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CHERISH Sure Start is built around the wants and needs of local people. The aim is to improve the well-being and life opportunities of young children aged under 4 through better health, childcare, play and educational programmes, from the moment they are born.

At present, the CHERISH Sure Start Initiative covers a catchment area within a three mile radius of Irvinestown.

Irvinestown was chosen due to the rural isolation experienced by its Community. Sure Start will address this issue by bringing services and facilities into the area.

PARTNERSHIP

Who is involved?

The Cherish Sure Start Initiative partnership comprises of parents and carers together with voluntary and statutory organisations. In this way, the best results can be achieved. As the old saying goes 'Many hands make light work!' The organisations involved in the Sure Start programme are:

· Irvinestown Community partnership - Lead organisation
· The ARC Healthy Living Centre
· Irvinestown Trustee Enterprise Centre
· Western Health and Social Services Board
· Home-Start Lakeland
· Lifestart Enniskillen
· Fermanagh Women's Aid
· Treetops Day Care Nursery
· Children's Cottage Day Care Nursery
· Irvinestown Playgroup
· Irvinestown Baby & Toddler Group
· Sperrin Laleland Health and Social Services Trust
· Active Allsorts Afterschools Club
· Fermanagh College
· St. Paul's Primary School
· Irvinestown Controlled Primary School

Newsletter

The Cherish Sure Start Newsletter, the CHATTERPILLAR, was first issued in May 2002. The CHATTERPILLAR is issued bi-monthly and will bring you up to date with all that's happening in the Irvinestown area. The newsletter is distributed throughout the Irvinestown area to all parents aged 0-4 years, the local library and parents and toddler groups. If you would like a copy, please ring Lorraine Latimer, Administrator on 028 686 21970.

So what does the CHERISH Sure Start Initiative have to offer?

The Cherish Sure Start Initiative is now in its 2nd year. Many of the activities are improving as Sure Start funding has been allocated to them. To find out about each activity listed below in more detail contact Maeve McGuigan Sure Start Co-ordinator on 028 686 21970.

 

Health Visiting
Sure Start Health Visitor supporting all families with children aged 0-4 in addition to offering a wide range of services such as Breast Feeding Support groups, Accident Prevention workshops, Stop Smoking groups, 'Cook It' programmes, Infant Massage clinics and much more.

Toy & Safety Equipment Library
Toy & Safety Equipment Library providing a selection of equipment for 0-4 year olds.

Speech & Language
Speech and Language programmes that are responsive to local needs such as the WILSTAAR programme, the HANEN programme, 'Drop in' advice and support sessions every Thursday morning and listening/attention group sessions.

Home-Start
Home-Start volunteers who are parents themselves offering friendship, help and practical support in the family home.

Quality Childcare
Support, advice and training for registered childminders and childcare facilities.

Healthy Eating
Dietetics advice, support and training programmes.

Pre-school Language Club
Le Club Français - fun French for young children. Le Club Français offers a unique and proven course for 3-4 year olds. We teach through games, songs, stories and craft while encouraging your child's natural desire for communication.

Training Opportunities
A variety of Information Technology and Early Years training courses. Specialised training and support services for families with Special Needs requirements.

Parent & Toddler Groups
Two Parent & Toddler groups - one in Ardess on Monday mornings and the other on Friday mornings in the Bawnacre Leisure Centre.

Lifestart
Lifestart is a home-based child development programme, which supports the work of parents in developing their child's potential.

Support Services
Fermanagh Women's Aid and Citizen's Advice outreach clinics available.

Crèche
Crèche facilities available to families using CHERISH Sure Start services at ActiveAllsorts Afterschoools Club three mornings a week - Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 9 am - 12 noon.

Tumble Tots
Tumble Tots - a fun packed activity session for 2-4 year olds with a qualified fitness instructor.

Mums and Tums Pre-Natal Fitness programme
A low impact and low intensity exercise class designed for mums-to- be.

Post Natal Exercise class
Designed to help you regain your figure and energy after childbirth.

Plus much more fun packed events throughout the year such as coffee and free-play sessions, story-telling, parties, arts and craft sessions, music and movement sessions and guest speakers.

 

Sure Start for Parents

Parents enjoy the benefit of support, advice, home visits and special training courses. A visit to the ARC Healthy Living Centre is a great way for parents to meet other mums and dads in the area. Sure start also encourages parents to get involved in the project, to make sure parents get the services they and their children need. A parents' group meet monthly at the ARC Healthy Living Centre and contributes to the planning of the CHERISH Sure Start services.