600 children and families from Finglas to benefit each year
Thursday 8 December Barnardos and the Finglas West Family Resource Centre (FRC) are delighted to officially launch the new premises of the Finglas West FRC. Since 2018, the community initiative led by Barnardos and funded by Tusla, has engaged with 2,400 children, parents and carers.
Research conducted by Dublin North City Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSYC) in 2021, reinforced the need for a Family Resource Centre to provide supports to the Finglas West Community. The research identified a significant evidence of need for the area with a higher than average prevalence of poverty, unemployment, drug misuse and crime. It also identified significant gaps in service provision in the area.
The work of the Finglas West FRC is overseen by a steering group, on which there is local representation of 16 people living and working in the area, including community representatives, Finglas Cabra Local Drug & Alcohol Services, Gardaí, Pavee Point and Dublin City Council.
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman: ‘I am delighted to launch the new premises for the Finglas West Family Resource Centre, led by Barnardos. This centre will benefit not only the local community right now but the local generations to come. It’s clear that this community interagency partnership has already made a significant impact over the past four years and I look forward to what’s to come.’
Barnardos Director of Children’s Services Siobhan Greene: ‘Barnardos is really proud to be part of bringing this much needed resource to Finglas West. All the programmes provided in the Barnardos FRC are evidence informed services with a focus on strengthening the parent and child relationship, enhancing community wellbeing and supporting children’s social and emotional development. Since 2018, the FRC has been working on an outreach basis and supported by a steering group and community representatives. This new premises will provide the necessary supports to local children and families, because childhood lasts a lifetime.’
Barnardos Finglas West Family Resource Centre Team Manager Beverly McMackin: ‘We are delighted that a permanent premises for the FRC is finally here and opening its doors to the children and families in the local community. The programmes at the FRC are universal, free of charge and open to all. It enables breaking down barriers for parents and children when it comes to accessing services. Most importantly we want to keep hearing from the Finglas West Community, on what services they would like us to offer at the Family Resource Centre. The centre is open to all.’
Some the services provided by the FRC are:
- A parent & toddler group;
- Community wellbeing projects;
- Mindfulness for children;
- Homework stay and play group;
- Parenting programmes;
- Sensory play groups;
- Intergenerational gardening projects and much more;
- All groups provided are free and universal to all
The launch of the premises takes place on Thursday 8th December off Barry Ave in The Finglas West FRC.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
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