Mayo success story as Erris Family & Community Support Centre joins national FRC programme
Erris Family & Community Support Centre (FCSC) is delighted to announce its formal inclusion in the National Family Resource Centre programme, as announced by Minister Norma Foley and her party colleague Minister Dara Calleary last week.
This marks a significant milestone for the project following a strategic and long-term campaign.
The establishment and recognition of Erris FCSC within the national programme represents a new chapter – one that provides structure, support, and renewed hope for families and individuals across the region.
Being part of the national programme provides greater security, sustainability and opportunities for increased access to resources. It also connects Erris FCSC to a vibrant network of 136 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) across Ireland – a collective dedicated to sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and learning together to strengthen families and communities nationwide.
The announcement comes three years after the initial steering committee were allocated annual core funding by the then CEO of Tusla, Bernard Gloster.
Since its establishment in 2023, the centre has worked from a combined model of family support and community development, and aligns with the priorities of the FRC National Forum and its funder, Tusla - The Child and Family Agency, particularly regards prevention and early intervention.
At the heart of Erris FCSC’s work are community development values and principles – collective action, community empowerment, social justice, sustainable development, human rights, and participation – values which lie at the core of both the national network and of Erris FCSC’s own mission locally.
Chairperson Rosaleen Lally said: “After years of hard work and advocacy, I am thrilled that the Erris Family & Community Support Centre has finally been granted official Family Resource Centre (FRC) status. Being part of the initial steering group set up to lobby for this vital service has been an honour.
“This milestone is a testament to the dedication of my fellow board members, past and present, and our staff team.
“To the Erris community: this centre belongs to you. Having the security of a permanent FRC means long-term support and services right here where we live.”
Erris is an area of extraordinary resilience. Despite facing challenges such as depopulation, unemployment, lack of investment, emigration, and social issues; the community continues to demonstrate pride, determination, and belief in its own ability to forge a better future. The Centre has always strived to be a vehicle for this collective action and self-determination.
The Family Resource Centre programme is Ireland’s largest family and community support programme, funded by Tusla - The Child and Family Agency under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Admission to the programme recognises the established role of Erris Family & Community Support Centre as a trusted and necessary resource for the local community.
Coordinator Leanne Barrett explained: “A collective effort across community, state bodies and public representatives has finally achieved this good news for the area. It provides a level of stability and recognition that will support the centre’s sustainability into the future, enhancing our capacity, deepening our impact and ensuring that family and community supports remain locally driven and accessible.”
Ms. Barrett continued: “We have benefitted from the support of FRCs across the county and the region since our campaign began, and we look forward to working alongside our colleagues across the programme to continue building a fairer, stronger, and more connected community in Erris.”
The centre currently rents office space from the Irish Wheelchair Association in Belmullet. A three-person staff team is employed – a co-ordinator, administrator and a family support worker. Erris Family & Community Support Centre is well established in the local area but recognises that there are still families who are unaware of their work. A dedicated building that is centrally located and recognisable is the next goal for the centre’s management.
“Continued political and stakeholder support will be vital as we work towards securing a dedicated premises that will allow the centre to reach its full potential and meet the changing needs of our community,” concluded Ms. Barrett.