Attendees agreed on the need to establish stronger connections between groups through enhanced communication platforms and a comprehensive community directory. This directory will serve as a valuable resource for both the groups involved and the wider community.

The forum also marked the start of ongoing efforts to support active citizenship. Four local community animators—Shane McNeill, Niall Clarke, Stephen Kerr, and Lyn Donnelly—are currently undergoing training in the ABCD methodology. Once completed, they will lead community conversations and initiatives, ensuring the momentum from the forum continues. A follow-up Peer-to-Peer Forum is scheduled for Thursday, 6th February, in Gullane’s Hotel. The success of the December meeting is a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm of all those who attended. There is a growing sense of optimism about what can be achieved by working together. For those interested in joining this transformative initiative, BACD can be reached at 090 9646516 or via email at [email protected] 

Full House at the ABCD Forum in Gallune's Balliansloe