Galway Simon Community

Galway Simon Community is delighted to be one of over 170 organisations across Ireland to receive support through the latest round of RTÉ Toy Show Grants, made possible by the generosity of RTÉ Toy Show Appeal viewers.

Locally, Galway Simon is receiving support of €40,000 to supports its Family First Fund. Galway Simon Community’s Families First Fund is a child-focused wellbeing initiative embedded within our services across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. The programme responds to the recognised impact of housing insecurity on children by providing targeted supports that promote creativity, play, social inclusion and emotional wellbeing for children living in families affected by homelessness.

Through the Families First Fund, children can access activities that foster confidence, creativity and positive childhood experiences, including parent toddler playgroups, speech and language supports, and sports activities or other social groups. These opportunities support emotional development, peer connection and participation in community life, helping children maintain a sense of normality during periods of housing instability. The programme also provides important respite for parents, enabling them to maintain employment, attend appointments and focus on sustaining their housing.

A huge thank you to Community Foundation Ireland and to everyone who donated to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. Your generosity is helping to create real change for children and families in communities across Ireland. 💛