Community
Family Resource Centres ‘instrumental in supporting local communities’ National Forum hears
Family Resource Centres ‘instrumental’ in community support. Photographed at the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF) national conference was Louise Moran, Manager, Boyle Family Resource Centre, Co. Roscommon and Jimmy Prior, Co-ordinator, Southill Family Resource Centre, Co. Limerick.
Representatives from Family Resource Centres (FRCs) in Limerick attended the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF)
Representatives from Family Resource Centres (FRCs) in Limerick including Jimmy Prior, Co-ordinator, Southill Family Resource Centre, attended the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF) national conference at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, last week.
Featured in the line-up of speakers was Edgar Flores, a Guatemalan man who came to Ireland as an international protection applicant with his young family in 2023, and now works as a bilingual family support worker at Clones FRC, Co. Monaghan. Mr Flores shared his experience of navigating the immigration system in Ireland and how he draws on this to help others, as part of his role with Clones FRC.
Speaking at the conference, Fergal Landy, CEO of Family Resource Centre National Forum said, “As we grapple with the complexities of inter-culturalism, building communities that are inclusive is crucial. Family Resource Centres – including those in Limerick – have been instrumental in supporting local communities including those who have come and made their lives in those communities all around Ireland. We’ve heard lots of examples of best practices today and how these can be replicated in communities across the country with the right funding from Government.
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“In the last number of years, some people have been exploiting tensions in our communities, seeking to divide society through racism. Many of our communities are struggling with intergenerational poverty and inequality without access to housing or proper public services in areas like health, including mental health, disability, and education. These communities need safe spaces, such as FRCs, to come and discuss their concerns and advocate for their community. In a fully inclusive Ireland, everyone – regardless of their background, gender, or ethnicity – should have access to their basic human needs and the opportunity to contribute and thrive in the community.
“Edgar’s story shows us what can happen when a community has the right supports in place. Migrants who become a part of our society by participating economically, socially, culturally and politically, can only have a positive impact on our society as a whole. It’s vital that real community development, through FRCs and similar community work settings, is adequately and sustainably resourced so that we can build communities that are inclusive and welcoming for everyone.”
The conference featured roundtable discussions, presentations of best practices and expert speakers exploring the theme ‘Inclusive Communities and Intercultural Practice: A Community Development Approach to Interculturalism through the National FRC Programme’.
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