Tús Programme

Tús is a national activation programme for people who are unemployed for over a one-year period and who have been in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance continuously for 12 months. Tús is designed to provide short-term working opportunities for unemployed people while at the same time supporting and adding value to the broad range of services delivered by community and voluntary bodies.

Introduction

The Tús Programme is operated and overseen nationally by the Department of Employment, Activation and Social Protection (DEASP), while it is managed at a local level by Local Development Companies throughout Ireland. Here in South Tipperary, it is managed by South Tipperary Development CLG (STDC) who have seven Team Leaders strategically placed throughout the operational area to manage Tús at the very local community level.

About the Tús Programme

The Tús Programme was introduced in 2011 by the government at that time, to try and tackle unemployment which was heading towards 18%. The primary aim was to ‘activate’ those who were long-term unemployed and to get them back into the habit of working again, or indeed working for the first time. The terms and conditions, both for community groups and participants alike, were very similar to Community Employment (CE) with groups who have participants placed with them having to be from the community and voluntary sector, while the participants have to work 19.5 hours a week with a small financial incentive on top of what they would receive in their weekly social welfare payment. Where the schemes differed was that, firstly, the Tús Programme was for a defined period of 12 months which could not be extended for any participant, and secondly, the Tús Programme, was, and continues to be very much ‘participant centred’. While CE had to find a participant to fill a particular role with a particular group, Tús is able to work with an individual to find a position with a community or voluntary organisation that a person was happy to work in and which could match their interests or hobbies.

In general, all works and services undertaken or delivered by the community and voluntary sectors for the benefit of the general community or specific sectors, can be considered eligible. Selected placement opportunities will fall within the following broad categories of work:

Environmental services, which might include

Energy conservation work in low income homes and community buildings
Renovation of community and sporting facilities
Development, regeneration and enhancement of community spaces, gardens, parks, leisure areas, including sport grounds and school grounds where services are not otherwise provided
Neighbourhood, village and countryside enhancement, including clean-up
Recycling and repair of equipment, including furniture, tools, bicycles, and IT items

Caring services, which might include

Social care for all persons with such needs
Personal aide to any person with particular needs due to ill-health, limited or restricted mobility
Services for children in crèches and childcare settings
Preparation and delivery of meals for older people or those with limited income
Visitation, friendly call and befriending programmes for older people, those with mental health needs and those confined to home.

General community services, which might include

Caretaking, securing, supervising of community buildings and spaces.
Administration, web design, social media, reception, production of newsletters.
Community research and evaluation, including genealogy.
Event management, promotion and administration.
Retail services in charity or community settings.
Promotion and support for volunteering.

Heritage and cultural services, which might include

Promotion of the Irish language and cultural activities
Development and maintenance of walking, cycling and leisure trails
Administration, marketing and promotion of local heritage sites and events
Staffing of cultural, tourism and heritage centres.

Para-educational services, which might include

Administration, caretaking and other non-teaching or classroom supports.
Services for children in crèches and childcare settings.
Early years and after-school supports for children and young people.
Literacy, numeracy and related supports for adults and children or those with limited command of the English or Irish languages.
Assistance with recreational opportunities for adults/young people including coaching, training, art/music classes.
Actions to develop or support the school completion programme and related initiatives.

Information for individuals

The Tús Programme is an opportunity for a long-term unemployed person to find an appropriate work placement with a local community or voluntary sector organisation in their own area. It provides employment for individuals who have been unemployed for over a year, to help them get back into a regular working routine and regain a work focus. It also provides them with the opportunity to learn new skills, build self-confidence and help their local community at the same time.

Tús participants are employed part-time for 19.5 hours per week for a year and are also given the opportunity to engage in training to improve their existing skills or learn new skills that may help them to progress into employment. Over 2500 individuals to date have benefitted from this programme throughout South Tipperary.

How does it work?

If you are currently unemployed and are wondering how to get onto the programme, this is how it works.

The Department randomly selects names from the live register of individuals unemployed for over a year. They make contact with those selected to ask if they are interested in the Tús Programme and then they forward the details of those who are interested to the Tús Team Leaders at South Tipperary Development Company. Everyone on that list is invited to a one-to-one meeting to assess whether we have a suitable placement which matches the skills of the people who present for interview.

Self-referral option – When the Programme was first introduced, the only way a person could get a position on Tús was when the DEASP would select an individual who would then be interviewed by a Team Leader on the Programme. In the relatively recent past, the DEASP has introduced an option whereby an individual, who was fully unemployed and who had been in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment (JA) for 12 months, could now apply to go on the Tús Programme by filling in a ‘Self-referral form. These forms are available to download (see below) or they can be obtained from either a local social welfare office or from a Tús Team Leader in their area. Alternatively, you can discuss this opportunity with your Intreo officer, and they could put your name forward for the programme.

If you are unemployed and would like to check your eligibility, please see the most up-to-date information here:

Benefits to an individual

Participating in the Tús Programme can offer several benefits to an unemployed person, both in terms of personal development and potential pathways back into the workforce. Apart from a small weekly top-up payment and retaining all your social welfare payments, here are some of the other benefits:

Means tested payment

If you are on a reduced payment because you are ‘means tested’, you will receive a full payment rate on the Tús Programme, plus the additional top-up payment.

Persons aged under 25 years

If you are in receipt of an age-related Jobseeker’s Allowance will receive the full rate while participating on Tús.

Work Experience

The Tús Programme offers participants the chance to gain valuable work experience. This experience can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have been out of work for an extended period, as it helps them develop and enhance their skills, build their confidence, and reacquaint themselves with a structured work environment.

Skill Development

The programme often provides training and skills development opportunities that can be directly applicable to a variety of jobs. This can include technical skills related to the specific work being done, as well as transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.

Networking

Engaging in the Tús Programme allows participants to build a professional network. They can connect with colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals in their field of work. These connections can lead to potential job opportunities, references, and recommendations for future employment.

Improved Employability

By participating in the programme and acquiring new skills, participants can enhance their employability. They can demonstrate to potential employers that they are proactive, dedicated, and committed to personal and professional growth, making them more attractive candidates for future job openings.

Structured Routine

Being part of the Tús Programme provides a structured routine, which is essential for maintaining a sense of purpose and discipline. Having a regular schedule can also positively impact mental well-being and help individuals transition back into a working routine.

Personal Growth and Confidence Building

Successfully completing tasks and projects in the program can boost an individual’s self-esteem and confidence. As participants tackle new challenges and overcome obstacles, they may gain a sense of accomplishment and a renewed belief in their capabilities.

Support and Guidance

Through its Team Leaders, the Tús Programme can offer support and guidance to participants. This can include mentorship, advice on job searching, resume building, and interview preparation. Such support can help participants navigate their way back into the job market more effectively.

Potential Job Opportunities

In some cases, placements within the Tús Programme can lead to permanent employment. Employers may choose to hire participants who have demonstrated their skills and commitment during the programme, providing a direct pathway to sustained employment.

Community Engagement

Many placements in the Tús Programme involve work within the local community, contributing to its development and well-being. This type of involvement can foster a sense of civic pride and social responsibility, and it may also create additional opportunities for networking and community connections.

Information for community groups

Every community and voluntary organisation can become stretched and overworked, and unfortunately this is happening more regularly in recent years. The Tús Programme is a wonderful opportunity to get that additional help whether that is with your charity shop, your tidy towns group or some heritage project in your area. Providing that you are a recognised community or voluntary sector organisation, you can apply for a Tús participant for a 12-month period.

While the participant is overseen by a Tús Team Leader, it will be the community group, or ‘host organisation’ who will oversee the daily and weekly work routine of the Tús participant.

Learn More

If you, as a representative of a community or voluntary group, would like to learn more about the Tús Programme, and who might like to apply for a Tús Participant, either contact STDC directly (0527442652) or contact the relevant Tús Team Leader for your area. We are continuously accepting applications from groups from across South Tipperary as we continue to seek opportunities for our participants. This is a unique opportunity for organisations to access the broad range of skills, talents and experience which our clients possess. We are inviting applications on an ongoing basis from community, voluntary, not for profit groups to provide quality work placement opportunities. Please see application form below. This form can be filled in and sent to the Tús Team Leader for your area. These details are contained in the following section.

If you are a community-based organisation interested in Tús support, you will find the most up-to-date information here

Benefits to community groups

Additional Workforce

Tús participants provide an additional pair of hands to help with various tasks, projects, and programs run by the organization. This can increase the organization’s capacity to deliver services and support its mission.

Skill Diversity

Tús participants bring a diverse set of skills and experiences to the organization. This can enhance the range of activities the organization can offer and contribute to a more dynamic and creative work environment

Project Assistance

Participants can help with the implementation of specific projects or initiatives that the organization may not have had the resources or manpower to tackle otherwise. This can lead to the successful completion of projects that benefit the community.

Knowledge Transfer

Participants might have skills or knowledge that can be shared with the organisation’s staff or volunteers. This knowledge transfer can help improve the organisation’s practices and contribute to the development of its members.

Fresh Perspectives

Tús participants often bring fresh perspectives and ideas, which can invigorate the organization’s approach to problem-solving, program design, and community engagement.

Community Outreach

Participants can assist with community outreach and engagement efforts, helping the organization connect with a broader audience and potentially expand its reach and impact.

Increased Visibility

By engaging with the Tús Programme and its participants, the organization may gain increased visibility within the community and among potential partners or funders who value community development and support.

Capacity Building

Having a Tús participant can contribute to the overall capacity building of the organization, allowing it to take on more ambitious projects and initiatives in the future.

Financial Benefit

Once a community group has an participant placed with them, then the group is in a position to be further supported by way of a small project fund from the Tús Programme that can help a group with some painting, or help with materials that the Tús participant can use to make flower planters or benches, or trees and flowers could be purchased and the Tús participant could plant these and further enhance their local area. The best way to see what might be available would be for the group to have a chat with the local area Tús Team Leader. Some examples of the types of local projects that have been supported are shown below under ‘Case studies’.

Related Services

Case Studies

Tús

Tús Supporting Communities

Community and Voluntary sector in South Tipperary is proud to provide life changing opportunities for unemployed persons South Tipperary Development

Read

Contact the Team

Mark Rylands

markrylands@stdc.ie | 086 8396267

Areas covered: Ardfinnan, Clogheen, Ballyporeen, Ballylooby, Burncourt, Newcastle Skeheenarinka, Duhill, Goatenbridge, Ballybacon, Cahir, Knocklofty, Marlfield.

Eddie Tuohy

eddietuohy@stdc.ie | 086 0276218

Areas covered: Tipperary Town, Glen of Aherlow, Lisvernane, Rossadrehid, Kilfeacle, Thomastown, Bansha, Galbally.

Valerie Carty

valeriecarty@stdc.ie | 087 7860732

Areas covered: Clonmel Town, Kilcash, Lisronagh, Ballypatrick, Kilsheelan, Clerihan.

Richard Brannigan

richardbrannigan@stdc.ie | 086 0276216

Areas covered: Cahir Town, Clonmel Town, New Inn, Rosegreen

Brian McGrath

brianmcgrath@stdc.ie | 087 7730164

Areas covered: Clonmel, Monroe, Carrick on Suir, Grangemockler, Nine Mile House, Mullinahone, Faugheen, Ballyneill.

Patrick Quinn

patrickquinn@stdc.ie | 086 0276217

Areas covered: Cullen, Monard, Lattin, Emly, Kilross, Toem, Tipperary Town, Cappawhite, Annacarty,Dundrum, Donaskeigh, Clonoulty, Rossmore, Hollyford, Ballagh, Knockavilla, Donaskeigh, Bansha.

Richard Wood

richardwood@stdc.ie | 086 0276214

Areas covered: Golden, Cashel, Ardmayle, Boherlahan, Dualla, Fethard, Killusty, Cloneen, Drangan, Moyglass, Killenaule, Ballingarry, The Commons.