Dublin & Glendalough support a wide range of local projects.
Project 2020-2022 in association with Home Start
Project 2020-2022 in association with Home Start was launched by MU @Diocesan Council in Wesley House. Members of MU Branches in the Diocese will put together Personal Care packages for mothers attending Home Start, Blakestown Cottages, Mulhuddart. Dublin 15.
www.dublin.mothersunion.ie Facebook: Mothers Union Dublin & Glendalough
www.homestartblanchardstown.ie Facebook: Home Start, Blanchardstow
Photo: Diocesan President, Mothers Union Dublin & Glendalough, Karen Nelson with Mary Troy, Fundraiser, Home Start and Rachel Devlin, Vice President, Mothers’ Union, Dublin & Glendalough.
Knitting
Our biggest and longest running project is our knitting project where members of branches knit blankets & garments for the maternity and children’s hospItals, as well as hats and scarves for the Mission for Seafarers and the Simon Community. Patterns for items are available here:
• Angel Pocket
• Cardigan
• Crib Covers
• A Cross In My Pocket
• Premature Baby Hat
• Shawl Knitting Patterns
• Sleeper Sack
• Fiddle Blanket
• Twiddlemuff Blanket
Away from it all (AFIA)
The “Away from it All” (AFIA) project commenced in Dublin & Glendalough Diocese in 2012. The Mothers’ Union ‘AFIA’ scheme has been operating very successfully for many years in dioceses throughout the UK and Ireland and we are delighted to follow this well established way of reaching out to families in our own diocese.
Aim of Project: Is to assist people in the diocese who are already in contact with the wider family of the Church of Ireland and who are in distressing circumstances or in a difficult personal situation and who would otherwise find it financially hard to fund a short break.
How does the Fund Work: At the beginning of each year a letter is sent to clergy together with a fact sheet on what the AFIA project will consider funding and how to apply. This fund works through the clergy who are on the ground and who are aware of people’s circumstances.
In times of financial or health difficulties a break can provide some much needed precious time together. If you know of someone in your parish who is in distressing circumstances or in need of a break due to difficult personal problems and who would find it hard to fund a short break, please speak to your rector and ask him to consider applying to the fund on their behalf.
Download Application Form Here
Parenting Support
Parenting “Workshops” and Courses are run around the Dioceses as the need arises.
Supporting and facilitating parenting is a growing part of our work, as we build on our
existing network of parenting courses. These offer parents the opportunity to meet together and
reflect on their approach to parenting, make friends and find support. Feedback from such courses
is enthusiastic, with often all family members, parent and children feeling the benefits.
Download Parenting Report
Members Getaway
Young Members hold an annual weekend away where they enjoy some down time and relax and have some fun. It has been decided to change the format of this weekend and perhaps hold different events which can be attended separately. Watch this space for updates
Young Members also host evenings which look at issues affecting families in society today.
Download our booking form here
Shoe Boxes for Creche
Also annually, branches put together shoeboxes for a crèche and other local causes.
Find out more about this local project here
Make a mother's day
Make a mother's day is Mothers' Union's ethical gifts campaign for Mothering Sunday. Give a mum or carer a Mothering Sunday gift, or buy a gift 'in memory' of a mum, and help a family in tough circumstances through Mothers' Union.
Helping parents provide for their children, empowering communities, or giving pregnant mums vital healthcare, Mothers' Union makes a startling difference to families across the world. For more details.
Fund Raising
Branches raise funds for the Centenary fund which is allocated through grants to the families of ordinands in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute.
Other Support
Branches also support other projects of their choice in their own local community.