Extern Ireland

20/05/2026

This month, Deirdre Kennedy, Family Support Worker with Athy Youth Diversion Project (YDP), joined Kildare Traveller Action in Athy for the Darkness Into Light walk 🌅

It was a simple but powerful morning where people came together across the community to remember, to support one another, and to shine a light on mental health awareness.

Extern’s Youth Diversion Projects support young people aged 12–17 who may be at risk of, or involved in, anti-social or offending behaviour. The work is grounded in early intervention, trust, and consistent support, helping young people build confidence and find positive pathways forward.

The walk was also a strong example of partnership in action, with Athy YDP and Kildare Traveller Action coming together to encourage participation and strengthen community ties.

A quiet, reflective morning - but an important reminder of the strength that comes from showing up for each other.

15/05/2026

We’re hiring Project Workers across our services in Limerick/Mid West - and creating a panel for future opportunities over the next 12 months.

Current vacancies:
• Project Workers – Emergency Support (x2)
• Project Worker – Creative Community Alternative (x1)
• Project Worker – Janus (x1)

We’re also building a waiting list for upcoming full-time and part-time roles across Janus, Creative Community Alternative, Emergency Support and Timeout services.

📍 Limerick / Mid West
💰 €42,624 – €47,264 (Grade 4, pro rata)
🕒 37.5 hours per week
📄 12-month fixed term (with potential for permanency)

If you’re passionate about supporting people and making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Click here to find out more about the roles and to apply.

https://bit.ly/job-opportunity-link

12/05/2026

Extern Ireland was delighted to attend the recent Social Care Ireland seminar at the Radisson Hotel 👏

It was a great opportunity to showcase our work, connect with sector partners, and hear feedback on the positive impact of our services across Ireland.

A big thank you to Ellie O’Gorman, Gary Keane, Jen Flood and Brendan McNamara for representing Extern so well on the day

We were also incredibly proud to see Dave Doherty (TUS) nominated for Social Care Student of the Year, attending alongside his Practice Supervisor Jen Flood at our stand

Congratulations to Dave and Jen on this fantastic achievement!

06/05/2026

Become a Board Member with Extern

Extern is an all‑island community and voluntary organisation delivering transformative, trauma‑informed services that positively impact lives and influence long‑term change.

Now in our fifth decade, we support more than 22,000 people each year across 40 locations.

As we move forward with our new five‑year strategy, Vision 2030, we are seeking new Board Members to contribute to Extern’s future through strong governance, strategic leadership and innovation.

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals who bring experience particularly in the areas of finance/treasury management, IT/cyber security, human resources, fundraising, corporate social responsibility, or legal and governance.

If you are motivated by social justice and believe you can add value through effective governance, strategic oversight and leadership, we would welcome your interest.

Extern Board Members are not remunerated; however, reasonable travel and subsistence expenses are paid.

If you are interested in supporting Extern’s vital work, please email an up‑to‑date CV to Ruth Thompson [email protected] by 12 noon on Friday 29th May 2026

https://www.extern.org/careers/become-a-board-member-with-extern

05/05/2026

Extern’s Limerick Youth Diversion Project (YDP) was pleased to meet Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley yesterday to discuss our targeted youth justice interventions supporting children and young people aged 8–18 years in Southside Limerick City.

During the visit, we highlighted the breadth of work delivered through the YDP, which focuses on supporting young people who are either at risk of, or already involved in, the youth justice system. Our work is grounded in early intervention, diversion from offending behaviour, and providing structured, supportive alternatives that promote positive life choices.

A special thank you to our colleagues at Southill Family Resource Centre for hosting a wonderful event and for their continued partnership and support.

24/04/2026

📢 We’re Hiring: Project Worker – Extern Outreach Support Service (Limerick)

💼 Grade 4: €42,624 (pro rata)
🕒 37.5 hours per week (flexibility required)
📍 Watch House Cross, Parteen Road, Limerick
📄 Permanent role

Want a job where you help people build independence, confidence and real connections in their community?

At Extern’s Outreach Support Service, we work alongside people with a disability or autism who may face barriers to accessing everyday social, educational or community life.

In partnership with the HSE, and guided by New Directions, we focus on person-centred support, inclusion and active citizenship.

As a Project Worker, you’ll support individuals to:
✨ Set and achieve personal goals
✨ Access education, training and employment supports
✨ Get involved in community life and activities
✨ Build skills, confidence and independence

If you’re passionate about inclusion and making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4w6tRKD

21/04/2026

We’re delighted to share some fantastic news - huge congratulations to David Mc Mahon, who has graduated from a 26-week Preparation for Employment course at the Technological University of the Shannon

David’s achievement is even more special as he received a special award recognising his positive attitude and the encouragement he gave to others throughout the programme - a true reflection of the impact he had on his peers

David was supported through Extern’s Outreach Support Service (EOSS), where he received one-to-one support to build confidence, develop life skills, and explore opportunities for education and employment. With the support of his Key Worker, Casey Carey, David showed real determination every step of the way.

This is a brilliant example of what can be achieved with the right support at the right time - and a lot of hard work

Congratulations, David - we’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you do next.

👉 Find out more about the Extern Outreach Support Service (EOSS):
https://www.extern.org/our-services/disability-projects/extern-outreach-support-service-eoss

16/04/2026

We were delighted to receive a €13,500 cheque from the The Hospital Saturday Fund in support of our outdoor play space at Cratloe Respite Facility.

Since opening in June 2024, Cratloe has provided individualised, trauma-informed respite care for children and adults with neurodiverse needs in County Clare, and has become an important support for families.

While we’ve been able to install outdoor play equipment, further groundworks are needed to make the space fully safe and accessible year-round, including drainage, safety surfacing, accessible paths, and secure fencing.

This funding brings us one step closer to creating a fully inclusive outdoor space where our service users can play, connect, and thrive in all seasons.

For many of those who attend, access to safe outdoor play is limited, so this will make a real and lasting difference to their wellbeing, development, and quality of life.

A sincere thank you to the Hospital Saturday Fund, and to all our funders and partners for their continued support

15/04/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Brendan Johnston as the new Chair of Extern, following confirmation at our AGM yesterday.

Brendan brings extensive leadership experience across social care and youth justice, alongside a long-standing connection to Extern and our work.

We look forward to his leadership as we continue delivering our Vision 2030 strategy in partnership with statutory agencies and communities across the island.

Extern has appointed Mr Brendan Johnston as Chair following its AGM on 14 April 2026. Mr Johnston brings extensive leadership experience in social care and youth justice across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including his previous role as Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Social...

10/04/2026

Extern's Dublin-based Bail Supervision Scheme is delighted to announce its first “Whatever It Takes Award,” presented in partnership with MST UK and Ireland.

The Bail Supervision Scheme supports individuals involved in the justice system to remain in the community while on bail, providing structured support to help reduce reoffending and improve outcomes for individuals and their families.

These awards recognise individuals within the community of practice who demonstrate exceptional dedication and outstanding service.

We are incredibly proud to share that our MST Therapist, Tara Byrne, has received this recognition for her remarkable contributions. Tara is a valued and integral member of our team, and we greatly appreciate the commitment and support she consistently provides to both the families she works with and her colleagues.

Congratulations, Tara, on this well-deserved recognition