Archive for category: News

Press Release      

 An innovative new early intervention programme which will benefit hundreds of families affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) officially launched on Wednesday 17^th May in County Meath. The award-winning Changing Lives Initiative programme is being rolled out in Counties Louth and Meath by Community Organisation Archways with thanks to funding from HSE Mental Health Services. The initiative is closely linked to a number of recommendations relating to ADHD support under Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy.

The Changing Lives Initiative is a community-based initiative, creating better awareness of ADHD and providing an early intervention programme for families. The programme is targeted at families with children aged 3-7 who are demonstrating behaviours consistent with ADHD but are oftentimes too young to receive formal diagnosis of ADHD. Potential families are identified through health, educational and community services, or can self-refer to the programme. As well as working with families the Changing Lives Initiative provides training on ADHD for those working with young children, in particular teachers and early years professionals.

The Changing Lives Initiative Programme was initially delivered and evaluated as part of a 3.5 year EU funded project which ended in 2021. The evaluations demonstrated the programme’s ability to significantly reduce ADHD-related behaviour in young children as well as other emotional and conduct problems. The programme is now set to benefit hundreds of families in Counties Louth and Meath, thanks to funding from the HSE.

Speaking at the Launch to mark the roll out of the Programme in Counties Louth and Meath, Jim Ryan, Head of Mental Health Operations, from the HSE said: “The Changing Lives Initiative is a hugely important programme for children and families who are impacted by ADHD. The initiative links with a number of recommendations in Ireland’s national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, and provides evidence based early intervention in line with international best practice. This is another great example of the HSE working with service providers to bring about real change in people’s lives.”

Christina Riordan, Project Manager of the Initiative said “The Changing Lives Initiative was borne out of an identified need. Early intervention is essential for children experiencing behaviours consistent with ADHD. The programme provides an invaluable support at a crucial time. This programme will have a profound impact on families, in helping improve their quality of life and helping them support their children to reach their full potential. We are delighted to be able to provide the programme to families in Louth and Meath with thanks to the HSE funding.”

The Changing Lives Initiative programme is now available to families in Counties Louth and Meath.  Further information on how families can avail of the programme is available at www.changinglivesinitiative.com

<Ends>

The HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in collaboration with Healthy Ireland have launched the Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition. The competition is open to all primary school children and depending on their age category, are invited to complete the SunSmart colouring sheets or draw their own picture showing how to be SunSmart.

There are three age categories with a prize for the winner in each category. The three age categories are:

• junior infants to 1st class,
• 2nd to 4th class,
• 5th and 6th class.

The competition is designed to help educate young people about the importance of protecting your skin while enjoying time outdoors. Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The competition runs until 17.00 on 31 May, 2023.

For details of the competition rules as well as instructions on how to enter, see the competition webpage at www.gov.ie/getsunsmart

GetSunSmartMay2023

Please see link below for information about Mind the Gap.  This is a transitioning programme for pupils in 6^th class to assist them in preparation for first year of secondary school. Facilitated by the East Coast Family Resource Centre (FRC), contact details are included on the poster if you have any child in mind and wish to book a space.

MTG Flyer

Click on the link below for information regarding upcoming events in Trim Family Resource Centre (FRC) during May 2023.

Trim FRC May 2023 Newsletter

Kells Foroige Youth Café is a volunteer led youth club held in Kells Family Resource Centre. We meet once a week on Mondays from 6.30 to 8pm. We promote inclusion, socialisation, equality and active participation.  All young people from Kells and surrounding areas can attend the Youth Cafe. We have young people from all back grounds and ethnicities and members of the LGBTQ+ Community.

On April 25th 2022, with the help of volunteers and the staff of Kells Family Resource Centre, we opened the doors of what was then Kells Youth Café. As we grew we affiliated ourselves with Foroige as they provided a number of supports which hugely benefit the club. The club opened all summer and continued into this year. We are delighted that on our first birthday we have over 40 young people registered and have an average of 25 young people each week. The club has their own Youth Committee.

During the Cafe we have a range of games and activities for the young people to take part in. We play video games, pool, table tennis, arts and crafts and board games. The young people can make toasties, eat fruit and have drinks. We also have a chill out space for young people to relax and chat.  Each session costs €2 per child. We have a €10 registration fee each November. The club is run entirely on subsidies and grants.

We run specific activities when funding allows us. At the moment we are creating an outdoor art mural that will be placed in the town. We took part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As we are affiliated with Foroige, we join the interclub events which are organised by the Foroige Clubs in the County which are brought together by the Foroige Meath District Council. We also plan our own trips on occasion eg. Last summer we made a trip to Causey Farm.

Volunteers are an integral part of the club and we welcome anyone who may have something to offer. Giving your time is most beneficial but if you have a skill you can share with us we would really appreciate that. Please get in touch on any of our social media @kellsyouthcafe.

Funding for this initiative was provided through Meath CYPSC BOBF Funding.