Cork County Council Library Service has announced its line-up of free events from September to November as part of the Skills For Life programme, the nationwide initiative designed to help individuals build essential life skills. Libraries in Mitchelstown, Mallow and Midleton are amongst those to host the programme.
Now in its second year, the Skills for Life programme offers practical support for adults across six essential areas. Namely, helping individuals build basic digital skills for everyday tasks; Improving financial literacy for better money management; Developing media literacy to navigate online information safely; Providing guidance on employment and business skills; Promoting health awareness for informed decision-making on personal and family health; and encouraging sustainable living through environmental education.
“The Skills for Life programme reflects the evolving role of our libraries as trusted community spaces that support lifelong learning,” Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan said at the launch. “Through a wide range of free events, we are helping people across Cork build practical skills, access expert advice, and gain the confidence to navigate everyday life.”
Upcoming events include ‘Think Ahead’ talks by Valerie Smith from the Irish Hospice Foundation. Valerie will travel to multiple Libraries across the county to deliver talks that will help you plan for the future for you and your loved ones and will give you practical steps on what you can do to make sure that you have your say through all stages of your life.
Valerie will visit a number of libraries, including Midleton Library on Saturday, 10th October (2.30pm) and Mallow Library on Saturday, 17th October, also 2.30pm.
MITCHESLTOWN EVENT
Tom Murray, managing director of Fair Deal Advice, will visit Mitchelstown Library on Thursday, 15th October at 4pm to deliver expert advice on Fair Deal and the Nursing Home Support Scheme, explaining how it works and who can avail of it. This talk will provide valuable insights into preparing for your long-term care, and the importance of early succession planning for families with farms.
ONLINE TALK
Claire Cogan of BehaviourWise.ie will deliver an online talk about ‘Digital Wellbeing in a Connected World’ on Wednesday 28th October at 7pm, exploring simple ways to create a healthier relationship with technology, improve focus, reduce stress, and make more time for the things that matter most. To register your interest in this online talk, please email SkillsForLife@CorkCoCo.ie
Other events include topics such as garden planning, saving and borrowing, social welfare benefits and supports, entitlements for carers, CV workshops, and increasing your digital skills using IOS devices. For more information, email SkillsForLife@CorkCoCo.ie, visit the website, corkcoco.ie, or contact your local Cork County Library branch.
