An Cosantóir

| 19 The Family Support Pillar: Walking Beside Families Families are at the heart of community life, and CFRC recognises the importance of supporting parents and caregivers in their vital role. The Family Support pillar provides guidance through, parent education sessions, practical advice, and early intervention when difficulties arise. Workshops on communication and family wellbeing are delivered in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment. The Centre also offers one-to-one support for parents who may be struggling, helping them to build resilience and confidence. One parent who participated in a recent programme shared: "The support I received helped me feel less alone. It gave me tools to manage challenges and reminded me that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness." By empowering families in this way, the Centre not only strengthens relationships within the home but also builds stronger, healthier communities. The Youth Resilience Pillar: Flourish Programme Perhaps one of the most innovative aspects of CFRC's work is the Flourish Programme, designed specifically for young people aged 10 to 12. These pre-teen years can be both exciting and challenging, as children navigate changing friendships, new responsibilities, and the early stages of adolescence. Flourish provides a structured, supportive environment where participants can build resilience, self-esteem, and problem-solving skills. Through group activities, creative projects, and team challenges, young people learn how to manage stress, express themselves, and support one another. The coordinator explains: "Flourish is about giving children the confidence to know they can overcome challenges. It helps them discover their strengths and reminds them that they don't have to face testing times alone." The programme has quickly become a cornerstone of CFRC's work, equipping the next generation with the tools to thrive in school, at home, and in their wider community. The Community Pillar: Connection at the Centre While therapeutic services, family support, and youth programmes form the backbone of CFRC, the Community pillar ties everything together. The Centre is a vibrant hub where people of all ages come to connect, learn, and share experiences. Coffee mornings, workshops, and events foster a sense of belonging. By remaining closely connected to the people it serves, the Centre ensures its work is always relevant, accessible, and grounded in the real needs of families and individuals. Partnership with the Defence Forces Training Centre The partnership between CFRC and the Defence Forces Training Centre is both longstanding and invaluable. The DFTC has provided continuous support through fundraising efforts, mentoring, and community collaboration. Whether through charity events, awareness campaigns, or the direct involvement of Defence Forces personnel as role models and mentors for young people, the partnership strengthens the link between military and civilian life in the Curragh. For many families connected to the Defence Forces, CFRC provides a vital layer of support, complementing the resilience already fostered within military life. The presence of Defence Forces mentors in youth programmes, for example, has inspired young participants and given them relatable role models. Moreover, fundraising initiatives led by the DFTC have enabled the Centre to expand initiatives and reach more families. This financial and moral support underscores the shared commitment to building a resilient and inclusive community. As one committee representative reflects: "Our partnership with the Defence Forces Training Centre is a cornerstone of our success. Their commitment demonstrates what can be achieved when community and military work side by side." Looking Ahead: Together We Flourish The work of the Curragh Family Resource Centre continues to grow in impact, guided by its four pillars and strengthened by its partnerships. The combination of therapeutic support, family guidance, youth resilience, and community connection create a powerful foundation for wellbeing. With the ongoing support of the Defence Forces Training Centre, the Centre is well placed to continue meeting challenges head-on, while adapting to the needs of future generations. At its heart, CFRC is about people, families who find support, young people who discover resilience, individuals who heal, and communities who come together. It is a place where compassion and strength meet, ensuring that everyone has the chance not just to cope, but to flourish. Contact the Curragh Family Resource Centre: 1 Griffith Road, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland R56 EH93 & McSwiney Road, Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare R56 AH02 +353 45 456883 (general) & +353 45 441635 (therapeutic) info@curraghfrc.ie www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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