Lifestart Newtowncunningham I Annual Report 2003 I E~.....-"'
I I NEWTOWNCU I I I I I Lifestart Newtowncunningham I Annual Report 2003 I e~.....-"'...... I , ~:_~ :..£).:---:L ,.;: '~'-'w~~~~ I I -'/' I "The good teacher does not bid you I enter the house ofhis wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold ofyour own I mind. " I Kahlil Gibran 'The Prophet' I
North Western Health Board This project is also supported by the Inishowen 1..-----1 Bord Shiinte an Tar-Thuaiscirt Partnership Company and FAS through the I Jobs Initiative Scheme I I I Lifestart I Newtowncunningham I
"Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in anot/ler time" I I I Management Committee I • Chairperson - Pauline Bonner • Secretary - Deirdre Cody I' • Treasurer - CaITiona Clay • Members - Catherine Clark I Dymphna Whorisky Myra Johnston I, Colleen Tourish Majella McGrath I Darina Friel I I Staff I • Co - ordinator - Mary Walker Callaghan .• Administrator - Geraldine Holmes I • Family Visitors - Christine Crossan I Carol Frize Helga Neeson Ita Toland I 2 I I I I I i I CONTENTS
I • Lifestart Mission Statement • • Overview of the Lifestart Programme I • Chairpersons Address Pauline Bonner I • Poem" Touch" I Kathie Davis • Co-ordinators Report I Mary Walker Callaghan
I • Parents Comments
I • Poem "And more needs .....
I • Administrators Report Geraldine Holmes I • Family Visitors Reports I Christine Crossan Carol Frize I Helga Neeson I Ita Toland • Poem "Childhood Doesn't Wait" I Author Unknown 3 I • FINANCIAL STATEMENT ." I -I I I LIFESTART MISSION STATEMENT I I Educating and empowering parents of children from Birth to the age of five so that these children are enabled to reach their full I potential I The Ethos of Lifestart is one in which, children, parents, staff and I committees are encouraged to grow and develop in an open, respectful, accountable and holistic way which is sensitive to the uniqueness of each person. I I I' I I I I I I I
4 I I I I I I OVERVIEW OF THE LIFESTART PROGRAMME I Lifestart is a home visitation, educational programme which was first established simultaneously in the Connemara Gaeltacht and in an urban housing estate in I Derry City in 1989. The Lifestart programme operates in 20 localities in Ireland and 2 in Europe. The programme I concentrates on the Birth to· five years of age-group and their parents in each community. Presently there are 2,042 families and2,765 Children receiving the I programme. Parents voluntarily participate in the programme, it is open to all parents with a·young·chlld in the project area, regardless of parental income, family structure or level of I education. I The programme is facilitated by Family Visitors, who on a monthly basis, deliver age appropriate child development materials to the participating families. These materials are an American text, "Growing Child", which each project area has carefully I adapted to fit the vernacular and culture of its own local area Sufficient time is given to meet the individual needs of each parent to discuss the materials and the child's I development. All materials are left with the family as a resource. Family Visitors working on the programme are predominantly local people and many parents I themselves. Family Visitors also facilitate parent group sessions, which provide a forum for discussions of I issues relating to: I. Child education 2. Community ·development activities I 3. Opportunities for parents to come together I This can assist in breaking down any barriers of isolation that may exist. I I I I 5 I I -1---- I I The overall aim of the Lifestart programme is:
"to enable parents to make informed relevant decisions about the upbringing of their own I children and to empower them to give effect to these decisions".
The Lijestart programme through its delivery: I • encourages, supports and empowers parents: I • focuses on the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of children from birth to five years of age; I • shows the primacy of the home in early childhood; I • Makes available relevant knowledge to parents. I The programme then promotes the following:
A knowledge of child development and an awareness and confidence in their parenting ski1ls I Parents are empowered and children are enabled to reach their full potential through: 1 • positive infant/child-parent relationships, which is at the core of learning and development. I. • the foundation for basic learning skills (social, emotional and intellectual) I • intellectual development; I ·Social interaction;
·Learning abilities. I I I I
6 I I I I ------
LlFESTART FOUNDATION ORGANISATIONAL CHART
BOARD OF DIRECTORS/COUNCIL
FOUNDATION OFFICE With International and Regional Responsibilities
J Ir NATIONAL OFFICE NATIONAL OFFICE NATIONAL OFFICE NORTHERN IRELAND REPUBLIC OF IRELAND MACEDONIA SPAIN REGION
Sligo BaUymun (Dublin) ~ ~ ~ LOCAL LlFESTART Cherry Orchard (Dublin) 4 REGIONS BARCELONA PROJECTS Drogheda (Louth) Edenderry (OlTaly/Kildare) 30 Projects 1 Project Athy (Kildare) Newtowncunningham (Donegal) LilTord/Clonleigh (Donegal) Dunkineely/Killybegs (Donegal) Wexford
This Chart shows the Relationsbip between The Foundation Office and the National Offices in Ireland, Macedonia and Spain and between the Foundation Office and the Projects in the Nortbern Ireland Region. LIFESTART FOUNDATION ORGANISATIONAL CHART
I BOARD OF DIRECTORS/COUNCIL ~ FOUNDATION OFFICE Witb Responsibilities for Projects tbrougbout Ireland
NATIONAL OFFICE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Sligo Atby (Kildare) Ballymun (Dublin) Cberry Orcbard (Dublin) Drogbeda (Loutb) DunkineelylKillybegs (Donegal) Edenderry (OfTalylKildare) LifTordlClonleigb (Donegal) Newtowncunningbam (Donegal) Wexford
Each Local Project is affiliated to the Lifestart Foundation Office through the National Office
This Chart shows the Relationship between the Foundation Office, the National Office and the Local Projects . Each local Lifestart Project has its own Board of DirectorslManagement Committee ------I
I THE LOCATION OF THE LIFESTART FOUNDATION OFFICE, NATIONAL OFFICE AND PROJECTS THROUGHOUT IRELAND I I Foundation Office 2 Projects
1 Project I 1 Project I 1 Project I 1 Project 1 Project 1+----1 Tir Bogbaine Mid-Ards 1 Project I 1 Project Enniskillen 1 Project I-~N~a~ti~on~a1~O~ffi~l~ce~---I't---1 Sligo I 1 Project
I 1 Project Drogbeda
I Dublin 2 Projects
I OfTalylKildare 1 Project I Edenderry 1 Project I I 1 Project I I I I I -1·------I
I CHAIRPERSON'S ADDRESS I Since its tentative beginnings in 1998 Lifestart Newtowncunningham has grown considerably over the yea~ and last year was no exception. The project has gone from strength to strength and we are now delivering the Lifestart programme to I approximately 110 parents and 140 children Birth to five years throughout our catchment area.
I Mter the financial uncertainty of 2001, we are delighted with tbe continued and valuable support from the Dept. of Health & Cbildren through the Nortb Western I Health Board. At this point I would like to thank Mr. Pat Dolan - Ass. CEO, Ms. Val-O' Kelly and Ms. Maria MacInnes for their belief in Lifestart and their I commitment to the programme without which Lifestart Newtowncunningham would not have survived.
; Lifestart Newtowncunningbam, Lifestart LiffordlClonleigh , Tir Boghaine Lifestart and LifestartSligo in association with the Health Promotions Office of I the NWHB, plan to pilot a Cbild Accident Prevention Programme in the near future. I would also like to acknowledge the help and support the project bas I received from the Inisbowen Partnership Company through the provision of a Family Visitor under the Jobs Initiative Scheme, through this we hope to extend I furtber into the Inishowen area.
I would like to congratulate Mary and Helga on tbe birth of their babies and welcome them both back to work. I would like to thank Mary,Christine, Carol, I Helga and Ita for all their hard work and dedication over the past year. I would like to thank Geraldine Holmes for taking on tbe role of Acting Co-ordinator I during Mary's maternity leave. I Having been involved with Lifestart Newtowncunningham from the beginning both as a committee member and more recently as Chairperson, I feel it is time for me to step down. I would like to wish my successor as Chairperson, the Committee I Members past and present and tbe staff, all the best for the years to come. I will look back on my time with Lifestart Newtowncunningham with satisfaction at I what was achieved. I Pauline Bonner I 10 I I -1------I I Touch I., Mothers, touch your children; Fathers, hug them tight, Let them knuw you love them, I morning, noon, and night *** I: Put your arms around them, hold them near to you, Feel the beating oftheir hearts, 1 the life that you nuuJe new. *** Roll around theJloor with them, I tease and laugh and play, Listen to what they'll tell you, they have so much to say. I *** Take time wgetw knuw them, See the colours in their eyes, I Appreciate that person That deep inside them lies. I. *** Let them run their fingers through your hair And down yourface, I Fill their hearts with words ofpraise, Make home their favourite place. *** I Cuddle them on the couch And watch a tv. shuw, . Sing with them or share a book I And help their world to grow. *** Take a walk into the park, I Hold each other's hand, Smell the Jluwers, feed the ducks, I Build castles in the sand. *** Mothers, touch your children, I Fathers, hug them tight, Shuw them what a gift they are, To love themfeels so right I Kathie Davis 11 I I I I I I CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT I I I
I Mary Walker Callagban i Co-ordinator Reflection Lifestart Donegal
I This time last year when I was writing my report Due to funders constantly requesting that the three for the Annual General Meeting I was preparing Lifestart Projects in Donegal rationalise, Lifestart to go off on maternity leave. It has been yet Donegal came into being. I another year filled with challenges and changes for the staff of Life start Newtowncunningham. Lifestart Donegal compriSes of three Lifestart Projects - Tir Boghaine Lifestart, Lifestart Liffordl I In January 2002, we saw the end of funding Clonleigh and Lifestart Newtowncunningharn. An under the Special Support Programme for Peace Executive Committee was formed involving two I and Reconciliation. The North Western Health representatives from the Management Committees Board came to our aid by providing funding on a of each project with the three Co-ordinators and the month to month basis. This period of insecurity National Office in attendance. The aim of this I with regards to funding was a stressful time for Committee was to look at how best to lobby and all involved with the project. It is due to the secure funding to sustain the projects. dedication, commitment and hard work of the I Staffand the Management Committee that we As part of this work a funding proposal was drawn have had such a fulfilling year. up. This document, which was printed in three parts - the Funding Proposal, the Executive Summery and I Through the lnishowen Partnership Company the Budget - has been used to lobby funders and and F As, we were able to employ a fourth Government Departments. Family Visitor under the Jobs Initiative I Programme. This enables the project to further In March 2002, a delegation from Lifestart Donegal, develop and offer the programme to more The Lifestart National Office and The Lifestart I families, thus empowering more parents to make Foundation went to Leinster House and had informed and relevant decisions about their meetings with relevant Ministers. children, while ensuring that more children get a I good start in life. Negotiations with the North Western Health Board were ongoing and it was very evident that the Health I 12 I I I I
Board valued the Lifestart Programme but were Curriculum Development I concerned about the amount of funding required to Phase 2 sustain all three projects. This time last year Carleen Doherty,the I It was therefore a huge commitment and a Evaluation Manager with the Lifestart wonderful acknowledgement of home-based Foundation and.a working group were I provision when the announcement came in May putting the finishing touches to the 2002 from Mr. Pat Dolan - Assistant Chief re-adaptation of the Lifestart "Growing Executive Officer, NWHB - that the 3 projects in Child" Developmental Materials. I am I Donegal would receive funding from the North delighted to say that this work has now Western Health Board from January 2003. been complete and the materials were presented to Co-ordinators in September I As part of this agreement, Lifestart 2002. Newtowncunningham, Lifestart LiffordiClonleigh, Tir Boghaine Lifestart and Lifestart Sligo, in It is now our intention to further adapt the I association with the North Western health Board materials to suit the culture and vernacular are piloting an Accident Prevention Programme. of the Project area, starting with the first This programme will be reviewed in June 2003. two years. This work will be carried out I over July and August and will be submitted The staff from the four projects received training in the the Lifestart Foundation for approval. order to facilitate this programme in November and I December last year. The information, which will be On December 71h 2002, we held our circulated under this programme is very important Christmas Party in Manorcunningham I and substantiates the safety information within the Resource Centre. It was a wonderful day Lifestart Programme. and a great success. I would like to thank all those who helped to make it a great day for I Evaluation our children.
Lifestart Newtowncunningham is in existence four Llfestart Newtowncunningham has I' years and it was felt by all involved with the produced it's first Newsletter, which is Project that we needed to carry out an internal being launched at this years AGM. evaluation. I A lot of valuable information and topics of The reasons behind this decision is so that we can interest pass through this office. Producing ensure that the project is doing what it set out to do a Newsletter gave us a medium in which to I in the beginning, that the programme is beneficial pass this information on to families. and valued by the families that participate in it and I that the programme is important to the development of the community in which we work. I At present I am in negotiations with a number of people, who have looked at our terms of reference so that we can choose the person we feel would be I most suitable to carry out this work. 13 I I I I I
I We would also like to encourage participation Cross-Border from families in future productions of the Newsletter i.e. a poem, a letter, words of advice Lifestart Newtowncunningharn_have valued I or anything that is relevant to the job we are the links set up between our project and the doing with our children. Dunluce Family Centre in Ballymagroarty, Derry. I We were very pleased with the end result and hope it will become another valuable resource Unfortunately due to the lack of funding we to the families on our programme have not been in a position to organise cross I Border events. Phase 3 I Again with the confirmation of funding from Over the past couple of years Lifestart the North Western Health.Board, it is our Newtowncunningharn was forced to postpone intention to re-build these links. We would I any plans for Phase 3 events due to our funding like to see the families of the two projects difficuhies. broughttogether and see our cross-border work continue and develop. I With the announcement of funding from the North Western Health Board, we can once I would like to thank the StatT and again concentrate on the development of Phase Management Committee of the Dunluce I 3 events for parents. Family Centre for their continued support. I would like to pay special tribute to Margaret We have an exciting calendar of events planned McCann who has always been an inspiration I for 2003. They are as follows: and my most valued mentor - thanks Margaret! I • May 12lh - Pauline Hunter, Neuro Development Therapist. Manorcunningharn Resource Centre - 8 pm I sharp Firstly I would like to welcome Ita Toland who joined the Lifestart Newtowncunningham • Self-Esteem for parents - Time and Venue Project in May 2002, while I was on maternity I TBA leave. Ita is employed by the lnishowen Partnership and FAs through the Jobs • First Aid - facilitated by P. Gallen - Initiative Scheme as a Family Visitor. I Newtowncunningharn - beginning 10lh September for 7 weeks. Initially Ita took over from Helga Tinneny, while Helga was on Maternity Leave. This I • September lS lh - Pauline Hunter, Neuro was quite a challenge for Ita as it is never Development Therapist - Newtowncunningham easy to step into another persons shoes, Day Centre - 8 pm sharp however Ita carried out her duties in a I respectful and professional manner which • Art for Parents - October 22nd - Lifestart gained her the respect of the families on the I Office - Facilitated by Family Visitors programme. lh ·Lifestart Christmas Party - 6 December 14 I Venue Burt Hall I I -1- I I I wopld also like to welcome Helga back to work and congratulate her on the birth of her little boy. I Due to Ita being employed on the Jobs Initiative Scheme, she is compelled to work within the lnishowen Partnership Area. On Helga's return Aims for 2003 I to work, both Family Visitors and I discussed the geographical delivery of the programme. It was decided that Ita would remain visiting fumilies in Project & Curriculum Development I the Newtowncunningham area while Helga will begin to deliver the programme in the • To adapt the first 24 issues of the Growing Manorcunningham region, to meet the growing Child Materials. I demand there. • To organise and run 5 Phase 3 events I Carol Frize, Family Visitor in the during 2003 Manorcunningham region and Christine Crossan, Family Visitor in the Newtowncunningham, Killea, • To re-establish cross-border links with I Burt and Bridgend regions, both maintain their Dunluce Family Centre, Derry quotas although quite a number of our parents and children completed the programme during the past • To secure funding to extend Family I twelve months. Visitors contract when the Jobs Initiative Scheme ends in August 2003. I would like to thank the staff for their commitment, I dedication and hard work. Although this project has • To produce the Lifestart faced some difficult and stressful times, mainly due Newtowncunningham Newsletter. to the lack of funding, their enthusiasm has never I dampened. Each staff member works within their • To carry out an internal evaluation. role while observing Lifestart's code of boundaries, confidentiality and respectfulness. Staff & Committee Development I So to Carol, Christine, Helga, Ita and Geraldine • Co-ordinator and Family Visitors to attend I my sincerest thanks and I look forward to the accredited training course for the next 2 coming year to continue on our journey of growth years. Certificates awarded through The' ," and development for ourselves, the project and our Institute of Leadership and Managemerit!f." I families and children. • To provide relevant training for the Management Committee which will assist I them in their role and responsibilities.
Geographical Development I
• To further develop the programme in I Manorcunningham area by re-deploying a second Family Visitor to the area 15 I I I I I Thank You In conjunction with F As, the Partnership 1 enabled Lifestart Newtowncunningham to • Dolores McGuinness - Director employ a fourth Family Visitor through the I The Lifestart Foundation Jobs Initiative Scheme. Dolores and the Staff in the Foundation We also received money through their Small Office - Matt, Carleen, and Loreto- as Grants Programme, which enabled us to I always you have all been a tremendous upgrade our computer system. inspiration and support. Many thanks for all that you do on our behalf and for the Lifestart • Public Health Nurses I Newtowncunningham Project. I would like to acknowledge the relationship we have with the Public Health Nurses in this Therese 0' Rourke area. They have worked hard on our behalf, t The Lifestart National Officer informing families of our existence, Once again Therese has worked tirelessly on circulating our information leaflet. I would I our behalf. She has been an excellent support like to thank them for their support and look and is always ready to offer advice or forward to enhancing our working relationship 1 assistance when needed. over the next twelve months. • The North Western Health Board • Management Committee It was an exciting time for the three projects in The Lifestart Newtowncunningham 1 Donegal when Mr. Pat Dolan, Assistant CEO, Management Committee are a voluntary announced in May 2002 that the projects group who have come on board with Lifestart would receive fi.ulding from the North because of their strong beliefin the good of 1 Western Health Board from January 2003. this programme.
I would like to thank Mr. Pat Dolan, Mrs. Val They suddenly find themselves in a position of 1 0' Ke lly, Childcare Quality Assurance being employers, lobbyists, mediators and Manager and Ms. Maria MacInnes, Childcare decision makers. This is an enormous amount Manager, for their ongoing support and hard to ask of any group. 1 work on our behalf and for believing in The Lifestart Newtowncunningham Lifestart. Our sincerest thanks and we.1ook Management Committee have taken on their forward to a long and healthy working 1 roles and responsibilities with dedication and relationship. determination. I would like to take this Liam McMenamin opportunity to thank them for everything they I· have given to Lifestart over the past twelve Many thanks to our landlord, Liam months and for the ongoing support both the McMenamin for all your help and hard work Staff and I receive from them. I over the past twelve months. Liam undertook to lay new wooden floors in our entrance hall, Darina Friel has decided to retire from the the hallway on the second floor and the Committee this year. Darina has been on the 1 Administrators office. This was a big Management Committee for three years and undertaking for Liam however it has made a has been a great help and always supportive. I vast improvement to the appearance of our would like to thank Darina for all of her hard I offices. work, dedication and commitment and wish her our very best wishes for the furur% I· Inishowen Partnership Company I would like to thank the lnishowen Partnership company for their ongoing 1 SUDoort. I I I Pauline Bonner has been involved with Lifestart Newtowncunningham since the beginning. Pauline worked tirelessly I over the years and especially in the tentative stages when a lot of hard work had to be done to justify having the programme in this area and subsequently to secure funding in order to staff and equip I the project.
During my four years as Co-ordinator of Lifestart I Newtowncunningham I have found Pauline to be a great support and a good friend, always willing to offer assistance and advice. I Pauline has decided that the time has come for her to step down from the Management Committee of Life start Newtowncunningharn. She I will be sadly missed by everyone and I would like to offer her every success and happiness for the future. I On the lSIh March Pauline is taking flight on a well deserved holiday to visit family in Australia. I On that note I say Bon Voyage, have a wonderful trip and our sincerest thanks for all you have given to Lifestart Newtowncunningham and myself over the years. I
Finally I would like to thank the Parents and Children who participate in the Lifestart I Newtowncunningham Growing Child Programme. Your participation and feedback is invaluable to the success of this project. You have welcomed Lifestart into your homes and I I am very aware through the Family Visitors how dedicated you are to the programme and how much you value what it can offer you aud your child. I Sadly we have said goodbye to quite a few families and children over the past year however we wish them the very best as they continue on their journey of development and exploration. I
We look forward to the next twelve months in the hope that we can all continue to grow and develop together. I I Mary Walker Callaghan I Co-ordinator I 17 I I I I I
Parents Comments on the I Lifestart Newtowncunningham Programme I
"My Cbildren bave benefited enormously from Lifestart. They are confident, inquisitive and I eager to learn. Lifestart bas given tbem a great foundation for starting scbool, developing tbeir personalities, abilities, creativity and imagination, wbicb wiD stand tbem in good stead as tbey I grow and mature. Tbe resourees, be it games, tasks, books or paints, bave belped to encourage and deVelop I relationsbips, communication & organisation skills, word recognition and given tbem a great sense of participation and acbievement - in sbort a great "Start in Life" Tbank you Lifestart. I Joy - Manorcunningham
" I would highly recommend Lijestart to any parent It gives me a good guide on what to expect I from my children at each stage and WIijlS to help their development, therefore giving them an excellent base for their futures. As afirst time mother, it was so helpful to have someone to talk and discuss my child's development with..lfound it reassuring that things that were happening to my I children were also happening to others. I Karen - Newtowncunningham
I find Lifestart an exceUent way of bonding witb my cbild tbrougb play and knowing wbat my I child sbould be doing at tbe different stages of development. Being a motber of a cbild witb special needs, I find tbe information I receive tbrough tbe Lifestart Programme very belpful As we aU know cbild ren get bored easily, tbe resources i.e. books, toys, art, music etc., we receive I every montb tbrougb tbe programme are very good. I wisb Lifestart continued success> I Mary - Carrigans I joined the Lijestart Programme when Abbie was 2 years old. Abbie looks forward to the day when I Helga or Ita comes to visit, She stands at the window waiting. It is the element of surprise as to what is going to be in her goodie bag. She loves the jigsaws and books and especially the little workbooks. They are very educational and not something that is easily found in any shop. That's one ofthe I great things about Lijestart, ijyou wont something unusual that youfeel will benefit your child, they usuaUy have it
I The monthly development literature is very interesting reading. It gives a great insight into what to expect at each age and indeed the best way to deal with it I think the Lijestarlbogra'inme is great for every parent and child. I know we get a lot out of it and will certainlji;nrtif'.'ll~hen th'etime ' I comes. 18 I Elaine - Mannorcunningham I I I
"I find Lifestart a very enlightening and enjoyable programme. It really helps me to see life through I the eyes of my three youngest children. The different tasks each month are both fun and rewarding. Actually seeing your child get to grips with a problem and then solving it, is very satisfYing. The look of joy on their face when the task is complete is wonderful and I'm not sure who has more I pride, them or me.
The ability to express themselves through Art is also·a great idea. The many different.materials I Lifestart provide are fabulous. Art is a wonderful medium for relieving their frustration and boredom, Lifestart has taught me this very valuable lesson. I Being a parent is very hard work but Lifestart have brilliant ideas on each and every aspect of parenting, from behavioural problems to just enjoying the unique miracle that your child is. I
The people from Lifestart who visit m~ are professional, friendly, courteous, punctual and most importantly non-judgementaL They know that there is no such thing as the perfect parent but they I do help and encourage me to be as good a parent as possible. When my children are expecting a visit from Lifestart they behave impeccably all that day. 1 think I this is wonderful as 1 get at least one day of peace each month.
Long may you continue to visit. I Valerie - Manorcunningham I
"Lifestart is de]mitely one ofthe best services that has come into the Manor Community. As a parent of I three children I have received so much information about the development of children, since I joined Lifestart. Lifestart was not in operation when I had my first two children however when my third child was bom we got involved with the programme. I
My child and myself bene]« greatly from this service. The development issues that we receive each month gives you so much information about what stoge your child should be at in their little lives. The books, puzzles, paints and all the other resources are great and the children really enjoy them.Not every I parent can afford to buy these items however being able to avail ofthem through the Lifestart programme and having them renewed each month is greatfor the children. I Both myself and my child enjoy our visit with Carol each month, she is great to talk to for advice and guidance about your child. I A programme that is given to you without costing you a penny is invaluable. I Thanks to everyone at Lifestartfor giving my child and myselfsuch a wonderful service.
Mabel- Manorcunningham I 19 I I I I I
I And more needs. ... I Don't spoil me.I know quite well I ought not to have all that I askfor. I'm only testing you. Don't be afraid to be firm with me. I prefer it. It makes me feel more secure. I Don't let me form bad habits. I have to rely on you to detect them at early stages. Don't make me feel smaller than I am. It only makes me behave stupidly 'big'. I Don't correct me infront ofpeople ifyou can help it. I'll take much more notice ifyou talk quietly with me in private. Don'tmake mefeel my mistakes are sins. It upsets my sense of values. I Don't protect me from consequences. I need to learn the painful way sometimes. Don't be upset when I say 'I hate you', it isn'tthat I hate you but your power to I thwart me. Don't take much notice ofmy small ailments. Sometimes they get the attention I need. I Don't nag. Ifyou do, I shall have to protect myselfby appearing to be deaf. Don't forgetthat I cannot explain myselfas well asf would like. That is why I'm I not always accurate. Don't make rash promises. Remember that I feel badly let down when promises I are broken. Don't tax my honesty to much. I am easily frightened into telling lies. Don't be inconsistent. That confuses me and makes me lose faith in you. I Don't tell me my fears are silly. They are terribly real and you can do much to reassure me ifyou try to understand. I Don 't put me of/when I ask questions. Ifyou do ,you willfind that I stop asking and will find in/ormation elsewhere. Don't ever think it is beneath your dignity to apologise to me. An honest apology I makes me feel surprisingly warm towards you. Don't ever suggest that you are perfect or invaluable. It gives me to great a shock I when I find out you are neither. Don'tforget how quickly I am growing up. It must be very difficult to keep pace I with me. But please try. Don't forget I love experimenting. I couldn't get on without it. So please put up . . with it. I Don't forget that I cannot thrive without lots ofunderstanding and love. I I 20 I I I
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT I I I
Geraldine Holmes I Administrator Overview Training I
Since our last AGM, I have continued to carry I am at present participating in a training I out the day to day administration of the programme organised by the Inishowen office. Partnership Company - TheInishowen Community Sustainability Programme. I This includes: I have also attended several team building • Preparing the accounts for our end of days for both the staff and the staff and I year audit and Iiasing with Mr. Noel Management Conunittee. I found these days Crossan, our Accountant. to be informative and worthwhile. I • Preparing and keeping up to date Challenges records of the projects income and expenditure. I took over as Acting Co-ordinator from I March 2002 until September 2002, while • Liasing with the bank and the Revenue Mary Walker Callaghan was on maternity I Conunissioners as necessary. leave. I found this to be a time filled with challenges, excitement and sometimes a lot of • Representing Lifestart juggling. I Newtowncunningham at several meetings and conferences. I • Joined with my colleagues to organise and run our very successful Christmas party. I It was a valuable learning experience, as • I am presently a member ofan there was a lot happening within theprojecl Evaluation Committee for Lifestart during this period - I Donegal Meetings ofLifestart Donegal I Meetings with the North Western Health Board 21 I I I I I i The recruitment 0/a/ourth Family Visitor through the Jobs Initiative I programme I Training o/the new Family Visitor Day to day management o/project I and staff. I ********
I I look forward to tbe continued growtb of Lifestart Newtowncunningbam and tbe I cbaUenges whicb lie abead.
I would like to take tbis opportunity to tbank I tbe Management Committee and my coUeagues for tbeir continued support and I assistance tbroughout tbe year. I Geraldine Holmes I Administrator "'~u-a-~~u.. I JayowltaJ&,uUIJ"eoJ,,-Ju/J~ ~m-~anJ I ~~U¥~f!4Iert-_~~uute"-'u.. '-~eoJ,,-Ju/Ju-~ I ~ I I I 22 I I -1--- I I FAMILY VISITOR'S REPORT I I I Cbristine Crossan Family Visitor - Burt, KiUea, Bridgend I Overview At the request of my Co-ordinator, I organised and I I have been a Family Visitor with Lifestart ran a day on Art for my colleagues. I Newtowncunningham for the past three years.
At present I have 40 families and 51 children participating on the programme. A large I majority of my families I originally recruited in 2000 when I joined the project. I In the area I visit - Newtowncunningham, Burt, Bridgend, Carrigans, and Killea - I find that there is a keen interest and big demand I for the programme from a broad spectrum of Goals parents. The parents look for to getting their monthly issue of the child development In the coming year I would like- I materials and the educational resources which will assist them in the task of developing their • To continue delivering the programme to I child's ability. the best of my ability and support and assist the parents I visit with the Training development of their children and I themselves. During the past year I have attended the following training events: • To continue to attend training which will I enable me to carry out my role as Family • Facilitation Level 3 Visitor competently and professionally. • Team Building I • Boundaries and Confidentiality • To build on the relationships we have built • Adult Literacy other local agencies who work with • Accident Prevention - N.W.H.B. children. To promote and represent I • Paediatric First Aid Lifestarts ethos, principles and values at • Art all times. 23 • Training Day - Resource & I Resource Manual I I I I I Finally ... I I would like to thank the Management Committee and my coUeagues for their I support and friendship and I look forward to a long working relationship with them.
I I would especiaUy like to thank aU the families I visit for their commitment and dedication to the programme. Also for their I warm welcome, which makes the work I do I so rewarding and enjoyable. I Christine Crossan Family Visitor I I I I I I I I I I 24 I I -I I I FAMIL Y VISITORS REPORT I I I Carol Frize Family Visitor - Manorcunningham I
Overview While delivering the programme I have I encountered problem areas where parents are I am now working with Lifestart seeking a lot of support and advice. I have Newtowncunningharn three years. I am CUIT()ntly found this very frustrating as I felt I had little or I visiting fumilies in the Manorcunningharn area no power to help. I aired my concerns with the National Officer of Lifestart, Therese 0' During the past twelve months, quite a number Rourke. I of my families have completed the programme. Recruiting new parents on the programme has She informed me that with the parents not been an issue as I have had a waiting list for permission I could discuss such problems with I some time. I find recruiting new families my Co-ordinator and that she may be able to challenging and exciting and look forward to make enquiries to the relevant bodies on behalf having many new parents and children of the parent. I feel this enables the Lifestart I participating in the programme over the next project to be a better support to fumilies and twelve months. allows me to carry out myrole as Family V isitor with more confidence. I An important part of my work with Lifestartis networking within the community. This includes There were times during the past year which I keeping in touch with the Public Health Nurse, have been difficult for everyone involved with schools, playgroup and creche within the area Lifestart Newtowncunningham. Thankfully distributing information leaflets and ensuring with confirmation of funding from the North I Lifestart is well represented in the Western Health Board and through the support Manorcunningham area and encouragement of the Lifestart Foundation, the Lifestart National Office, our Management I In recent months, my Co-ordinator and I have Committee and the staff, these times have met with the new Public Health Nurse for the passed and I feel we are now a stronger team area, Maureen McGettigan. who will strive to give the very best our I families deserve. Maureen has shown a great interest in our programme and has viewed the materials, books I and resources we work with. She has made many referrals to the project, for parents who have 25 expressed an interest in the Lifestart Programme. I I' I I I i Resources In conclusion .... As well as visiting my families I have also been I involved with my colleagues, identifYing, researching and obtaining books, resources, I find my work botb challenging and rewarding, workbooks and information which will benefit I am continually growing as a Family Visitor I the fumilies. We have all been actively and a person.I would like to thank my colleagues involved in evaluating our work practices and Helga, Christine, Ita, Geraldine and Mary, who procedures. like to challenge me on a daily basis and are a I tremendous support to me in my role.
I would also like to thank my Management I Committee for their ongoing support. I And last but certainly not least, I would like to pay special tribute to the many families and children in the Manoreunningham area whom I I visit for their ongoing commitment, dedication and hard work and for making me so welcome I Training and valued in their homes. I have attended quite a number of courses and I events throughout the year, these are: Carol Frize • Facilitation Course ONC - Level 2 &3 I Family Visitor I • Boundaries and Confidentiality • Neuro Development Therapy I Information session • Children First - N. W.H.B I • Adult Literacy - Donegal V.E.C. • Who cares about Parents I NWHB • Training for Transformation I • . Accident and Prevention - N.W.H.B I • Paediatric First Aid These training days gave me an opportunity to I meet with colleagues from other Lifestart 26 Projects, which I always fmd is a learning and I stimulating experience. I I
Family Visitor's Report I I I I
Helga Tinneny I Family Visitor - NewtowncunningbamlManorcunningbam I Overview
I have been with Lifestart for 2112 years and I enjoy my role as a Family Visitor immensely. I have recently returned from Maternity Leave and I am eager to I re~establish contact with fiunilies and also to Families recruit new parents and children onto the I programme. From my experience with Family Visiting in the local area, I feel that the programme is To meet the demand for the Lifestart appreciated, enjoyed and welcomed by those I programme, I will be moving to work mainly participating, which in turn makes my job in the Manorcunningham area. This will be a enjoyable and rewarding. new challenge for me and one I welcome I greatly. I currently have re-established contact with 18 families/26 children and my aim is to double this within the next few months. I I firmly believe that this is an achievable goal as the interest in the programme is clearly evident. I Training I
In February of this year I begun an accredited course - Level 2 in Team I Leadership. I welcome this opportunity, which has been offered to Family Visitors by the Lifestart FOWldation and will be achieved I over the next two years. 27 I I I I I
I Training such as this, is fundamental to my own personal development, which can only have a positive effect and impact on my I everyday work with Lifestart Newtowncunningham. I I Fina/Word I am delighted tbat funding bas been secured tbrougb tbe Nortb Western I Healtb Board for 2003, tbis will make a great difference to tbe project as a wbole I and myself as an individuaL I am looking forward to tbe coming year, to promoting Lifestart's already I establisbed positive image and to enhance I its perception witbin tbe community. l.would like to tbank my coUeagues and Management Committee and aU tbose I involved witb Lifestart, especiaUy tbe parents and cbildren. Tbese people bave welcomed me into tbeir bom~ and I tbrougb tbeir participation and feedback bave made my job very enjoyabie. I Helga T inneny I Family Visitor I I I I 1 28 I I -1- I I Family Visitor's Report I I I
Ita Toland I Family Visitor - Newtowncunningham, Burt, Carrigans, Bridgend I I took up my post as Family Visitor in may 2002, Under my contract with the Jobs Initiative under the Jobs Initiative Scheme programme programme I am compelled to work within the I which is funded by the Inishowen Partnership and FAs. Inishowen partnership area. Therefore when Helga returned to work, we met with our Co ordinator to discuss the delivery of the I I was initially office based during my induction programme. Because of my geographical training, where I became familiar with the restrictions and the fact that there was a Lifestart "Growing Child" Materials and received demand for the programme in I excellent training which enabled me to carry out Manorcunningham, our Co-ordinator my work with confidence and competence. requested that we divide the families we had I and that I would continue to recruit in the I initially took over from Helga Tinneny who was Newtowncunningham area while Helga would going oJ:f on maternity leave. This was a . begin to visit in the Manorcunningham region. challenging time for me and a wonderfullearrung I experience. I would like to thank Helga for I enjoy meeting the families and delivering the introducing me to the families and to all the Lifestart Programme. parents for making me so welcome and having I patience while I found my feet. I would like to take this opportunity to thank I the Management Committee, my colleagues, and the lnishowen Partnership for their support and help. [ would especially like to I thank the families who have made me so welcome in their homes and made my job so enjoyable and worthwhile. I I 29 I I I I i
Training External i • Team Building Day for staff InHouse facilitated by Toni Doherty • Paediatric First Aid - facilitated by the • Family Systems I Red Cross • Art • Basic Computers - organised through • Dance and Movement Jobs Initiative I • Storytelling • Personal Development - organised • Profile ofNewtowncunningham I through Jobs Initiative Lifestart Policies I • History, Ethos and Mission To conclude . ... Statement • Principles and Practices I find this programme exciting and I • Phase 1 invaluable and feel very privileged to be • Phase 2 a part orit. • Observation and Reporting I • Language, Boundaries and Confidentiality I am looking forward to the coming • Child Protection year, to recruiting more families onto • Educational Objectives the programme and to my own personal 1 • Shadow Visits development as a Family Visitor. I • Accountability Core Training Days held by The Lifestart Ita Toland Foundation I Family Visitor. Day on Resources Facilitated by Carleen Doherty and Therese 0' I Rourke
External I • Team Building Day for staff - facilitated by Toni Doherty • Paediatric First Aid - facilitated by the 1 Red Cross • Basic Computers - organised through Jobs Initiative I • Personal Development - organised 1 through Jobs Initiative Core Trainiog Days held by The Lifestart I Foundation • Day on Resources Facilitated by Carleen Doherty and 30 I Therese 0' Rourke I I -1-·--- I I
Childhood Doesn't Wait I
I was sitting on a bench while in a nearby mall When I noticed a young mother with two children who were smaiL I The youngest one was whining, "Pick me up," I heard him beg I But the mother's face grew angry as the child clung to her leg.
"Don't hang on to me," she shouted as she pushed his hands away, I I wish I'd had the courage to go up to her and say.•.
"The time will come too quickly when those little arms that tug, I Won't askfor you to hold them or won'tfreely give a hug.
"The day will sneak up subtly just as it did with me, I When you can't recall the last time that your child sat on your knee.
"Like those sacred, pre-dawnfeedings when we cherished time alone I Our babies grow and leave behind those special times we've known. I "So when your child comes to you with a book that you can share, Or asks that you would tuck him in and help him say a prayer••• I "When he comes to sit and chat or would like to take a walk, Before you answer that you can't 'cause there's no time to talk. I "Remember that all parents leam so many times too late, That years go by too quickly and that childhood doesn't wait I "Take every opportunity, if one should slip away Reach hard to get it back again, don't wait another day. " I I watched that mother walk away her children followed near, I hope she'll pick them up before her chances disappear. I Author Unknown I I 31 I I I I I i I I I I I LIFE START I NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM 1 FINANCIAL REPORT 1 I I Audited Accounts for the period ending I 31 st December 2002 1 I 1 I I 32 1 I -1,-- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
4 i REPORT OF THE AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF LIFESTART NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM
I We have audited the financial statements on pages 5 to 10. I Respective responsibilities of members of executive committee and auditors As described on pages 2 and 3 the members of executive committee are responsible for the preparation of financial statements. It is our responsibility to form an I independent opinion, based on our audit, on those statements and to report our opinion to you.
I Basis of opinion I We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes.an I assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the members of executive committee in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the company's circumstances, consistently I applied and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and I explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to gi ve reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In I forming our- opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.
I Opinion
In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the I centre's affairs at 31 December 2002 and of its net income and net movement in funds for the year then ended. I I Bradley McDaid Chartered Accountants I and Registered Auditors DERRY
I DATE: I I I I
5 I LIFESTART NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED I 31 DECEMBER 2002 I
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds I Notes 2002 . 2002 2002 2001 € € € €. I Incoming Resources I Grants 133687 133687 119217 Interest received 13 13 5 Donations 718 718 4513 I Miscellaneous income - - ~ 450 2528 Total incoming I Resources 3 13 134855 134868 126263
Total resources I Expended 4 - - 130990 130990 132586 Net incoming resources I for the year .lJ. 3865 3878 (6323)
Net movement in funds 13 3865 3878 (6323) I
Balances brought forward at 31 December 2001 ~ 8043 8061 14384 I
Balances carried forward At 3 1 December 2002 31 8illil I
All amounts in the statement of financial activitiesrelate to continuing operations of the I centre.
The centre has no recognised gains and losses other than the net incoming resources I above and therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been presented. I There is no difference between the net incoming resources and net movement in funds, and their historical cost equivalents. I I I I I 6 I LIFESTART NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM I BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2002 NOTE 2002 2001 I € € Fixed Assets
I Tangible fixed assets 5 7452 8373 I Current Assets Debtors 7650 I Prepayments 189 Cash at bank and in hand 6943 ~ 7132 8190 ! Liabilities: Amounts falling due within I One year 6 2645 8502 I Net Current Assets 4487 lilll Net Assets .ll2J2 --..BJl6l I Funds Unrestricted funds 7 31 18 I Restricted funds 8 11908 8043 I .ll2l2 8061
The financial statements on pages 5 to 10 were approved by the members of the executive I committee on :?r! 7./ O~. and were signed on its behalf by: . . I ~~~.(¥.C?f( .. : ...... 1 Chairperson I .G.~*.. ~~ .... f~~ ...... I Treasurer . , I I -1- I I
7 LIFESTART NETOWNCUNNINGHAM I
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002 I
1 NATURE OF THE CENTRE I The centre is an unincorporated organisation with charitable status. I 2 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable I accounting standards. A summary of the more important accounting policies, which have been applied consistently, is set out below. I Basis of accounting
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the historical cost I convention. I Tangible fixed assets The cost of fixed assets is their purchase cost together with any incidental I expenses of acquisition. Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of office equipment on the I straight line basis over the expected useful economic life of the asset concerned. The annual rate for this purpose is 20%. I Grants
Grants thatrelate to specific capital expenditure are treated as restricted income I which is credited to the statement of financial activities and released to the company's general funds. Revenue grants are credited to the statement of financiili activities in the same year as the related expenditure is incurred. I Fund accounting I The company has different types of funds for which it is responsible, and which require separaie disclosure. These are as follows: I Restricted fUllds
Donations received which are earmarked by the donor for specific I purposes. Such purposes are within the overall aims of the charity. I I I i
I 8 LlFESTART NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM
I NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002
I 2 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES contd.
Unrestricted funds I Funds which are expendable at the discretion of the board of members of executive committee in furtherance of the objects oflbe charity. In addition funds may be held in order to finance capital investment and I working capital.
3 INCOMING RESOURCES I Total Total Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds I 2002 2001 € € € € I Grants -Received Progranime for Peace I and Reconciliation 3197 3197 119217 North Western I Heallb Board 130490 130490 133687 133687 119217 Income deferred in I current year Deferred income Released in year I --- • 133687 133687 119217 I Donations I Donations 718 718 4513 Other Income
I Miscellaneous Income 450 450 2528 I Investment Income Interest 13 13 __5
I 13 J34855 134868 I I =1-- ••' 9 LIFESTART NEWTOWN CUNNINGHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED I 31 DECEMBER 2002
4 RESOURCES EXPENDED I Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds funds 2002 2002 2002 2001 I € € € € Salaries 93406 93406 98322 Motor & Travel 5738 5738 6294 I Audit & Accountancy 1079 1079 1079 Repairs & Renewals 406 406 354 . Telephone & fax 1862 1862 1696 I Postage, stationery & advertising. 3305 3305 3474 Course & training 3198 3198 2387 I General expenses 1300 1300 974 Programme costs 7104 7104 4416 Insurance 989 989 710 I Rent 6057 6057 5942 Bank fees 326 326 1022, I Heat & Light 1863 1863 1953 Fees & Subscrip~ions 381 381 278 Depreciation 4376 4376 3685 I Deferred income released (400) (400) --- I 130990 130990 11..2586
5 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS I Office • Equipment Cost € I At 01 January 2002 18424 Additions 3455 I At 31 December 2002 21879 Depreciation At 01 January 2002 10051 Charge for year 4376 • At 31 December 2002 14427 I Net Book value At 31 December 2002 .2ill I At 31 December 2001 8373 I I • I I 10 I LIFE START NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM . NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED I 31 DECEMBER 2002 6 LIABILITIES: Amounts falling due within one year
I 2002 2001 € € Bank overdraft 7486 I Accruals 1045 1016 Deferred Credits - Capital Grant 1600 - -
I ~ ~ I 7 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 2002 2001 € € I At 01 January 2002 18 13 I Net movements in funds --U -2 At 3 I December 2002 ...ll -La
I 8 RESTRICTED FUNDS I The income funds of the charity incl ude restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of grants to be applied for specific purposes. I Total Misc. Restricted PFPR Donations Income NWHB Funds I € € € € € I At 01.01.02 8043 8043 Income 3197 718 450 130490 134855
I Expenditure (3197) ill..[) (450) (126625) (130990)
At 31.12.02 3865 Il908 I ~Q43 = I I I =1--- UFESTART
urestart Newlownronnlngbom ot!ke MaID Stteet. Newtowncgnningbam C Telepbone: 074-9156644 F F.mall: IIf('startnc-"'lo",'1lC'unni
With Compliments
Co-ordinator: Mary Walker Cal/aglwn North Western Health Board TIds Project b supported by the Inbbo..... P ...... nbIp compauy & F AS through !be Jo,," InltI.,t.. Prognmune B6rd Siainte an Tar-Thuaiscirt