Respond! Training Courses are launched

Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Donal Counihan is today, January 31st 2008, launching a new Cross Border initiative between Respond! Housing Association, and the Chartered Institute of Housing, Northern Ireland in the Silversprings Moran Hotel, Cork at 10.30am. The initiative involves the establishment of a new training, education and consultancy department within Respond! Housing Association that will provide training and other required services to private, public and voluntary organisations. The training is unique in that it will be delivered in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Housing (NI) and this is the first time CIH courses and seminars have been available in the Republic of Ireland.

Respond! is the only agent in Ireland for the Chartered Institute of Housing, the professional body for people who work in housing in the United Kingdom and overseas. The housing institute have been providing housing and community development training for more than 30 years in the UK and all those attending the courses can also earn Continuous Professional Development points from the CIH.

According to Jacqueline Joynt, National Education and Consultancy Manager; “Respond! is delighted to be working with the Chartered Institute of Housing, an organisation well established in Housing and Community Development training. We formed this new department due to the obvious need which exists in the housing and community development sectors for high-quality, professional and accessible training and education.”

Founded in 1982, Respond! has gained 25 years experience in housing, design, community development, childcare, education and training. Through its partnership with University College Dublin, the housing charity provides the only degree in Housing and Community Studies in Ireland and is at the forefront of education and training in the sector. Respond! has provided housing and community training courses to Local Authorities and other voluntary organisations, from which have emerged practices that are now considered standard in social housing provision in Ireland.

“This type of training will help to empower and support people working in Local Authorities, Local Government, housing and community organisations. These seminars inform and encourage individuals and are vital for anyone working in housing and community development in Ireland today” added Ms Joynt.

Further information on these courses can be obtained by contacting Respond! Education and Consultancy Department on 0818 357901 or by emailing education@respond.ie.