North Dundalk Family Support Hub

The North Dundalk Family Support Hub was established in 2012 to address the need for an innovative approach to Family Support in the North Dundalk area. Newer housing estates e.g. Toberona ,Lios Dubh ,Castle Ross & Salt Town were developing and it was clear that there was a deficit of family support initiatives in these areas.

It aimed to provide family support but from a community development approach i.e. local community leaders identifying the needs and with support & training develop initiatives to answer these needs. It has had an integrated & co-ordinated approach to early intervention. The overall aim has been to support families to ensure that children can remain in the primary care of their family where they will flourish.

Our aim is to further develop & implement a model of localised, integrated family support provision in the North Dundalk area which follows a community development model. We do this under the guidance and management of Cox’s Demesne Youth & Community Project CLG and we are funded by TUSLA.

We Aim:

  • To listen to the evolving needs that effect families and to create dynamic solutions around family and community, capacity building being a priority.
  • To enable communities to support families & each other so that children can stay in the primary care of the family
  • To provide programmes in parenting
  • To develop and enhance family networks
  • To develop connecting networks to relevant support agencies in the North Dundalk Community that may benefit families experiencing vulnerable episodes
  • To continue to focus on positive mental health , well-being & resilience
  • To provide family and Individual counselling when appropriate
  • To heighten awareness in the communities of “Children First” and putting children first…
  • When it is appropriate: We Use a Meitheal , A Meithal is a TUSLA National Practice Model to ensure that the needs and strengths of children and their families are effectively identified and understood and responded to in a timely way so that children and families get the help and support needed to improve children’s outcomes and realise their rights.

Our Unique Community Development approach to Family Support

Using a community development model means that actions happen from the ground up. We always try and utilize the resources & consolidate the networks that are already established in the community as they are informed and engaged in working with the families and communities alike.

The North Dundalk Family Support Hub has an integrated & co-ordinated approach to early intervention. It focuses on families who for a variety of reasons are experiencing challenging times.

Some of Our Actions are:

  • Child protection proofing the communities
  • A more heightened awareness about putting children first
  • Support in combating depression, homelessness, drug misuse
  • Mental health enhancement
  • Establishing supportive family networks
  • Identify where families are “stuck” & provide support to move on.
  • Parenting
  • Housing Needs

The unique development of the Family Support Hub utilises existing professional networks that have evolved in previous years in Our Community. The North Dundalk Family Support Hub will identify commonalities that exist in both statutory/voluntary agencies with a special focus on family support. This will continue to be a priority for the Hub. The benefit of this is that it is locally administered, Informed, Connected and Focused.

 

List of useful Hyperlinks

 

https://dundalkcounsellingcentre.ie/
https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/
https://www.tusla.ie/national-child-and-family-support-week/parenting-and-family-supports/meitheal/
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/lho/louth/children-and-family-services/
https://www.oco.ie/
https://www.legalaidboard.ie/en/contact-us/find-a-law-centre/louth.html
https://centres.citizensinformation.ie/county.php?county=louth

The North Dundalk Family Support Hub is funded by Tusla -The Child & Family Agency.

 

For more information on NDFSH contact:

 

Garrett Weldon 0863733170 gaweld@gamil.com
Donna Conroy 0871099614 donnaconroy07@gmail.com