Family Resource Centre National Forum

Family Resource Centre National Forum The Family Resource Centre (FRC) programme is Ireland’s largest National Family and Community-based support programme, with 136 Centers across Ireland.

The programme is core funded by Tusla – The Child and Family Agency. The Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF) is the national representative and peer support body for Ireland’s 121 Family Resource Centres (FRCs). Established in 1998 and incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 2004, we work collectively with FRCs to deliver the FRC National Programme – the country’s largest commu

nity-based family support initiative. The Programme is made up of 121 FRCs based in communities across Ireland. Each Centre is independent, led by a voluntary Board of Directors, and works to meet the unique needs of its local area. Both the FRC National Programme – the network of 121 Centres – and the FRCNF are core funded by Tusla – the Child and Family Agency. FRCs are organised into nine regional forums: Cork, Kerry, Eastern, Mid-West, Midlands, North-East, North-West, South-East, and Western. These forums meet regularly to share experiences, address common challenges, arrange training, and develop joint projects. Each regional forum nominates representatives to the National Forum’s Board of Directors, ensuring a strong link between local Centres and the national body. This structure allows us to work together effectively, share knowledge, and influence positive change in communities across Ireland.

International Day of Charity 📅 5 September💚 This International Day of Charity, we celebrate the many ways people give, s...
04/09/2026

International Day of Charity 📅 5 September

💚 This International Day of Charity, we celebrate the many ways people give, support and contribute to their communities.
Everyone has something they can give, and it does not have to cost a thing.

💛 Being charitable is not only about donating money.

It can mean:
• Giving your time
• Sharing a skill
• Listening to someone who needs to talk
• Helping a neighbour
• Volunteering in your community
• Supporting a local group or organisation
• Including someone who might otherwise feel left out
• Simply showing kindness when it is needed

💚Family Resource Centres are strengthened by the generosity, involvement and community spirit of the people around them. These contributions help support individuals and families, strengthen communities and show the difference we can all make.

It was fantastic to have Family Resource Centres represented by National Programme Lead Grace Kearney at today’s Health ...
03/09/2026

It was fantastic to have Family Resource Centres represented by National Programme Lead Grace Kearney at today’s Health Service Executive Integrated Care Conference, contributing the voice and experience of the community and voluntary sector to such an important conversation.

The Mental Health session was particularly inspiring, with a strong focus on integration across the full continuum of mental health supports, from prevention and early intervention through to specialist care, crisis support and recovery.

One message came through very clearly: integrated healthcare is the only way forward.

For that integration to truly work, communities cannot simply be viewed as somewhere services are delivered. The community and voluntary sector must be recognised and valued as an equal partner in designing pathways, identifying need, intervening early and supporting people and families before they reach crisis point.

Family Resource Centres are embedded in 136 communities across Ireland. We see every day the difference that can be made when statutory and community/ voluntary services work together around the person and family, rather than expecting people to navigate disconnected systems.

A very positive and energising day, and encouraging to hear such a strong commitment to partnership and integrated care.

We look forward to continuing to ensure that Family Resource Centres and the communities we serve are firmly part of that journey.

🎒 Starting or Returning to School, Playschool or Crèche can bring a big change in routine for little ones. Whether they ...
03/09/2026

🎒 Starting or Returning to School, Playschool or Crèche can bring a big change in routine for little ones. Whether they are starting somewhere new or returning after the summer, knowing what to expect can help children feel safer and more secure.

Routine creates predictability, and predictability can support emotional wellbeing. Simple, familiar routines around mornings, meals, drop off, collection, play and bedtime can help children adjust to change. Routines can help children feel safe and often cope better when they know what to expect from their day.

A few simple things can help:
• Keep mornings and bedtimes as consistent as possible
• Prepare clothes, bags and lunches the night before
• Talk through what will happen during the day
• Keep drop off and collection arrangements familiar where possible
• Give children time to talk about how they are feeling
• Build in quiet time, play and rest after a busy day

💚 Routines do not need to be perfect. A familiar rhythm to the day can help little ones feel more settled, secure and ready for what comes next. And let’s be honest, a good routine can make things a little easier for parents and caregivers too!

Useful resources:
One Family- Parenting information and support for people parenting alone, sharing parenting or separating, including programmes covering routine and consistency.
https://onefamily.ie/

Childline by ISPCC - Advice and information for parents and carers on supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and navigating challenges such as returning to school.
https://www.ispcc.ie/

Child and Family Agency - Tusla Early Years - Information for parents and guardians about early years services, including what to expect when children attend crèche, preschool and other early years settings.
https://www.tusla.ie/services/preschool-services/parents-guardians/


A national confidential helpline offering support, information and guidance on all aspects of parenting.
https://parentline.ie/

🏡 Your local Family Resource Centre may also provide parenting and family support, programmes, information and connections to other services in your community. Find your nearest Family Resource Centre:
https://www.familyresource.ie/find-a-family-resource-centre/

September is Green Ribbon Month The National FRC Programme and the FRCNF are proud supporters of Shine Ireland Green Rib...
02/09/2026

September is Green Ribbon Month

The National FRC Programme and the FRCNF are proud supporters of Shine Ireland Green Ribbon campaign.

Starting a conversation about mental health can help challenge stigma. A simple conversation, a listening ear and space for lived experience can make a real difference.

The Green Ribbon campaign encourages people across Ireland to be open, supportive and compassionate in how we talk about mental health. Every conversation helps to break down stigma and remind people that they are not alone.

You can learn more and access campaign resources here:
Green Ribbon campaign
https://www.shine.ie/advocacy/green-ribbon-campaign

Green Ribbon Supporters Pack
https://www.shine.ie/green-ribbon-supporters-pack

Green Ribbon Conversation Pack
https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/673f286b1a067754c839b7bd/6a844493effbdbddd3b3dc7c_GR%202026%20-%20Conversation%20Pack%20FINAL%20-%205MB.pdf

Green Ribbon webinars
https://www.shine.ie/info/green-ribbon-webinars-2026

🏃 Step Into SeptemberSeptember can be a good time to reset routines and think about how we can stay active and connected...
01/09/2026

🏃 Step Into September

September can be a good time to reset routines and think about how we can stay active and connected as we move into autumn.

Staying active and connected can boost mood, reduce stress, improve sleep, build confidence, reduce isolation and support our overall mental wellbeing.

Mental Health Ireland Step Into September campaign is encouraging people to run 30km across the month of September while raising funds to support its mental health information, education and community work. The 30km can be completed at your own pace and broken up across the month in a way that suits you.

Even if you are not taking part in the challenge, September can be a useful reminder to build more movement into everyday life.

A walk with a friend, joining a local exercise group, getting outdoors, taking the stairs, gardening or simply moving a little more during the day can all help us stay active and connected.

💚 The goal does not have to be perfection. Small, realistic changes are often easier to maintain, and being active is one of Mental Health Ireland’s Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Find out more and take part in Step Into September:
https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/get-involved/move-it/step-into-september/

Mental Health Ireland also has a free resource library with information and practical resources on mental health, stress, anxiety, recovery and wellbeing:
https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/resources-library/

Find out more about Mental Health Ireland:
https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/

Visit your local FRC to see what activities they have planned for the coming months. Find you FRC here: https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php

🧰 FRC Staff Recommendations of the WeekSupporting Anyone Experiencing Financial PressureOur FRCs know that September can...
31/08/2026

🧰 FRC Staff Recommendations of the Week

Supporting Anyone Experiencing Financial Pressure

Our FRCs know that September can bring a whole different set of financial challenges for individuals and families. With children returning to school, seasonal expenses and household costs continuing to rise, this can be a particularly difficult time for anyone already experiencing financial pressure.

Knowing where to find accurate information and appropriate support quickly can make a real difference.

Here are some trusted services and resources recommended by FRC staff that you may find useful:

🏠 Family Resource Centres

Family Resource Centres provide community based support to individuals and families. Depending on the local FRC, supports may include family support, information, help filling out forms, signposting, practical supports and help connecting with other services in the community.

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

💶 MABS - The Money Advice and Budgeting Service

Free, confidential and independent money and debt advice. MABS can help people manage debt, deal with creditors and look at realistic options for getting their finances back on track.

https://www.mabs.ie/

🏛️ Department of Social Protection

Information on social welfare payments and financial supports, including Community Welfare Services and Additional Needs Payments for people who may be unable to meet certain essential expenses.

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/

ℹ️ Citizens Information

Clear information on entitlements and rights across areas including social welfare, housing, health, employment, education and family matters.

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/

💻

The Department of Social Protection's online service where people can access and apply for a range of social welfare supports.

https://www.mywelfare.ie/

📌 Worth saving for the next time you or someone you know needs practical information or support.

🌐 Staying safe online matters wherever children and young people connect.Whether they are using a phone, tablet, laptop,...
28/08/2026

🌐 Staying safe online matters wherever children and young people connect.

Whether they are using a phone, tablet, laptop, gaming console, social media, messaging apps or online games, understanding how to protect personal information, recognise unsafe behaviour and know when to ask for help is important.

Our poster shares some simple reminders to help children and young people stay safer online.

Useful supports and information:

Webwise
Ireland’s Internet Safety Awareness Centre, with advice and resources for children, young people, parents and schools.
https://www.webwise.ie/

Childline
Free, confidential support for children and young people up to and including age 18. Childline is available 24 hours a day by phone or online chat.
Phone: 1800 66 66 66
https://www.childline.ie/

Childline Online Safety Hub
Information specifically for young people on staying safe online, online bullying and what to do if something happens online that worries them.
https://www.childline.ie/topics/online-safety

Hotline.ie
Irish Internet Hotline is a confidential reporting service for suspected illegal online content, including child sexual abuse material, grooming, intimate image abuse and other illegal content.
https://www.hotline.ie/

💙 If something online does not feel right, children and young people should be encouraged to speak to a trusted adult and ask for help.

💙 Supporting Family Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also bring practical, emotional and financial pressu...
27/08/2026

💙 Supporting Family

Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also bring practical, emotional and financial pressures.
Whether you are caring for an older person, a child with additional needs, a partner, relative or friend, there are supports available.

Family Carers Ireland
Provides information, advice, support groups, carer wellbeing supports and information for young carers.
https://www.familycarers.ie/

Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit
Financial supports may be available to people providing full-time care, depending on individual circumstances.
https://www.gov.ie/carersallowance/

Family Resource Centres
Many FRCs provide family support, information, groups, activities and connections to other local services. Supports vary from centre to centre.
https://www.familyresource.ie/

Carer’s Support Grant
An annual payment of €2,000 for each person being cared for. People receiving Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance generally receive it automatically, while some other full-time carers may also qualify.
https://www.gov.ie/CSG

Supports for parents and carers of children with disabilities
The HSE provides information on financial, and healthcare supports, respite, support groups and Children’s Disability Network Teams.
https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/disabilities/parents-carers/

HSE Supports for Carers
The HSE provides information on respite, home support, disability services, support groups and other health and community services for carers and the people they care for.
https://www2.hse.ie/

💚 Caring for someone does not mean you have to manage everything alone.
Please share these supports with a family carer who may find them useful.

💙 Staying Connected, Supported and Independent as We AgeKnowing where to turn for information, support or simply an oppo...
26/08/2026

💙 Staying Connected, Supported and Independent as We Age

Knowing where to turn for information, support or simply an opportunity to connect with others can make a real difference.
There are many organisations and community services across Ireland supporting older people to stay active, connected and independent.

🏡 Family Resource Centres
Many Family Resource Centres provide social activities, community groups, information and supports for older people. What is available varies locally.
Find your local FRC:
https://www.familyresource.ie/

🔗 Social Prescribing
Social prescribing can connect you with activities, groups and supports in your local community, with individual support from a Social Prescribing Link Worker.
Find a service near you:
https://www.allirelandsocialprescribing.ie/

☎️ SeniorLine
A confidential listening service for older people, provided by trained older volunteers.
Freephone: 1800 804 591
https://www.thirdageireland.ie/seniorline/

💙 ALONE
Provides support for people aged 60 and over, including information and advice, support planning, telephone and visit support and connections to other services. You do not have to live alone to access support.
National Support and Referral Line: 0818 222 024
https://alone.ie/

🌱 Active Retirement Ireland
With local groups across Ireland, Active Retirement Ireland provides opportunities to meet others, build friendships, take part in activities and stay involved in community life.
https://activeirl.ie/

🏘️ Age Friendly Ireland
Supports the development of communities where people can continue to live active, healthy and independent lives as they age. https://agefriendlyireland.ie/

🧠 Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Provides information and support for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
National Helpline: 1800 341 341
https://alzheimer.ie/

🏥 HSE Services and Supports
The HSE provides health and social care services including home support, primary and community care, mental health supports, screening and vaccinations, and information on healthcare schemes and allowances.
Find HSE services and supports:
https://www2.hse.ie/services/

💚 Staying connected matters at every stage of life.
Please share these resources with an older family member, friend or neighbour who may find them useful.

📢 We’re recruiting: Member Support and Engagement OfficerAre you proactive, organised and ready to play a key role in su...
25/08/2026

📢 We’re recruiting: Member Support and Engagement Officer

Are you proactive, organised and ready to play a key role in supporting a national network of 136 Family Resource Centres across Ireland?

If this sounds like you, the Family Resource Centre National Forum is looking for a motivated and proactive Member Support and Engagement Officer to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys taking initiative, building relationships, engaging with people, coordinating activities and helping to move work forward.

Working as part of the FRC National Forum team, you will contribute to the roll out of the Membership Strategy and support member engagement and communication, advocacy, training and development, programme expansion and coordination across the Family Resource Centre Programme.

📍Based in Galway, with the possibility of hybrid working

💶 Salary from €52,559 per annum

📅 Initial six-month fixed term contract, with the possibility of renewal

🔄 Secondment arrangements will also be considered.

🤝 If you are proactive, enjoy working collaboratively and would like to contribute to the work of Family Resource Centres nationally, we would love to hear from you.

📝 To apply, send your CV and cover letter to:📧 [email protected]

⏰ Closing date: 5pm, Friday 11 September 2026

🔗 Find out more: https://www.activelink.ie/vacancies/community/127185-family-resource-centre-national-forum-member-support-and-engagement-officer

Please share this opportunity with anyone who you think would be a great fit for the role.

FRCNF is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

Address

Ballinfoile Castlegar Neighbourhood Centre
Dublin
H91PN50

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