Down Syndrome Centre North East receives funding from AIB Community €1 Million Fund

The Down Syndrome Centre North East (DSCNE) has announced that it has received an award of €4000, from the second annual AIB Community Fund helping it to provide ongoing support to those who need it most across their local communities of Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath and surrounding areas.

DSCNE says it will use the funding for its new Family Support Service which will be launched this September. The new Family Support Worker will act in a social worker-type role contracted to provide emotional and practical support to families, providing a guiding hand and a listening ear.

This service will be delivered at the Centre, as well as locations closer to families, when necessary. This will be key, it says, to linking in with more families in a personalised directed way and developing a friendship and introductory network for new parents.

It will also provide training and development opportunities for staff and volunteers. This new service will be free and confidential and the Centre anticipates the new service will raise their profile, increase referrals from outside agencies and engage more families due to the additional services they will be providing.

Earlier this year, AIB asked its customers, the wider public, and colleagues to nominate charities which connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities, for the AIB Community €1 Million Fund. Over 16,000 nominations were received highlighting the immediate support needed for charities across Ireland.

Following the inaugural launch in 2022, the AIB Community €1 Million Fund has already donated to over 70 national and local charities including Dogs for the Disabled, Irish Cancer Society, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and Dyslexia Association of Ireland. 

Speaking about receipt of the award, Caitriona Crosby, Centre Manager said: “We are so happy to receive this donation, from the AIB Community €1 Million Fund, which will be vital for us to continue and expand the services that we provide to our community.

"During these challenging times, we need support now more than ever, and we have seen first-hand the difference this funding has had on local organisations who received support last year.

“The fact that the public nominated us makes it particularly special because it means that the work we are doing in the community is being recognised, and we are making a difference. I want to thank everyone who is involved in The Down Syndrome Centre North East and a particular thank you to AIB for establishing this hugely beneficial fund.”

Speaking about the Fund, AIB Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Mary Whitelaw said: “Along with our core community partners and programmes the AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables us to further deepen our contribution to society.

"The nominations were made by our colleagues, customers and the public based on the causes and charities they connect with and that matter most to them. Our hope is that this funding will help make a real difference to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to those who are working tirelessly for their benefit.’’ 

For more information on The Down Syndrome Centre North East visit www.dscnortheast.ie 

For more information on AIB’s work in the community visit www.aib.ie/community.