Crèches host St Patrick’s Day charity events

A SOUTHSIDE charity that works with hundreds of people who are at risk of becoming homeless is asking preschools and crèches across Ireland to support its Generation Inspiration campaign by hosting a St Patrick’s Day party.

The Sophia Housing Association provides services in Cork Street and in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, South Dublin and Fingal County Council areas.

To help Sophia continue its work with the most vulnerable children in society they are asking preschools and crèches across Ireland to host a party on one of the days commencing on the week of March 10.

Children are asked to come to their preschool or crèche, and with the support of their parents, donate what they can to Sophia.

All funds will be directed into frontline services to ensure children being supported by Sophia have the best chance of leading a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The charity has found that homelessness is not unique to any one demographic, and it t can affect men, women, and children.

In fact Sophia currently provides support to 115 children, of which 72 are under the age of nine and 41 are under the age of four.

Sophia provides a range of child centred services, which include preschool, out of school, homework groups, supported access visits, individual and family play sessions.

According to Mary Gilton, Childcare Resource Coordinator:

“One of the things that’s unique about many of Sophia’s on-site child care services is that we get to know the children and the parents.

“Many childcare facilities don’t get the opportunity to develop a relationship with the parents. We can often identify if there are problems at home and help to ensure issues get resolved as quickly as possible.

“We do this by linking with the support workers in Sophia projects so that there is a seamless and integrated service delivered to the whole family.

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She added:

“We provide a range of child-centred services, depending on the needs of the people and the resources that are available to each project.

“We create a safe, calm space for the children, a place they can be themselves. It’s often the case that children who have experienced homelessness have had to play the role of parent and look after themselves and other members of the family.

“In Sophia, they get to develop skills in how to play, how to get on with other people and how to name and acknowledge their feelings. In our after school programme, they get support with homework if they need that.

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Crèches and preschools can register for a pack by contacting Paul Ahearne or Cathryn O’Leary on 01-4738300 or email them at pahearne@ sophia.ie or coleary@sophia.ie.

All registered crèches and preschools will be entered into a draw to win a subscription worth e250 for Recreate, the arts, play and education resource hub which provides access to a huge range of affordable, creative materials, art & craft supplies and inspiration for people of all ages and abilities locally and nationally.

To find out more about Sophia Housing visit www.sophia.ie, like Sophia’s Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @sophia_housing.