A broad range of organisations working for the community in Galway met recently to discuss new methods of working together to increase their impact for all in Galway City, including the development of shared civic space in Galway City Centre.

The event brought together a broad range of stakeholders who share an interest in the future of community collaboration in Galway and was hosted by Galway Volunteer Centre with support and funding from Community Foundation Ireland.

The core purpose of the Convention was to bring diverse Galway voices together to foster collaboration and address local challenges and move beyond isolated efforts towards shared understanding and action.

Attendees included leaders and volunteers from local charities, community and nonprofit groups, with local government represented by Galway City councillors including Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane, and City Council staff from various departments.

Key state agencies were present including members of An Garda Síochána and GRETB.  The business sector was also represented by Galway Chamber of Commerce.

The discussion highlighted many potential actions to develop greater collaboration across sectors, including the development of a portal for residents of Galway City to access services, the establishment of a working group to secure a physical space for community activities in the city centre, and the development of opportunities for organisations to learn more about each other and identify future collaborative projects.

“In a short period of time, the attendees identified that there was huge desire for working together more and combining expertise and resources,” said Donncha Foley, Development Manager with Galway Volunteer Centre.

“There was a profound interest in putting in creating a better environment for collaboration, not just for the organisations present, but also for everyone living in Galway City.”

A report of the event has been created and can be viewed at https://bit.ly/gvccollaboration

Since 2006, Galway Volunteer Centre has been supporting members of the public to find suitable volunteer roles in Galway City and County through a list of volunteer opportunities, updated daily, advertised on behalf of non-profits and community organisations in Galway. GVC also provides Garda Vetting, and runs the Community Volunteers, and Galway Street Ambassadors programmes.

For more information on Volunteer Galway, go to www.volunteergalway.ie, phone 091 581727 or visit 27 William Street West, Galway.

Pictured at the Collaborative Café were (from left) Cllr Eibhlin Seoighthe; Roddy Rowan and Denise Charlton of Community Foundation Ireland; Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane; Cllrs Helen Obgu and Niall Mc Nelis, and Donncha Foley of the Galway Volunteer Centre.