Family Resource Centre National Forum

29/10/2026

🌟 What a busy and successful month for Mary Mulcahy, FRCNF’s Mental Health Training & Policy Officer!

💚 Mary has been delivering valuable training across the National FRC Programme, helping staff build knowledge and confidence to support wellbeing in their workplaces and communities.

📚 This month, Mary delivered Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing facilitator training in Kells Connect FRC, Solas FRC Headford, Trim-Family Resource-Centre, Newbridge FRC, Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre and East Coast Family Resource Centre . She also delivered Workplace Wellbeing Training in Trim FRC and Su***de Prevention Code of Practice Training in Solas FRC Headford .

👏 A big well done to Mary and thanks to all the FRCs who took part. These are important skills for everyone across the National FRC Programme and help support the wellbeing of staff and communities.

📅 As you plan your FRC team’s professional development goals for 2027, consider including this valuable training. Get in touch with Mary early to discuss your team’s training needs and make a booking.

🔎 Find out more:

🌿 Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing:
https://www.familyresourcementalhealth.ie/whatwedo/training-and-events/taking-action-for-whole-health-and-wellbeing

💚 Workplace Health and Wellbeing:
https://www.familyresourcementalhealth.ie/whatwedo/training-and-events/workplace-health-and-wellbeing

💙 Su***de Prevention:
https://www.familyresourcementalhealth.ie/whatwedo/su***de-prevention

📩 For further information, contact Mary at [email protected] or 086 837 9763.

29/10/2026

The FRC Mental Health Promotion Project is a vital initiative designed to support the management, staff, and volunteers of Family Resource Centres (FRCs) throughout Ireland. This project is committed to enhancing the capacity of FRC staff and volunteers by promoting best practices in su***de prevention, workplace well-being, and the promotion of positive mental health. Through a focus on community engagement and capacity building, the project empowers FRC teams to address mental health challenges effectively within their own communities. By fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and offering practical tools and training, the initiative aims to create healthier, more resilient environments both in the workplace and across the wider community.

28/10/2026

💚 Gambling Harm Doesn't Just Affect the Person Gambling: Support Is Available for Everyone Affected

Behind gambling-related harm are individuals, families, friendships and relationships that can also be affected.

Gambling-related harm can take many forms, including financial difficulties, stress, anxiety, secrecy, relationship problems and loss of trust.

And it's not just the person gambling who may need support.

💚 Are You or Someone You Know Affected by Gambling?

You might be:

👤 Someone who is concerned about their own gambling.

❤️ A partner or spouse struggling with the impact of a loved one's gambling.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A parent, adult child, sibling, other family member, a friend or colleague worried about someone close to them.

You don't have to be the person gambling to need support or to ask for help.

🏠 Gambling Support Through Family Resource Centres

Through a collaboration with Gambling Care, participating Family Resource Centres (FRCs) across Ireland provide community-based support for people experiencing gambling-related difficulties and for those affected by someone else's gambling.

Depending on the service, support may include:

💬 Professional counselling and emotional support.

🤝 Individual and family support.

🌱 Help understanding and managing the impact of gambling on everyday life and relationships.

💚 Guidance towards appropriate services and additional supports.

You don't need to wait until things reach crisis point to reach out.

Whether you're worried about your own gambling, struggling with the impact of someone else's gambling, or simply unsure what to do next, reaching out can be an important first step.

📍 Find an FRC Offering Dedicated Gambling Support

Not every FRC provides this specialist service, but Gambling Care has published a list of participating Family Resource Centres, including contact details.

🔗 https://gamblingcare.ie/family-friends/support-for-families/

☎️ Gambling Care National Helpline: 1800 936 725

💚 No one should have to face gambling-related harm alone. Support is available for the person gambling and for those affected by it.

27/10/2026

📚🌱 Learning is for everyone, at every age and every stage of life. You're never too young, too old or too late to try something new.

Whether you're 8, 18, 48 or 80, there's always something new to discover, a skill to develop or an interest to explore.

Did you know, Family Resource Centres (FRCs) help bring learning opportunities into local communities, making it easier for people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to get involved. And learning doesn't always mean sitting in a classroom or working towards a qualification. Sometimes it's about discovering a new hobby, building confidence, meeting people or simply having fun!

💚 What Could You Learn at Your Local FRC?

🎨 Arts, Crafts & Creativity
From painting, sewing, knitting and photography to creative workshops where children, young people and adults can explore their talents.

💻 Digital Skills & Technology
Computer classes, digital literacy and practical support to help people become more confident using technology.

🍳 Everyday Life Skills
Cookery, healthy eating, gardening, upcycling and other practical skills you can enjoy and use at home.

📖 Education & Personal Development
Community education, language classes, training programmes and opportunities to build skills, confidence or take the next step towards further education or employment.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Learning for Children, Young People & Families
Youth activities, homework support, parenting workshops and programmes that encourage learning, creativity and development.

🌿 Health, Wellbeing & New Interests
Activities such as yoga, mindfulness, movement and wellbeing workshops that offer opportunities to learn while connecting with others.

🤝 Learning Together, Growing Together
For some people, joining a class is the first step back into education. For others, it's a chance to meet new friends, develop an interest or try something they've always wanted to do. Whatever your age or experience, everyone deserves the opportunity to keep learning and growing.

🏠 Find Out What's Happening at Your Local FRC
Courses and activities vary between centres, and many are free or low-cost. Contact your local FRC to find out what's available, who can take part and how to get involved.

🔗 Find your local FRC:
https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php

23/10/2026

Best of luck to our Chair Person Ellen Duggan 👏

Thrilled and thankful that the valuable work of Family Resource Centers and Family Resource Center Networks will be highlighted at the upcoming ISSA Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, as all three of the submissions from the International Association of Family Support Networks and Irish Family Resource...

22/10/2026

💚 You Don't Have to Be in Crisis to visit an FRC

Sometimes we all need a little support, a friendly conversation or someone to point us in the right direction.

You don't have to be facing a crisis to reach out to your local Family Resource Centre (FRC).

🏠 Family Resource Centres are here for everyone.

Depending on your local centre, you may find:

☕ Social groups and opportunities to meet others

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parenting and family support

🌱 Wellbeing and personal development programmes

📚 Community education and learning opportunities

💬 Free or low-cost counselling and emotional support

🤝 Information, practical guidance and connections to other local services

Whether you're looking to meet new people, learn something new, find support for your family or simply find out what's happening in your community, your local FRC is a good place to start.

Services vary between centres, so contact your local FRC to see what's available.

📍 Find your local Family Resource Centre: https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php

💚 Family Resource Centres: Supporting individuals, families and communities.

21/10/2026

💬 International Pronouns Day | 21 October 2026

Respect, Inclusion and Understanding
We all use pronouns in everyday conversations. Words such as she, her, he, him, they and them help us refer to one another.
For many people, using the correct pronouns is an important way of recognising and respecting their identity.
Getting someone's pronouns right may seem like a small thing, but it can make a real difference to how welcome, respected and included they feel.

💚 How Can We Be More Inclusive?
✅ Don't assume. You cannot always tell someone's pronouns from their name or appearance.
✅ Share your own pronouns if you feel comfortable doing so. This can help others feel welcome to share theirs.
✅ Ask respectfully if you're unsure, and use the pronouns someone shares with you.
✅ Use gender-neutral language when you don't know someone's pronouns.
✅ If you make a mistake, apologise briefly, correct yourself and move on.

🏠 Creating Welcoming Communities
Understanding and using people's pronouns correctly is one simple way we can help create more inclusive and supportive communities.
Family Resource Centres are community spaces where everyone is welcomed, respected and included, regardless of their gender identity or background.
Find your FRC: https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php

📚 Want to Learn More? Here Are Some Helpful Resources

ShoutOut:Trans and Non-Binary Resources
Practical information about pronouns, gender identity and creating inclusive environments. 🔗 https://www.shoutout.ie/trans-resources
Dublin City University: Guide to Pronouns
A helpful guide explaining pronouns and how to use them respectfully, with information available in English and Irish. 🔗https://www.dcu.ie/people/edi/guide-to-pronouns-treoir-go-forainm-pearsanta
Trinity College Dublin: LGBTQIA+ Information and Terminology
Information to help build understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and inclusive language. 🔗 https://www.tcd.ie/equality/activities/staff-networks/lgbt-staff-network/lgbtqia-glossary/

International Pronouns Day: Official Website
Information and educational resources explaining why respecting people's pronouns matters. 🔗 https://pronouns.org/day

💚 Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, valued and respected. Small actions can make a big difference in creating communities where everyone belongs.

20/10/2026

Family Resource Centres across Ireland deliver incredible initiatives tailored to local needs! 👏

From family support to community development, to activities, services vary by location.

Get in touch with your nearest FRC today to see what’s available near you. 📍https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php

Could you spare a little time to make a big difference in someone's life?

At Cara House Family Resource Centre, we are experiencing a growing demand for our Befriending Service in the Letterkenny community.

Our service provides regular home visits, companionship and meaningful social connection to older people who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation.

Our commitment is to ensure that befriending support is provided in a timely manner, as and when our participants need it. To continue meeting this commitment, we urgently need more volunteers to join our wonderful team of befrienders.

Even a small amount of your time can make a lasting difference to someone who may otherwise feel alone.

Interested in becoming a befriender?

Contact Active Age Coordinator, Katie by calling 083 863 8315 or emailing [email protected]

Help us ensure that no one in our community has to feel alone.

Please share this post to help us reach potential volunteers throughout Letterkenny and the surrounding areas.

19/10/2026

🌸 World Menopause Day | 18 October 2026

Menopause, Mental Health and Wellbeing: 💚 Menopause is a natural stage of life, but you don't have to go through it alone. Support, understanding and connection can make a real difference.

The changes that come with perimenopause and menopause can affect much more than physical health. Some women experience anxiety, low mood, irritability, disrupted sleep, reduced confidence or difficulties with memory and concentration, often described as brain fog.

For some, these changes are manageable. For others, they can have a significant impact on everyday life, relationships, work and emotional wellbeing.

Every woman's experience is different, and every woman deserves to feel heard, understood and supported.

💚 Support Through Your Local Family Resource Centre

While FRCs do not provide specialist menopause treatment, they can offer valuable community-based support and help you connect with other services. Many FRCs offer women's groups, wellbeing activities, self-care programmes, social activities and free or low-cost counselling, providing opportunities to connect with others, build friendships, look after your mental health and find encouragement during this stage of life.

If symptoms are affecting your wellbeing or daily life, speak to your GP about the treatment and support options available.

Please be aware that services vary between centres, so contact your local FRC to find out what's available.

🏠 Find Your Local Family Resource Centre (FRC)
🔗 https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php

🌷 Menopause Information & Support

📖 Menopause and Mental Health: Mental Health Ireland
A free booklet offering information and practical guidance on mental health and emotional wellbeing during menopause.
🔗https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Menopause-and-Mental-Health-Booklet.pdf

🌸 HSE Ireland Menopause Information
Trusted information about menopause symptoms, treatments, mental wellbeing and when to seek medical advice.
🔗 https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/menopause/

💚HSE Ireland Mental Health and Wellbeing
Information, self-help resources and guidance on accessing mental health support.
🔗 https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/

16/10/2026

🏠 Poverty Awareness Week 2026 | Safe Homes for All

Families with Children: When Everyday Costs Become a Struggle

Raising children comes with many expenses, but for families experiencing poverty, meeting everyday needs can be a constant challenge.

📊 According to the CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) 2025:

17.1% of people in one-adult households with children under 18 were at risk of poverty.

13.6% of people in households with two adults and one to three children under 18 were at risk of poverty.

48.7% of people in one-adult households with children under 18 experienced enforced deprivation, meaning they could not afford certain basic necessities.

These figures highlight the financial pressures facing families across Ireland, including working families, two-parent families and one-parent families.

Even when a parent is working, the combined costs of housing, childcare, food, heating and transport can make it difficult to make ends meet.

Every child deserves a safe, warm home, and every family deserves the opportunity to live with dignity.

🏠 Family Resource Centres (FRCs)

FRCs provide a wide range of supports for children, parents and families. Depending on the centre, these may include childcare, preschool and after-school services, parenting programmes, family support, free or low-cost counselling, children's and youth activities, practical assistance, information about entitlements and referrals to other local support services.

Find your local FRC and ask to speak to a Family Support Worker.

🔗 https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php

💚Every family deserves access to support, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Source: CSO, Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) 2025.