Local Resources

LAUNCH OF MEATH EMOTIONALLY BASED SCHOOL AVOIDANCE RESOURCE PACK

On 1st March, 2023, a webinar was held to launch the Meath Emotionally Based School Avoidance Resource Pack. The Meath School Avoidance Working Group (coordinated through the Meath CYPSC – Children and Young People’s Services Committee), alongside our colleagues in NEPS (National Educational Psychology Service), HSE Primary Care Psychology, HSE CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), TESS (Tusla Education Support Service), HSE and Enable Ireland Disability Services, Meath CFSNs (Child and Family Support Networks), and a number of community based services worked in collaboration to develop a ‘School Avoidance Resource Pack’ to deliver to schools across the county.

The webinar targeted Principals and Vice-Principals of Primary and Secondary schools in Co. Meath, and involved the above services speaking briefly about the service they offer, their role in relation to school avoidance and guidance regarding accessing this service for a student engaging in school avoidance. There was also an opportunity for a Question & Answers session at the end.

Further to the webinar, copies of the Meath School Avoidance Resource Pack were delivered to all schools in Co. Meath. The resource pack has been designed to provide schools, students and parents/guardians/carers with a School Avoidance Pathway. The pathway was developed by services working with young people who are experiencing difficulties attending school for various reasons. It is hoped that this pathway and resource pack will provide a guide for schools and parents/guardians/carers on the best way to manage school avoidance and the relevant services that may be of assistance. 

This initiative was funded by Meath CYPSC from the DCEDIY BOBF Fund 2022/2023.

Click here to access the Meath School Avoidance Resource Pack ebook.

Louth Meath Domestic Abuse Resource Pack

On July 1st 2022, Louth and Meath CYPSCs together with Tusla Louth Meath and its interagency Domestic Violence Partners launched a Resource Pack on Domestic Abuse. This initiative was led by the Louth and Meath CYPSC's Safe and Protected from Harm sub groups in the respective counties in line with the Children and Young People’s Plans objectives to increase the knowledge and skills among practitioners on the impact of Domestic Abuse on children, young people and their families.

Click here to view the ebook.

SAFER INTERNET DAY 9th FEBRUARY, 2021:

ONLINE SAFETY BOOTCAMP FOR KIDS (3RD TO 6TH CLASS)

To coincide with Internet Safety Day, which takes place today 9th February, 2021, Cybersafeireland on behalf of Louth and Meath CYPSCs are hosting an Online Safety Bootcamp for Kids (3rd to 6th Class)  at 3:30pm each day beginning on Monday, 1st March and ending on Friday 5th March. Click here for more information.

CYBERSAFETY WEBINAR FOR PARENTS OF TWEENS AND TEENS

To coincide with Internet Safety Day, Cybersafeireland on behalf of Louth and Meath CYPSCs are hosting a webinar for parents of tweens and teens at 7:00pm on Tuesday, 2nd March, 2021. Click here for more information. 

KEY MESSAGE FOR PARENTS – ONLINE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE DURING COVID 19

To coincide with Internet Safety Day, Tusla Louth Meath in collaboration with Meath CYPSC are reissuing their online safety resource that was developed during COVID 19 in 2020.  Parents can use this resource to help them talk with and keep their children safe online. Click here to access the link to this resource.

WEBWISE WEBINAR FOR POST-PRIMARY STUDENTS

Click here to access information and links to the Webwise Webinar that will be broadcast for post-primary students on Tuesday, 9th February, 2021. 

MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORKS NEWSLETTER

Click here to access the 1st Edition of the Meath Child & Family Support Network (CFSN) Newsletter. You will find information on some of the services available to children, young people and families across Meath as well as information on the CFSN in Meath.

LET'S GET READY CAMPAIGN (Week commencing Monday 7th September 2020)

DAY 5 - SOME THOUGHTS FOR PARENTS AS CHILDREN RETURN TO CHILDCARE

Click here to access guidance for parents whose children are returning to childcare.

DAY 4 – INFORMATION ON THE NATIONAL CHILDCARE SCHEME

Click here to access information on the National Childcare Scheme.

DAY 3 – DEVELOPING A GOOD BEDTIME ROUTINE

Click here to access Safefood’s messages on developing a good bedtime routine for children..

DAY 2 – KEEP WASHING THOSE HANDS

Click here to access Safefood’s messages on washing hands the Rufus way.

Day 1: RESOURCES TO SUPPORT TRANSITIONS BACK TO SCHOOL

Click here for the link to access resources to support transitions back to school. These resources have been prepared by the National Council for Special Education to help all children, including children with Special Educational Needs prepare for the transition from pre-school to Primary School and the transition back to school.

EDITION 14 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 10th August 2020).

Click here to download Edition 14

SUPPORTING PARENTS AND FAMILIES THROUGH SUMMER 2020 – THE GENESIS PROGRAMME

Click here for the latest Summer edition from The Genesis Programme in Louth. This is a follow-up to the Supporting Parents & Families through the Days & Weeks Ahead that The Genesis Programme published in March. It is a totally new document comprising of 62 pages with 12 pages of Low Cost & No Cost Summer Activities for families.

EDITION 13 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 6th July 2020).

Click here to download Edition 13

Please note that the Meath CFSN Newsletter will now move to monthly editions. Edition 14 will issue on 4/8/2020.

EDITION 12 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 29th June 2020).

Click here to download Edition 12

MEATH LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP ARE HOSTING A FREE SKIP ‘N’ PLAY ACTIVITY ON NATIONAL PLAY DAY

National Play Day is taking place on Saturday 4th July!! The theme for National Play Day 2020 is Playful Communities, Playful Homes. Meath Local Sports Partnership (LSP) are hosting a FREE Skip ‘n’ Play activity for children aged between 8yrs-13yrs in the car park of Meath County Council, Dublin Road, Navan, Co. Meath. There will be 2 activity sessions on the day, first session will commence at 10.30am & second session commencing at 11.30am. As places are limited, early booking is essential and no walk-in’s will be accepted. Every child who attends will receive a goody bag! Pre-registration is essential as places are limited. To register click the link below and follow instructions.

https://eventmaster.ie/event/OpVTpmH0Z

For further information contact Conor Gonnelly, Community Sports Development Officer, Meath LSP, Town Hall, Watergate Street, Navan , Co. Meath 046 9067337
http://www.meathsports.ie

JIGSAW WEBCHAT

Jigsaw are now ready to welcome young people aged between 12 – 25 years-old to WebChat with one of our national team Monday – Friday, 1pm-5pm. Young people can also email help@jigsaw.ie at anytime, and we will get back to them during working hours. You can go here https://jigsawonline.ie/young-people/jigsaw-live-chat/ for the link to the registration page, and to get a sense of how it works. The WebChat service can support a young person with sessions up to 40 mins and a number of sessions can be arranged, much like the face to face service in your local Jigsaw Service….but from home! It is a very innovative and exciting platform with the capacity for pictures, drawings, notes, which can be uploaded and shared between the clinician and the young person. With the resumption of face to face services, the continued support over the phone and video, and now with the exciting WebChat facility, we really do hope that with Jigsaw Meath and the wider Jigsaw organisation in working together, are providing more options now to support young people so they have the right support when they need it.

EDITION 11 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 22nd June 2020).

Click here to download Edition 11

DCYA PRESS RELEASE: MINISTER ZAPPONE LAUNCHES SUPPORTING CHILDREN CAMPAIGN. CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO BE MINDFUL OF VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has today (19th June) launched Supporting Children, a campaign to encourage everyone to be mindful of vulnerable children and young people in these challenging times. The Supporting Children campaign includes the launch of a new gov.ie website, which will be an information hub for children, young people and their families on how to access the many supports and services provided by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA), Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and their funded organisations.

To access this information hub please click here.

EDITION 10 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 15th June 2020).

Click here to download Edition 10

RESOURCE PACK FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

Please click here to access the resource pack for children and young people which was developed by the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership. This resource is up to date as of 29th May, 2020.

MINISTER ZAPPONE AND MINISTER MCHUGH ANNOUNCE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN PREPARING FOR PRE-SCHOOL AND JUNIOR INFANTS

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone and the Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD, today launched an initiative for children and families – Let’s Get Ready – a gov.ie resource to support young children and their parents/guardians plan for returning to Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings or transitioning to pre-school or primary school for the first time.

As Early Learning and Care settings plan to re-open from 29 June, the Let’s Get Ready website provides guidance for children and parents preparing to return these settings. There is a particular focus on new public health requirements introduced in response to COVID-19.

The Let’s Get Ready website also focuses on children preparing to attend pre-school or primary school for the first time from this September. Let’s Get Ready includes guidance for parents on practical steps they can take to support their children over these coming months and tips on what children and parents can expect on their transition or return to pre-school and primary school.

Click here to access this resource.

FANTASTIC NEW APP ON ADHD FOR FAMILIES

The Changing Lives Initiative have launched an innovative App on ADHD to support families. The App helps families understand what ADHD is and provides practical strategies and tools for parents to use with their children. The App is particularly relevant for parents who have concerns about their child’s behaviour but are not yet sure if their child may have ADHD. The App is also extremely useful for those working with children, in helping them understand ADHD and how they might support children who have issues with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. The App may be of particular support to families during the current Covid-19 situation.

Download the App for free at http://www.changinglivesinitiative.com

IRISH HOSPICE FOUNDATION AND HSE LAUNCH FIRST BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT LINE

On 9th June the Irish Hospice Foundation, in conjunction with the HSE launched a national bereavement support line, the first of its kind in Ireland. The national freephone service (1800 80 70 77) will be available Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm. The support line aims to provide a confidential space for people to speak about their experience or ask questions relating to bereavement. Callers will be listened to with compassion, and be provided with emotional support and information on any practical issues that may be helpful.

Click here for further information.

EDITION 9 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 2nd June 2020).

Click here to download Edition 9

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY 29TH MAY

Meath Gardaí are hosting a “Go Purple Day” on Friday, 29th May to create Domestic Violence Awareness in aid of Men’s Aid Ireland and Meath Women’s Refuge. Please click on the poster below for more information. Click here for more information. 

EDITION 8 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 25th May 2020).

Click here to download Edition 8

MIND THE GAP WORKBOOK & COVID 19 – SUPPORTING STUDENTS TO SUCCESSFULLY START SECOND LEVEL EDUCATION IN SEPT 2020

In 2017, Navan School Completion Programme (NSCP) staff team with the support of Meath CYPSC, LMETB and Meath Springboard Family Support Services developed a workbook called;

“Mind the Gap” Transition Steps from Primary to Post Primary

The main aim of the workbook and its associated video is to assist young people successfully transfer from primary to secondary school. It encompasses exercises to help pupils negotiate second level time tables, teacher expectations, new environments and the journey from established social groups into new social relations.

In light of school closures due to COVID 19 restrictions and in response to the needs of 6th Class pupils during this time, the Mind The Gap Steering Committee have taken the generous decision to make the successful Workbook available online as a pdf on the local Meath CYPSC website http://www.familysupportmeath.ie.

Click here to access the links to the Mind The Gap Workbook and accompanying online video resource.

EDITION 7 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 18th May 2020).

Click here to download Edition 7

COVID 19 NEWSLETTER FOR DRUGS AND ALCOHOL SERVICES

Click here to access the Covid 19 Newsletter for Drugs and Alcohol Services from the Drugs Policy & Social Inclusion Unit in the Department of Health.

FREE LGBTI+ SKILLS ONLINE TRAINING

On 14th May, 2020, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone launched the BeLonG To new online training: ‘Creating LGBTI+ Inclusive Schools and Youth Services’. This exciting new online training programme includes videos, exercises and quizzes to equip education and youth service professionals to become better at listening to, understanding, responding to and supporting LGBTI+ young people – ensuring that you become part of a positive story in their lives.

Who is it for? The training is for those working directly with young people in education or youth work settings such as teachers, youth workers, guidance counsellors and youth club leaders.
How long is the training? This is a 3-hour online training programme. You can complete the course in one go or over a series of weeks – whatever works best for you.
Getting started is easy:
1. Visit http://www.traininghub.ie
2. Select the course: Creating LGBT+ inclusive Schools and Youth Services with BeLonG To.
3. Click the button ‘Create new account’

LET’S KEEP MEATH TALKING

Please click here for flyer that was developed as part of an initiative by some of Meath County Council’s Community Response Forum members to ‘KEEP MEATH TALKING’. Loneliness was highlighted as a key priority for all ages so they pulled this together after speaking with colleagues in Kildare.

EDITION 6 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 11th May 2020).

Click here to download Edition 6

NEW RESOURCE ON PLAYFUL FAMILIES AND PLAYFUL PARENTING

Let’s Play Ireland is a whole of Government campaign led by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to promote the importance of play and to provide play resources for families during this time.

The aim of the initiative is to highlight the importance of play for children, particularly in the challenging time and to provide information and resources for families to support their children’s play. The campaign will run throughout May and June in conjunction with the overall Government campaign on Wellbeing. Every Wednesday new resources will feature on the website across a range of themes including; Early Years, Playful Families, Storytelling; Playful Learning, Active Play, Creative Play and Play to Support Well Being.

This week (6th May 2020) new resources on Playful Families and Playful Parenting feature HERE

This week (13th May 2020) new resources on Let's Play Creatively feature HERE

This week (19th May 2020) new resources on Let’s Play Outdoors feature HERE

Thank you in particular to Dublin City Children and Young People Services Committee and Tusla for allowing us to share their resources on playful parenting.

EDITION 5 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 5th May 2020).

Click here to download Edition 5

NATIONAL JIGSAW COVID 19 REPONSE

Click here for the latest version (up to April 30th) of the national Jigsaw dashboard that displays the various supports available to Children & Young People across each county where there is a Jigsaw service and more so what is now available nationally from Jigsaw, irrespective if you have a Jigsaw in your county.

COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT ALCOHOL AS A RISK FACTOR FOR COVID 19

The Irish Community Action on Alcohol Network (ICAAN) and national charity Alcohol Forum have this week launched an information resource to raise awareness across the population about the risk that alcohol use poses to the immune system. Please click here for press release and poster.

SAFETY CARDS RESOURCE FOR PARENTS – SUPPORTING CHILDREN TO KEEP SAFE

Click here to access the safety cards. This resource was reproduced by Louth CYPSC with permission obtained from Dublin City North CYPSC.

COVID 19 FOOD PROVISION SCHEME FOR YOUNG CHILDREN FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Click here to access the application form for the Food Provision Scheme for Young Children aged 0-6 during the Covid-19 Crisis. Click here for the Questions and Answers document and more information about the Food Provision Scheme. 

KEY MESSAGE FOR PARENTS - ONLINE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE DURING COVID 19

Tusla Louth Meath in collaboration with Meath CYPSC have developed an online safety resource that parents can use to help them talk with and keep their children safe online during COVID 19.

Please click here for more information

EDITION 4 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 27th April 2020).

Click here to download Edition 4

EDITION 3 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 20th April 2020).

Click here to download Edition 3

EDITION 2 OF THE MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC (Up to date as of 14th April 2020) 

Click here to download Edition 2

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) POSTERS AND RESOURCES

Help prevent the spread of Corona Virus.  Click on the above link to view and download the range of resources and information that have been developed to support children, young people, families and communities in keeping safe and staying well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE DURING COVID 19

An extensive listing of websites of services, resources and ideas to support children and young people and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUPPORTING PARENTS AND FAMILIES BOOKLET – THE GENESIS PROGRAMME

Genesis Area Based Childhood Programme knows that these are very unsettling and anxious times for parents and children alike.Through the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme and The Changing Lives Initiative Genesis is committed to delivering better outcomes for children, young people and families living within the Louth area. In these challenging times Genesis continues to support parents, young people and children as best it can and is endeavouring to reach out via its online platforms and through telephone contact. With this in mind, Genesis has put together a guide called Supporting Parents and Families through the Days and Weeks Ahead and hope that parents will find it a useful support while we are all social distancing to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus. The Genesis Team are fully contactable during this challenging period. Telephone 041–9843333 or email hugh.doogan@cllp.ie. 

MEATH CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK NEWSLETTER, DETAILS OF SERVICE DELIVERY DURING COVID 19

This local newsletter provides contact details for service delivery across County Meath during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  It was produced by Meath Child and Family Support Networks with the support of Meath CYPSC. This is the 1st edition of this newsletter and is up to date as of 8th April, 2020.

Meath CYPSC Children and Young People's Plans

Please click here to view the Children and Young People's Plan for 2018-2020

Please click here to view the Children and Young People's Plan for ​2012-2015.

Working For Children

An audit of services and needs analysis of children’s services in county Meath.

​Please click here to download.

Click here to view our Local Links page.