An innovative new early intervention programme which will help thousands of families affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was launched on Monday 6th November 2017 in the Carrickdale Hotel by Mairead McGuinness MEP. 

The Changing Lives Initiative is a new cross border project to support families with children at risk of ADHD. 

The initiative is being supported by an award of €2.7m by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and will be focused on County Louth, West Belfast and the Argyll & Bute region in Scotland.  The programme is set to benefit over 2,000 families in these regions.

As many as 5 to 6% of school aged children are affected by ADHD.  The Changing Lives Initiative is a community-based programme.  It aims to create a better understanding about ADHD and provide an intervention programme for families with children (3-7) experiencing behaviours consistent with ADHD.  As well as working with families the programme will provide training for those working with young children, in particular teachers and early years professionals. The programme will provide internationally recognised good practice models of intervention for children with ADHD.

The new Initiative will be delivered across County Louth, Colin/West Belfast, and the Argyll & Bute region of Scotland.  There are five partner organisations involved: Archways (lead partner), Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, Dundalk Institute of Technology, The Genesis Programme (Louth Leader Partnership) and NHS Highland. The project will be delivered locally by The Genesis Programme.

Launching the initiative Mairead McGuinness, MEP said: “This is an excellent programme that will transform many lives for the better, forever.  It is beyond doubt that early intervention is essential.  The initiative will enable children who may have ADHD reach their full potential and it will help their parents and teachers first understand the challenges and then experience the joy and fulfilment of seeing the children develop their innate skills and talents.”  She congratulated everyone connected with the new service.

Welcoming the project, Gina McIntyre CEO of the SEUPB said: “This is an excellent and much needed project which will directly benefit young people and families affected by ADHD, on a cross-border basis. Best practice early interventions will be delivered by way of new and innovative partnerships across Northern Ireland, Scotland and Ireland, reflecting one of the key objectives of the INTERREG VA Programme which is to improve the health and well-being of citizens by improving access to health and social care services in the most appropriate setting to their needs.”

Hugh Doogan, Programme Manager with The Genesis Programme, who will delivering the initiative in Co Louth said: ‘The Changing Lives Initiative is an innovative new project that will provide a much needed support for families with children aged 3 to 7 years who are concerned about ADHD.   The Initiative aims to significantly reduce dependence on medicalised interventions among this group of children by providing a high quality evidence based programme to the local community.  This project will make a real difference to families locally. We are extremely grateful to the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme for funding this initiative.’

Roll out of the programme has commenced in County Louth and West Belfast, with roll out in Scotland due to commence in Autumn next year.  Further information on how families can avail of the programme is available at www.changinglivesinitiative.com.

Match-funding for the project has been provided by the Department for Health in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health in Ireland and NHS Highland.

What is ADHD?

• ADHD is the chronic, debilitating disorder which has a substantial effect on many aspects of a person’s life, from family and school life to their social environments. It is characterised by considerably high levels of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention.

Archways

• Archways is a national organisation working in collaboration with local and national agencies to promote and research evidence based programmes for children & young people.
• Archways provides a bridge between evidence based programmes and communities and supports the development of sustainable linked practices that build on existing strengths and resources.
• Archways was established in 2006. Initially the role of Archways was to promote the roll-out and evaluation of the Incredible Years programme in Ireland. Over the last number of years Archways have begun delivering and supporting other evidence based interventions including the Mentoring for Achievement Programme (MAP) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT).

INTERREG VA Programme

• The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA which are designed to enhance cross-border cooperation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.
• The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG VA, Western Scotland.
• The INTERREG VA Programme has a value of €283 million and aims to address the economic and social problems which result from the existence of borders.
• For more information on the SEUPB please visit SEUPB 

The Incredible Years in Action Photo Competition was a huge success and now all 100 plus entries can be seen in early years services, schools, community and health settings over the coming months.

The impressive 2.5 metre square banner has every single photograph that entered the competition.

There are pictures taken by the children themselves alongside those taken by their parents as well as  snaps from early years services, schools and community groups.

It really does bring to life the impact that The Genesis Programme has had on the areas in which we work. More venues & dates will be added soon, so keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.

Launch of The Changing Lives Initiative

To confirm your attendance, please click the link below and register for the event

Register for the Launch of The Changing Lives Initiative

The Genesis Programme and Blueskies Initiative

Cordially invite you to attend the launch of

How are they doing?

A Community Perspective on Child Well Being

By Mr. John Lonergan

On Monday 20^th November 2017 @ 11.00 am

In

O’ Callaghan Mont Clare Hotel, Merrion Street, Dublin 2

A Child Well Being Study carried out by Archways with Children, Parents and Teachers in Clondalkin, Drogheda and Dundalk

RSVP:  info@genesislouth.ie

Over 100 photos of the Incredible Years Programmes in Action involving families, early years services, schools and community groups were very much in focus at a special event held in the County Library in Dundalk on Wednesday 18th October.

The event was the Announcement & Prize Giving Ceremony of the winners of the Incredible Years in Action Photo Competition, organised by The Genesis Programme.

The competition was sponsored by CTI Business Solutions and each of the winners received a €100 voucher from them and a framed print of their winning entry. Also unveiled on the day was a specially commissioned pop up banner that features all 100+ entries, which  will be on tour around early years services, schools, community groups and public offices over the coming months.

The following were the winners in each of the different categories:

Overall Winner – ‘Happiness is in a Great Big Hug from Molly’

From St. John’s JNS in Drogheda, the picture was taken by Bernie Pentony and features teacher Catriona Smith and Viktoria Urbena – getting a big hug from Molly.

Early Years Winner – ‘Where, oh where, oh where is Wally?’

This picture was taken in Lios na nÓg in Dundalk by Angela Harvey of the children from the pre school year group playing.

Schools Winner – ‘The Calm’

This picture features the Senior Infants class at Castletown Girls’ School in Dundalk and was taken by their teacher Caroline Neary during one of their Incredible Years sessions.

Community Winner – ‘To an Incredible Start in Life’

Featuring participants in an Incredible Years Parent and Parent Programme this picture was submitted by Lucy Maguire from their Group Leaders, Lucy Maguire from the Teen Parent Support Programme (Tusla) and Antoinette Loughran, Public Health Nurse (HSE).

Home Winner –  ‘Brothers by Love’

This picture was taken by Nicole Byrne at her home in Drogheda of her two boys, Harry aged one and Shay aged six. In her own words, ‘both so happy, taking everything in their stride and enjoying each other’s company’

Best Picture Taken by a Child Winner –  ‘Happy Family!’

This picture was taken by 8 year old Christos Kostopoulos, a student at St. Nicholas’ NS in Dundalk and submitted by his mother, Danai Tsingari.

The bumper 5th edition of UPDATE is not available and looks back at another very successful academic year and catches up with some more recent events and activities including the Incredible Years in Action Photo Competition. Enjoy.

To access  click UPDATE (Edition No. 5 – October 2017)

Funding for an innovative new early intervention programme which will help thousands of families affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been announced.  The Changing Lives Initiative is a new cross border project which aims to reduce dependence on medicalised intervention in young children who have behaviours consistent with ADHD.

The local Louth team tasked with implementation are pictured above. They are L-R: Siobhan McDonald, Eileen Costello, Christina Ryan, Sandra Farrell and Annemarie Ó Murchú.

The €3 million initiative is being supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and will focus on border areas in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland.  Roll out of the programme will commence next month and will benefit over 2,000 families in these regions.

The Changing Lives Initiative is aimed at families of children aged 3 to 7 with a pattern of behaviour consistent with ADHD.  It is estimated that as many as 8 to 11% of school aged children have ADHD.  While international guidelines for treating this disorder suggest parent education and training programmes as the first line of treatment, this option is not available to families in these regions.

The Changing Lives Initiative will offer a programme for families consisting of an information and awareness raising programme, a screening programme, and a treatment service in the form of the 20 session Incredible Years parenting programme.  In tandem with this process there will be training for those working with young children, in particular teachers and early years professionals.

The new Initiative will be delivered across County Louth, Colin/West Belfast, and the Argyll & Bute region of Scotland.  The Initiative is being delivered by five partner organisations: Archways (lead partner), Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, Dundalk Institute of Technology, The Genesis Programme (Louth Leader Partnership) and NHS Highland. The programme will be rolled out locally by The Genesis Programme.

Welcoming the funding Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer with the SEUPB, said: ‘This project that will have a transformative effect on the lives of thousands of children and families affected by ADHD. It also underlines the EU’s commitment to supporting the development of more efficient health and social care delivered through new and innovative cross-border partnerships to all citizens. The cross border collaborative partnership involved in this project will deliver upon an internationally recognised good practice model of intervention for children with ADHD and hyperkinetic disorders.’

Hugh Doogan, Programme Manager with The Genesis Programme who will delivering the initiative in Co Louth said: ‘The Changing Lives Initiative is an innovative new project that will provide a much needed support for families with children aged 3 to 7 years who are concerned about ADHD.   The Initiative aims to significantly reduce dependence on medicalised interventions among this group of children by providing a high quality evidence based programme to the local community.  This project will make a real difference to families locally. We are extremely grateful to the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme for funding this initiative.’

The project will be evaluated by researchers in the NetwellCasala Centre in Dundalk Institute of Technology, led by Dr Lucia Carragher.

Dr Carragher, Research Fellow at the NetwellCasala Centre in Dundalk Institute of Technology said: ‘DkIT is one of the leading Institutes of Technology with an international reputation in terms of its research.   As a core research centre within DkIT, our work on this project will support evidence based practice not just locally but in Northern Ireland and Scotland, helping to shape policy in the years ahead’. 

The Initiative will be rolled out in County Louth and West Belfast in coming months, with roll out in Scotland due to commence in Autumn next year.  Further information on how families can avail of the programme will be available soon from the partner organisations.

Match-funding for the project has been provided by the Department for Health in Northern Ireland and the Department of Health in Ireland

INTERREG VA Programme

• The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU Structural Funds Programmes, PEACE IV and INTERREG VA which are designed to enhance cross-border cooperation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.
• The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG VA, Western Scotland.
• The INTERREG VA Programme has a value of €283 million and aims to address the economic and social problems which result from the existence of borders.
• For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu please visit seupb.eu

Here are some of the upcoming Parent Programmes on offer from various partners of The Genesis Programme. Email info@genesislouth.ie for details or to register your interest

Preparing for Baby Programme      

Parent Baby Programme      

Baby Massage

Toddler Programme

Parent Programme       

School Readiness Programme      

School Aged Programme      

Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Parent Programme      

We are delighted to extend an open invitation to the Announcement & Prizegiving Ceremony of the Winners of the Incredible Years in Action Photo Competition which has been kindly sponsored by CTI Business Solutions.

It will take place on Wednesday 18th October at 2pm in Dundalk County Library.

There will be light refreshments available and the Incredible Years in Action Photo Roadshow will also be launched.

The Genesis Programme are recruiting a part-time Oral Language Development Officer.

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 13th September 2017.

More details on www.activelink.ie – please see link below.

Oral Language Development Officer

The Incredible Years and The Genesis Programme feature as part of a new RTE programme which airs on Monday 4th September at 9.35pm on RTE1. Dr Eva Orsmond will be asking whether where you are born and raised dictates your life expectancy in Ireland’s Health Divide.

During filming she visited St. John’s JNS in Drogheda to see the impact the Incredible Years is having. The programme will feature Principal Dympna MacKenna and the Incredible Years in action in St. John’s JNS Early Start.

Dr. Eva will be on the Late Late Show when it returns tonight (Friday 1st September) discussing Ireland’s Health Divide and the making of the programme.

For more please click on this link:  Ireland’s Health Divide Monday 4th September on RTE1 at 9.35pm

The first programme delivered by The Genesis Programme for parents with children on the Autism Spectrum or with Language Delays has proved to be hugely beneficial to the participants as outlined at their Graduation Event on the 10th May 2017 by Sarah O’Connell who was speaking on behalf of all the new graduates.

The graduates were presented with their certificates by Jackie Barron, Early Intervention Team Manager, HSE. Also present on the day to show her support was Cllr. Maeve Yore, who was involved in the establishment of SNAP (Special Needs Active Parents) and a great supporter of work in this area.

The programme which took place in Réalt na Mara NS, Mill Street, Dundalk saw eight parents graduate today at a special event in the Crowne Plaza hotel, where they were presented with certificates by Jackie Barron, Disability Manager, HSE Louth who oversees the work of the Early Intervention Team.

The first Autism class in Réalt na Mara NS was established in September 1999. Each class celebrates the uniqueness of every child as expressed in the child’s personality, intelligence and potential for development. The aim of the Autism Classes is to provide a supportive, caring, learning environment which facilitates the nurturing of each pupil’s full educational potential.

The event also saw other local schools, agencies and groups come together to showcase the work they are doing in this field and create networking opportunities.

Irish Autism Action says that 276,000 people in Ireland know that Autism will be part of their journey every day. The Autism Counts Prevalence Study in 2011 said that the number of people diagnosed with Autism would fill the Aviva Stadium whilst the number impacted by the diagnosis would fill the Aviva Stadium five times over.

The programme was facilitated by Rebecca Cullen from Réalt na Mara NS and Yvonne Forde, Development Officer (Schools Programmes) with The Genesis Programme.

Speaking at the event, Rebecca Cullen, Réalt na Mara NS said: ‘This programme is offered to parents of young children (aged 2-5) on the Autism Spectrum or with Language Delays in order to promote children’s emotional regulation, social competence, language skills, school readiness, and relationships with others. The programme is guided by cognitive social learning theory, modeling, attachment, developmental theories and research. A key element of this educational programme is the collaborative leadership style of the Group Leaders. This collaborative approach ensures that parents ‘own ‘the material because the basic principles have been drawn from them. Through this programme parents learn how to enter their child’s world and become their child’s first playmate. The programme also helps parents develop support systems that enhance their parenting confidence and understanding of the valuable role they play in promoting their children’s optimal development, thereby affecting their future’.

Yvonne Forde from The Genesis Programme thanked and congratulated the parents for taking part in this first programme of its kind delivered in Louth. She also thanked everyone at Réalt na Mara NS but especially Mr. Phil McCaul, the Principal and Mrs. Adele Clune, the Deputy Principal for their commitment and willingness to get involved.

An informal Networking Event took place before the Graduation involving the schools who have or will have Autism or Language Delay classes in Dundalk and Drogheda – St. Nicholas NS, Redeemer Boys’ School, St. John’s JNS, Better Start AIM (Access & Inclusion Model) team, National Council for Special Education, SNAP (Special Needs Active Parents) and Louth County Childcare Committee.