Penhouse

Covid-19 helpful posts and updates

ok…. so it was a blip / short-term-thing (we thought) when it started…. can’t keep up now… adding useful links as we get them…stay safe :)

2021- May return

https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/Work-Safely-Protocol.html

2020
PHASE 1 RETURN:

https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0515/1138690-coronavirus-phase-one/

USEFUL UPDATES:

The new National “Return to Work Safely” Protocol – a framework to support employers and employees in the workplace
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html

Phased Reopening Infograph: click here

More detailed guidelines from government in easing of restrictions here, to begin Tuesday May 18:
file:///Users/gillianreidy/Downloads/73722_ffd17d70fbb64b498fd809dde548f411.pdf   

or for more details, by date, go here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-reopening-society-and-business-and-u/

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During our time out …

We’ve all been reading through lots and adapting fast, over this unforeseen ‘time out’ in our lives. And we’re growing and learning each day. I know that we’re lucky here, all are healthy and we can still work away, pretty much as we were – although we are missing the closeness of our friendship, the chats and the banter!

There is such a lovely sense of community spirit and superb support out there for business (and we are very thankful for this) with genuine offers of help and an array of informative articles, each with different slants and tones. Im gathering below some that I’m coming across, through our design community and business community in Laois and beyond. These are just some supports which I have liked and found helpful. I’ll continue to add as we go…

G :)

The Institiute of Designers in Ireland (IDI)

In response to Covid-19, IDI are kindly offering a 50% discount on individual membership fees for 2020 if you apply during April. If you are not already a member, here’s your chance:

https://www.members.idi-design.ie/join?mc_cid=d888595970&mc_eid=b197cb7b32#join

As a member of IDI, you will be part of a community of professional designers in Ireland, sharing values and using our combined faculties to promote, activate and advocate for Irish design.

As an IDI member you will also get access to preferential fees for sector-specific training courses designed and organised by our partner, Design Enterprise Skillnet. You will also be entitled to enter the prestigious annual IDI Awards and get invites to other industry-related events.

Design Enterprise Skillnet

Design Skillnet are a superb team who support designers in quality and industry focussed learning. They work at the intersection of design and business, allowing designers to articulate the benefit of what the value of new design can bring.

They help prepare designers and design managers to demonstrate the impact design has on business and to acquire the tools and skills that will enable their businesses and careers to thrive.

During this covid-19 period, they have been quick to support with an excellent programme. Kindly offering top-class seminars and support training to members (free if you are and IDI/ICAD member – join above) and fees are outlined for non members too. Check out this link:

http://www.designenterprise.ie/events/

Socially conscious IT support

We are very lucky to work with some great people and much is being done behind the scenes these days that we can’t really shout about. Some people we know are really going above and beyond to help people and businesses right now. Our friends at are one of those. From free ipads donated to Portlaoise Hospital and free IT support getting our elderly friends setup online, to staff rewarding and voluntary meals on wheels deliveries, these guys are busy helping many. They are also a super IT family. Check out their LinkedIn page to see what they’ve been up to. Well done folks.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortus—managed-it-&-cloud/

 

Chambers Ireland

Our local Chamber in Laois only re-started last year after a long hiatus and it has started with a bang, for sure. Bernie Everard has been co-ordinating weekly Zoom chats with members, regularly offering support and open conversations with area experts, as well as updating the site with an array of supports. Hugely grateful, super work being done here

COVID-19 UPDATE

Local Enterprise Office

The Local Enterprise Offices around the country have been quick to jump in and offer huge support with an array of complimentary courses, and now too financial supports to local businesses. Evelyn Reddin from our local Laois LEO has been hugely active with our business community and openly asking businesses to contact for help. It is on hand. Check out their site here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Laois/

Blog post for  team support, remotely

Mark Boulton is a designer, experienced in team leading. His link below was an early one I shared, with tips for when we were all thrown into immediate remote working. Its a very simply list of how to stay focussed in the new reality. Thank you Mark :)

https://markboulton.co.uk/journal/found-yourself-leading-a-remote-design-team/?utm_source=Design+Enterprise+Skillnet+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=f1db63ff6c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_20_01_11&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_53127afd1c-f1db63ff6c-98702319&mc_cid=f1db63ff6c&mc_eid=56b2e4f821

Stay motivated and driven:

Three Steps to Surviving and Thriving in a Crisis

This Irish Times piece is good for freelancers / people working alone

I started as a free-lancer and it can be lonely and definitely nervy in times such as this… read on, keep it positive!

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/how-to-cope-when-work-dries-up-lessons-from-a-casual-worker-1.4210223?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/penhousedesign/?hl=en