Welcome to the Family Centre Castlebar

family & parenting

Taking our families forward
focusing on emotional and behavioural difficulties

This course is intended for parents of families who feel that they could benefit from some very specific support in developing "tailored" responses to rearing their children. The course should be particularly helpful in coping with emotional or behavioural challenges.

Free Information Night: If you are not sure whether this course is suitable for you then please come along to the free information night that will take place on Thursday 23rd January at 8 p.m. in the Family Centre.

Dates of the Course: Tuesdays, Feb. 9th, 16th, 23rd. March 2nd, 9th & 16th.

Time: 7.30-9.30

Presenter: Stephanie Fitzgerald.
Stephanie is an Educational Psychologist who has delivered a range of courses to parents facing many challenges, including social and emotional and behavioural difficulties. She works part-time in Trinity College, Dublin and has lecturing input to the Schools of Education in University College Dublin and the National College of Art and Design. In 2007, Stephanie was the recipient of the Social Entrepreneur Award for her work in setting up a support network for parents of children with special needs.

Cost: €120 per family. book course

Further practical interventions and strategies for parenting and working with children with ADHD

This course is a follow up to a similar course held last Autumn. It is designed for parents and teachers who are trying to support children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The presenter will examine practical strategies and interventions that both parents and teachers can constructively use with these children. Parents and teachers will also be encouraged to share any previous experiences they may have had with ADHD that might benefit others.
It is not necessary to have been at the first course if you wish to attend this one.

Date: Wednesday 21st April

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

Venue: Mayo Education Centre, Westport Road, Castlebar.

Presenter: Stephanie Fitzgerald. Educational Psychologist

Cost: No Charge book course

This course is being provided in association with the Mayo Education Centre


Further practical interventions and strategies for parenting and working with children with Asperger's syndrome

This evening event is identical to the one listed above except that it is concerned with children who are diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. . It is also a follow up to a previous course held last Autumn. Similarly, attendance at the first course is not essential if you wish to attend this one.

Date: Wed. May 19th

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

Venue: Mayo Education Centre, Westport Road, Castlebar

Presenter: Stephanie Fitzgerald, Educational Psychologist.

Cost: No Charge book course

This course is being provided in association with the Mayo Education Centre

Parent assertiveness

This course for parents teaches ways of respecting and directing ones children whilst not allowing oneself to be compromised. The emphasis is on developing positive assertiveness skills within the family, which help participants to be direct and open without being aggressive. It is facilitated by Family Centre facilitators who are themselves parents.

Date: Tuesdays April 13th, 20th, 27th, May 4th, 11th, 18th.

Time: 8.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m

Led by: Family Centre Parenting Facilitators

Cost: €40 book course


Helping teenagers grow while staying "sane" yourself

The teenage years can be difficult for "teens", parents and schools. Many "teens" struggle in adapting to their job of growing up. Parents and teachers are often at a loss to know how they can help support their young people yet keep reasonable boundaries with them. In this presentation we will explore some ideas on how to care for the young people around you while using these years as the opportunity to help them grow into self confident and thoughtful young adults.

Date: Tuesday 9th Feb. 2010.

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

Venue: Mayo Education Centre, Westport Road, Castlebar (beside the GMIT)

Presenter: Gerry Farrell. For many years Gerry has been of great assistance to many adults in helping them to understand something of the journey of our teenagers through the teenage years. Gerry is a counsellor with the Probation Services Treatment Centre in Harristown, Castlerea. He is a tutor in Trinity College, Dublin on the Diploma in Counselling Course and he lectures widely on topics concerning young people and their growth and development.

Cost: Free of Charge. book course

This presentation is offered in association with the Mayo Education Centre, Westport Road, Castlebar.