The document discusses the impact of the St. Brigid's Family Resource Centre over its 25-year history, highlighting its role in supporting the local community through various services and individual empowerment. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement and kindness in creating a safe and transformative environment. The text reflects on the desire to honor this work through meaningful contributions, rather than solely through art funding, advocating for practical support and engagement with the community's needs.

1. a stitch in timea stitch in timeThreaded stories commissionArtist Roisin Markham

2. Celebrating 25 years 1984 – 2009CommissionRoisin Markham, Artist

3. Consultation process had been completed with staff…

4. Research phase?CounsellingSocial Services19841999CICTravellers

5. What does 25 years of social history look like?What is St. Brigid’s role in that?… and what are both of those really about? Where is the communities voice?

6. Threaded stories commission

7. Threaded stories commissionThe gift of timeI am a workerSafe spaceRespectValuingEmpowermentPersonalisedIndividualisedEquality and AUTONOMYPerson-centredPositive actionsA place for allGiven my people a start in lifeExperiences passed onGreat kindnessVoluntaryWalk in off the streetSomeone here to see yaAll the forms that came backBeing a good neighbourFamily supportChangeswillingness to shareband togethervibrant coloursfeeling of warmthUmbrellagive back to services very under equippedTrustempowering peopleThat badly need it Can barely meet my eyes within the mirrorAm splintered, shattered, crushed by life events.Can feel the essence leaching from my beingAs my clouded mind and spirit long to rest.Distraught, in dread, unstableFeelings surge and flood and swarmThoughts race then circle franticallyEclipsing logic and the known.In my errant, aimless wanderingsI founder till I findA place of restorationWhere my truth is recognised.However negative or difficultIt is narrated and exploredIn an atmosphere of kindnessWhich feels gentle and secure.And as I share my burdenAnd examine where I’ve beenI forgive myself my errorsAnd stand tall and strong and keen.With energy and clarityI look forward once againPrepared to venture onwardsEquipped with peace and self-esteem. Hope it continues helping & educating the people in WaterfordSomeone here every day to see someone walking in off the streetWe will have a good turn outopenness , brightness of staff & buildingmost important to celebrate survival without losing valuesworking in St. Brigid’s the past 3 yearswhat jumps out for me is the generosity of the people who use the centreGenerosity in terms of time, friendliness, openness to experience new thingsthe centre is more than just a buildingit is a place where people share their celebrations and their sorrows togethertransformation of the building has uplifted St. Brigid’scommunity of the inner city is to be commended for its support it has provided the centre over the past 25 yearswithout that support the work at the centre would not be possibleFor me St.Brigids has made me reconnect with myself.From being Mam to being Pam again.So many people come through the doors they put their trust in usI make sure everyone is treated the sameHopefully point them in the right directionI also feel I have made some friends hereImpressed by the work done on behalf of all communitiesthe Children get a very positive experience of educationThe service is very accessible and welcomingI think in these times it’s hard to see money spent on a paintingThere are areas of St. Brigid’s that need moneyEquipment, toys, arts & craft, the outdoor area to be developedI think this funding should have been spread overPainting competition among the children and give a prizeAnyone of any background, colour, age cane come and know that there needs will be met and help will be providedAll the staff will go out of their way to helpall the children and staff in the child centre could do some piece of art work and this would reflect better to the history of St. Brigid’sa painting does n’t reflect the work that St. Brigid’s does in the communitymoney to be spent on art a once off bursary this would be a more fitting tribute and would represent what St. Brigid’s is abouthave always been happy in my workI don’t think spending a lot of money on art is necessaryThe services provided are celebration enough for the past 25 years a staff party would be good + volunteersThe services St. Brigid’s provide reflect all that St. Brigid’s was and has becomeI feel it would be better to give back to those services develop them furtherChildren are the future why not let their art celebrate what St. Brigid’s has and will doI am a workerFor me St. Brigid’s is about working with the community to provide services and support as identified & needed by the community Also about the community having a role in decision making through sub groups & board involvementPositive changesRefurbishment of the building, accessibility & very welcoming – more local people now using the centre The most important thing to celebrate is people’s involvement MY STORYI’ve waited for the stories to comeWhen they did I felt the wait was in vainTime put aside eaten up in fearFear of failureFear of rejectionFear of being let downThe block comes from the alienation of self toward the outcome of the workBut I am integrated with the work Or am I just fooling myself?This work has come from me it is all that I wanted it to be But what to complete it?Can I take it to the next level?Of course .It is what I must do.The outcome is pre-decided BUT can I accomplish what I set out to do?Can I achieve what is in my mind and more so what is in the heart of this community? I might only have one shot…

8. a stitch in timeThreaded stories commission, St. Brigid’s Family Resource CentreRoisin Markham, Artist.