Pictured at the Barnardos Edenderry 30th aniversary celebration last week were (L-R): Clare Deane, Assistant Director; Margaret O’Connell, Project Worker; Bernadette McCormack, Administrator; Deirdre Cahir, Project Leader; Rosie Ryan, Support Staff; Carol Faulkner, Project Worker, Laois Offaly Parents Hub; Claire Feeney, Project Worker; Caroline Nolan, Project Worker; and Sinead Flynn, Project Worker, Barnardos.

Barnardos charity celebrates 30 years in Edenderry

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Last week, the charity Barnardos held an event celebrating 30 years working with children and families in Edenderry.

More than 50 people attended the celebration on Tuesday, September 16, including families who have received support, funders Tusla, and community partners.

Deirdre Cahir, Barnardos Project Leader, said: "Barnardos' journey in Edenderry began in 1994 with the development of breakfast and afterschool clubs, mother and toddler groups, and an individual parenting programme.

"From little acorns great oaks grow – and what started as a grass roots services to meet the then current needs of the families has grown and developed to the more intensive, trauma informed, individualised support service that is delivered today.

"All families and individuals are met with care, respect and individual support," she added.

The partnership approach in serving the community with the then-Midland Health Board has continued between Tusla and Barnardos in more recent times.

The charity said this relationship has grown and developed over the years, and ensures specialised supports are delivered to families at a local level in times of need or crisis.

Pictured at the Barnardos Edenderry 30th celebration were: (L-R): Stephanie Whyte, Director of Services, Barnardos; Steve Wrenn, PPFS Manager, Tusla; Annette Maguire, Area Manager, Tusla; Clare Deane, Assistant Director, Barnardos; Suzanne Connolly, CEO, Barnardos; and Deirdre Cahir, Project Leader, Barnardos.

In the past six months, 60 children and young people have been referred into the service, and 42 parents have been supported during this time in a wide variety of parenting supports

In 2024, in partnership with TUSLA and the Children and Young People's Services Committees (CYPSC), Barnardos developed a Parent Hub for Laois and Offaly, which is expected to become a 'one stop shop' in signposting parents and professionals to family supports available in the two counties.

To contact the Parent Hub, phone 046 973 2463 or email: laoisoffalyparenthub@barnardos.ie

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