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Coaching, Leadership and Mentoring Training
Coaching and mentoring are powerful leadership practices that provide your team with invaluable support to reach their goals!
Leitrim Volunteer Centre in conjunction with the Leitrim Public Participation Network are providing Coaching, Mentoring and Leadership training workshops funded by PEACEPLUS in 5 locations in County Leitrim. The first of these sessions is taking place in Carrick on Shannon on 19th May followed by Manorhamilton on 20th May. The other sessions will take place in the Autumn.
The sessions will be led by Lily Murphy of Blue Heron Coaching. Lily is the founder of Blue Heron Coaching and has over 20 years’ experience in the public, private and not for profit sector. She is passionate about working with community groups and states that:
“Coaching, mentoring, and leadership training aren’t just “nice extras” for community groups, they’re what keep them effective, sustainable, and impactful over time”.
At the most basic level, they build people’s confidence and skills. Many community groups rely on volunteers who may not have formal experience in organising, conflict resolution, or decision-making. Coaching and mentoring give individuals a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and improve without feeling overwhelmed. That translates into more capable and engaged members.
Orla Blessing of Leitrim Volunteer Centre stated that:
“Community groups often struggle when key leaders step down or burn out. Leadership training creates a pipeline of people who are ready to step up, so the group doesn’t collapse when one or two individuals leave. Mentoring is especially powerful here—it passes on knowledge, culture, and values in a way that documents or handbooks often can’t”.
Another big factor is better decision-making and collaboration. Trained leaders tend to communicate more clearly, manage conflict more constructively, and involve others in meaningful ways. That leads to stronger trust within the group and better outcomes for the community they serve.
There’s also a motivation and retention angle. People are more likely to stay involved when they feel they are growing and being supported. Coaching and mentoring signal that the group values its members, which increases commitment and reduces volunteer turnover.
Finally, it strengthens impact. A well-led group can plan more effectively, use resources wisely, and respond to challenges or opportunities with confidence. Without leadership development, even well-intentioned groups can become disorganised or stagnant.
These practices turn a group of willing people into a resilient, skilled, and forward-moving community. If you’re thinking about applying this to a specific group, sign up now.
Launch of Stage One Summer Music Programme!
Leitrim Volunteer Centre is planning to lift our spirits this summer by launching a series of Summer Programmes aimed at young people.The Summer Music Programme for Teens is supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The programme is designed to cater for up to 140 teens and takes place over several weeks in July.
Weeks 1 and 2 will be held in the Barracks, Dromahair, County Leitrim, from 6th to 16th July, running daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weeks 3 and 4 will take place at the Junction, Ballinamore, County Leitrim, from 20th to 30th July, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
The main objective is to encourage young people to participate in volunteering activities. Research indicates that early engagement in helping others helps instil a lasting commitment to volunteering. The programme seeks to harness this enthusiasm by creating roles that appeal to young people and marketing them in ways that resonate with their interests. Flexibility and attractiveness in volunteering roles are key to engaging young people. The summer music programme aims to be a significant initiative that will actively involve young people in their community.
The music repertoire will focus on songs from the 1950s and 1960s, providing opportunities for intergenerational engagement through nursing home visits. This direction encourages meaningful connections between generations and includes the following elements:
• Scheduling nursing home visits on the final day of each camp.
• Recording these performances as part of a broader documentary strand.
• Capturing rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage throughout the four-week programme.
• Hosting a final screening in the theatre to showcase highlights from all camps.
This approach ensures that each group works towards a tangible and meaningful outcome, culminating in a cohesive final product that celebrates all participants’ achievements. It also gives those interested in media and production the opportunity to contribute to the documentary aspect.
The programme aims to deliver the following outcomes:
• Practical experience in performance and music-making.
• Exposure to sound production, recording, and documentary creation.
• Opportunities for collaboration and confidence building.
• A meaningful public outcome, such as intergenerational engagement.
• An understanding of the benefits of volunteering for young people and society as a whole.
Knitting for Team Hope Shoeboxes
The knitting groups in Breffni FRC and Drumshanbo Library have begun working on their wonderful knitting projects in support of Team Hope. New members are always welcome, so feel free to come along and join in. Lots more photos in our gallery.
Fairtrade 'Fairbruary' 2026 launch
Leitrim Volunteer Centre was delighted to attend the launch of Fairbruary. Sr. Nora warmly welcomed representatives from Leitrim County Council, Carrick Chamber, local traders, Tidy Towns volunteers, school representatives and members of the community, highlighting the strong community spirit in Carrick-on-Shannon and the importance of supporting farmers in the Global South. We would also like to thank Ronan and the team at Esquires for their warm hospitality and for proudly serving Fairtrade coffee.
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