News and Events

 

Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme is now open for applications. You can apply online now through our dedicated portal, or apply by post using a hard copy of the form.

Please follow this link to go to the application page https://www.paymentscheme.ie

 

Annual Memorial Event

March 11th, 2024

On March 11th, we commemorated the legacy of our founder, Christine Buckley, who departed from us a decade ago. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who joined us in honouring her memory.

 

Timetable for April to July term

Please have a look at our latest group Timetable. Let one of our staff know if you would like to join.

 

Christine Buckley Volunteer

of the Year awards

Gary Hayes, a crew member of the Dun Laoghaire RNLI, has been honoured with the title of Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year.


 

Timetable September to December 2023

Our updated groups' timetable has been confirmed. Please call into the centre to register for the classes.

 

Coffee Morning

Please join us for a coffee morning in support of Harold’s Cross Hospice.

Friday, 29 of September at 11:00 am in our new Dundrum centre

 

A trip toTitanic museum in Belfast in August

We are planning a trip to the Titanic Museum in Belfast in August. Please let us know if you are interested as we’ll have to decide on the date that suits us all.

 

Remembrance Day April 6th, 2023

It was very nice seeing everybody and also remembering those who are not with us anymore.

 

Ongoing debate about Mother-and-baby Homes redress scheme

Mother-and-baby Homes redress scheme debate

The Government's Mother-and-baby Homes redress scheme has been criticised by survivors' groups, who say it unfairly excludes children who spent less than six months in an institution. It's currently making its way through the legislative process in the Oireachtas.

In recent days, Dr James Gallen, associate professor of law and government in Dublin City University, and Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward have been debating the issue as part of The Conversation from RTÉ's Upfront with Katie Hannon. You can read the full article by clicking on the picture on the left.

 

Information on the Redress Scheme in Northern Ireland

Redress Scheme in Northern Ireland

Survivors living in the Republic of Ireland or elsewhere can avail of specialist support services arranged and funded by the Victims and Survivors Service; including dedicated health and wellbeing caseworker support, counselling, complementary therapies, disability aids and help dealing with persistent pain. COSICA can provide direct referrals and provide further information on their services.

Please visit www.cosica-ni.org for more information on how to apply for the Redress Scheme in Norther Ireland

 

Our new premises in Dundrum

Our new address is

Heritage House, 2nd floor, Dundrum Office Park, Dundrum, Dublin 14

Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year

December 2, 2022

Every year one truly exceptional volunteer is named Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year. This award is named in memory of Christine Buckley, who sadly passed away in March 2014.

The Christine Buckley Volunteer of 2022 is Gwen Maher of GAA Club in Ballymun, Dublin! Gwen’s helpful, caring & resourceful nature shines through in everything she does, and we're delighted to recognise her immense contribution!

 

News

November 15, 2022

A special advocate for survivors will be appointed to represent the collective interests of those who suffered institutional abuse, the government has announced.

 

Summer trips 2022

Summer 2022

As part of the CDETB funded Summer School we went on some very cool trips!

The Art class went to Van Gogh Experiance in RDS, the Print museum, Kilmainham jail and to Dun Laoghaire park.

The Drama class visited Dalkey and Killiney beach and also Howth.

 

Our visit to Oireachtas Éireann

June 1st and June 29th, 2022

Our summer trips season started with two tours of Oireachtas Éireann.

Everybody enjoyed the tours which were made possible by Joan.

 

Christine Buckley is one of 80 women who were honoured by The Lord Mayor of Dublin in book

June 14,2022

Christine Buckley is one of 80 women who were honoured by The Lord Mayor of Dublin in a special book devoted to those women who over 125 years made remarkable contributions in their lifetimes.

The Lord Mayor Allison Gilliland explained that she was motivated to produce the book titled Her Keys to the City because the City Council had honored only four women with the Freedom of the City over the centuries until this year when three more received the honour.

Pictured at the launch of the book were the Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland with Donal Buckley, chairperson, Christine Buckley Centre for Education and Support and contributor to the book.

 

I AM EDEL - play written by Susan Connolly and Cormac Plunket Walsh

June 11, 2022

Truth. Comedy. Tragedy. Drama.

I AM EDEL tells the true story of Susan Connolly’s survival in Dublin’s Goldenbridge Industrial School.

So far it was broadcasted as a radio play and recently 6 scenes from the play were presented in the Riverbank Art Centre in Newbridge on June 11, 2022 with great success.

In the photos: Susan Connolly, Cormac P Walsh, Carmel McDonell Byrne and Marian Shanley

 

Volunteer Ireland Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year 2021 Awards

May 2022

Every year people from all over Ireland nominate their neighbors, family, friends, colleagues and community supporters for the chance to win a Volunteer Ireland Award.

There are awards for volunteers in several categories. From these winners an overall winner is selected and this person receives the overall Volunteer of the Year award named after Christine Buckley who was the only Irish person to ever win the European Volunteer of the Year Award.

In the photos:

Nina Arwitz, Ceo Volunteer Ireland with Nigel Heneghan chairman of Community Creations Dublin, winner of Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year 2021

Claddagh Watch Patrol picture shows Donal Buckley centre with Deborah and Arthur Carr, of Claddagh Watch Patrol, Galway, winners of the Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award 2020

 

Christine Buckley Centre Remembrance Event

April 14, 2022

Finally, after more than two years of Covid restrictions CBC Community were able to meet in person and remember those we lost during this unprecedented and challenging time. It was such a joy to see such a great turnout for the event. Everybody enjoyed each others’s company, food, music and of course Bingo!

 

A visit to Dublin Mansion House

April 6, 2022

We were delighted to receive an invitation from Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland to visit Dublin Mansion House. Thank you for your hospitality! Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day.

 

Northern Ireland Assembly - Public Apology to Victims and Survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse

March 11, 2022

Public apology was offered to victims and survivors of historical institutional childhood abuse on 11 March 2022, hosted by Northern Ireland Assembly Ministers Michelle McIlveen, Conor Murphy, Nichola Mallon, Robin Swann and Naomi Long.

 

Mother and Baby Homes exhibition opens in Mansion House

Mother and Baby Homes

March 8, 2022

An art exhibition honoring the women and children who were in the Mother and Baby Homes opens this evening at the Mansion House, Dublin.

 

NCH and International Literature Festival Dublin Presents Breaking the Silence – Creative Responses to the Legacy of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Home Institutions featuring Survivors, Writers & Artists 

May 29, 2021

The National Concert Hall and International Literature Festival Dublin present an evening of words and song responding to the ongoing legacy of Ireland’s Mother and Baby Home Institutions on Saturday, May 29th. This free event features Elaine Feeney, Loah, Terri Harrison, The Mary Wallopers, Majella Moynihan, Noelle Brown, Philomena Mullen, Jess Kav, Alison Lowry plus more to be confirmed.