Funding & Grants: Family Resource Centre Programme
The Family Support Agency core funds 107 Family Resource Centres in local communities around Ireland, as part of the Family and Community Services Resource Centre (FRC) Programme.
The aim of the Family and Community Services Resource Centre (FRC) Programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the function of the family unit. The emphasis is on the involvement of local communities in developing approaches to tackle the problems they face and on creating successful partnerships between the voluntary and statutory agencies in each area.
Family Resource Centres (FRCs) involve people from marginalised groups and areas of disadvantage at all levels of the project. They provide services for lone parents, young mothers and others considered in need of support. Each FRC is different and responds to the individual needs of the local community.
FRCs can act as a first step to community participation and social inclusion. By giving those marginalised or living in poverty the opportunity to participate in the decision making which affects their lives, it can lead to improvements in their living standards and overall well-being.
Services and supports provided by FRCs include:
- information, advice and support to target groups and families in the area
- practical assistance to community groups such as training, information and advice
- education courses and training opportunities
- childcare facilities for those attending courses provided by the project
- initiatives to enhance the role of young fathers in the lives of their children
- involvement of men in the life of the community
- lone parents groups
- women’s groups
- after school clubs
- the use of local centres to act as a meeting point for various groups and services eg: C.I.C. MABS, AA, resident meetings etc.
For more information or to read a booklet aimed at community groups who wish to apply to become Family Resource Centres and receive funding from the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme, click the link below.
Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme (2007)
- A Guide for Community Groups(.doc)
Evaluation
A report based on information provided for 2009 by Family Resource Centres using SPEAK (Strategic Planning and Self-evaluation System) was compiled. Information provided through SPEAK from each Family Resource Centre is collated into a national programme database, creating a database of enormous potential to understand the full programme and its impacts, and most importantly to influence the direction of the programme and related areas of policy and practice.
Click to read or download the FRC Programme SPEAK Report 2009 (pdf).
Click to read or download the FRC launch leaflet.
To check if there is an FRC in your area use the map of Ireland on the right of this page.
Family Resource Centre National Forum
The Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF) is a support network working with Family Resource Centres throughout Ireland. The aim of the Forum is to represent the views of all Family Resource Centres nationally and provide practical support to Family Resource Centres involved in family support and social inclusion initiatives. The (FRCNF) adopts an integrative approach to community development in addressing the needs of those most disadvantaged and in need.
Click to visit the website of the FRC National Forum
To view information about the Support Agencies working with FRCs see the Support Agencies page.
