01/10/2026
Such wonderful news for our Family Resource Centre family across Ireland. 🌟
We are truly delighted and honoured that Uachtarán na hÉireann / President of Ireland Catherine Connolly has accepted the invitation to become Patron of the National Family Resource Centre Programme.
This is a very special recognition of the work of our 136 Family Resource Centres, but most importantly of the people behind them — our staff, volunteers and particularly our voluntary Board Directors, who give so generously of their time, experience and commitment to ensure that FRCs remain rooted in and responsive to their communities.
So much of what happens within Family Resource Centres is built on that spirit of volunteering, community participation and people simply caring enough to make a difference.
We are deeply appreciative of President Connolly’s understanding of the FRC ethos and her commitment to shining a light on this work, particularly on the voices and communities that can too often go unheard.
A proud moment for the FRC Programme and a lovely acknowledgement of everyone, past and present, who has helped build and sustain it. 💚
Ní neart go cur le chéile — there is no strength without unity. Believe in Ballinrobe Ballinrobe Community School Child and Family Agency - Tusla Mayo Child & Family Support Networks
🌟 A significant moment for the National Family Resource Centre Programme
President Catherine Connolly becomes Patron of the National Family Resource Centre Programme
The Family Resource Centre National Forum is delighted to announce that President Catherine Connolly has accepted our invitation to become our Patron.
The National Family Resource Centre Programme is Ireland’s largest national family and community-based support programme, bringing together 136 Family Resource Centres across the country to collectively implement our human rights-based approach to community development and family support across the life-course, with a strong focus on prevention and early intervention.
Having visited so many Family Resource Centres before her election, and since her inauguration, President Connolly has seen first-hand the difference Family Resource Centres make. The collective vision of FRCs, that all children, families, individuals and communities will actively participate and be included in a society that is equal, equitable, inclusive, and non-discriminatory and which will enable their optimal well-being aligns closely to Catherine Connolly’s vision, to be a President for all the people, especially for those often excluded and silenced and to be a voice for equality and justice.
Addressing our National Conference in June 2026, President Connolly spoke warmly about the importance and impact of FRCs. She told those gathered that, when setting her priorities as President, shining a light on your work was top of my list. We are honoured that she has chosen to continue that support as Patron.
Her patronage is a meaningful recognition of the staff, volunteers, and voluntary directors who help make FRCs welcoming places of support, belonging, connection, action, and change across Ireland. On behalf of the 136 Family Resource Centres we represent, we thank President Connolly for recognising their collective contribution alongside their communities and we look forward to working with the President in the coming years to advance our shared vision.
FRC National Forum website: https://www.familyresource.ie/
President Connolly’s address to the FRC National Conference: https://president.ie/en/media-library/speeches/speech-by-president-connolly-at-the-family-resource-centre-national-conference
