Action For Children (Ballymote Family Project) - Downpatrick

The Ballymote Family Project provides Sure Start and Family Support services We provide a range of services for children under four and their families in the Ballymote area of Downpatrick. Through a mixture of support and practical advice we help these local disadvantaged families to work through their problems and learn to help themselves. Challenges we face: Many of the mums and dads we work with are living under the strain of unemployment, poor housing and community division. Parents often have no access to transport, so can’t take their children on the trips and outings that so many of us take for granted. We also work with many parents who have to moved to the area from different countries. These families often have no support network and find integrating into the community difficult. The Project promotes the development of young children and aims to enhance the skills of parents in caring for their children. We provide a safe and stimulating environment in which children can be encouraged in all areas of their development. We do this through play and planned activities with fully qualified staff. We also offer support to children, parents and families whio are experiencing difficulties. And we offer parents a range of services to help them strengthen their relationships with their own children, learn ways to handle difficulties and enjoy their children. The project also offers Family Support to families, parents and children. Family Support is a service which offers families advice and support as well as offering parents the opportunity to develop their skills to carry out the daily tasks in bringing up a family. Throughout the year we run groups for parents and families within the Family Project and local community. We run Playgroup sessions and Parent and Toddler Group. The Project also runs an issue based group for young people aged 11-17 years. This group offers young people the opportunity to increase confidence and skills, learn to cope with problems such as making friends, share knowledge, skills and experiences, reduce isolation and meeti new people. We provide courses designed to support parents in their care and development of their child and parents have reported very positive changes as a result of these parenting programmes. To avail of any of our services, please contact the office on 028 4461 7837