Togher Family Centre, Togher, Cork, Ireland

Role: assistant

Togher Family Centre is a voluntary, community-based project located in an extended and modified house in the Deanrock Estate, Togher, Cork City. The centre provides family support, early-years education and development, an after-school project, mother and toddler groups, formal and informal adult education, and developmental programmes for the people of Togher parish. The project aims to promote social justice and equality of opportunity in the high-priority area of Togher.

Togher evolved from a community-based pre-school facility established in 1973.The community’s involvement with the pre-school laid the basis for a tradition of parental involvement aided by voluntary effort and support. Working together, parents and children build on their existing skills, gain self-confidence and extend these skills within their own families and their community. By providing quality child care, Togher enables members to access training, education and job opportunities.

The centre’s pre-school services include one at 6 Maglin Grove and an outreach pre-school in the grounds of Togher Primary School. Its early-years services include a crèche for children aged between one and three, a dinner project and creative after-school activities for children aged 4-12. The Irish Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, recognised the excellent work of the Centre in the round of national lottery grants made in 2013.

Togher is recognised and respected as an accredited centre for third-level students of social work, community and early childhood studies and attracts students from universities in Europe, Canada and Ireland.

Two unpaid internships per year of a minimum of 3 months. Closed in August. SPS1: no.

You will work as an assistant at Togher Family Centre.

The centre runs a pre-school for children aged one to three, after-school activities for children aged 4-12, adult education classes, and mother and toddler groups.

Apply directly to Niamh Sheridan with a CV and letter in English outlining specific learning objectives and how you feel you can meet these objectives within the Togher Family Centre. A Criminal Records Bureau check must be completed in order to allow you to work with schoolchildren and requires a passport.

Previous students have found accommodation through Brink Property. The centre can also help you to find accommodation.

No participation fee. You may apply for a Leonardo or other grant for students abroad. Further information on financing your stay abroad here.

Approx. costs based on previous students’ experiences: travel to and from Ireland: €150; accommodation: €450 per month; food: €180 per month; transport: €50 per month.

Niamh Sheridan, manager
T: +353 (0)21 431 6766
F: +353 (0)21 484 7989
E: manager@togherfamilycentre.ie

Togher Family Centre website
Togher Family Centre on Facebook