Supports and services
THE parenting supports and services currently provided by Le Cheile Family Resource Centre (FRC) include: • •
Parenting Supports
The parenting supports provided are based on the belief that the relationship between child and parent is a significant one within the family, that it influences the well-being of the whole family. It is our practice to adopt a strengths based approach to working with parents, to focus on competencies and develop resilience. •
Parenting Courses/Programmes One to One parent supports.
The rationale behind this initiative is that it is not always feasible for a parent needing support to attend a parenting course. The aim of the initiative is to provide direct individual supports to parents in their parenting role. •
Parent and Toddler Group
This group meets each Tuesday morning in the Blue Cube in Gooldshill.
and offers parents an opportunity to meet other people with children of the same age in the locality. The group welcomes parents, childminders, grandparents or guardians.
The benefits of the group include the support network and the opportunity to share experience with others. Children have the opportunity to play and interact with other children in a safe environment whilst under the care and supervision of their parents at all times. •
A Positive Future Programme
The aim of this programme is to provide a supportive and informative learning opportunity to assist parents in identifying ways of taking control of their own lives and the lives of their children. It also provides a social support which acts as a cushion to families in times of stress and supports parents develop the skills to cope with difficulties. This is achieved by building resilience in families; strengthening their capacity to nurture children and encourages and enables them to solve their own problems.
The programme also addresses issues of limited resources in terms of income, education and employment. While there are no easy answers the programme offers sustained support and encouragement to access and engage in education, training and employment. This in turns raises the educational expectations of their children Co-operation from the Dept. Social Protection, YANA and MABS has helped to provide participants with information and practical assistance with budgeting, safety and education & training options. Comments from participants who completed the 2015/16 programme include: “I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I enjoyed learning about child led play, both indoor and outdoor play. I enjoyed the arts and crafts, making homemade play dough- my boys loved it at home." “I took positive tips how to deal with everyday situations that arise, i.e. positive thinking. I looked forward to meeting everyone attending the course on Mondays” “The course was great and helped me change things at home. I benefitted greatly from attending… more please.” New programme for 2016/17 will start on September 13th 2016. Contact Noreen for further information.