Family Resource Centre National Forum

23/04/2026

📢 New Child Maintenance Guidelines & Calculator Launched

Ireland’s first Child Maintenance Guidelines have been introduced, along with a new Child Maintenance Calculator to support parents in working out a fair and consistent level of child maintenance.

This free, voluntary tool is a positive step towards improving fairness, transparency and consistency for families.

💻 Access the calculator here: https://childmaintenancecalculator.ie/
▶️ Watch how it works: https://youtu.be/9FrFlnzewbk?si=ONLUDHB50cCeAf-_

Family Resource Centres offer guidance, signposting to the right services, and opportunities to get involved in parenting programmes and supports. Find your closest FRC: https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-ireland.php

We encourage our members and partners to share this resource to help raise awareness and support families in your communities.

21/04/2026

Family Resource Centres (FRCs) play a vital role in fostering connection, encouraging participation, promoting positive mental health, and supporting people to age well within their communities.

They offer a wide range of supports that help reduce isolation, enhance wellbeing, and strengthen community connections for older people. These include social groups, community activities, information and signposting, health and wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities to remain active and engaged.

Many FRCs work in partnership with organisations that support people to age well such as:
Age Action – https://www.ageaction.ie
ALONE Ireland– https://alone.ie
Age Friendly Ireland – https://agefriendlyireland.ie
Active Retirement Ireland – https://activeirl.ie
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland – https://alzheimer.ie
Irish Hospice Foundation – https://hospicefoundation.ie
Sage Advocacy– https://www.sageadvocacy.ie

By creating welcoming and inclusive environments, FRCs help ensure that people in later life feel a continued sense of belonging, purpose, and connection, enabling them to stay actively involved and valued within their communities 💛

Find your local Family Resource Centre to learn more about what supports are available near you https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php.

If you or somone you know nees support contact SeniorLine is a confidential listening service for older people provided by trained older volunteers.
Freephone 1800 80 45 91 https://www.thirdageireland.ie/seniorline

17/04/2026

There are 136 Family Resource Centres in communities across Ireland supporting families every day.

FRCs offer a wide range of supports to help empower parents, caregivers and guardians, giving children the best start in life. From parent & toddler groups and practical supports to home visiting programmes and evidence-based courses like Parents Plus, Circle of Security, and infant massage, there’s something for every family.

By offering these supports, FRCs play an important role in supporting positive mental health and wellbeing for the whole family 💛

Find your local Family Resource Centre and see what supports are available in your community. https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php

09/04/2026

💙 World Autism Month – April 2026 💙

April is a time to recognise, celebrate and support the Autistic community across Ireland 🇮🇪

This year, Asiam.ie are bringing people together through a range of meaningful events and initiatives, creating opportunities for Autistic people, families and carers to have their voices heard 🗣️

✨ Highlights include:
The launch of the Same Chance Survey Report shaped by lived
experiences and helping inform the next National Autism Strategy : https://asiam.ie/news/seven-in-ten-say-autism-misinformation-is-rising-in-ireland---new-asiam-report
The Same Chance Walk on April 12 in Dublin & Galway 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️
“Host Your Own Walk” events happening in communities across the country 🤝
A Schools Webinar (April 17) in partnership with Microsoft Dream Space, supporting greater understanding of Autism in schools 🏫

Together, these initiatives reflect a shared goal: creating a more inclusive Ireland where Autistic people have the same chance to thrive 💙

For more information https://asiam.ie/world-autism-month

At the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF), we know that support matters. If you or your family are feeling overwhelmed, or you just dont know where to start, your local Family Resource Centre can help you connect with services and supports in your community.

📍 Find your local Family Resource Centre here: https://www.familyresource.ie/family-resource-centres-regions.php

💙

New research highlights financial pressures, waiting lists and need for action on Programme for Government commitment on National Autism Strategy

02/04/2026

📢 New Resource for Young People Leaving School - Please share with anyone who might benefit.

The School Leavers’ Guide 2026 from the Citizens Information Board is now available, a really valuable resource for young people navigating life after school.

Leaving school can be an exciting but also overwhelming time, with big decisions ahead. It’s important to remember that there are many different pathways to building a future, not just going to college. This guide explores a range of topics, including further education, employment, financial supports, and accommodation.

Having clear, accessible information like this can help young people feel more confident and supported as they take their next steps.

Available in Englishhttps://www.citizensinformationboard.ie/downloads/guides/Information_for_school_leavers_2026_en.pdf

Irish:https://www.citizensinformationboard.ie/downloads/guides/Information_for_school_leavers_2026_ga.pdf

31/03/2026

26/03/2026

25/03/2026

This iconic photo was taken at the recent Amped Up music showcase in the GAA Hall organised by the Bandon Youth Group.
Youth bands from all over west cork participated
As you can see everyone had a great time 😁making music and friends the room was full of talented young people who showed the audience what they are capable of many of these young people are only beginning their music journeys. Music classes continue with the group every Thursday their tutor Martin Vallee is an experienced musician with a Masters in music but also is able to instruct in such a way that he gets the best out of each young person.
We are not core funded by the government to run any of the programs we offer the young people at the Bandon FRC and so are often looking around for little grants and fundraising to keep going. Any ideas are very welcome
We believe the well-being of our young people needs to be supported in the community through the arts rather than in the services with projects like these the link between Arts and Health is well documented all you need to do is look at the faces of this group to know it works !

23/03/2026

🌿 Social Prescribing Day – 26 March 2026

Wellbeing Through Community Connections

Social Prescribing Day is a chance to celebrate the people and organisations supporting individuals to improve their health and wellbeing through community connections.

Across communities, social prescribing is making a real difference—connecting people to local supports, reducing isolation, and promoting inclusion and wellbeing.

This year’s theme, “Wellbeing Through Community Connections,” highlights the power of linking people with services, groups, and activities that support their needs.

Let’s come together to raise awareness, share learning, and celebrate the impact of social prescribing.

Find out more about social prescribing and local services at https://www.allirelandsocialprescribing.ie

👉 Join the conversation and share your work using

23/03/2026