A new Family Resource Centre is set to be funded in Waterford this year.
The initiative will be operated by Ballybeg CDP and is one of 11 new centres announced by Children's Minister Katherine Zappone.
They provide a range of services including family support work, counselling, education and training courses, and youth groups.
Waterford Minister of State John Halligan said he was delighted that the excellent frontline work which has been intrinsic to the Ballybeg community and Ballybeg CDP for so many years is being recognised.
"Ballybeg CDP is one of 11 groups which will receive extra support and services”, Minister Halligan commented.
"The Centre will be supported due to additional funding provided to Tusla as part of Budget 2018. The Family Resource Centre will provide a variety of supports to local families, including family support work, counselling, education and training courses, and youth groups. A total of 47 applications from around the country were received and assessed and the success of the Ballybeg CDP application is in no small part down to the fantastic ongoing work of members of the staff and local community."
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone said: "Family Resource Centres are the very hub of the communities which they serve – I have seen this at first hand in every part of the country. They provide a huge range of services by working with people from cradle to the grave. They also support those going through a difficult period in their lives including bereavement, unemployment and addiction.
"The demand for new centres speaks for itself and underlines their important role. This year I am delighted to increase funding by 21% to €16.37 million for centres nationwide.”
Jim Gibson, Chief Operations Officer, Tusla said: "We’re delighted to announce the 11 new Family Resource Centres today. The expansion of our Family Resource Centre Programme will see 11 more communities supported through a range of community services including family support work, counselling, education and training courses, and youth groups.
"Family Resource Centres are rooted in and part of local communities and as a result they can identify need in families and communities early and offer appropriate interventions and supports. Tusla’s Family Resource Centre Programme is an important part of our work to prioritise early intervention across our services."
The announcement is part of a range of initiatives announced for Family Resource Centres as part of Budget 2018. Tusla is investing a total of €16.37 million into the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2018, an increase of 21% compared to 2017.
