‘A rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs’
IN March 2020, Nenagh-based Silver Arch Family Resource Centre had to close their doors to the public, for what we all thought would be just a few short weeks.
Supports continued to be offered remotely and they were finally able to reopen, and meet people face-to-face in July, with Covid-19 precautions and procedures firmly in place.
Silver Arch FRC is a long-standing community organisation that aims to provide responsive support to individuals and families in the local community. Although their doors were closed, services continued to be provided.
According to Manager, Caroline Lydon, “the nature of our work didn’t change, but the methods we used most certainly did. Not being able to provide face-to-face support, convene groups and conduct home visits was a challenge but we responded creatively by delivering support over the phone (sometimes with daily calls); online services and by delivering practical support to families in need, such as food packages; resources for children; activity packs and garden visits when necessary.
“Many families experienced a rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs during lockdown and the most significant issues for people who contacted us were parenting concerns, relationships difficulties, coping with stress and financial difficulties.”
One of the positive outcomes of the lockdown experience, was the interagency and collaborative work undertaken by statutory and voluntary services, as agencies worked together to ensure that vulnerable people in the community were supported. Silver Arch FRC worked in partnership with Tusla PPFS Dept, Tipperary County Council and other agencies across the county on a number of initiatives to ensure that they could reach those most in need. They were also able to co-ordinate a number of creative projects – like the Community Mothers Recipe Book, for example.
This colourful book is crammed full of easy-to-follow recipes the whole family can enjoy. It was compiled by families during lockdown, who found themselves spending more time in their kitchens baking and experimenting with ingredients they had in their cupboards. These books would make a great stocking filler, and are available to purchase for €5 from Silver Arch FRC. All donations go directly back into the service to support families.
Like many of the 121 FRCs across the country, Silver Arch FRC has seen an increase in demand for supports this year. The team have responded to this need creatively, introducing a range of programmes and supports that can be accessed online, and implementing Covid-19 protective measures so that some face-to-face services can resume, keeping client and staff safety in mind.
If you would like to find out more about the services on offer, please contact (067) 31800 or visit www.silverarchfrc.ie. Please also see our Christmas Colouring Competition on page 60 of this week's Nenagh Guardian.