Barnardos Dun Laoghaire Annual Report

Abstract

Barnardo’s work in Dun Laoghaire took root about twelve years ago. A service for families was set up initially by Social Workers from the Eastern Health Board in close association with a Social Worker from Barnardos. Barnardo’s has been located in Tivoli Terrace South since May 1989 but was previously located in St. Joseph’s on Tivoli Road and in the Epworth Centre in Dun Laoghaire. The centre is well situated and is accessible to families from Dun Laoghaire, Mountwood/Fitzgerald Park, Sallynoggin, Blackrock and Glasthule. Barnardo’s now provides comprehensive range of services to families and their children. The services particularly focus on families who are experiencing difficulties. The difficulties experience by families using our services include: unemployment; poverty and consequent dependency on social welfare; inadequate housing , both private and local authority accommodation; lone parenthood and associated isolation; loneliness and lack of confidence; difficulties in managing and caring for children; child abuse; violence; drug and alcohol addiction.