Empowering Change: Partnerships, Projects, Programmes & Services

Childcare Services

Focus on Family continues to be an integral partner of the Coleraine SureStart Partnership. SureStart provide funding, support and resources to our organisation - enabling us to deliver two ‘2-3 Year-Old’ Programmes, Friday Play Sessions, Support for Vulnerable Children and their Families, and ‘Summer Scheme’ Programmes. This has given vital support to local children and their families, and has also greatly supported early years development and progression across the locality. Our work with Coleraine SureStart Partnership also enables us to have two in-house SureStart Family Visitors, who support local early years children and their families - providing a vital link between our organisation and all that SureStart has to offer.

Focus on Family Nurturing & Development Centre

Causeway & Mid-Ulster Women’s Aid

West Bann Development Centre

Harpur’s Hill Children and Family Centre

- Focus on Family Nurturing & Development Centre - Causeway & Mid-Ulster Women’s Aid - West Bann Development Centre - Harpur’s Hill Children and Family Centre

“The children of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. It is our duty to nurture and invest in their well-being, not only as individual lives, but as the collective future of our society. When communities come together with an unwavering commitment - like the initiatives driven by programmes such as SureStart - we sow the seeds of hope and resilience, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a world that often overlooks them.”

— Kofi Annan

Service Engagement & Professional Placement Opportunities

At Focus on Family, we proudly offer a diverse array of volunteer, and employment, placements - these are essential to our mission. Our volunteers are highly valued, and they play a pivotal role within our organisation, contributing their time and talents in various capacities, including supporting our course offerings, providing childcare assistance, managing our reception and maintaining our facilities. These contributions are invaluable, enhancing the services we provide and fostering a real sense of both community and connection. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our organisation - and they bring energy, compassion and dedication to their roles.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our volunteers, for their incredible dedication, passion and hard work. Thank you for being a vital part of our team, and for helping us create a brighter future for the individuals, and families, that we serve.

Volunteering with Focus on Family Nurturing & Development Centre

Volunteering is a powerful act of kindness that resonates deep within the heart - it is a selfless service, rooted in the joy of giving without expectation. It opens the door to personal growth, fostering essential soft-skills that will enrich your life in ways that you never thought possible.

Within the embrace of shared experiences, you will build life-long friendships with passionate, like-minded individuals who will inspire and elevate you. As you contribute to meaningful change, you will also gain invaluable experiences that will positively shape both your future and perspective.

Seize the opportunity to harness the transformative power of volunteering today. Discover the profound enrichment it offers - not just in your own life, but also in the lives of those who need it the most.

If you're eager to make a difference, and are interested in volunteering with Focus on Family

APPLY NOW

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

— Nelson Mandela

The Cornfield Project

The Cornfield Project continues to flourish, thanks to the significant contributions of The Cornfield Men’s Shed and Coleraine Armed Forces Veteran’s Club. Our vibrant site features a diverse range of activities and amenities, including: Men’s Shed, Veteran’s Caravan, Cornfield Cottage, Polytunnels, Mud Kitchens, the Picnic Area, the Chicken Coop, Beehives, Wildflower Beds, the Outdoor Gymnasium, the Woodland School, Outdoor Classrooms, and other features...

We proudly host a variety of seasonal events that help enrich our community - during Spring, Summer, and Winter.

The Winter Wonderland at The Cornfield event is a magical experience altogether. It not only captures the festive spirit, but it also helps create lasting memories for everyone involved. We cater for a large number of children at these events, some of whom are neurodiverse.

Accessibility is important to us, and we continually strive to enhance the experiences of all children. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy themselves in a safe and inclusive environment.

You can grab a sneek peek at some of what goes on at the event in the video above, and alongside that is the paper entry covered by The Chronicle, for the most recent Winter Wonderland Event (December 2024).

The Cornfield Project was the proud winner of the £120,000 Grow Wild Award in 2015. Since then, the project has expanded and evolved into an invaluable shared community resource. The Cornfield Project’s rapid expansion reflects the significant societal benefit that it has created, while also demonstrating the tremendous potential that exists for further growth and development. Together, let’s embrace the spirit of growth and wild possibilities!

Outdoor spaces such as The Cornfield Project’s Community Garden, and the adjoining Cornfield Wood - managed by the Woodland Trust - are of paramount importance for mental health and well-being. Access to these natural environments provides individuals with the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature - which has been shown to significantly reduce stress and enhance mood (as covered in the video above). Being in a positive and safe setting, like the Cornfield Project’s green space, encourages relaxation and helps foster social and community connections. These spaces are an invaluable resource for all of the family.

The images in the gallery (below) capture just a small portion of the beauty, and tranquillity, that thrives within The Cornfield Project - Ballysally & Millburn Community Garden ( 48VQ+4M Coleraine ).

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. When we nurture each other, provide support, and create opportunities for growth, we cultivate a thriving environment where every individual can flourish. It is in these connections, and shared experiences, that true community is formed.

- Coretta Scott King

Nurturing Programmes

Our dedicated nurture staff, complemented by an exceptional team of volunteers, provide continuous nurturing support through a variety of initiatives, including Solihull, Family Links, and Children’s Nurturing Programmes. This support is offered in multiple formats, including group sessions for parents through the Solihull and Family Links Nurturing Programmes, alongside one-to-one support. Additionally, we implement Children’s Nurturing Programmes that integrate indoor activities with regular outdoor sessions at The Cornfield Project. This approach enables children to experience the numerous benefits of being in a safe, and secure, outdoor environment - further enhancing their emotional and social development.

What is the Solihull Approach?

The Solihull Approach is a theoretical framework designed to support the emotional well-being of children and families, particularly within the context of parenting and early childhood development. It emphasises understanding behaviour through three core concepts - Containment, Reciprocity & Behaviour Management. The approach encourages practitioners to foster positive relationships by understanding the emotional needs of both parents and children, and it promotes the idea that effective communication and supportive environments can enhance children’s social, emotional, and behavioural development. Used widely in various settings - including health and education - the Solihull Approach aims to empower families, improve outcomes for children, and enhance the skills of the professionals working with them.

Family Links - What is Emotional Health?

Family Links, now known as The Centre for Emotional Health, was established as a charity in 1997 - with the aim of improving and enhancing family relationships by training practitioners to deliver The Nurturing Programme. Emotional Health refers to an individual’s capacity to understand, express and manage their emotions in a manner that is both constructive and adaptive. It encompasses a spectrum of attributes, including resilience, effective stress management, and the ability to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships. Within the context of the Family Links Nurturing Programme, emotional health is pivotal in creating a supportive environment that both nurtures emotional literacy, and promotes interpersonal skills among family members. The programme prioritises the recognition and validation of emotions, encourages open and effective communication, and fosters competencies that enable individuals to navigate their emotional experiences with efficacy. When families emphasise emotional health, they can enhance their overall well-being and strengthen their relational dynamics - ultimately contributing to healthier family functioning.

The Importance of Nurturing - How a Child's Brain Develops Through Early Experiences…

Nurturing is crucial in the early development of a child’s brain. During the first few years of life, a child’s brain undergoes rapid growth and development - this forms the foundation for future cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Nurturing provides the support and resources necessary for optimal brain development in early childhood, setting the stage for a child’s long-term well-being and success. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in providing these nurturing experiences.

We offer two brilliant parenting courses - The Solihull Approach and The Family Links Nurturing Programme. These structured ten week interactive courses are designed to promote emotional health and mental well-being while enhancing relationship skills and positive behaviour management strategies for parents, caregivers and their children (Breakdown Shown Below). Our programmes support parents in understanding and managing feelings and behaviours, helping them to become more positive and nurturing in their relationships with their children, and each other. Our goal is to ensure that both parents and children can maximise their enjoyment of family life. Additionally, we offer an After-School Nurturing Programme for children, where we utilise engaging activities to help them navigate difficult emotions and anxieties. Weather permitting, we also take advantage of The Cornfield Project’s beautiful outdoor setting - this is our dedicated area for nature-based activities.

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Breakdown of Weekly Sessions

Week I -

Introducing the Nurturing Programme Building Blocks: The Four Constructs

Giving Praise - Praise is touched upon throughout the entire programme. Many previous participants have said
that they were very rarely given praise in their own upbringing and found it awkward, embarrassing or
hard to accept praise, and in turn, to give praise.

Week 2 -

The Question of Discipline - Replacing negative discipline with more positive
approaches such as praise, rewards and responsibility.

Time Out … to Calm Down - Helps parents to stay in control, a cooling
off period when emotions are running high.

Week 3 -

Family Rules - To encourage appropriate behaviour so that it becomes a habit
and doesn't need constant reinforcement.

Rewards and Penalties - Good behaviour will have rewards and
inappropriate behaviour will have penalties.

Week 4 -

Personal Power and Self-Esteem - Meeting our own needs.

Choices and Consequences.

Week 5 -

Feelings... and What we do with them - Feelings are emotions that should be allowed to
be expressed for many participants expressing feelings in their past could
have led to punishment - "I'll give you something to cry about" or embarrassment -
"Don't be such a baby").

Communicating Clearly: Using "I" Statements.

Week 6 -

Kinds of Touch - The most powerful interaction between parents and children.
For some touch can carry painful memories (e.g., slapping or aggression). This
programme helps to nurture loving and appropriate contact between parents and children.

Nurturing Ourselves - This encourages us to allow time for ourselves
and to think about our own needs to make it easier for us to nurture others.

Week 7 -

Ages and Stages in Child Development - Stages of Social, Intellectual and
Physical Development and having appropriate expectations of individual children's different stages. Acknowledgement for what a child can achieve, not for what we as parents expect of them.

Helping Children Grow Up - Giving children some responsibility.

Week 8 -

Issues Around Sex - This can be embarrassing and difficult for many.
This programme helps parents to be more open and direct with their children on this subject.

Helping Children Stay Safe - It is important for children to know they
have the right to privacy and to say no.

Week 9 -

Behaviour to Ignore - Learning to ignore certain children's
behaviour (e.g. thumb-sucking or picking their nose) without ignoring the child.

Problem-Solving and Negotiating - Helping parents and children to solve
problems together through negotiation and positive decision-making.

Week 10 -

Continuing the Family Journey.

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The Family Links Nurturing Programme is delivered to groups in ten-week blocks, and 1-to-1 Nurturing is also available. The programme can be delivered at Focus on Family to individuals or groups, or can also be delivered externally to groups or agencies - on request.

At Focus on Family we also deliver our Children's Nurturing Programme which has been specifically designed to allow children to express their feelings appropriately, find healthy ways to deal with anger and help them to stay safe. We use drama, art, group games, outdoor play and other activities to encourage positive change within challenging behaviours.

For more information about our Nurturing Programmes, please contact our Nurturing Co-ordinator Sarah Casey via mobile on +44 7936 779077 or via email at nurture@focusonfamily.co.uk

- Enhancing Professional Skills (Arts, Crafts & Culinary Classes) -

We are delighted to offer a broad range of recreational programs designed to inspire individuals of all ages, and backgrounds, to venture out of their homes, engage with their peers, and partake in enjoyable and enriching activities. Our diverse curriculum includes various mixed arts and crafts, sewing instruction, costume design, and an array of creative crafting projects that cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels.

In our sewing classes, participants have the unique opportunity to transform their ideas into beautiful masterpieces, thanks to the expertise and guidance of our highly skilled course facilitators. These talented instructors provide personalised attention, and support, ensuring that students gain confidence and proficiency in their sewing - and crafting - abilities.

Our cookery classes are another highlight of our offerings - where participants learn to prepare a variety of delicious recipes each week. These sessions not only teach essential culinary skills, but also allow individuals to enjoy the fruits of their labour by taking home delectable meals.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated volunteer facilitators who generously devote their time and energy into running these classes. Their commitment not only enriches the learning experience for participants, but it also fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration among all involved. Through these programmes, we aim to create an environment where creativity flourishes, friendships are formed, and skills are developed - enhancing the overall well-being of our communities.

- Therapy Programmes -

Focus on Family has established a distinguished reputation for offering alternative therapies and treatments to help support the health and well-being of the local people.

We also offer a range of therapeutic group and individual learning activities, including Yoga and specialised therapy programmes teaching participants skills in Massage, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage and our ever-popular Reiki and Crystal Healing Therapies.

Our services are provided at significantly reduced rates, and this ensures that treatments are accessible to everyone. Many of our clients report that these treatments provide substantial benefit.

- Essential Skills -

In collaboration with Northern Regional College (NRC), we proudly offer the Essential Skills Programme - delivering comprehensive courses in Mathematics, English and ICT. This initiative is designed to empower individuals by providing them with the fundamental skills necessary for personal and professional growth.

Over the years, there have been numerous success stories to celebrate. These celebrations include the remarkable achievements of older adults, who - despite having no prior computer experience - have earned accredited ICT qualifications. Additionally, many learners in their 50’s, who previously lacked formal qualifications due to leaving school early, have successfully attained accreditations in Mathematics and English. Such accomplishments have not only equipped them with valuable skills, but also significantly boosted their confidence as their achievements are recognised with formal certificates. Our programme has also played a crucial role for those seeking the relevant qualifications to pursue their desired career paths.

Our deepest appreciation extends to the dedicated tutors from Northern Regional College, whose commitment to excellence ensures that our courses meet the highest educational standards. These instructors are renowned for their unwavering support, consistently going above and beyond to address the diverse needs of our learners.

If you want to enhance your skills - and unlock new opportunities for your future - we invite you to join our Essential Skills Programme. Embark on a transformative educational journey that will empower you to achieve your full potential - for more information, and also to enrol, please contact Brendan Patterson (Project Manager) on +44 (28) 7032 9550 or via email at manager@focusonfamily.co.uk

- Counselling Services -

Our longstanding, and successful, partnership with Northern Regional College (NRC) plays a crucial role in supporting the development of future counselling professionals through well-structured placement opportunities. This collaboration yields positive outcomes for all parties involved. Our organisation will have access to highly trained, and competent, trainee counsellors who can contribute significant value to our services. The local community benefits, by gaining access to high-quality talking therapies - enhancing the overall well-being and mental health resources available to them. Meanwhile, the trainees acquire the essential practice experience required to complete their course of study and meet professional qualification requirements. This partnership embodies our commitment to fostering educational growth, and supporting the community by integrating academic learning with real world application. We are dedicated to continuing this collaboration, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the synergy of combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience.

- Other Services -

Ballysally Integrated Nurturing project

We continue to work alongside our key local delivery partners - Ballysally Primary School, Ballysally Presbyterian Church Youth and Community Project & Ballysally Nursery - providing collaborative and holistic nurture support for local families. These local relationships continue to grow and flourish, not just amongst the group leaders, but also with those staff delivering services on the ground, and in particular the new staff that have come into the area.

Millburn Community Development Ltd

We continue to support the excellent work being achieved in the adjoining Millburn Estate, by providing employment support for their community development worker, and also strategic support by chairing the local group of directors, who work tirelessly to provide ongoing services and opportunities to benefit residents living within the the Millburn Estate.

Aspire Media Academy

Aspire work to produce a wide and diverse range of video and photography footage to support local groups and organisations, as well as continually linking in with other aspects of Focus on Family’s work to play an integral role in supporting other projects within our organisation.

- Help & Support Resources -

Welcome to our ‘For You’ Digital Resource Library - which contains a mix of content, some of which is from external support providers. You’ll also find this content in our physical ‘leaflet and flyer’ library (above). We care, so we share - and now you have the information at your finger-tips.