Children's Group Link
For over 40 years, Children’s Group Link (Irish Registered Charity operating in Waterford) has provided important and essential programmes, services and supports to countless children, teenagers, their families and the wider community. Many vulnerable, ‘at risk’ and ‘unattached’ children and young people have benefited from structured programmes and activities, personal and social development supports and special events which are organised and run by a dedicated and caring team of staff, volunteers and Board.
As well as our core work, Children’s Group Link now has responsibility for the management and oversight of two other important youth projects – the Waterford Traveller Youth Support Project and the Waterford Youth Transport Service. These two projects provide essential supports to many young people and other youth services throughout Waterford City. The overall level of service provision provided by Children’s Group Link is unique and unequalled in Ireland for an Independent project. Our combined projects are currently working directly with approximately 130 children & young people and indirectly with hundreds more.
overview
CHILDREN’S GROUP LINK – SUMMARY PROFILE
Children’s Group Link was established in 1979 and moved to its current premises at Oak Villa, Military Road, Waterford in 1991.
Children’s Group Link has recognised charitable status and is a Company Limited by guarantee.
Charities Registration No: 20223782, CHY No: 9496, Company Registration No: 2535894
Children’s Group Link operates to the highest standards of governance & regulation and is fully compliant with the Charities Act 2009 and the requirements of the Charities Regulatory Authority.
Children’s Group Link is accountable in its dealings with the public and funders and has adopted the Governance Code being the voluntary Code of Good Practice for the Community, Voluntary and Charity sector.
Children’s Group Link addresses social disadvantage for children, teenagers, at-risk youth (and their families) in Waterford City through the provision of recreational, educational, artistic, sporting, personal development, counselling services, programmes and facilities. Our primary target groups are children and young people:
With learning difficulties and with behavioral problems.
Deemed to be marginalised unattached “at risk” youth.
At risk of or vulnerable to neglect, abuse, isolation or bullying.
With disabilities or experiencing medical difficulties including substance or alcohol abuse.
From high unemployment areas and suffering from social and economic disadvantage.
With associated family difficulties including alcoholic, abusive or negligent parents, guardians or carers.
From the travelling community.
All programmes are age-appropriate and conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Programmes are planned, administered and supervised by appropriately trained staff and volunteers.
Children’s Group Link now serves over 100 young people every week.
Children’s Group Link is recognised as one of the leading Special Youth Projects (SPY) in Ireland by Pobal and the Dept. of Children & Youth Affairs.
In Waterford, Children’s Group Link has received numerous awards and accolades and is noted for the continuous engagement of its members in community-based and community-serving initiatives.
Children’s Group Link has evolved from a programmes & activities based organisation to an organisation that also provides job-seeking skills & career supports for its members.
Children’s Group Link has now entered a new phase of development through the provision of quality social enterprise projects that provide hands-on training, mentoring and employment opportunities for its members.
Group Link provides a subsidised transport service for the youth, community and not-for-profit sector.
Children’s Group Link has an annual operating budget of approx. €360K.
Just over 50% of annual income is received from government sources with the remainder sourced through fundraising initiatives, corporate sponsorship and income derived from the hire & use of its onsite facilities.
Children’s Group Link adopts a prudent approach to the maintenance of reserves with a Reserves Statement & Policy approved annually by the board and in line with government-funded grant criteria.
Children’s Group Link has demonstrated its ability to manage its systems and finances and has the appropriate board-approved policies & procedures and reporting mechanisms in place.
where your money goes
The annual running costs across the 3 projects is in the region of €330,000.Grants received from Government Departments together with smaller grants total approximately €250,000 annually. The average annual shortfall in funding of approximately €80,000 has to be found through other income streams including fundraising, sponsorship / donations, facilities hire and other activities. In a normal year this shortfall is very difficult to make up but with the arrival of the Covid-19 crisis and all its consequences – the task of raising vital funds has become much more challenging. As a result of cancelled or postponed fundraising events – the organisation finds itself with a deficit in fundraising and earned income of approximately €20,000 (up to 30th June 2020). We are therefore requesting donations in order to make up the shortfall in lost revenue. All monies are used directly to maintain important service provision including programmes and activities to many vulnerable and 'at risk' children, teenagers and their families.
history
Over 40 years of service provision in Waterford City
1. We are a local Independent Registered Charity.
2 We have a proven track record of service provision for over 40 years and have been recognised and commended locally and nationally for our work.
3. We work with and advocate for the most vulnerable, marginalised and
‘at risk’ in our community. Currently with over 130 across 3 projects.
4. Our work is carried out to the highest standards of care leading to better outcomes and brighter futures for children and young people.
5. Our premises serves as a community hub providing facilities and rooms to many not-for-profit organisations and groups.
6. Our finances, reporting, compliance and Governance is 100% transparent and carried out to the highest standards and in line with requirements from Government Funding Departments, the Charities Regulatory Authority and other relevant compliance agencies.
Unit 28B,
+353 (0) 93 52467
