A new initiative aimed at tackling the jobs’ crisis by tapping into the wealth of skills and ideas in a local community is being spearheaded by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames and two other local women.
The three Oranmore based women - Gerardine Costello, Margaret Kearns and the Fine Gael senator - say Job Creation Oranmore is at the start-up stage. It is designed to help people who may have recently lost their jobs, are at risk of losing their jobs or have a business which is struggling to stay alive, according to Senator Healy Eames.
“Together we are aware of the amount of jobs being lost in Galway, many not highlighted at all, and the crisis of confidence and loss that this is causing all around us. In my office I am meeting people under a lot of stress and worried sick about how they will meet their bills and keep their homes. Their savings are fast running out.
“Soon they will have no reserves left and the social welfare doesn’t even meet their mortgage not to mind their living costs, food, heating and cost of sending kids to school. Others come in with a new business idea wondering how to take it forward. They are all grasping at straws in the hope that they will find something to lead them into an income to meet their financial commitments.”
Job Creation Oranmore will provide free advice from a range of experts, (eg, solicitor, retired bank manager, accountancy firm, counsellor, trainer and business people ) as well as a bank of business ideas. These may suit people in different situations, for example, part-time income opportunities, help to set up your own business, how to access seed and venture capital, she explains.
“A few weeks ago we sat down and came to the conclusion that the solutions just aren’t coming from Government. We are haemorraging jobs and there is no job creation strategy. The only way forward is to figure out ways to help ourselves. This is really hopeful and positive. So far we are absolutely delighted with the number of people willing to give of their time and advice free to help others.”
The project will be launched with an open day shortly. Meanwhile people seeking help or who are willing to help should contact Carolyn at (091 ) 768466.
