Donegal County Library Service encourages a love of reading among young children through nationwide initiative
The roll out of the nationwide First 5 Little Library initiative is happening across Donegal. It aims to support the development of little libraries in early learning and care settings and encourage a love of books and reading among our youngest children.
All early learning and care centres and TUSLA registered child-minders in Donegal will be given free book bags and resources such as social story cards, an early years literacy booklet and information on Donegal County Council Library services and membership. The Little Library also includes Babbling Babies a booklet developed by Lifestart Services, Donegal Library Service and HSE Health Promotion and Improvement Service.
There’s an opportunity for each early learning and care centre and child minder to sign up for library membership when collecting their First 5 Little Library in their local library. The aim is to encourage ongoing collaboration between the early learning and care services and libraries and support families in establishing or developing the practice of reading.
Welcoming the initiative, Maureen Kerr Senior Executive Librarian and Right to Read coordinator said:
“Donegal County Library Service is proud to roll out the First 5 Little Library to early learning and care providers in Donegal. The Right to Read programme has been growing from strength to strength in recent years and offers many events and resources for children, families and education providers. Reading from an early age encourages the development of concentration, logic and speech. We are particularly delighted that our Babbling Babies booklet, developed with CYPSC partners here in Donegal, will be distributed nationwide as part of the initiative.”
She continues “The library is a fantastic resource to everyone both personally and professionally, particularly education providers. Membership of your local library is absolutely free, offers a great selection of books and much more. First 5 Little Library book bags will also be made available to families for loan from their local library so that parents and guardians can explore the resources with their little ones at home.”
First 5 Little Library is a nationwide collaboration between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). For more information visit www.donegallibrary.ie, on Facebook at @DonegalCountyLibrary or Twitter at @Donegallibrary.
Donegal CYPSC Consultation Report 2020:
In 2020, Donegal CYPSC engaged in multi-stakeholder consultations to inform the development of the Children & Young Peoples Plan 2021-2023.
- Consultation with children through child care providers and parents
- Online survey of young people
- online survey of parents
- Online survey of CYPSC Partner Agencies and Service Providers based on the feedback from young people and parents
- Video conferencing with five Child & Family Support Networks
- Video conferencing with CYPSC and the CYPSC Subcommittees
To view the full report Click Here
Donegal CYPSC Audit of services 2021
The Donegal Audit of services was developed as part of the Children & Young people's Plan 2021-2023
To view the Audit of Services Click here
Section 2: Socio Demographic Profile of County Donegal
This Socio Demographic Profile was compiled as part of the Donegal Children & Young People's Plan 2021-2023
To view the Socio demographic Profile Click Here
Working in Intercultural Contexts Report
Click here
Going to Court, a guide for young people, launched 28th February 2020
The Court House in Letterkenny was the venue for the launch of 'Going to Court, a guide for young people’ on Friday morning. The guide was developed by Donegal Children & Young People Services Committee (CYPSC) to support young people who may come in contact with the court service. Donegal CYPSC members were joined by Court Services staff, Probation Service staff, Garda Síochána and Donegal Youth Service to mark the launch.
Garda Michael Harrison, speaking on behalf of the Safe & Secure Subcommittee explained “The purpose of the booklet is to provide advice for all young people who may have to go to court either as a witness, injured party or defendant. Court can be a very a frightening place for an adult never mind a child or young person who has to attend and give evidence for whatever reason. By reading this booklet we hope to reduce the anxiety that children experience when attending court.”
Launching the guide, Judge Kelly said “When you launch a book you want everyone to read it, but this is a book that I hope no young person will ever need. It sets out in a very clear and easy to understand way the court process and everyone’s role in it. The booklet is a very worthwhile initiative by Donegal CYPSC and the Donegal Youth Service and it is also thanks to the support of the Department of Children and Youth affairs that it was published.”
The Going to Court Guide is funded by the ‘Better Outcomes Brighter Futures Fund’ from the Department of Children & Youth Affairs.
Click here to access 'Going to Court a guide for young people'.
Newsletter - 'Together we are Donegal CYPSC' Q1 2020
Click Here to access Newsletter
Disability & Inclusion Workshop with Alice Griffin Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency (DESSA) 27th & 28th February 2020
These full day workshops focused on good practice in ensuring your organisation is communication accessible. These workshops supported staff to be confident and skilled in responding to different communication requirements and needs. A good mix of statutory and community and voluntary organisations participated.
Intimate Partner Violence Leaflets
This new resource was launched at the Conference Control in Letterkenny 11th December 2019
This was developed by Donegal Youth Service
Click here for the Intimate Partner Violence leaflet for young men cover
Click here for the Intimate Partner Violence leaflet for young men
Click here for the the Intimate Partner Violence leaflet for young women cover
Click here for the the Intimate Partner Violence leaflet for young women
A Parents Guide to DEVICE SAFETY developed by Donegal CYPSC Safe & Secure Subcommittee
This informative guide book was developed to support parents and young adults to navigate digital media and enjoy its benefits while keeping their personal data and information safe and secure. All digital devices have Parental Controls but often these can be hard to find and set up without some help. This guide book developed in Donegal with the participation of young people provides that help.
A Parents Guide to device safety covers; Secure Apps, Parental Controls, Restriction settings, Bluetooth, Facebook Privacy, Privacy settings, How to spot a Scam, Youtube SafeSearch, Xbox, Playstation 4, Niontendo Switch, Location settings on Android, Location settings on iOS and how to delete Location history. This is a Donegal CYPSC initiative was led by Donegal Youth Service and funded by the 'Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures Fund from Dept. of Children and Youth Affairs.
Click here to download A Parents Guide to Device Safety
ParentHub Winter Newsletter 2019
Click Here for Newsletter Winter 2019
'Together we are Donegal CYPSC' Newsletter Q4 2019
For Link to Newsletter Click Here
Inclusive Training, Careers and Lifestyle Fair for young People with a Disability or Additional Support Needs
For link to Press Relaese Click Here
For link to Donegal Directery of Disability Services 2nd Edition Click Here
Letterkenny Institute of Technology was a bee hive of activity on Saturday 16th November, full of excited young people with disabilities and their families visited the ‘Donegal Careers Training and Lifestyle Fair ‘to explore different options to achieve their career dreams and ambitions.
To help them on their way 45 different service providers gave their Saturday to share their expertise, information and guidance, through information stands and presentations on the supports their organisations provide in areas such as education and training, recreational activities and lifestyle, careers options, funding supports, independent living supports and more.
The voice of young people took centre stage at this event. There were a number of short video screenings that captured what real life experience of young people with disabilities and what it means to them to be included in social events and community activities and to be treated just like everyone else.
John Wallace and Jack Campbell described their experience of being part of the workforce in a local business, Kelly’s Diner & Mountain Top Centra; how having a job can be life changing by increasing confidence, self esteem and allowing them to play their part in the everyday life of their local community. How being given a chance by an employer had opened up so many options for them and allowed them to progress in life, just like their peers.
All participants at this event received a copy of the ‘Donegal Directory of Disability Services’. There were loads of goodie bags, a Saturday Club, curtsey of the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, while the Donegal Youth Council provided some fun through their pop up career photo booth.
This event was organised by the Disability Inclusion Working Group of the Donegal Children and Youth People’s Services Committee (CYPSC), which is a partnership of 50 organisations working to deliver better outcomes for children and young people of Donegal.
Master class Coercive Control & the new Domestic Violence Legislation 5th Nov 2019.
This is an initiative of the Legal working group of the Safe & Secure Subcommittee. Donegal Domestic Violence Service, An Garda Siochana, the Court Clerk and Women's Aid and the PSNI in collaboration delivered a Master Class on Coercive Control and the implications of the new Domestic Violence legislation. Court Services Staff, Solicitors and Judges Participated and CPD points were awarded. Highlights Evaulation report & Save the date
Disability & Inclusion Workshop with Alice Griffin Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency (DESSA) 7th October 2019
This full day workshop focused on good practice in ensuring your organisation is communication accessible. This workshop supported staff to be confident and skilled in responding to different communication requirements and needs. A good mix of statutory and community and voluntary organisations participated. There was such a good response and demand for this workshop that it will be run again on 27th February 2020.
Click here for event flyer
Babbling Babies - Multilingual Nursery Rhyme & Action Song Book - 2nd Edition launched
Click here for Press Release
Click here for Babling Babies 2nd Edition pdf
Newsletter - 'Together we are Donegal CYPSC' Q2 2019
Click here to access Newsletter
Newsletter - 'Together we are Donegal CYPSC' Q3 2019
Click here to access Newsletter
New Resource
Donegal CYPSC Directory of Disability Services Edition 2 E - Version.
The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation based in Donegal town have kindly updated the Directory of Disability Services. Edition 2 is an electronic version and can be downloaded as a PDF. We will update again and re-print in October 2019.
Click here to access the Donegal CYPSC Directory of Disability Services Edition 2.
New Resource
'A Parents Guide to Device Safety'
This is an initiative of the Donegal CYPSC Subcommittee Safe & Secure.
Donegal Youth Service (DYS) have just launched a new guide for parents and guardians about Internet and Device Safety. The guide aims to highlight the dangers of the online world, and offers information and simple practical solutions for any parent or guardian to follow. The official launch of ‘A Parents Guide to Device Safety’ took place on Tuesday 13 March in Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
Gareth Gibson, Youth Information Manager and Project Lead said “We are delighted to be able to bring this booklet to parents and guardians across Donegal. As part of our work with CYPSC Donegal we had the chance to conduct research a few years ago which highlighted the need for increased awareness among parent in relation Internet Safety. DYS has been facilitating an increased number of parent’s sessions since, during which parents indicated a need for help to set up devices safely and the content of this booklet is in direct response to that request.”
As part of the launch Gareth Gibson and Youth Support Worker Dominic McGlinchey presented some of the information from the guide. Attendees were shocked by statistics, such as 22% of children surveyed were in contact with strangers online, and the level of information apps are collecting about you if you don’t check the permissions settings as soon as you download them.
The launch was attended by CYPSC Donegal members, Donegal Youth Service staff, An Garda Siochana, as well as a host of individuals representing other statutory organisations such as Tusla. The 54 page booklet is a simple, yet comprehensive guide for parents and guardians to ensure young people are safer online. It covers everything from privacy settings on Facebook, email scams, app permissions, to parental controls on the Playstation Network and much more.
You can pick up a free copy of the guide at Donegal Youth Service, 16-18 Port Road Letterkenny or from Donegal CYPSC, 24 Slieve Sneacht Rd, Letterkenny.
This is a project of our Safe and Secure Subcommittee and was led by Donegal Youth Service, supported by CYPSC through the Better Outcomes Brighter Futures funding from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Newsletter 'Together We are Donegal CYPSC' Q1 2019
NEWS FLASH!
Our newsletter, 'Together We are Donegal CYPSC', is out now!
Published Quarterly the Newsletter is available from the Donegal CYPSC Office or via email anne.timonymeehan@tusla.ie
Click here for Newsletter Q1 2019
Click here for Newsletter Q4 2018
Make one Change Campaign 2019 - Parent Hub Donegal
The Make One Change Campaign 2019 has been running for a number of years through the Parent Hub in Donegal and is a universal campaign encouraging families to make one small change as a new year's resolution to help improve family life. All families who complete an entry form are entered into a free draw with great family prizes.
Click here for Brochure and details
Parent Hub Donegal
Winter 2018 Newsletter Click here
Just in time for Christmas.......
Donegal CYPSC launches the newsletter 'Together, We are Donegal CYPSC
Donegal CYPSC will publish 'Together, We Donegal CYPSC' each quarter. It will be circulated via Donegal CYPSC Subcommittees, their members and their social media. 'Together, We are Donegal CYPSC' is also available by email from the CYPSC Coordinator Anne Timony Meehan on anne.timonymeehan@tusla.ie
If you have articles or photos you would like considered for inclusion in the Newsletter please contact Anne
Click here for Newsletter Quarter 4 2018
News Flash!
Donegal CYPSC celebrated the launch of the Children & Young People's Plan 2018-2020 with a learning seminar entitled
Please click here to view the Children and Young People's Plan for 2018-2020
'Re-imagining Disability, from accepting Diversity to True Inclusion'
10th October 2018, Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny 9.30am - 3pm
Donegal CYPSC launching the Children & Young People's Plan 2018-2020
Click here for Agenda
Click here for Press Relaese
Gerry Hone, Tusla Area Manager, Donegal CYPSC Chairperson delivered the Welcome address
Anne Timony Meeghan CYPSC Coordinator organised the event.
Three inspiring young people, Liam Wheldon, Eoin Rooney and Albie Dinsmore Clarke described their personal journaey and how their involvement with various Foroige initiatives and activities made a difference to their life. Seen here receiving Certificates of Appreciation for their valuable contribution to the Seminar.
Delegates also had the opportunity to view the Donegal Downs Syndrome Photographic Exhibition. Exhibiting photographer Ciaran Mc Donnell was also on hand to talk about his work.
The wonderful Bluestack Foundation Choir accompanied by Fintan Gallagher on the guitar sang their hearts out, received not one but two stamding ovations, and sent us all off to lunch with a smile and a spring in our step.
Dr. Bronagh Byrne, currently co-director of the Centre for Children's Rights and Co-chair of the Disability Research Network at Queens University gave the key note address.
"By challenging our perceptions of disability, we can recognise, accept and respect children with disabilities and continue on the Journey to meaningful inclusion"
Click here for Dr. Bronagh Byrnes Presentation ' Re-imaging Disability from accepting diversity to true inclusion'
Click here for Stephen Barrett, DLDC presentation 'A Profile of Disability in Donegal'
Click here for Anita Gallagher Manager Physical & Sensory Team HSE & Alvin Doherty Early Intervention Team HSE, Presentation 'Overview of HSE Services'
Click here for Wendy Mc Carry, Manager Bluestack Special Needs Foundation Presentation, 'What we do and why we do it'
Click here for Bairbre Cahill PPFS Tusla 'Parent Support Training'
Click here for Leona Mc Menamin Mevagh FRC 'Parent Support Group'
Click here for Liam Ward, Director of Services Donegal County Council & Donegal CYPSC Deputy Chair's presentation 'Launching the CYPP'
Dr Bronagh Byrne also launched the 1st edition of the Directory of Disability Services in Donegal.
Babbling Babies Nursery Rhyme & Action Song Book
Launch Event 18th April 2018
This wonderful book illustrated by Danni Gowdy is a collaboration between Lifestart, Donegal Library service and HSE Health Promotion & Improvement and is an action under the Donegal CYPSC Subcommittee Education & Learning. It was funded through The Parenting Support Initiative and is a collaborative partnership between the Katherine Howard Foundation and the Community Foundation of Ireland.
Click here for the full Press Release
Above: Maureen Kerr (Library Service), Mary Walker Callaghan (Lifestart) Anne McAteer (HSE) with the Mayor and a very appreciative audience
Left: Dr Roche launching the Book
Make One Change Prize winners 2018
A great night was had on Thursday 22nd March at the prize giving for Make One Change 2018. The event was held in the Central Library Letterkenny and families from all over Donegal were presented with the prizes they had won in the Make One Change draw. Over 220 families had signed up to make some small change in their family life – a small change that could make a big difference. The Gallagher and Burke families receiving their prizes:
Many families had mentioned that they wanted to eat more healthily so on the night Joan Maguella from the Poppy Seed Bakery did a wonderful presentation on how to make healthy, handy lunches and snacks. Better still, everyone had the opportunity to sample Joan’s food over a cup of tea afterwards. Valerie Bryce who plies her trade as a storyteller under the name Mabel’s Fables entertained the children with a very interactive story and then delighted everyone with a beautiful story she had written specially for the occasion.
Many of the services that support family life in Donegal were present on the night, providing information for parents to take away or to have a chat about what their service offers. ParentStop, DLDC, Jigsaw, Donegal Youth Service, LifeStart, Donegal County Childcare, Foróige, the Strengthening Families Programme and Parent Hub Donegal were all represented. Information on all these services and more can be found on the Parent Hub website parenthubdonegal.ie and on Facebook.
ParentHub , a sub committee of Donegal CYPSC would like to sincerely thank all those who supported this campaign:
WildAtlantic Camp, Portsalon Luxury Camping, Alcorn’s Tropical World, Wains World, Iona Cois Locha, The Station House Hotel, Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Coillte, M&S, Arena 7, Kee’s Hotel, Century Cinema, Oakfield Park, Aura Leisure Centre, Spraoi agus Spórt, the Abbey Hotel, the Millpark Hotel, Eclipse Cinema and Lidl. Thanks also to Rory Gallagher and all in the library whose hospitality made the event possible and to Tusla for funding.
Launch of Read DL 2018
It was a packed house at the Central Library in Letterkenny on 2nd February as soccer hero and well known Donegal man Shay Given launched this year’s Read DL initiative. This year’s chosen book is ‘A Monster Calls’ by Patrick Ness. It is a gripping story, centred on a theme that unfortunately has touched many households in Donegal. The book challenges us to look at terminal illness from a child’s perspective, and the difficult social and emotional conflicts they face.
“Having Shay Given launch this year’s initiative is a huge endorsement for us. He is an important role model for many children and young people here in Donegal and he will undoubtedly raise the profile of the initiative among our target group including senior classes in primary schools, first year students in post primary schools, Youthreach learners and adults re-discovering the love of reading,” says Paddy Hannigan Secretary of the Organising Committee and Member of the Donegal CYPSC Subcommittee Education & Learning. The audience also heard from pupils from Drumman National School in Ramelton on their experience of participating in last year’s Read DL initiative and of winning a trip to the “War Torn Children” exhibition at the Linen Hall library in Belfast. Anne McHugh, Chief Executive of ETB and long standing Member of Donegal CYPSC and John Andy Bonner from LYIT also spoke at the event.
Click here to view full article and photos.
Parenting Support Champions
The TUSLA Parenting Support Strategy, within Prevention Partnership and Family Support (PPFS) is the first national parenting support strategy for child and family services in Ireland. The Parenting Support Champions (PSC) Project is an initiative to bring together practitioners who are already involved with parenting and family support. The project has the aim of promoting and supporting parenting and the implementation of the Parenting Support Strategy within TUSLA and partner agencies and organisations. The Parenting Support Champions project has a current lifespan of 3 years – from 2015 to 2018. The programme of work is being funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies. Evaluation of the Programme is being carried out by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway.
Your Parenting Support Champions in Co Donegal are as follows:
- Nicola Harvey – Prevention Partnership and Family Support TUSLA
- Patricia Lee – ParentStop CLG
- Mary Walker Callaghan – Lifestart Services CLG
- Katie McShane – TirBogaineTeo
- Garry Glennon - LYFS shared
- Donna Butler - Strengthening Families Programme & Families Matter
All are partners in the
Parent Hub Donegal a working group of CYPSC PPFS Subcommittee. This is a collaborative and innovative approach to supporting all things parenting. If you would like to find out more about the Parent Support Champions project here is a link to the newsletter:-
http://www.tusla.ie/services/family-community-support/prevention-partnership-and-family-support-programme/parenting/parenting-support-champions-project/parenting-support-matters
Make One Change—one small change can make a big difference!
Parent Hub Donegal launched the 2018 'Make One Change' campaign inviting families to make some small change to their routine which could make a big difference to their life as a family. What is important is that a family thinks about what small change could make a big difference to them—and then commit to making it happen! Forms to sign up for Make One Change 2018 will be available from January through all the primary and secondary schools in the County as well as through Family Resource Centres and Community based projects. The form will also be available on line on our website www.parenthubdonegal.ie
Every family that signs up for Make One Change will be entered into a free draw. We have some great prizes including lunch vouchers for hotels, passes for family swim, cinema and play centre trips, as well as vouchers for an adventure activity in the Gartan Outdoor Education & Training Centre and annual passes for Ards Forest Park. Other exciting prizes for 2018 are an amazing overnight family glamping experience in the Wild Atlantic Camp in Creeslough and another for the beautiful yurts in Portsalon Luxury Camping. We are grateful to all our sponsors for their generosity. As they say, if you’re not in you can’t win so make sure your family signs up for the Make One Change 2018 challenge! For information on Make One Change, Parenting Programmes and services you can find us on line at parenthubdonegal.ie on Facebook and Twitter or phone us on 087 1736667
CYPSC Seminar for Social Inclusion Week 2017
Dr. Helen McMonagle Alcohol Forum led the enthralled participants through the journey of brain development from the teenage years to full development in early 20's. Why and how alcohol and other drug use can have such a profound impact on brain development was illustrated with excerts from clinical reshearch and video clips. 30 front line staff who work with young people attended the very informative seminar. Many thanks to LYIT who kindly hosted the event.
Donegal CYPSC Induction Pack
This Induction Pack was developed in 2016 for members of the Children & Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC) for County Donegal and provides an introduction to CYPSC, and practical information for member’s organisations and their representatives. The purpose of the induction pack is to assist organisations representatives on Donegal Children & Young people’s Service Committee to become familiar with CYPSC and it their role within Donegal CYPSC.
Click here to view Induction pack
READ DL 2017
(Outcome 2: Achieving full potential in learning & development)
Donegal CYPSC Education & Learning Subcommittee celebrate the launch of READ DL 2017. READ DL is part of the Literacy Project and has become an annual event in County Donegal. It is an interagency project sponsored and led by Letterkenny Institute of Technology. The book chosen for READ DL 2017 is 'The Breadwinner' by Deborah Ellis. 'Wonder' by Raquel J. Palacio was chosen in 2015. Photo above: Donegal Youthreach Centres getting involved in READ DL 2015.
Click here for details of READ DL, based on the worldwide 'One Book, One Community' initiative.
Make One Change Campaign 2017
(Outcome 1: Active & Healthy Physical and mental Wellbeing)
The Parent Hub Donegal launched the 2017 “Make One Change Campaign” in January. Schools in Donegal will be sent information about this years’ campaign and leaflets will be available in local Family Resource Centres across the county as well as online on www.parenthubdonegal.ieFor further information Contact Parent Hub Donegal partners:- Patricia Lee, ParentStop at 0879880476 Or Mary Walker Callaghan, Lifestart Services at 0876791898
Parent Hub Donegal is a CYPSC Subcommittee under Health & Wellbeing.
(Photo : Parent Hub Donegal Committee members at the Official Launch of the website June 2016.)
Click here to view the 'Make one Change Leaflet'
Web Safety Working Group
(Outcome 3: Safe & Protected from Harm, Subcommittee Safe & Secure)
Donegal CYPSC WebSafety working group has re-established and is currently in planning mode for the new Children & Young People's Plan.
Photo: Ombudsman for Children Niall Muldoon launching the Web Safety Survey Final Report
Click here to view Web Safety Final report
Click here to view Ombudsman launched the Web Safety Report
Well-Being Guidelines in schools Working Group
(Outcome 1: Active & Healthy, Physical & Mental Well-Being)
Well-being Guidelines in School is a Sub committee of Donegal CYPSC. Donegal CYPSC provided the interagency vehicle that initiated this project and fostered collaboration resulting in the development of 2 Well-being Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion in Primary & Post-Primary Schools. The Guidelines for Schools have been developed by an inter-departmental group comprised of members from the Department of Education & Skills/ National Educational Psychological Service, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health.
Well-being in Primary Schools. Published January 2015 Click here to view
Well-being in Post-Primary Schools. Published January 2013 Click here to view
(Developed by the National Educational Psychological Service in consultation with advisors from the Dept. Education & Skills, Health Service Excutive, Dept. Health and Dept. Children & Youth Affairs)
Bookworm Babies
(Outcome 2: Achieving full potential in learning & development)
Donegal CYPSC Education & Learning Subcommittee - Early Years, established Bookworm Babies in 2013. Bookworm Babies is an ongoing interagency project led by Donegal Library Service and LifeStart Donegal. Several resources have been developed to support new parents read to their children from a very young age and to encourage a love of reading in children as they grow. This forms part of the supports delivered during Lifestart home visits.
Photo: Bookworm Babies launch 2013
Click here to view Bookworm Babies birthday card (English) Click here to view Bookworm Babies birthday card
Click here to view Bookworm Babies birthday card (Irish)
Creating Lifelong Readers
(Outcome 2: Achieving full potential in learning & development)
Donegal CYPSC Education and Learning Subcommittee developed the Creating Lifelong Readers Project which is delivered through pre-school services and directly to parents in the home. The overriding aim of the project is to help parents understand how children's use of the spoken and written word develops in the early years; to be aware of the crucial role of books and reading in this process, and to provide parenst and educators with the knowledge and skills to inspire children to become readres for life.
Click here to view Creating Lifelong Readers - Early Childhood Educators handbook
Off the Shelf
(Outcome 2: Achieving full potential in learning & development)
Off the Shelf - Community Book Project – Get Involved!
As part of its support for children and families the Donegal Children & Young People's Services Committee (CYPSC), and its subgroups, develop a number of initiatives in collaboration with other organisations and agencies.
Off the Shelf is community book project which aims to promote and encourage reading for children and adults. This project aims to encourage idea networking, compliment other activities to create lifelong readers, to develop an appreciation, interest, and enjoyment in reading, whether it be books, comics, magazines, newspapers, or any type of written words!
Click here for more Information
Donegal Young Carers Project
(Outcome 1: Active & Healthy Physical and mental Wellbeing)
A Young Carer is a child or young person under the age of 24, whose life is affected by providing significant care, assistance or support to a relative at home.
The Young Carers Implementation Group, a subcommittee of CYPSC supports a Young Carers Group which is running in Letterkenny. Through the Young Carers Project, we aim to identify, engage and support young Carers aged 12-24 years as well as raising awareness of the role young Carers have within our community, the challenges faced and valuable care they provide. The Young Carers Groups meets regularly in the LOFT, LK and is facilitated by Donegal Youth Service. Supports provided include:
- Individual needs identification & support plan
- One to one support
- Young Carers peer activity group
- Respite & fun Activities
- School support
- Training programmes to help young carers stay safe and well
Click here for Info Leaflet page 1
Click here for Info Leaflet page 2
Profiling Challenges to the Education Sector in Donegal 2012
(Outcome 4: Economic security & opportunity)
The Economic Wellbeing Subcommittee undertook a significant piece of research into the impacts of the funding cuts implemented during the recession. A recent review of this report noted that many of the challenges highlighted are still relevant in 2017. Many of the recommendations included in this document are also still relevant today.
Click here to view the Report ' Profiling Challenges to the Education Sector in Donegal in 2012'
To find another CYPSC click here.