Ag Eisteacht seeks to improve the lives of children and family members using evidence-based training and an emphasis on early intervention.
The aim of our work in Ag Eisteacht is to highlight opportunities for early intervention in the area of family relationships, focusing on times of transition e.g. becoming a couple, childbirth, becoming parents, to mention a few of the well documented stress points in the family life-cycle. Recent research and policy developments acknowledge the important links between the quality of parents' relationships, child outcomes and the "need for an integrated whole-family approach for practitioners across a range of disciplines."
Maeve Hurley, M.B., M.R.C.G.P.
- Co-founder of Ag Eisteacht.
- Qualified G.P. with over 15 years experience of working in the community.
- Tutor with over 8 years experience of training focusing on Brief encounters ®training, and Parental Conflict training.
- Parenting Programme Facilitator – Delivering Parenting Programmes and delivering Group Leadership Skills for Family Caring Trust Programmes.
- Advanced Facilitation Skills training, All Hallows 2007.
"I see the health and well-being of the family as having a pivotal role in communities. Our family base and how it functions is important to the individuals that make it up to and to the wider community at work, school and in our neighbourhoods.
The positive impact of family can be a stabilizing and life-giving experience for those in it and equally stresses such as relationship breakdown and on going conflict in families can affect the health and well being of the family unit and can be expressed in work, school and community settings.
From both a personal and professional perspective I see this borne out on a daily basis. During my time as a G.P. I was aware of being 'turned to' by people in distress in their family relationships. The Brief encounters® training, helped me to be able to respond in a sensitive and appropriate manner – within the time constraints of a busy surgery.
As a wife and mother of five children (from pre-teen to emerging adults) - I am constantly reminded of the dynamic nature of relationships and have lots of opportunities to apply the knowledge I have gained.
In 'Ag Eisteacht' I hope we can help make information more available and accessible on the stages of the family life cycle and on parental conflict and its affects. This information and the tools to work in the area of relationship stress and conflict helps workers to feel more confident when 'turned to'. The client / patient may be reassured when their experience is part of the norm in the family life cycle or they may be empowered to move forward in their life situation when they have the opportunity to talk and be listened to.
In a society which is increasingly diverse and multi-cultural we aim to be inclusive and mindful of difference. I hope we can make a difference to the well-being of families in Ireland by adding to the skills base and confidence of the many dedicated and experienced frontline practitioners who are already working in this area."
Kathy Jones, R.G.N. R.H.V.
- Co-founder of Ag Eisteacht.
- Registered General Nurse and qualified Health Visitor.
- Over 30 years experience working in Healthcare.
- Over 30 years experience working in Marriage Enrichment programmes.
- Over 20 years training experience focusing on Brief encounters® training and Postnatal Depression training.
"Relationships underpin so much that makes life worthwhile, enjoyable and rich, and family, however we define it, is important. As a wife, mother of 4, and grandmother, I'm very aware of the stresses and strains as well as the fun and belonging of family relationships.
In my work as a Health Visitor with parents and their young children I often saw the strain on the couples relationship when they became parents. They would 'turn to' me when they were stressed in their relationships and I felt overwhelmed at times, unsure about how best to help.
I found the 'Brief encounters®' gave me very practical knowledge and skills to work with confidence when parents 'turned to' me and supported me in becoming more effective in managing my time. What I particularly appreciated was that I could offer the type of support that encouraged parents to work things out for themselves. It was up-lifting to see the positive effects this had in developing their confidence to sort things out, which of course, had a positive affect on their children and family life. It has been very beneficial training for me too, and supports me in sustaining the variety of relationships in my own family circle.
Experiencing the benefits of the Brief encounters® training in my own work and life motivated me to become a Brief encounters® trainer. In Ag Eisteacht we are committed to promoting well-being for parents and children through giving effective and practical training to frontline workers, to support them, as well as enabling them to address the well-being concerns of families. I look forward to opportunities to move support for families, from crisis intervention to prevention. That would be a cost effective way to bring positive benefits to families, enhance family life, and reduce the trauma and health deficit incurred by relationship breakdown."
Contact
For further information on our training please call us on (0)860455114 or email: info@ageisteacht.com
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