Extra funding comes through for 'Little Wonders'

Service manager thanks all those who saved the service from closure

It appears there has been an eleventh hour reprieve for the Little Wonders early intervention centre in Castleblayney, which had threatened to close its doors on December 22 due to funding pressures.

Minister of State Niamh Smyth has received confirmation this afternoon that the HSE business case supporting Little Wonders, Castleblayney has now been approved, securing the future of the vital service for children with additional needs and their families.

Speaking to the Celt in the past few minutes, founder Claire Callan welcomed the development.

"I am absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible support Little Wonders has received over the past few weeks. I want to sincerely thank our wonderful parents, dedicated staff, local representatives, Ministers and every single person who stood behind us, attended protests, shared our story and fought to keep our doors open," she said.

"This was never just about saving a service, it was about protecting a lifeline for children and families who depend on us every day," continued Ms Callan.

"To know that Little Wonders now has a future means more than words can express. We could not have achieved this without the strength and determination of our community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all," she said.

Twenty-five families of children with additional and complex needs were set to be impacted by the closure.

It prompted a public protest on Tuesday of last week and the matter was raised in the Dáil by several TDs and Senators from this area.

Taoiseach urged to step in over Little Wonders funding crisis

Little Wonders provides an afterschool service, Saturday club and camps for children with complex needs between the ages of four and 18 years. It's the only afterschool service of its kind in Cavan and Monaghan. The award-winning centre currently supports 25 families and there are a further 47 families on a waiting list.

Increased funding for the service had been requested for the past two years but, until today, had not materialised.

“Claire takes the kids that no one else wants. And my child is one of them. Only for her, we would be nowhere.”

Those were the words of Kathleen Maguire, whose son Ciaran is one of the service users, when she spoke to the Celt in recent weeks.

She was just one of a number of parents who outlined what the service meant to them.

READ the full article here.

Minister of State Niamh Smyth, who was among those to lobby on behalf of the facility, said she was delighted with today's breakthrough.

"Today's announcement represents a significant step forward and provides much-needed reassurance to families who have faced uncertainty in recent months. It is also a testament to the dedication and perseverance of Claire Callan and her team, who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the children in their care," she said.

Minister Smyth pledged to continue to engage with all parties to ensure the service has a strong and sustainable future.

"While this is a very important milestone, I remain committed to working with Little Wonders, the HSE and Minister Foley to ensure the best possible outcome for the children and families who depend on this service. Today's news is a positive and welcome development, and one that I know will bring real relief and hope to many families across Monaghan."

Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy also welcomed the development and congratulated the staff and parents for mounting such a "determined campaign".

However he said: "They should not have been forced to protest for the services their special children need and deserve! The actions of government representatives, now tripping over each other to claim credit, is unbecoming and, frankly, insulting."

He strongly criticised the government record on supports for children with disabilities and their families.

"It’s time for every elected representative to recognise that far too many children are being left behind, not receiving the assessments, services, treatments, sometimes even the school places, that they are entitled to.

"Let’s follow the example of Little Wonders. Let’s work together to fix the broken system, let’s ensure that every child matters!"