FRC Mental Health Project

Supporting the Management, Staff and Volunteers of FRCs 

The FRC Mental Health Promotion Project is a vital initiative designed to support the management, staff, and volunteers of Family Resource Centres (FRCs) throughout Ireland. This project is committed to enhancing the capacity of FRC personnel by promoting best practices in suicide prevention, workplace well-being, and the promotion of positive mental health. Through a focus on community engagement and capacity building, the project empowers FRC teams to address mental health challenges effectively within their own communities. By fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and offering practical tools and training, the initiative aims to create healthier, more resilient environments both in the workplace and across the wider community.

Core Objectives:

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness: The project seeks to reduce suicide by harnessing the strengths and resilience of communities. It aims to raise awareness of mental health issues, provide education, and dismantle barriers, with a focus on reducing stigma.

Education, Training, and Best Practice: A key component of the initiative is providing education and training to the management, staff, and volunteers of 121 FRCs. The project delivers guidance on suicide prevention, wellness recovery action planning, and positive mental health promotion.

Community Partnerships: The project supports community-driven prevention efforts through training, relationship-building, and collaboration. In partnership with Cork/Kerry HSE Health and Wellbeing, it serves as the lead and support organisation for 10 Health and Wellbeing Community Referral Sites in Cork and Kerry.

Holistic Support and Resilience Building: Alongside suicide prevention, the project promotes broader mental health and wellness, encouraging self-care, resilience, and recovery. This approach supports not only FRC staff but also the broader communities they serve.

Vision and Mission:

The project envisions an Ireland where fewer lives are lost to suicide and where individuals and communities are empowered to take control of their mental health and wellbeing. Its mission is to educate and train FRC management, staff and volunteers in suicide prevention, resilience building, and positive mental health promotion, ultimately benefiting both the teams working in FRCs and the communities they support.

The FRC Mental Health Promotion Project plays a critical role in promoting mental resilience and wellbeing across Ireland by fostering a shared, community-centred approach to mental health.

For all training enquiries, contact:
Mary Mulcahy, Mental Health Training & Policy Officer
Mobile: 086 837 9763
Email: marymulcahy@familyresource.ie

For all other enquiries about the project, contact 
Grace Kearney, National Lead, Health and Wellbeing
Mobile: 083 1469767
Email: gracekearney@familyresource.ie ​

Visit the FRC Mental Health Promotion Project Website: www.familyresourcementalhealth.ie