Louth ABC Programme hosts event celebrating its tenth year transforming childhoods

The Louth ABC Programme marked ten years of work across the county with an event celebrating its work with children and families.

The event hosted local families and service providers who benefited or contributed to the programme over the past decade. 

Louth Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme Manager, Gavin McGee said the event was "not just about looking back" but about celebrating  the partnerships that have made the programme possible and "setting our sights on the future."

"Together, we've built a strong foundation for children and families in Louth, and we're excited to continue this journey," he said. 

The event was opened by a performance from fourth and fifth class children from Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan.

There were stories told about the impact the programme had on four parents, Aine Reid, Jenny Meehan, Sophie O'Hanlon and Vicky Gregory, who shared the role Louth ABC played in their lives both as children, and now as parents. 

There was then a panel discussion hosted by the Coordinator of the School Completion Programme (SCP) Dún Dealgan, Niall Weldon, which focused on the impact of the Louth ABC Programme, both past, present and future. 

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Founded in 2015, The Louth ABC Programme, is part of the Louth Local Development and, which has over 90 staff members, and aims to address the causes and consequences of socioeconomic inequality.

The Programme has supports for families, education, health and early intervention. 

It works in partnership with local agencies, schools, and community organisations to facilitate development and social change for children aged 0-12.