Largest family support programme

SINCE November 2000 Le Cheile Family Resource Centre has been part of the Family and Community Resource Centre National Programme and part of the community and voluntary sector in Mallow and North Cork. The aim of the FRC programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. Each FRC operates autonomously working inclusively with individuals, families, communities, and statutory and non- statutory agencies. The programme is Ireland’s largest family support programme delivering universal services to families across the country, from early years to older age.

The Family Resource Centre programme was first set up in 1994 by the then Department of Social Welfare to mark International Year of the Family. Ten Family Resource Centres (FRC) were funded at that time and following evaluation it was decided that FRCs would become part of a mainstream funded programme.

The Commission on the Family (1996-1998) characterised the approach of FRCs as” empowering of individuals, builds on family strengths, enhances self-esteem and engenders a sense of being able to influence events in one’s own life” These characteristics remain embedded in the family support and community work in which the FRC programme is involved in to this day.

There are over 106 FRCs in the programme now, all independent organisations responding to the needs identified within the particular communities each one serves. To achieve this each centre is governed by a voluntary board of directors with representation from the local community.

The programme is now administered on behalf of the Dept. of Children and Youth Affairs by the Family Support Services Unit of the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA). Le Cheile Family Resource Centre is based in the town of Mallow, Co. Cork and provides community based family supports for families and individuals in Mallow and the wider North Cork area.

The Centre has its origins in a voluntary group of people, in the early 90s organising courses for women in Mallow and in providing childcare for those participants. This work was facilitated by the Mercy Congregation. In 1999 this group decided to apply to the then Department of Social Welfare for funding under the Family Resource Centre programme. This application was successful and the first contract was signed in 2000 and Le Cheile Family Resource Centre was incorporated as a legal entity in November 2000.

This core funding enabled the organisation to develop and respond to the needs presented within the community from premises provided by the Mercy Congregation and between 2001 and 2009 in premises rented in Fair St. Mallow.

In 2007 the Board took a decision to explore the possibility of a purpose built premises. During 2007 and 2008 a site and funding were successfully acquired. The site was donated by the Mercy Congregation and €2.8 million was raised for construction and fit out from: • National Childcare Investment Programme • Lottery Funds • Dormant Accounts • HSE South • Family Support Agency • Cork County Council • Private donation.

In May 2009 the organisation moved to a new purpose built centre located at the top of Fair St, now known as Mallow Community Campus. The site is shared with the IWA/NCBI premises, the Gilbert Centre.