We were honoured to welcome the Tánaiste on a visit to our offices on Friday to hear first-hand about a range of ambitious local initiatives addressing child poverty, family wellbeing and social inclusion.
During the visit, the Tánaiste met with BNWAP staff involved in several pioneering programmes that aim to tackle intergenerational disadvantage through early intervention and prevention, employment support, and community development.
The Tánaiste was briefed on the Family: Adult & Child Enhanced Services (F:ACES) Initiative - part of a national pilot under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth’s Area-Based Child Poverty Action Plan. Operating in targeted neighbourhoods in Bray and South-East Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, F:ACES takes a collaborative, systems-based approach to addressing the root causes of child poverty.
The Parent Child Psychological Support Programme, funded through the What Works Initiative, was also discussed. Set to launch in Bray in the coming months, the programme increases the number of health and wellbeing check-ups for infants in their first 18 months and offers wraparound psychological and emotional supports to parents during this crucial time. The programme will be delivered in partnership with BNWAP’s SPECS Initiative, Tusla and the HSE.
The Tánaiste also learned about BNWAP’s IMPACT WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme, which supports people with disabilities to access and sustain meaningful employment. This initiative, co-funded by the EU and the Department of Social Protection, offers personalised supports, from CV development to job placement, and assists employers in building inclusive workplaces.
BNWAP CEO Peter Brennan commented:
“We were delighted to welcome the Tánaiste and share the depth of work underway in Bray and North Wicklow to support families, tackle disadvantage and empower communities. These programmes demonstrate what is possible when we work together locally with vision, commitment and collaboration.”
The visit marks a valuable recognition of the energy and innovation driving social change at local level. BNWAP looks forward to continued engagement with national partners as it works to improve outcomes for individuals and families across the Bray and North Wicklow region.