The Cork Region currently has three Resource Centres which offer a broad range of activities and services. The aim of these centres is to build friendship with those experiencing social, personal and family needs through a variety of activities and the centres are open to all.
Guided by the Vincentian Spirit of ‘Empowering People,’ their mission is to help people take control of their own lives and in many communities they are the focal point through which people from all walks of life can engage with others in the activities on offer.
Carrigtwohill:
Carrigtwohill Family Resource Centre was initially developed when the members of St. Vincent de Paul Society became aware of the need for a place where the less fortunate members of the community could learn new skills and develop their talents and empower themselves to move beyond a dependency culture.
The Family Resource Centre opened in 1991 and was seen as a very positive adjunct to and a progression from the work already being carried out by the Society in the area. The Centre is managed by a small group of people who are all members of the St. Bridget and St. Anne's Conference.
Since 1991, the Centre has grown and developed, with its focus changing and broadening out so that the emphasis is now placed on the integration of all sectors of the community in an atmosphere of inclusiveness, acceptance and affirmation.
The Centre is seen as a focal point in the community by people from all walks of like, whether it's for a browse through Vincent's shop, Adult Education, Computer classes, Life Skills classes or just a place where one can meet a friendly face or find a listening ear. Many people say the Centre has become a lifeline, their place of refuge in times of crisis or anguish.
The Centre offers a wide range of activities including;
- Adult Education Classes: The centre runs different classes throughout the year. Many of the courses offer a FETAC Award.
- Parent & Toddler Group: This Group is for mothers with young children (not school-going) and meets 5 days per week, Monday to Friday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m at the Resource Centre. Our Parents and Toddler Group runs 5 mornings a week. No booking necessary. The service is run on a drop-in basis. It is a way for the parents to meet other parents and the children learn to play, share and socialise. There is music and arts and lot of time for playtime with toys. This gives them a good start for when they go to play-school or 'big school'. Many people with young families have moved into the area in recent years. In new communities networks and opportunities have to be created for people to meet. Otherwise people can feel isolated.
- Out of School Services: The aims are to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere and to offer encouragement and facilities for those for whom this support is lacking at home.
- Ogra Youth Club & Summer Scheme: Provides the opportunity for young people to join the Summer Scheme and Ogra Activities. This helps young people to make new friends, learn new skills and just have fun together! They continue into the Autumn and Winter evenings with all-year round youth activities.
- Foroige: Carrigtwohill Area Youth Project: The fundamental purpose of the project is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and the development of their community.
- Community Welfare Officer - Every Wednesday morning from 9am until 11am.
- FAS Clinic - Taylor House, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. From 10am until 12.30pm.
- Public Health Nurse - Resource Centre, every morning at 9.30am.
- FAS Supervisor - Resource Centre, contact 4389873.
- Connect Youth Project - Click here for more info. Contact Co-ordinator Joan Nolan 086-0472511
- Women’s Integration Group - A new group for women has been established in Carrigtwohill under the auspices of St. Vincent de Paul. The group has been set up as a result of a perceived need among women in the community for such a forum. The Women’s Integration Group seeks to provide an opportunity for women from all communities in Carrigtwohill to get together in a welcoming environment to share experiences, to learn new skills and to provide a support network for each other.
If you would like to find out more about the centre and of up and coming events please go to the Resource Centre's website.