All About Cork: Plenty of fun across summer for training centre learners

Learners from Blackpool Glen & Faranree training centre day out

Learners at Blackpool Glen & Faranree training centre tried some new activities over the summer.

Retail Skills Instructor Joanne McCormack told The Echo: "At Blackpool Glen & Faranree training centre we enjoyed a summer reset by exploring local attractions. Over the summer months we held a sports day and visited Ballyhass Lakes & Fota Wildlife Park.

“We enjoyed a sunshine filled sports day at Old Christians rugby club in Glanmire where we played football, basketball, lounged in the balcony and enjoyed lunch in the club house.  “In May we had a behind the scenes tour of Fota Wildlife Park with a ranger which allowed us to see how the giraffe house operates and understand the animal/human connection.

“We jumped, slid and bounced our way around the wipeout style course at Ballyhass lakes in Coachford. We climbed the high ropes; we shot some arrows at the archery course. We enjoyed a picnic by the lakes."

Blackpool Glen & Farranree offer a wide variety of free training course for 18–21-year-olds. Specialised training in Hairdressing, carpentry, retail skills, catering & ICT is available in a supportive environment. Career path development is integrated into each course with students progressing in to third level & the career of their choice.

Spaces are available on a number of course with continuous intake throughout the year.

The training centre, based in the Sunbeam Industrial Estate, provides a learner-centred approach to early school leavers in a “stimulating and supportive environment”.

Highly skilled staff help learners develop their potential and gain nationally recognised qualifications and progress toward employment. Courses available include catering, computer applications, multi-skills/woodwork, hairdressing and retail.

The centre is open to males and females aged 16 to 21. Courses are full-time and free. Training allowances are paid weekly by the Cork Education Training Board and recruitment is continuous.

Call 021 4395447 or email admin@blackpoolgfctc.ie for details on courses.

Street Art workshop

Watercourse Road-based Cork Community Art Link (CCAL) has announced a Street Art workshop.

CCAL said: “The last of our new series of adult workshops is street art with artist and facilitator Raffaele Muraca. Funded by CETB Reach, which aims to fund programmes that help to improve access and supports for educationally disadvantaged learners.

“These workshops are open and free to anyone over the age of 18, with an interest in practical creative skills on a larger scale.

“The wonderfully skilled Raff will bring participants from initial concept and design to completion of finished on-street mural.

" It starts on Saturday, September 7, from 2-4.30pm. Spaces are limited so send an email info@corkcommunityartlink.com or give us a bell 021 4553747 for more info or to sign up.”

Jysk to open new outlet

Jysk has received planning permission to open in Blackpool. The company lodged a planning application with Cork City Council seeking permission to open a new retail outlet at Unit 2 Block B at Blackpool Retail Park.

Cork City Council has rubber stamped the application subject to seven conditions.

Jysk has 21 stores across Ireland, including in Ballincollig, Youghal, and Little Island.

Last month, the brand announced plans to establish a 50,000m2 distribution centre in Ireland, which they aim to have operational later this year.

Dance classes return

Dance classes for over 60s are back at Blackpool Community Centre from 2-3pm from October 1. ‘Move with Music’ returns with dance tutor Maeve Kelleher on October 1, 15, and 29, and November 26.

If dancing isn’t your thing, sing along with the HAZ Band for over 60s at Blackpool Community Centre on September 24, October 8, and 22, and November 5 and 19 at 3pm.

Chair exercises are a great way to get fit and you can strengthen with Sandra at Roches Buildings Resource Centre on September 10, 17, and 24 from 11.30am–12.30pm.

Healthy Food Made Easy is a community cooking programme which will help you to improve your cooking skills, eating behaviours, and nutrition knowledge. Register now for a six-week course running in autumn at Blackpool Community Centre.

Minding your wellbeing aims to help you develop a positive outlook by looking after your mental health and wellbeing. The programme provides an opportunity for you to learn more about mindfulness, gratitude, self-care, and resilience. It’s back in Autumn 2024 in the Blackpool area.

A workshop is being run in September for Green Ribbon month. Book into the ‘Little Bag of Hope’ workshop, and make a thoughtful, meaningful and special keepsake gift. It will be sure to bring positivity, comfort and a smile. Take away your little bag after the workshop on Friday, September 13, from 11am–1pm. There is no charge but booking is essential.

All of the above health activities are free of charge. To register or if you have any questions contact Liz Madden, community health worker, on 087-6977942.

Have Blackpool, Shandon and Ballyvolane news to share? Contact robert.mcnamara@theecho.ie