The Family Centre, Castlebar, staying available and relevant in a time of pandemic
In March 2020, the Family Centre, Castlebar, like all services, had to adapt to a different world. Within one week they had moved most of their services online and continued to support existing and new counselling clients.
The centre had a very successful year and kept their core services going throughout the pandemic. These are some statistics from the 2020 annual report due to be published following the centre's annual general meeting in March:
“We met 425 counselling clients (523 in 2019) of which 299 were new referrals (398 in 2019). We delivered 2,919 counselling sessions (2,999 in 2019), which is a total of 3,017 hours (2,991 in 2019). Of those sessions, 644 were devoted principally to bereavement.
“These figures include the Mayo Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service. The above figures do not include the 599 individuals supported through the Flourish Social Prescribing Service.
“This a small example of the level of work undertaken by the Family Centre as we, like others, dealt with the changes and challenges of 2020.
“We continue to be available to the public primarily online or over the phone, with only limited capacity to meet people face-to-face adhering strictly to government health guidelines.
“We are taking new referrals. We offer an initial appointment with a counsellor. This may be face to face or through Zoom, depending on a person’s preference.
“In this session one can talk to the counsellor about their situation and they will get an understanding of counselling which will help them make an informed decision on whether it is the right option or not.”
Other services currently available
The Mayo Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service, which supports individuals, families and communities following a death by suicide. The liaison worker can be contacted through the centre on (094) 9025900 or on (087) 2172866.
The Flourish Social Prescribing Service offers adults at risk of social isolation a free and confidential in-depth support service to link with people, social activities and hobbies that may enhance their health and wellbeing and to change unhelpful behaviours or patterns associated with their social withdrawal. They offer this service through individual and group interventions. All Flourish interventions are online via Zoom.
One to one sessions by phone or Zoom where you meet the project worker and explore ways you can discover new interests at this time and ways to keep well.
Mindful Mondays - a 30-minute guided mindfulness session open to all.
New Get Creative with Flourish and the Linenhall Arts Centre, which starts on February 9 for four weeks.
New Get Fit with Flourish – a gentle introduction to exercise which starts on February 10 for four weeks.
The John Hoban Music Circle – every fortnight on Fridays at 8 p.m.
Contact: Email flourish@thefamilycentre.com to join any of the Flourish programmes.
During this lockdown the centre is opened every day from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. In the afternoon, the phone is checked for messages and responded to in a timely manner.
Spring programme
The centre's spring programme is a ‘slimmed down’ version and is all delivered online this year. We have a range of courses under personal development to suit all needs.
These are delivered in such a way as to make it comfortable for the participant to join. If you are interested, pick up the phone and give us a call.
A number of these are free of charge: Supporting a Child with Anxieties, Mindful Mondays, The John Hoban Music Circle and Older & Bolder.
Dr. Sharyn Byrne is back to facilitate Understanding and Supporting A Child with Anxieties on Thursday, February 25. It is one of the most popular courses and well worth booking as Sharyn presents the information in a very accessible way with an opportunity to ask questions.
The centre is holding a waiting list for other courses it is planning to run in the new few months.
If you cannot get a place on a particular course this time leave your contact details and the centre will get back to you in the coming weeks or months.
It is hoped to roll out a summer programme in the next few months, depending on restrictions at the time.
Contact details: Tel: (094) 902 5900. Email: info@thefamilycentre.com