Hands up for Children is an initiative from the Prevention and Early Intervention network which calls for children to be a priority in the upcoming elections. This campaign has set out 5 Thriving Childhood Principles, which urges those in power to make decisions which support prevention and early intervention in order to improve childhood outcomes. The campaign proposes that there should be a movement away from crisis driven intervention towards early preventative services. These early intervention services include targeted supports as well as accessible, universal services.
Ag Eisteacht have signed up to support this campaign, as we have always believed in the importance of early interventions and recognise the significance they have during the sensitive period of the first few years of a child’s life. With early intervention, problems that families may face can be addressed sooner rather than later, thus preventing issues from escalating and resulting in more positive outcomes for children.
As a demonstration of our support to this campaign Ag Eisteacht is hosting a Hands up for Children Awareness Morning in Cork on the 26th of November. Speakers include: Keynote speaker Fergus Finlay (CEO of Barnardo’s), Katherine Harford (Manager, Young Knocknaheeny Area Based Childhood Programme) and Catherine Maguire (Infant Mental Health Specialist, HSE). Dr. Maeve Hurley, Ag Eisteacht CEO, will Chair the event. Marian Quinn, Chair of the Prevention and Early Intervention Network, will give a presentation on the 5 Thriving Childhood Principles. Local Councillors and TD’s have also been invited to discuss their position on early intervention for children. This promises to be an engaging and enjoyable morning.
If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Terri at [email protected] . Please note places are limited.
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