More about us

Bagenalstown FRC is a not for profit registered charity that was originally formed in 2001 in response to social problems facing children, young people and parents.

Since then we have grown to a large and diverse social and community support service running a variety of family, children and adult support, and training services including – Stepping Stones Childcare and Afterschool service, Computer & IT Training, Adult Education service, Counselling service, Play Therapy, Family support service, Senior alert and Social groups for older people and support and advocacy service for older people in the area,  Our charity shop DeJaVu  on the main street in Bagenalstown helps fund many of the support services.


Development of Services

All these services and initiatives have grown from our Family Resource Centre. The buildings and surrounding space, was developed by the then Board of Directors for community use, with an investment of two million euro this new buildings now boasts some of the best family and children support and training facilities in Carlow with the environmentally sustainable purpose built childcare building with play grounds, and parking facilities and also our purpose built family and community building and our therapeutic hub.

Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre now employees a large team of specialist family, children and youth professional support workers that are responsible for the many children’s and young people’s education, parent and family support service and older peoples service.


3 year Plan

Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre has a 3 year plan which is developed by our management team who draw from evidence based programmes and individually designed projects which are carefully put together in response to carrying out a needs analysis survey. Our focus is to offer a holistic approach to family needs, through this comprehensive and inclusive approach families are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. Our ethos is to challenge inequality, to encourage personal, family and community autonomy and ultimately promote a more equal society.


Our Board of Governance

There are currently 6 voluntary directors on our Board of Governance who have overall responsibility for the operation, management and the strategic development of all projects, enterprise and services run from our various facilities.

2023 Board Members: Finuala McGuinness, Pat Purcell, Adele Kidd, Fr. Declan Foley, Mairead Phelan, Eddie Corcoran,


Aims & Objectives

  • To facilitate local people to develop through group development and  social interaction
  • To ensure that the vision and principles are implemented through the project
  • To access resources and funding that will support the work of the project
  • The provision of education opportunities and progression routes that meets the  personal and professional development of the community
  • To develop and implement appropriate policies  and procedures to ensure equality and anti-discrimination practice
  • To create an environment that is supportive, open, friendly and safe for project users, staff and ourselves
  • To have a project that is accessible, flexible, adaptable and inclusive to the needs of individuals, groups and the community
  • To provide a holistic service that actively supports the family


Vision Statement

Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre - Building an integrated and welcoming community, where families and individuals will have the opportunity to reach their full potential


Mission Statement

Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre will work closely with the community to strengthen participation, equality and positive outcomes for all families and individuals by working from the guiding principles of Community Development and Family Support Practice.