What We Do

Our information and support service is often the first point of contact for users of the centre. Information is provided on a wide range of topics including social welfare payments, family law issues, employment, parenting, health and others. One staff member is always available to see callers.

Through our Teen Parent Support Project young women who become pregnant while still in school are supported to continue their education and obtain a qualification and progress to third level or employment. Teen Fathers are supported to identify their needs and provided with information on their rights. They are encouraged and supported to play an active role in the lives of their children.

A programme of group activities is run on a constant basis on topics such as health and well-being, parenting, self-development and preparation for work and others. Arts activities are an integral part of the work of the centre and over the years participants have produced wonderful pieces of art work including paintings, ceramics, stained glass and pottery. Free childcare is provided for parents participating in our group activities and courses. The aim of the group programme is the development of confidence and skills and the opportunity to build new and supportive relationships and friendships.

Our children’s programme includes our full time Creche and counselling for children experiencing difficulties following marital separation or bereavement.

We are implementing the High/Scope Early Years Curriculum in our Creche,  an approach to early learning developed in the United States in 1962 specifically for children in disadvantaged communities.

The High/Scope framework provides opportunities for children to learn in meaningful situations and within a variety of social contexts. There is a strong emphasis on the process of learning and the importance of developmentally appropriate environments for children. The approach fosters in children the characteristics of independence, decision-making and problem solving, which can be best described as life skills.

Implementing the High/Scope curriculum provides a framework by which we can ensure that our staff are delivering on our mission to continuously improve the quality of our childcare service and to monitor and evaluate our childcare practice to ensure it continues to be child centred.

Two Art and Drama Therapists deliver our child counselling service where children are encouraged to process difficulties encountered at a difficult time in their lives and to improve their coping and communication skills.

Our integrated approach to meeting the needs of parents and children equally supports the development of healthy relationships and good communication within the family.