Family & Community Resource Centre (FCRC) Update

Since opening in March 2024, the Family & Community Resource Centre (FCRC), Ballinasloe Social Services, has had a busy few months. Coming up to their first year in operation, the centre is grateful to the community of Ballinasloe and the wider area for their “amazing” support.

“The uptake and support for the service from families, individuals, services, and agencies have been pivotal,” says Una Daly, Family Support Coordinator at the FCRC.

Funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the centre is located within the community-based model of family support, providing universal and targeted support to children, families, individuals, and the community.

They operate on a drop-in, accessible, open-door model that is open to everyone in the community. They provide one-to-one appointments for parents, guardians, and individuals, providing information, advice, advocacy, and signposting, and are also developing a range of personal development groups and opportunities.

Working with a needs-led approach, groups and supports are developed from the needs and wishes identified by the community. “For example, each Monday morning from 10.30am to 12pm during term time, there is a coffee morning/support group for parents of children with additional needs,” Una notes.

In February, the centre is hosting a three-day Managing Challenging Behaviours Programme for parents and guardians. This will be facilitated by Joe Coughlan, Social Care Manager, Tusla. It will take place from 10am to 2pm on 12th, 13th, and 19th February. The programme aims to support parents and guardians to keep themselves and their children safe and help their children to develop new ways of coping. “This is a fantastic parenting support that identifies that child-parent relationships should be built on trust and respect,” Una said. “And the acknowledgement that respect is only possible when the child feels safe, there is mutual trust, and the possibility of hope, which in turn leads to change.”

The centre will also be rolling out the Rainbows Programme in March. Rainbows provides group support for children and young people (7 to 17 years) experiencing significant change following bereavement, parental separation, and divorce.
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A peer support group, it can provide a safe space for meaningful listening support for children and young people at these difficult times in their lives.

For more information about Rainbows Ireland, go to www.rainbowsireland.ie or email [email protected].
Tuam Citizens Information Service also provides a monthly outreach clinic in the resource centre on the following dates:

• 19th February
  
• 19th March
  
• 23rd April
  

This free service provides information on:

• Social welfare
  
• Housing
  
• Health
  
• Employment rights
  
• Immigration
  
• Education
  
• Many other issues
  

It is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call Tuam CIC on (0818) 077 740 on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
For information on all services and supports and to book a space, contact the centre on 085 170 2530, email [email protected], or drop into the Social Services building through the red door (not the main entrance).