Campaign for FRC in Mayo's Erris region at a critical stage
Efforts to highlight the urgent need for a community and family resource centre in Mayo's Erris region have been ramped up in recent weeks.
The steering committee have completed a comprehensive strategic plan which will form the main component of their proposal to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
A petition has been live for a number of weeks, for the attention of Minister Roderic O’Gorman, the CEO of Tusla, and the four TDs who represent Co. Mayo. Thus far there are over 2,000 signatures.
Last week, the committee completed the final of five community information meetings hosted in each of the five Erris parishes.
One of the most vital aspects of the campaign to secure a family and community resource centre for Erris is support from the local community. Public meetings were held in Kilmore (Halla Naomh Brendáin), Belmullet (Áras Inis Gluaire), Kiltane (Geesala Community Centre), Kilcommon (Teach Greannaí) and Ballycroy (Ballycroy Community Centre).
The meetings were an opportunity for people to learn about what a family resource centre is and how it could benefit the local area. They also allowed people to raise any additional needs or issues that they considered relevant.
The parish meetings revealed that the need for an FRC in Erris is stronger than ever. Those in attendance told of their lived experiences with respect to the gaps in services and supports, and how it has impacted on their lives and well-being. Personal stories were shared, with both hope and regret for the desperate need to bring a much-needed resource to this extremely isolated region.
VAST SIZE
The strongest themes that arose across all the meetings were in relation to the vast size of the barony, and the isolation and lack of services as a result.
Attendees and committee members agreed the importance of having a fully resourced and fully staffed centre to meet the needs of the region.
One attendee explained: “Volunteers are burnt out and it’s not fair to expect the same people who put themselves forward to come out again and support so many people in such a huge area.”
Another person said, poignantly: “There are no community mental health supports – people are very alone and isolated. There are people dead today who might still be here if they had somewhere local to go, or someone to talk to here in our area.”
Leanne Barrett, chairperson of the steering committee, said: “A family and community resource centre would serve to fill some of the many gaps that exist locally, and would ensure that the area has the services and supports that people need, under the one roof. In addition, once we establish an FRC in Erris, it would act as a catalyst for further community development – more family, community, mental health and wellbeing supports can be developed locally.”
Ms. Barrett concluded: “The FRC programme works cooperatively and in partnership with people to address marginalisation and disadvantage. This model works in many communities like Erris all around the country.”
Committee member Rina Garrett added: “It is clear from the community meetings that there is an urgent need and a strong support for a family and community resource centre in Erris. The committee have worked on recommendations previously given to us. We have a solid plan drawn up and now we need the funding to bring this project to Erris. It is essential that individuals and families who live here can access support in their own community.”
The committee will make their proposal to the relevant representatives and departments in the coming weeks. Community members and the Erris diaspora are encouraged to lend their support by signing the petition – available online or in hard copy – as well as contacting political representatives. To find out more or to lend support, contact frcforerris@gmail.com.