Inishowen social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt announces a new recruitment campaign to enhance its Circular Economy hub and garden center.
Inishowen-based social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt is intensifying its commitment to sustainability as it continues to expand its operations. The organization recently announced plans to enhance its senior management team to further develop its Circular Economy hub, known as Síoraí, alongside a new garden center.
The Circular Economy hub was officially launched in late 2023, leading to the establishment of two outlets: Síoraí Clothing and Síoraí Homee. These initiatives aim to promote sustainability through the reuse and upcycling of clothing, accessories, and household goods.
Helen Nolan, the chief executive of Spraoi agus Spórt, highlighted the significance of a new recruitment campaign for the role of Operations Manager—Sustainability & Circular Economy. “This pivotal position will join the Senior Management Team and drive sustainable practices across the organisation’s diverse initiatives, not just Síoraí,” Nolan said. She noted that the operations manager would also oversee the development of the Garden Centre and Nursery, as well as the Bioeconomy Hub.
Describing the role as both exciting and dynamic, Nolan stated, “It will involve developing and implementing long-term strategic plans to drive growth, efficiency, and environmental impact. As the needs of the community grow and the potential for our services to meet them evolve, we have big plans for the future; this role will be a core element of this.”
Over the past four years, Spraoi agus Spórt has expanded its staff by over one-third to accommodate an increasing demand for its services. Recent figures reported an increase in the number of Child and Family Hub programmes from 11 in 2021 to 21 in the previous year. Additionally, the community visits to the Child and Family Hub exceeded 7,000 last year.
The organization’s Digital Creative Lab is focused on leveling the playing field for disadvantaged communities by providing contemporary digital, science, and engineering skills to children and young people. In the last year alone, participation in these programs rose to 1,760.
Their community childcare service has also expanded significantly, increasing five-fold since 2021 and now offering places for over 200 children, thereby supporting local families. The growth generated a notable increase in employment opportunities, with staff numbers rising from just eight in 2021 to 27 last year.
In her remarks, Helen Nolan expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from various funders, including Rethink Ireland, the Community Foundation for Ireland, The Ireland Funds, and government departments such as the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Agriculture, and Pobal through the Community Services Programme. “Their investment enables us to build innovative, community-led solutions that make a lasting impact,” she said.
With a focus on both sustainability and community engagement, Spraoi agus Spórt appears poised for further growth as it continues to adapt its offerings to serve the evolving needs of the Inishowen community.
Source: Noah Wire Services
