Solas FRC Team Attend FRC National Forum Conference 2026

Keeping Communities at the Heart of Change

Members of the SOLAS Family Resource Centre team recently attended the FRC National Forum Conference 2026, held on 24 June at the Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullingar.

The conference brought together Family Resource Centre teams and colleagues from across Ireland, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect, network, share ideas and learn from the experiences of others working in communities throughout the country.

This year’s theme, “Keeping Communities at the Heart of Change,” reflected the important role that Family Resource Centres play in strengthening families, supporting individuals and building healthier, more inclusive communities.

The conference opened with a warm welcome from FRC National Forum Chairperson Ellen Duggan, followed by an inspiring address from Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly, a long-time champion of the National Family Resource Centre Programme. The President spoke about the importance and real impact of the work carried out by Family Resource Centres in communities across Ireland.

We also heard from Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disabilities and Equality, who recognised the invaluable contribution of Family Resource Centres to creating stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities.

Throughout the day, delegates enjoyed an excellent programme of speakers and presentations, including:

• Adelle Hyland – A Story of Empowerment
• Cormac Russell – Keeping Communities at the Heart of Change: Promising Principles and Practice from Around the World
• Forward Steps and Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre – Healthy Streets Project
• FRC National Forum and Silver Arch Family Resource Centre – Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing

The conference provided plenty of opportunities to reflect on the work we do locally, hear about new approaches and projects taking place in other communities, and bring ideas and inspiration back to Headford.

For the SOLAS FRC team, it was also a valuable opportunity to meet with colleagues from other Family Resource Centres, strengthen connections and share experiences of the challenges and successes of community-based work.

The day concluded with a closing address from FRC National Forum CEO Fergal Landy, reaffirming the shared commitment of Family Resource Centres across Ireland to keeping communities at the heart of positive change.

We would like to thank the FRC National Forum for organising such an informative and inspiring conference, and everyone who contributed to the day.

It was a great opportunity for the SOLAS FRC team to step outside our own community, connect with colleagues from across Ireland and return to Headford with new ideas, inspiration and a renewed appreciation for the important role of Family Resource Centres.

Together, we continue to strengthen families, support our community and help create positive change – with our community always at the heart of what we do. 💙

SOLAS Family Resource Centre – a welcome for all.