Trim FRC at 25: Meet the people who have shaped, supported and strengthened the local community over the past quarter of a century

Trim Family Resource Centre (FRC) marked its 25th anniversary with three special days of celebration recently, bringing together many of the people who have helped shape, support and strengthen the local community over the past quarter of a century.

The celebrations welcomed funders, partner agencies, community members, local groups, families and children, while recognising the many volunteers and community initiatives that have contributed to the life of Trim and South Meath.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate 25 years of Trim FRC,” said Trim FRC Coordinator Justyna Doherty. “These three days were really about people – the people who have supported and joined initiatives in their local community.”

A particularly special acknowledgement was made to the late Danny O’Brien, the first Coordinator of Trim FRC. Danny believed strongly in the potential of local people to establish and run a Family Resource Centre for their community. That belief – that local people have the knowledge, experience and ability to shape services and supports that respond to their own needs – remains at the heart of Trim FRC today.

Special thanks also go to the students of Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, who provided an incredible musical performance and volunteered with arts and crafts during Family Fun Day. “We could not believe how many students were willing to volunteer on Saturday,” Justyna said. “It really shows the amazing community spirit amongst young people in the area.”

The events brought generations together, with current and past community groups and volunteers socialising, sharing experiences and reflecting on the value of community connections.

The celebrations were made more inclusive by Trim Autism Friendly Group, who provided sensory equipment and a quiet space for people with neurodivergent needs.

Founding Board Committee members Patricia Hehir, Mags McGivern and Bea Madden were also honoured with Positivity Trees in recognition of their contribution. “Without their dedication and community involvement, Trim FRC would not be where it is today,” Justyna said - “It was very special to have Patricia, Mags and Bea with us to celebrate this milestone.”

The Community Panel featured Eileen Deegan of Happy Hive Parent and Toddler Group, Gerry Connor of Trim Men’s Shed, Mags McGivern of Trim Women’s Shed and Padraig Loughran of Men’s Music Group. They shared how participation in community programmes can develop into leadership and create positive social change.

Trim FRC also thanked its core funders and national support structures, including Tusla, the HSE and the FRC National Forum, for their ongoing support. Sincere thanks also to SuperValu Trim for donating a wonderful cake and buns for Family Fun Day.

“Twenty-five years is a wonderful milestone, but it is also a reminder that community work is always about looking forward,” Justyna added. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the Trim FRC journey and excited about what the next 25 years can bring.”

‘You helped us take something that was in our hearts and begin turning it into something real’

My Trim FRC Story: Meath Cancer Support Founder Rachel Mullen

Sometimes, when something means so much to you, it’s hard to find the right words and that’s how I feel when I think about what the Trim Family Resource Centre has done for us.

When I first started talking about creating something for people living with cancer here in Meath, it was just an idea — something we believed was badly needed, something we hoped could make a difference.

An idea needs someone to believe in it and the Trim Family Resource Centre believed in me and my story.

It gave encouragement, support, and a place to begin, and most importantly, gave us the feeling that this really could become something important.

For people facing cancer, the journey can be frightening, lonely and overwhelming. There are so many things that come with a diagnosis, not just the medical side, but the emotional side, the worry, the uncertainty, and sometimes simply needing someone to talk to who understands.

What we want to create is a place where people don't have to feel alone.

A place where people affected by cancer can come together, find support, share experiences, feel understood and, hopefully, find a little bit of strength when they need it most and none of this would have started in the way it has without the Trim Family Resource Centre opening its doors and giving us that first bit of belief.

You helped us take something that was in our hearts and begin turning it into something real. For that, we will always be incredibly grateful. I also want to say that this isn't just about starting a service. It's about creating a community. A community where people affected by cancer in Meath know that there is somewhere they can turn. And if, along the way, we can make even one person feel less alone, give one family a little bit of hope, or help someone through a difficult day, then everything we are doing will be worthwhile. So, from all of us — and from the people who we hope will benefit from this for many years to come — thank you. Thank you for believing in me and the Meath Cancer Support Group.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to start something so important. Thank you for helping us take those first steps towards building something that, I truly believe, can make a real difference to people with cancer and their families across Meath. We are only at the beginning but thanks to you, we have begun and that means more than I can put into words.

Our Walking route is a strikingly scenic, accessible pathway right in Trim

My Trim FRC story...Cynthia Simonet – Volunteer with Walk & Talk, from Trim

Trim FRC Walk & Talk is now in its eighth year and still going strong in all seasons and all weather. Our Walk & Talk is fun, enjoyable, relaxed, comfortable and informal. It’s about chatting, meeting people, enjoying the local scenery and exploring the local area, flora and fauna included. Being outdoors in nature lowers stress hormones, reduces blood pressure, and improves mood. Walking helps regulate the nervous system and manage anxiety.

Our Walking route is a strikingly scenic, accessible pathway right in Trim that traces the River Boyne. Due to its flat paths and beautiful heritage views, it is a win win for all. My Tuesday mornings are always well spent in great company.

Through Trim FRC I built confidence working with children and facilitating healthy foods programmes for young kids, baby and toddler groups

My Trim FRC story... Fionnuala Shiels – Mornington Heights local resident & Healthy Food Made Easy facilitator

I first became aware of Trim Family Resource Centre when I started working with them through a TUS scheme. The people were lovely, I got on well with all of them. Through Trim FRC I built confidence working with children and facilitating healthy foods programs for young kids, baby and toddler groups and helping with various camps.

If anyone wants to get involved with Trim Family Resource Centre they should go up and talk to them I am sure they can, and it is a great working with them because they work for the community.

I love working here with a great bunch of people, always having the craic and fun with them.

My Trim FRC journey: Paddy Dempsey – Caretaker & Pride of Place Volunteer of the Year 2024 from Trim

When I started in Trim Family Resource Centre, I never even heard of it. So, I joined as a caretaker, really not knowing what was involved in doing this role, but soon after a few weeks, I got the hang of what was involved.

Setting up rooms for so many different groups and getting to know the other staff that were here doing their own positions in the centre, as time went by, I really got to know everyone who was involved here.

I have been a butcher by trade in Trim for many years I knew nearly every person who came into the centre to use the facilities, the staff who I worked with became more that just work colleagues, but really good friends some especially, I really enjoyed working here, and meeting so many new faces through the centre.

The centre is an amazing place that so many groups use in different forms of life, I do often hear other staff saying to me that I know everyone that comes through the door, which is mostly correct. Getting awarded for Volunteer of the Year was amazing award to get, after been nominated for it by Trim Family Resource Centre. I was totally dumbfounded as I thought I was going to the awards that night for another member of staff that was to receive a Pride of Place award, but they set me up high and dry.

I have been here now for approx. eight years and I love working here with a great bunch of people, always having the craic and fun with them. Trim Family Resource Centre gives super service and help to a lot of groups and associations throughout South Meath area.

‘It became a place where I could contribute, meet people, develop skills and give something back to the community’

My Trim FRC story... Yurii Dunin – founder of Ukrainian Community in Meath from Ukraine, now living in Trim

I came to Ireland with my family from Ukraine in 2022 because of the war. At that time, everything was new and uncertain for us. One of the places that made a real difference in our lives was Trim Family Resource Centre.

From the beginning, Trim FRC offered us support, friendship and opportunities to become part of the local community. I first became involved through the TUS programme, where I worked as a Coordinator of the English classes.

This gave me the opportunity to support other migrants. Later, I was fortunate to get the opportunity to work at Trim FRC as a Social Inclusion Link Worker.

What I appreciate most is that Trim FRC has not only helped me personally, but has also played an important role in supporting the wider Ukrainian community in West Meath. Through activities, events, English classes and community projects, Ukrainians have had opportunities to meet local people, improve their English, share their culture and build connections within the community.

For me, Trim FRC has been much more than a place where I received support. It became a place where I could contribute, meet people, develop new skills and give something back to the community.

I am very grateful to the staff at Trim FRC and local people who have welcomed us with kindness and understanding, and who have been there to support and help us during this difficult time. Looking back, I realise how important the people around me were during this journey.

I am deeply grateful to the entire Trim FRC team. Their continued support has made a real difference to us.

‘I never thought when I was 20, I’d be delivering coding classes for kids or helping adults build their digital skills’

My Trim FRC story... Brandon Regan – Mornington Heights local resident, IT Coordinator & Digital Skills classes facilitator

Being a resident in the estate, Trim FRC has quite literally been a presence in my life for its entire 25 year existence. I can remember being seven and going on the family trip to Bettystown organised by Trim FRC, on the one day of the year when there was sun. I can remember going to see Santa when he was crammed into the office kitchen space and receiving a handheld sudoku game that was too complicated for me.

I’ve now spent the last six years and the majority of my 20’s working at Trim Family Resource Centre. To see how much the Centre has grown in the last six years alone is amazing but what means even more to me is how much I’ve grown working alongside it. I never thought when I was 20, I’d be delivering coding classes for kids or helping adults build their digital skills but here I am doing just that!

The FAMILY in Trim Family Resource Centre really does mean something. It's quite literally a little family and I’m delighted to have been part of the team and gotten to work with and meet so many wonderful people. Six years of personal and professional growth… hopefully I’ve grown enough now to figure out that sudoku game!

‘They helped me through a very difficult chapter of my life and gave me hope’

My Trim FRC story... Sinead McEvoy – Food Bank Volunteer, from Enfield

There was a time in my life when I never imagined how difficult things could become. I was separated and raising four children and when I moved into local accommodation, I had only a couple of euro to my name. I remember how frightening that felt. There were four children depending on me, and although I was struggling inside, I tried my best to stay positive for them. I wanted them to feel safe and loved, even when I wasn't sure how I was going to manage everything myself.

Then I heard about Trim Resource Centre. They became a huge support to me and my family. Each week, they helped me with a food parcel, which at that time meant more to me than people could ever realise. It wasn't just the food; it was knowing that someone cared and that I wasn't completely on my own.

As time went on, the support grew. I was able to take part in counselling and different classes that helped me rebuild my confidence, learn new things and slowly get back on my feet. There were many days when my stress levels were through the roof and all I really needed was someone to talk to, a listening ear and a cup of tea. The Resource Centre gave me that. Somehow, after sitting down and talking, the weight I was carrying didn't seem quite so heavy.

I honestly don't know where I would have been without the support I received there. They helped me through a very difficult chapter of my life and gave me hope when I needed it most.

When things eventually started to get better, I knew I wanted to give something back. I decided to become a volunteer at the Resource Centre, because I wanted to help other people in the same way that they had helped me.

My journey hasn't always been easy, but it has taught me that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. For me, Trim Resource Centre wasn't simply somewhere I went for support. It became a place where I found understanding, friendship, hope and the strength to move forward.

I know how it feels to need a helping hand, and if I can be that helping hand for someone else, then my journey has come full circle.