What is a Family Resource Centre?

​The Family Resource Centre (FRC) programme is Ireland’s largest national family and community-based support programme, core funded by Tusla – (The Child and Family Agency). 
​FRC's are located within a community-based model of family support and this model is at the heart of the Programme. 
Family Resource Centres are managed by local voluntary management committees, which are critical in facilitating meaningful participation within communities and in ensuring local knowledge and accountability. 

Since May 2004 the Shannon FRC has been located in the Respond Community Building in the Rineanna View Estate in Shannon, Co. Clare. 
Shannon Family Resource Centre was established as a limited Company on October 15, 2001, with initial funding drawn down from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. ​

All About us and Our Centre

Shannon Family Resource Centre was founded in 2001 and is based in the Respond Community Building in Rineanna View Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare. Shannon FRC is a registered charity (CHY 15115). 

The Shannon Family Resource Centre provides services for all ages from 'Cradle to Grave'. 

​The Family Resource Centre employs 6 staff. The centre relies on the support of local volunteers to ensure services are provided for the community.  

 How we work
​​Shannon Family Resource Centre works holistically in the community with individuals, children & families to build their resilience & actively participate in  in their own community. 

We work with partner organisations to deliver and facilitate personal development & other programmes. 

Types of Services we provide

Shannon Family Resource Centre offers a wide variety of services to people from the Shannon region of County Clare. Our services are:

• Information and advice on a range of topics
• Professional Counselling for Adults and Children (low cost).
• ​Family support including parenting programmes, Meitheal, etc
• A weekly homework club for primary school age children from the community.
• Facilitate a range of community education classes and courses ranging from flower arranging, knitting, horticulture, singing, drama, as well as personal development programmes for adults. 
• Access to the internet and printing service. 
• Senior alarm programme.
• much more besides;

​Our Goal
Our overarching purpose is to respond to the needs of the community in the Shannon area and work from a strengths based approach. 

​​​We provide information, counselling, advocate on behalf of clients, as well as facilitate educational and personal development programmes for all ages. ​

Our Mission

The mission of the Shannon Family Resource Centre is to work with the community, to
encourage and enable individuals and groups to participate and take ownership of relevant
and affordable activities and supports, in a welcoming and socially inclusive environment.

​How we are funded.

The Shannon FRC currently receives core funding from Tusla (Child and Family Agency) to employ a full time Project Co-ordinator, a full time Family Support Worker  as well as a part-time administrator and a part-time Community Development Worker. Shannon FRC also employs two afterschool club workers during term time.

​Further funding is sourced from a number of agencies to deliver a wide range of activities. 

Some of our other funding sources. 

Meet Our Team

Debbie O Halloran
Co-ordinator
Debbie was appointed to the role of Co-ordinator of the Shannon Family Resource Centre in May 2023 having spent several years working with the Brothers of Charity Limerick and Clare. Debbie has been a volunteer for many years within the community, studying community development
and family studies at in NUIG. Community Development has been paramount to Debbie’s journey both personally and professionally and she has seen first-hand the how community supports can empower people to make a difference.
"The greatest asset in any community are its people"
As the role of Co-ordinator with the Shannon Family Resource Centre, Debbie would like to have an open-door approach to the community needs, and welcome members of the community to visit or email queries that they might have. 

​
​​Phone: 085 2526443   
​E-mail: [email protected] ​
​

Adelle Aherne
Iscoil Support Worker and Project Administrator
         Adelle has worked for the Shannon Family Resource Centre since 2009. In her role as Iscoil Support Worker,  Adelle is an advocate for every young learner that enters the programme, ensuring that they have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in their educational pathway.  As the project administrator, Adelle is dedicated to orchestrating impactful initiatives that bring people together, address local needs, and inspire lasting change.     ​
​Phone: 086 2036083 
E-mail: [email protected] 
​​

​Suzanne Slattery
Social Prescribing Link worker 
Suzanne was appointed to the role of Social Prescribing Link Worker with Shannon FRC in April 2024. 
Phone: 087 1959101
E-mail: [email protected] 
​

Daniel Casey
 Project Worker & Homework Club Facilitator  
Daniel has been a facilitator in the Afterschool Programme since 2018.  He has a  brilliant way with the children and brings lots of enthusiasm and fun to the programme each week. 
Daniel is also responsible for our Digital Skills Programme for older people, he enjoys  demystifying  technology,  and empowering  learners to develop essential digital skills that are relevant and applicable to their lives.

​Phone: 061 707600
E-mail: [email protected] 
​

​Anna Papyan
Community Development Worker
Anna was appointed to the role of community Development Worker in March 2022, she was already employed by Shannon FRC as a after school programme coordinator and has a good knowledge of the Shannon Community.
​Anna also works with University of Limerick on research projects and brings a lot of knowledge and skills to the role. Anna is keen to develop community programmes and activities for all ages and will work with ethnic minorities and new communities along with native Irish families in advocating and developing responses the their needs in Shannon.

​​Phone: 087 9649948
E-mail: [email protected] ​​

​Cathal Dillon
Family Support Worker 
Cathal was appointed Family Support Worker in February 2020. He has 20 years experience of working with young people and families.
​Cathal was Youth Worker for Shannon from 2004 to 2009. He has since worked as a Community Youth Worker & Youth & Family Support Worker in disadvantaged areas of Limerick city. 
Cathal works to a strengths based approach with children and families and is trained in Restorative Practice & Meitheal.

​Phone: 087 1232489   
​​E-mail: [email protected]  ​​

Olga Orlova
Ukrainian Support Worker & Parent & Toddler Facilitator
Olga has been a volunteer with the Shannon Family Resource Centre for many years. In 2024 Olga was appointed as a Ukrainian Support Worker, offering a range of supports & services to refugees.
As a receptionist Olga is a vital link between staff, volunteers, and community members, helping to coordinate schedules, disseminate information, and ensure smooth operations throughout the centre. She also loves working with children, bringing positivity and energy to the parent & toddler group which she facilitates every Friday.  

Phone: 086 2036088
E-mail: [email protected]

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