Keady Family Fun and Information Event

As part of the CYPSP’s work with the Armagh Locality Planning Group, the CYPSP Locality

Development Officer, Annie Clarke and Locality Planning Administrator, Nuala Haughey along with

the help of the sub-group (namely: Joanne McCourt from BCM, Rosie Carey from EA Youth Service,

Mia Murray and Maree Loughran from Arke Sure Start) organised a Family Fun and Information

Event in the new TMAC Centre, Keady on Friday 13th November 2015 (2-4pm).

The event aimed to increase the local community’s awareness of the services and support available

to them to help improve the health and well-being of children, young people and families.

There was a range of service providers in attendance with information stalls who had the

opportunity to promote the services that they offer; including ArKe Sure Start, Policing and

Community Safety Partnership, PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (with Fire Appliance);

Employers for Childcare, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, NI Library Service, St Vincent De

Paul, and many more.

The children were entertained with fun activities such as balloon modelling, dancing, arts and crafts

and face-painting. There were also refreshments on offer which were enjoyed by all.

The event was promoted in the form of posters and flyers in English, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish and

Bulgarian and these were distributed to Children from Keady Community Playgroup – “Den in the

Glen”, and Derrynoose Playgroup – “Little Acorns”; as well as Children from St Francis of Assisi

Primary School in Keady, and Primary Schools in the surrounding areas, namely: Clea, St Michael’s

(Clady), Our Lady’s and St Mochua’s (Derrynoose), Foley, St John’s (Middletown), St Joseph’s

(Madden), Drumhillery, Darkley, and St Mary’s (Granemore). Furthermore, the posters were

displayed in many businesses throughout the town as well as on CYPSP website and social media.

There was a fantastic turn out on the day including children from the abovementioned schools as

well as representatives from the afterschool homework club within the community; parents;

grandparents; childcarers, teachers and Principals .

Also in attendance was Councillor Darryn Causby (DUP) - Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and

Craigavon Borough Council and Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon (SDLP).

Various positive comments were received during the course of the afternoon from caregivers and

exhibitors about how well the event was organised and how enjoyable and worthwhile it was. And

from the smiles on the children’s faces within the photographs, it is clear to say that they had a great

afternoon’s fun!