Barnardos celebrates 30 years supporting children and families in Edenderry

Pictured at the Barnardos Edenderry 30th Celebration (L-R): Suzanne Connolly, CEO, Barnardos; Clare Deane, Assistant Director, Barnardos; Margaret O’Connell, Project Worker, Barnardos; Bernadette McCormack, Administrator, Barnardos; Deirdre Cahir, Project Leader, Barnardos; Rosie Ryan, Support Staff, Barnardos; Carol Faulkner, Project Worker, Laois Offaly Parents Hub, Barnardos; Claire Feeney, Project Worker, Barnardos; Caroline Nolan, Project Worker, Barnardos; Stephanie Whyte, Director of Services, Barnardos; Sinead Flynn, Project Worker, Barnardos

On September 16th 2025 Barnardos Edenderry celebrated 30 years working with children and families. More than 50 people attended the celebration including families who have received support, funders Tusla, and community partners.

Deirdre Cahir, Barnardos Project Leader said: “Barnardos journey in Edenderry began in 1994, with the development of breakfast and afterschool clubs, mother and toddler groups and an individual parenting programme.

“From little acorns great oaks grow – and what started as a grass roots services to meet the then current needs of the families has grown and developed to the more intensive, trauma informed, individualised support service that is delivered today.

All families and individuals are met with care, respect and individual support.”

The partnership approach in serving the community between the then, Midland Health Board, has continued with TUSLA and Barnardos to date. The relationship has grown and developed over the years, and ensures specialised supports are delivered to families at a local level in times of need or crisis.

In the past 6 months, 60 children and young people have been referred into the service, and 42 parents have been supported during this time in a wide variety of parenting supports

In 2024 in partnership with TUSLA and CYPSC, Barnardos developed a Parent Hub for Laois and Offaly, which will become a one stop shop in sign posting parents and professionals in family supports available in the two counties. To contact the Parent Hub phone 046 973 2463 or email: [email protected]

ENDS

Notes to editor

For further information, please contact:

Barnardos – because childhood lasts a lifetime

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About Barnardos

Barnardos’ mission is to deliver services and work with families, communities, and our partners to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences. Because childhood lasts a lifetime www.barnardos.ie  

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