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1 - Feb / Mar 06 |
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Welcome to ‘The Resource’
This is the first edition of ‘The Resource’, the online newsletter of the Family Resource Centre National Forum, (NFFRC). This newsletter is being provided in response to the recent communications review which was carried out by DHR Communications. We hope that you will find it a useful means of staying in touch with the National Forum, and other FRCs around the country. This is just a first step. A newly revamped website will go online in the coming weeks, and will be available at www.familyresource.ie. We have also launched a text messaging service (see details below).
The launch of this newsletter is timely, as it coincides with the recent endorsement of the NFFRC’s strategic plan, ‘Supporting Families, Building Communities’. The document is available below. Please print off this document, and ensure it is available to everyone involved in your organisation.
Communications is of course a two way process. Please let us know if you have any suggestions with regard to improving this newsletter. In particular we would like to know your news, tips and advice, (including photographs!) so you can share your experiences with other FRCs around Ireland.
Best Wishes,
The Resource Editor |
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Unanimous endorsement of the NFFRC’s Strategic Plan
The recent gathering of the Family Resource Centre National Forum in Ballyfermot was a resounding success, with the meeting unanimously endorsing the NFFRC’s Strategic Plan, ‘Supporting Families, Building Communities’ .
The meeting was chaired by Vice-Chair Patricia Wall, who stood in at the last minute for Packie Kelly. Over 50 representatives of FRCS attended the event, and there was lots of lively discussion. Particular thanks to Angela Copeley and her team in Ballyfermot, who as always helped to ensure that the day went smoothly.
After a welcome address by Patricia Wall, Dick Hickey gave a report from the Family Support Agency. This was followed by an informative presentation by Peter Kiernan, from the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA).
Peter’s presentation can be accessed here:  |
Communications Review
Dermot Ryan from DHR Communications then gave a presentation on the Communications Review. 61% of centres completed the survey. This is a positive result, but of course it does mean that there are still 39% we cannot guarantee full communications with. It is not too late to fill in the survey, so if you haven’t done it yet, please take a few minutes to do so now.
Just follow this link:
www.paintbox.ie/familyresource/review_form.htm
Dermot then gave some ideas as to how DHR would work with the forum over the coming months to improve communications. Dermot’s presentation can be view here:
DHR will build communications through the website over the coming months. All feedback and suggestions are welcome. |
‘Supporting Families, Building Communities’ –
National Forum Strategic Plan
After DHR’s presentation, the Forum discussed the main issue of the day, the Strategic Plan – ‘Supporting Families, Building Communities’. Anne Shortall began by going through the consultation process which had been ongoing for some time now. All FRCS were given a chance to input to the plan, and Anne thanked everyone for their co-operation.
Alice Griffin then went through the highlights of the Plan, explaining each of the Strategic Goals. After the presentation, Patricia Wall called for the plan to be endorsed, on the recommendation of the Board. There was unanimous agreement to do so. Those present paid tribute to all of those who put in the work to make this happen, in particular, Alice Griffin.
A copy of the Strategic Plan, ‘Supporting Families, Building Communities’ is available here. (.pdf document) s
Please make sure it is available to everyone at your centre.
Nexus
After lunch, there was a lively discussion on Nexus. Anne Shortall led the discussion, and informed the body of her recent meeting with Pat Bennett. Individual FRCs then gave their opinion on how we should move forward to try and solve the problems which centres have experienced. The meeting agreed that the Chair, Packie Kelly should work with the Liaison Committee to ensure that these issues are resolved satisfactorily |
New website address
The NFFRC’s website name has changed to www.familyresource.ie This should make it easier to find on a search engine, and the name is also easier to remember.
A newly revamped website will be launched in the coming weeks, and will be much more interactive, and hopefully drastically improve communications. The old website address www.frncf.com will redirect to the new website, so don’t worry if you have given it out. |
Upcoming Events
Board Training Days – 2nd & 3rd March 2006, Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare. This training has been organised for all full and alternate members of the Board. Please contact Jean Garland or Dermot Ryan for more information.
Board Meeting – 11am, 3rd March 2006, Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare. |
Useful Information
The following are some links to information which many in your organisation might find useful.
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News from the Regions
We are currently trying to establish a section on the website detailing news from around the country. Please email us with details of any news etc which you would like to share with other regions and FRCs.
Email: dermot@dhr.ie |
Text Alert Service
We are currently using a text message service to alert people with regard to meetings and news etc. If you haven’t already signed up for this service through the Communications Review,
please email mobile phone details to dermot@dhr.ie |
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Event Pics: |
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Patricia Wall (centre) who chaired the proceedings in Ballyfermot. Tipperary woman Patricia is outnumbered by Corkonians, Mary Martin O'Sullivan (left), and Evelyn O'Donoghue (right), both from Castletownbere Family Resource Centre. |
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Attendees at the National Forum meeting in Ballyfermot listen intently to the presentation on the Strategic Plan by Alice Griffin. |
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Karen Ryan (left) from Three Drives Family Resource Centre, Tipperary Town, and Marian McCabe, Ballyspillane Family Resource centre pictured in Ballyfermot. |
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Catriona McEvoy, Dick Hickey and Angela Joy from St Brigid's Family Resource Centre, Waterford at the recent National Forum meeting in Ballyfermot. |
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Contact Us
For information on the Family Resource Centre National Forum, or to make any suggestions with regard to communication, please contact Dermot Ryan at DHR Communications.
Email: dermot@dhr.ie |
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Disclaimer
The contents of this Newsletter are provided as an information guide only. While every effort is made in preparing material for publication no responsibility is accepted by or on behalf of the NFFRC for any errors, omissions or misleading statements in this Newsletter or on any site to which this Newsletter connects. Although every effort is made to ensure the reliability of listed sites, most of these sites are not under our control and the NFFRC is, therefore, not responsible for their policies on privacy or their content.
We do not redistribute or sell your e-mail address to any third party. Your e-mail address is strictly for news and updates from NFFRC. |
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