FRCs are located within a community-based family support model, which is at the heart of the Programme. Community development’s centrality in informing the approaches, values, and methods underpinning FRCs’ work is a defining feature of their contribution. A further defining characteristic of FRCs is that they are managed by local voluntary management committees, which are critical in facilitating meaningful community participation and ensuring local knowledge and accountability.FRCs have an open-door policy. 

A central feature of the FRC programme is the involvement of local people in identifying needs and developing needs-led responses. FRCs are participative and empowering organisations that support families while building the capacity and leadership of local communities. FRCs provide a range of universal and targeted services and development opportunities that address the needs of families. 

FRCs provide, deliver and facilitate the following activities: 

• Information, advice, and support to target groups and families, and information concerning the range of services and development options available locally and advice on accessing rights and entitlements; 
• Onward referrals to mainstream service providers; 
• Education courses and training opportunities to support personal growth and skills development; 
• Establishment and maintenance of new community groups to meet local needs and deliver services at the local level (e.g., childcare facilities, after-school clubs, men’s groups, etc.); 
• Counselling and support services to individuals and groups; 
• Creating capacity and leadership within communities; 
• Personal and group development opportunities; 
• Providing practical assistance to individuals and community groups, such as access to information technology and office facilities.
  

The mission of Southend Family Resource Centre is to work with the Southend Community, Wexford, to improve the quality of people’s lives by identifying their needs and issues and to develop responses that specifically address these needs and issues by prioritising disadvantage and social inclusion. 

The Southend of Wexford Town is bounded by King St to the north and Rocklands to the south and comprises an area of around 1000 households. The Southend Community Development Group was established in 2001 by a group of local volunteers, formed in response to a perceived lack of community services and facilities in the area. They believed that they could make a difference to the lives of people in their community. 

Working with Wexford Local Development, they set up the RAPID Team for Southend in 2005 and one of their first achievements was the establishment of Maudlintown Community Playground. The Group secured funding from the Family Support Agency and so the Family Resource Centre opened its doors in 2006 in the humble surroundings of a small rented apartment above the shops at the top of The Faythe, Wexford. The Management and Staff could now implement a range of programmes and activities at the Centre. The Centre was officially launched in May 2008, by then-minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin TD amid great local celebration. 

We are now located at the top of Hantoon Road, in a building which was developed over the past year from a former private residence. Special thanks are extended to Co Wexford VEC, which made the development possible through a capital grant from the Young Persons Fund for Services and Facilities. It is the culmination of over a decade of hard work and determination on the part of local people to now have a permanent home for the FRC. 

It is home to a range of community groups, a meeting place and a source of information and support for individuals and families from the Southend Area. 

The Centre is run by a Voluntary Board of Management, comprised of local residents who represent the diversity of the community it serves. This ensures that what takes place at the Centre is informed by and responsive to the members of the community.  

Our aim is to work with families and the community to identify and tackle the causes and effects of unemployment, poverty and social isolation.  

By working with people of all ages and stages in life, we support families to build a healthy and thriving community. Much of the activities in the Centre are based on groups, which allows people to come together and build strong social networks and support structures. 

We are funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs through the Child and Family Agency, known as TUSLA. 

Opening Times 

The Centre is open to drop-in to any weekday morning from 9am to 5pm. At other times please call to ensure that somebody is available to see you. 

Some of our groups and activities also take place in the evenings and night-times, as well as off-site (e.g. in the local school), due to space restrictions with our current premises 

Our Location 

We can be found at the top of Hantoon Road in Maudlintown, Wexford, at the junction with Gulbar Road. 

This is just off Maudlintown Green / Playground and opposite the Senator Windows unit.  

Services at a glance 

• ​Community Groups 
• Computer Access 
• Meeting Room 
• CV Preparation 
• Photocopying 
• Information Point 
• Drop-In 
• Youth Work 
• Volunteering Opportunities 
• Community  
• Library 
• Baby and toddler group 
• Family Support 

If you want to learn more about the work we do at the Centre, inquire about meeting space or support for your group, wish to volunteer telephone 053 9126027 or email [email protected]