A number of community groups, organisations and groups are interested in obtaining charitable status, but aren’t sure how to go about it or what’s involved.

To address any concerns or queries people may have, Ballyhoura Development are going to be running information sessions in different locations to give people more information about the charities act.

The Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) came into effect on October 16, 2014 and all those registered as charities or those intending to will be facing some changes on how they operate day to day.

The sessions are being organised by Ballyhoura Development in association with CramdenTech and they are aimed at directors, officers, committee members and managers of groups and they will also demonstrate a cloud based support tool.

The first part of the sessions will look at the act itself and its implications for organisations and groups, covering the remit of the regulator, the information required for reporting purposes, how to start preparing for charities regulation and the implications of freely available information about registered charities.

The second part will then look at the online system by CramdenTech, which helps with online applications, an events calendar and training.

The sessions will take place on Wednesday, November 5, at 8pm in the Ballyhoura Development Offices in Coote Hall in Kilmallock; on Thursday, November 6, at 8pm in Millennium Hall in Caherconlish and on Tuesday, November 11, at 8pm in Kilbehenny Community Centre.

Places are limited, so anyone interested is urged to book a place by contacting Mary or Elaine on 061-450070.