Education Supports

National Learning Network Training Programmes & Supports

At National Learning Network (NLN), we offer a range of flexible training programmes and support services designed to help students succeed, forge friendships, develop confidence, and prepare for careers that suit them best.

We specialise in providing tailored support for individuals with mental health issues, autism, social anxiety, learning difficulties, and sensory, intellectual and physical disabilities.

NLN has over 50 training centres located in communities across Ireland. We cater to people aged 16 and over, many of whom have left school or college early, unsure of their next steps, who need support to explore their talents and strengths.

Our certified courses range from arts, sports, hospitality, business, to general employability skills. NLN instructors are experts in providing specialist training in a truly supportive learning environment.

Support Resources

Our latest podcast and webinar may be of relevance in your line of work. Both resources delve into the alarming trend of school and college avoidance, particularly among students facing mental health challenges.

In the latest episode of NLN's #ThinkPossible podcast, NLN Chartered Psychologist Jane Watson shared her key insights on tackling school avoidance commenting:

"We believe there are people out there who need a different experience than a standard, traditional education."

NLN student Michéal O' Faolain also shared his lived experience of leaving secondary school early and finding success at NLN:

“I think that the culture in NLN is very inclusive to everyone, especially those with disabilities or illnesses, some other places may not be as inclusive. They appreciate that everyone has different abilities and talents, and will encourage you to find and embrace what you are good at.”

During the summer we hosted a webinar titled Overcoming School and College Avoidance. The webinar highlights how NLN provides a supportive alternative to traditional education, emphasising the development of essential life skills, comprehensive mental health support, and enhanced employability.

Courses at NLN, funded by the Educational Training Boards and the HSE, lead to qualifications such as QQI (Levels 1-6), ICDL, MOS, and City & Guilds. We offer both vocational and rehabilitative training to help students build new skills and improve their quality of life.

NLN offers small class sizes and a person-centred approach, tailored to each student’s pace and needs. We also offer access to psychological and advocacy support to help students achieve both personal and learning goals.

One of the benefits of an NLN course is the ability to begin a course anytime and to try out a course before committing. It’s that flexible approach that can make all the difference to a student deciding what their future holds.

NLN has built a network of business and industry partners, including local employers who offer students the opportunity to gain on-the-job training and work placements. 

If you know someone who could benefit from a specialist education provider who can provide the tailored assistance they need, we would be grateful if you could share this information with them.

Visit our website at www.nln.ie for more information and to explore our range of courses. You can also contact your local NLN centre at info@nln.ie for personalised guidance and support.

Minding Media -

Media Literacy Education for Children

Minding Media comprises a set of interactive media literacy educational resources for children aged 8-12. Designed to complement the wellbeing curriculum in school, there are 2 sets of resources: one for children aged 8-10, and another for children aged 10-12. Please visit www.mindingmedia.eu to access these free educational resources.

The resources focus on 4 topics: ‘What is Media’, ‘Advertising Literacy’, ‘Fake News’, and ‘Social Media’ and comprise:

The Minding Media Video Training Library (videos and interactive quizzes dedicated to these 4 topics)

The Minding Media Minecraft Education World and Instructor Manual (4 worlds dedicated to solving media literacy challenges and quests)

The Minding Media Teaching Toolkit: Step-by-step Media Literacy lesson plans for teachers, and accompanying slides for use in the classroom.

Funded by the EU Erasmus+ Programme, this project is a collaboration between partner organisations from Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Serbia, and the Netherlands. Our newsletters, available on the website, detail the development of the Minding Media Educational Resources over the past 2 years. We are delighted to say that official launch events took place recently in 4 European countries.

Digitised and Interactive Media Literacy Educational Resources .

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Please click here to download your guide.

Disability Equality Training led by Bluestack Foundation

Please click here to download your Flyer

For further information please contact

* cspmanager@bluestackfoundation.com

( 074 97 40828

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How to Contact Us

( 087 7712932 / 074 97 40828

* progression@bluestackfoundation.com

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Click here to download the above

Early Childhood Reading and Irish

The following is an article , written by Joseph Kelly,Leabharlannaí Feidhmiúcháin , about early childhood reading and Irish which was published on the RTÉ website may be of interest.

Click Here to view

The article references resources which we first produced in Donegal to encourage parents to read Irish Language books which are now being supported on a national basis.

Click the link My Little Library | Libraries Ireland for the videos.

Ruhama Services Info in Russian & Ukrainian

Click here for poster in English Cleck here for poster in Ukrainian Click here for poster in Russian

Ruhama offers support to Ukrainian woman who at risk of trafficking for sexual exploitation .This includes the exchange of sex for money for accommodation, goods, etc. Ruhama provide a wide range of holistic supports including trauma therapy, bridge to work, casework, education and development, etc. We are ready to extend similar support to Ukrainian refugees if they need it.

Ruhama is fully supported by the Department of Justice.