Mac Uilliam set to benefit from a new nationwide Barnardos initiative

MAC Uilliam has been chosen as one of five ‘well-being sites’ in a new nationwide Barnardos initiative, The Echo has learned.

Faced with challenges over the years, including ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour and littering, Mac Uilliam is set to benefit from a number of interagency initiatives in 2022.

Firstly, the estate has been chosen as part of the Barnardos National Community Well-Being Project, which aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and parents living in the area.

The initiative has been funded for 2022 by The Late Late Toy Show appeal and Community Foundation for Ireland.

Sarah Cummins, Project Leader at Barnardos Lorien Project in Mac Uilliam, told The Echo: “The overall aim of this model is to improve the mental health and well-being of children and their parents living in the area.

“This will be facilitated by using a family-centered, evidence-based approach when implementing programmes with children and families in the community, which embody and embed a heart, body, mind approach with the aim of building resilience.”

Sarah confirmed that Barnardos is also in the early planning and design stages of a community garden, which is hoped to be completed in early 2022.

“The proposed site is located at the back of the Barnardos Lorien Project,” Sarah said.

“It is hoped that this space will be accessible and enjoyed by residents and agencies delivering services in the area.

“Our colleagues in South Dublin County Council are in support of this initiative and have been collaborating with us on the development to date.”

As reported in The Echo in July 2019, South Dublin County Council identified Mac Uilliam as a ‘priority’ for an enhanced estate management initiative.

However, those working on the ground, believe that an in-depth needs assessment for Mac Uilliam is now needed.

Dublin South West TD John Lahart (FF) recently visited Barnardos Lorien Project in Mac Uilliam to meet the team and listen to their calls for a needs assessment.

Deputy Lahart raised the issue with the council and last week received confirmation that a community needs assessment for Mac Uilliam has been included in the proposed 2022 Social Inclusion and Activation Programme (SICAP) work plan.

In its reply, the council said that it is hoped that the inclusion of Mac Uilliam would ‘inform and lead to better co-ordination of interagency responses to the challenges faced in the area’.

According to Sarah, Barnardos is in support of the council’s plan.

“A needs assessment has not been carried out since 2010 and I think it is timely to gather a clear picture as to what the needs are in the area so that agencies can respond appropriately and work in partnership with the community to bring about positive change for the residents – children, young people and adults included,” Sarah said.

On a separate initiative, Sarah said that Barnardos Lorien is collaborating with local Community Garda Chris O’Callaghan on a ‘service map’ to evidence what supports, and services are available to residents.

“From speaking with residents and other service providers, it appears that while there are supports being provided, some residents are unsure who to go to for help when they need it,” she said.

“It is hoped that this service map will be user friendly and accessible across social media platforms such as the Resident’s committee Facebook page, relevant WhatsApp groups and media forums such as the Tallaght Echo.”

Sarah said that Barnardos Lorien would also support the council in any initiatives developed to try and respond to the issue of littering in the area.

Many residents have over the years engaged in council and community initiatives in the estate, which included the creation of a resident’s association.

For further information on children’s charity Barnardos and its services, both locally and nationally, visit barnardos.ie