The four Family Resource Centres based in Westmeath and Longford have welcomed the high level of political and public support they have received for the campaign to prevent their closure in the forthcoming budget. However, they have said that – ultimately – the countdown to December 9 will be critical in determining the future of Family Resource Centres around the country, and they have called for continued support for their campaign over the coming weeks.
The four Family Resource Centres (FRCs ) in the Longford / Westmeath constituency are, Bridgeways FRC in Ballymahon; Cara Phort FRC in Mullingar; Granard FRC; and Monsignor McCarthy FRC in Athlone.
Speaking on behalf of the FRCs, Packie Kelly, chairperson of the Family Resource Centre National Forum (the support network for Ireland’s 107 FRCs ) said, “Since the publication of the report by An Bord Snip Nua in July, Family Resource Centres – including those in Longford and Westmeath – have worked hard to highlight our case for survival”.
The report by An Bord Snip Nua recommended a €30 million cut in the budget for the Family Support Agency, which includes an €18 million budget to support the Family Resource Centre programme. This money funds the work of 107 centres, which receive almost one million visits on a yearly basis to access essential services and facilities. In Westmeath and Longford alone the four FRCs received almost 1,500 visits last year.
According to Packie Kelly, “The Family Resource Centres National Forum had the opportunity last week of making our case for survival to the Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs. We highlighted how – during this period of economic recession – families were increasingly looking to Family Resource Centres for assistance, including advice on budgeting, counselling services and training courses. Rather than closing or reducing the Family Resource Centre programme, it will need to be supported, developed and possibly even expanded over the coming years.”
Almost 20 TDs and Senators responded to the presentation by the Family Resource Centres last week, and offered their overwhelming support for the continuation of the programme During the presentation, Fine Gael Senator for Longford/ Westmeath, Nicky McFadden said, “I enjoyed the experience of visiting the three centres in my area. On the day of my visit to Bridgeways FRC in Ballymahon, a mother and toddler group was meeting in one corner and the active age group was meeting in another. The atmosphere at the centre was very inclusive and welcoming. Older people, particularly those in rural areas, suffer as a result of isolation, so it was good to see people of different age groups mixing.”
In Longford and Westmeath, the FRCs’ facilities and services were used by over 870 community and voluntary groups; and over 106 adults availed of education and training courses.
According to Packie Kelly, “Family Resource Centres are prepared to make savings and develop more efficient ways of working. However, ultimately, we need to be supported sufficiently so that we can continue to respond to new and emerging needs as Ireland works its way out of this recession. We are hopeful that we will continue to offer our services after Budget day on December 9.”
