Meath Travellers Workshop receives Toy Show magic... Workshop welcomes grant to support Traveller families

Meath Travellers Workshop is one of over 170 organisations benefiting from the latest round of RTÉ Toy Show Grants which have been made possible by the generosity of the annual television spectacle.

The announcement of grants has been made by Community Foundation Ireland which works to turn donations by viewers into actions on the ground which benefit children and their families.

€36,000 from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is being used to support an innovative programme designed to improve the well being, inclusion and development of Traveller children and young people across Meath.

The funding will enable the organisation to deliver culturally appropriate supports that focus on mental health, life skills and inclusion for Traveller children, including those with additional needs.

The project directly addresses the significant inequalities experienced by Traveller children, who continue to face barriers such as poverty, discrimination, educational disadvantage and limited access to services. These challenges can have a lasting impact on confidence, mental well being and future opportunities.

The programme will provide a safe and supportive environment where young Travellers can build resilience, develop essential life skills and access supports that reflect their cultural identity and lived experiences.

A key focus of the initiative will be supporting Traveller children with additional needs, including autism and developmental disabilities. Many Traveller families experience difficulties accessing assessments and specialist services due to long waiting lists and a lack of culturally responsive supports. Through targeted activities, developmental programmes and therapeutic interventions, the project will enhance social development while providing valuable support to families.

Welcoming the announcement, Marina Cunningham , Manager of Meath Travellers Workshop, said:

"We are extremely grateful to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal for this generous grant. This funding will make a real and lasting difference to Traveller children and families in County Meath who often face significant barriers in accessing the supports they need.

"The grant will be particularly important in helping us support Traveller children with additional needs and their families. By creating opportunities for children to build confidence, develop life skills and strengthen their sense of identity, we are investing in brighter futures and helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential."

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added:

“Being entrusted to turn the €4.3 Million provided by generous RTÉ viewers into actions which deliver benefits for children across Ireland is both a huge honour and responsibility. The Foundation uses insights and knowledge from community partners across the country, best in class research and the insights of top child advocates to inform our decisions. The result is another year when children in every part of our country will benefit.

On behalf of the Community Foundation I want to congratulate everyone who will benefit from the latest grants. We look forward to being updated on your work ahead as we all seek to improve the lives of children and their families. To the viewers who have made all of this possible, thank You.”