Funded PhD Opportunity
Effective implementation of physical activity programmes for individuals with chronic conditions: an investigation of ‘ExWell’ across multiple sites.
Applications are invited for a PhD Scholarship to evaluate the implementation of ‘Exwell’ – a community-based exercise rehabilitation programme for individuals with chronic conditions. This is a co-fund scholarship where the student will be basked with the Enterprise partner: Carlow Sports Partnership.
Project summary:
The prevalence of chronic disease (CD) is rising rapidly and coupled with an aging demographic, poses a significant threat to the well-being of populations and overburdened healthcare systems. The negative impact of CD on physical, mental, and social well-being requires innovative approaches to combat decline in quality of life (QOL). The concept of "exercise as medicine" demonstrates the value of physical activity in treating CDs. ‘ExWell,’ a community-based CD rehabilitation programme in Ireland, was established to improve QOL and prevent disease progression in CD populations. The community based nature of ExWell is both a strength and a challenge for participant recruitment, preventing dropout, and scale up. Therefore, understanding the concept of "success" from the perspective of all stakeholders (participants, providers, organisers, and funders) is critical. This research will focus on addressing barriers and facilitators to implementation and identify strategies to improve outcomes such as retention, reach and sustainability. The research will engage diverse RSU V2.0- SETU PIS sheet Waterford Campus stakeholders and apply established implementation science frameworks to identify suitable implementation processes across five sites to maximise the impact of ExWell. It will also establish Social Return on investment (SROI) to determine the social and economic return of the approach.
For more information, and to learn how to apply, please click here
We Are Hiring
Carlow Sports Partnership are currently recruiting a Communications & Administrative Support Officer to join our team on behalf of Carlow County Council.
The primary purpose of this role is to provide high quality administrative support to the Sports Co-ordinator and current Administrator and to be responsible for Carlow Sports Partnership’s communications and marketing to increase engagement with audiences and stakeholders, to raise Carlow Sports Partnership’s profile, celebrate success, and increase awareness of programmes, education and services.
Following an examination of current roles and consideration of the additional resource suggestions made by Sport Ireland Carlow Sports Partnership have prioritised the employment of an Administrative Support & Communications Officer as an investment strategy to align the work of the Local Sports Partnership to facilitate the delivery of a wider range of actions as specified under the National Sports Policy.
Role of the Administrative Support & Communications Officer
The primary duties of the Administrative Support & Communications Officer will be to implement the terms of the existing Operational Plan of Carlow Partnership by assisting the Coordinator and Administrator in providing administration support and communication in the below areas:
Administrative Duties
- Administration, planning, organising of relevant courses, workshops, and seminars.
- Administration of and record keeping of attendance at all courses that are contracted out.
- Point of contact for the Sports Partnership Office and staff therein.
- Recording and storing information generated within the LSP.
- Collating and gathering club, school and community group contacts, uploading the same to digital platforms.
- Representing the LSP, where necessary, at meetings, functions, events.
- Supporting the delivery of LSP programmes and events.
- Processing and updating information gathered from research or courses etc.
- Any other Administrative duties as assigned from time to time by the Sports Co-Ordinator or Sports Partnership Advisory Committee.
Communication and Engagement
- Design and implement regular communications, through weekly newsletter, social media, website, email and other channels to Carlow Sports Partnership contacts for clubs, community groups, schools and other key stakeholders including Sport Ireland and national governing bodies.
- Develop new and innovative communications methods.
- Work with the programme leads to deliver multi-channel campaigns to improve engagement across all channels, including but not limited to, social media, email and website.
- Draft engaging and informative copy for Carlow Sports Partnership’s website and social media channels, liaising with colleagues to ensure coherence and prioritization of messaging.
- Upgrade the current content on the Carlow Sports Partnership website which is currently underutilized.
- Produce and manage web content, ensuring content is accurate, up-to-date and adheres to the tone of voice and brand guidelines while also being inclusive and accessible.
- Produce and enhance reports providing insight into digital performance for internal and external audiences.
- Regularly review all content and digital platforms’ performance and recommend areas for improvement and growth.
This post is full-time and is offered as a 24-month contract. To download the Job Specification Booklet and Application Form, please click the links below.
If you have any queries in relation to the post, please contact the Sports Partnership Coordinator, Deborah Foley, by emailing deborahfoley@carlowcoco.ie
Carlow Sports Ambassadors 2022-23
Applications Now Open
The Carlow Sports Ambassador Award, an elite athlete support bursary, is a joint initiative between Carlow County Council & Carlow Sports Partnership (CSP). CSP is funded by Sport Ireland and operates within the Community Section of Carlow County Council. The purpose of this elite athlete bursary is to support emerging talent and to provide recognition to individuals who are working towards the highest levels of success in their chosen sport. For the 2022-23 Ambassador programme there are two bursary amounts of €1,500 available for a female and male Ambassador.
Deborah Foley, Coordinator of Carlow Sports Partnership, states, ‘The recipients of this award will act as an ambassador for sport in Carlow, promoting active lifestyles and providing inspiration through their achievements. We are delighted to continue the Sports Ambassador Award and put a spotlight on the exceptional sporting talent that Carlow plays host to’.
Applications will be assessed based on their current level of participation in sport, endorsement from their governing body of sport and a personal statement from the applicants demonstrating how they would promote sport and healthy lifestyles and act as an ambassador for sport in their home county. The Carlow Sports Partnership Advisory Committee will assess all applications and come to a decision.
The closing date for applications has been extended to Friday 21st October 2022.
A copy of the Application Form may be found by clicking here.
A copy of the Terms and Conditions may be found by clicking here.
Former recipients of the Carlow Sports Partnership Sports Ambassador Awards are Clíodhna Nolan, Tom Daly, Mollie Scott & Marcus Lawlor:
