Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre

Location St. Joesph’s Rd. Kilkenny
Send us an email reception@frmcgrathcentre.ie
Call us 056 775 1988

Children & Youth Services

We offer children and young people a variety of supports and services inclusive of a wide range of social, personal, educational, recreational and creative programmes.

Objectives

 

  • To provide a safe, nurturing and respectful environment where children and young people are valued.
  • To support the work of parents and families in preparing their children for their future.
  • To support children and young people to reach their potential in all aspects of their lives
  • To Develop quality responses to the needs of young people.

Our Programmes & Services

What we do

Education Support

We provide educational and homework supports to primary and secondary school students. Staff and volunteers provide one to one or small group support for those who require it.

Social Development Programmes

Children and young people can engage in a range of programmes and activities. Programmes are developed in response to the group age, needs and interests and they include educational, recreational, personal and social development as well as sports, art, film making and much more.

Individual supports

Sometimes children and young people require a little extra support. When necessary we work with children and young people on a one-to-one basis to support their involvement in groups.

IT Training

All children and young people who are involved with the service can access our multi media room. Here they can develop their IT skills, take part in our touch typing programmes or get digitally creative.

Junior Leadership Training

Teenagers who have been involved in our service over a period of time are given the opportunity to take part in Junior Leadership Training. They can then go on to support other young people in their participation in programmes.

Times of service

Our services run for 48 weeks of the year

Contact Us

We operate an open door policy, please feel free to drop into the Children and Youth Services Office at any time or call us at your convenience.

Children and Youth Services Department
Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre
St Josephs Road,
Kilkenny

Tel. 056-7751988 ext. 3
email: tammygreene@frmcgrathcentre.ie

Contact: Tammy Greene – Department Manager

How we work with children

Parents & Guardians

We acknowledge and respect parents as their children’s primary carer’s and educators. We aim to provide services that support parents in their most important job. Parents and Guardians are always welcome to call to see us or phone to arrange a time that suits them should they wish to discuss their child’s involvement with our service.

Our Team

The Children and Youth Services Team is comprised of 10-12 people with a range of qualifications and experience from community and youth work to social care and art.

A combination of full time, part time and CE Scheme Participants are supported by a large team of dedicated volunteers.

All employees attend a strict interview and reference procedure prior to employment and have Garda clearance.

Student Placements

Third level students are welcome to apply to complete their college placements within the children and youth services team.

Students can be assured of a comprehensive, supportive and effective placement if accepted but should note that places are limited and generally in high demand. Applications should be made to the Manager in writing.

Volunteers

Our Homework Project is very fortunate to enjoy the support of a large team of volunteer tutors. Tutors spend one or two hours per week assisting children with their work and supporting us in creating a caring and safe place. While volunteers do not require specific qualifications it is most important that they are suitable for this type of work. There is an application process involving an informal interview, reference checks and Garda vetting is required. If you require further information you are welcome to contact the project directly.

Download Volunteer Application Form

Applications and Referrals

The project accepts applications from families outside of our local catchment area. Applications are processed according to the needs of the family and child in question, the project’s capacity to work with them and availability of places.

Download Application form

We also accept referrals from other agencies such as schools, HSE, Gardai etc.

Download Referral Form