BARNARDOS is celebrating 30 years in Limerick and providing intensive support services for children and families across the county.
Primarily funded by TUSLA, the organisation works with vulnerable children and families who have been affected by traumatic life events such as poverty, separation and bereavement, parental mental health difficulties and addiction.
The Barnardos Moyross Family Support Project first opened in 1995 in response to families experiencing difficulties in the area, developed in partnership with the then Mid Western Health Board.
Laura Keane, project leader for Barnardos Limerick North said the organisation has moved towards “a more intensive family support model, adopting a trauma informed approach in 2019”, while retaining breakfast and afterschool clubs for children.
“We, along with local partners and funders Tusla, are incredibly proud of the achievements of the service and our incredible staff throughout the past 30 years. It’s been a privilege to work with the many families who have come through Barnardos doors over the years and we look forward to supporting families across Limerick well into the future,” Ms Keane said.
A Limerick parent working with Barnrardos shared how the organisation helped them to become a calmer, easier parent, saying:Â “With their help I was able to prioritise my children’s wellbeing and my own as well, it was an amazing journey and I am very grateful to Barnardos, we are in a good place today because of the support we received.”
Since first opening in 1995, services have expanded to Kileely, Ballynanty, Moyross, and Thomondgate.
In 1998, Barnardos Southill Family Support Project was established to support families in Southill, which expanded to include Our Lady of Lourdes and Ballincurra Weston by 2003.
Barnardos Islandgate Family Support Project in King’s Island was also established in 2002 as part of the second phase of the Springboard initiative, with a catchment area of King’s Island, St Mary’s Park, and surrounding estates.
In 2011, a reconfiguration of services took place across Limerick due to regeneration and to better respond to the needs of children and their families.
An early intervention, home based family support service, Barnardos Homemaker Family Support Service was established two years later in 2013.
Kate Duggan, CEO of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, also remarked on the valuable support Barnardos provides for children and families in Limerick.
“Their physical location in communities and their knowledge of them especially through the generations is a vital support to keeping children safe and ensure that they reach their full potential,” she said.