Welcome to the Family Centre Castlebar

family & parenting

Supporting and Coping with Teenagers

Teenagers are in transition from childhood to adulthood. It is a time of great developmental change. They are changing physically, sexually, emotionally, intellectually and in their behaviours. They want to be the same as their peers and have a sense of belonging and yet they are on a quest to find out who they are as individuals. The natural tensions between these different "pushes and pulls" can make life challenging for them and for those who care about them. Parents and teachers are often at their wit's end to try to be caring on the one hand and set reasonable limits and boundaries on the other. It can be a stressful time for everybody. This seminar looks at ways in which adults can help and support teenagers, encourage their development and yet give them the freedoms to stretch themselves out into the wider world in a way that helps them to grow in independence and self confidence. It is suitable for parents and teachers.

Date: Wednesday 20th March

Time: 7.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.

Facilitator: Michael Hardiman.
Michael is a Counselling Psychologist and has worked in the fields of private counselling, training and development for over 25 years. He is the author of five books. He holds post graduate degrees in both Psychology and Philosophy.

Venue: Mayo Education Centre, Westport Road, Castlebar

Cost: Free of Charge.

This programme is offered in association with the Mayo Education Centre



Taking our families forward©

This programme is aimed at developing communities of support for parents supporting children with a range of "additional needs". The group will be limited to a maximum of 8-10 parents.
Taking our Families Forward is a solution-focused programme which:
Is a goal-directed approach that helps those who attend to make positive changes by focusing on solutions rather than problems;
Focuses on supporting parents to develop practical and concrete solutions that have a positive impact and long-lasting effect on their lives and those of their children;
Assumes that every parent is an expert in their own lives but may sometimes need support in discovering and accessing their strengths and resources.

Dates: Wednesday February 20th, 27th, & March 6th and 13th.

Time: 7.30 p.m - 9.30 p.m.

Facilitator: This programme will be facilitated by Stephanie Fitzgerald
Educational Psychologist Mayo, HSE. She has developed the Taking Our Family Forward programme as part of her research in the area of family support.

Cost: €20.

This programme is being provided in partnership with the HSE Psychology Service in Mayo.

Understanding and Supporting Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger's Syndrome

This workshop is suitable for parents and teachers of school going children who have Autistic Spectrum Disorders. The presenters will discuss how we can better understand these disorders and examine some strategies to enable us to support and encourage these children in as constructive a way as possible.

Date: Tuesday 12th March

Time: say 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm

Facilitators: Joanne Mc Mahon and Andrew Clarke.
Joanne is an Autism Support Advisor who has worked with Western Care Association for 8years. Previously Joanne has worked in Education and in ASD and Special Educational units in the UK. Joanne now largely works with families and children with "Asperger's" in mainstream schools.
Andrew is School Age Manager for the Autism Team with Western Care Association. Andrew has worked here for 4 years, but has over 20 years experience in the field including working in a specialist ASD school in the UK, and managing Adult Services including individualised support services and working in the field of Community Supports and Community Education.

Venue: Mayo Education Centre, Westport Road, Castlebar

Cost: Free of Charge.

This programme is offered in association with the Western Care Association & Mayo Education Centre


Separated Persons Support Group

Separation in close intimate relationships is a painful reality for many people. Coping with this new reality can be extremely difficult on both children and adults. The Family Centre offers specific individual services for those who are separated particularly to ensure children are kept central to everybody's concern. In addition we now have two Separated Persons support groups facilitated by those who are themselves separated and trained in group facilitation. The groups operate under the auspices of our Family Life after Separation project. If you wish to find out more about these groups please contact the Family Centre for further information. 094 9025900

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Support group for parents of children who have been sexually abused

For the past year the Family Centre has facilitated a monthly support group for parents who have had to deal with the reality of their child/children having been sexually abused. The group is now open to new parents joining their monthly support meetings during 2012. The group meets on a highly confidential basis where parents are enabled to support each other in a respectful way that helps to overcome the isolation many people feel with this issue.

Anyone interested in attending or receiving more information about the group should contact Máire Ní
Dhomhnaill, Counsellor or Michael Burke, Psychologist, in confidence, on 094 9025900.

Support group for parents of children with Autistic Spectrum disorders including Asperger's syndrome

Parents who have children with the above disorders/ syndromes meet monthly in the Family Centre to give each other personal support and share information and helping strategies. All parents or carers of these children are invited to attend. Meetings are very informal.

Date: Dates available by contacting the Family Centre.

Time: 8.00 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.

Venue: The Family Centre, Chapel St., Castlebar.

Facilitators: Parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

Cost: No charge.