Tag Archives: Paul Wolfe

SHANNON Family Resource Centre (SFRC) is hosting a new support group for fathers who are living apart from their children. A spokesperson for SFRC said, “It’s just two weeks old, it’s very new. It came from the community, a request was made here. A couple of fathers were talking to each other, looking for a space where they could share information and offer support to each other. That’s how the idea came about – local lads met and they are still meeting.” Speaking about the issues that are being dealt with in the group, the spokesperson explained, “Basically, the fathers are not with the mothers of the children and it’s been about custody and things like that. It’s really a group for dads, who feel they don’t have a voice particularly around shared care.” As time goes by, the group will go in the direction that those involved want it to. “It has to be what they want in a …

BACK-to-school costs are going to hit many families harder than ever in the next few weeks, according to Clare MABS and Citizens Information. “An increasing number of families are seeking information and advice about how to get additional assistance with school costs. Many low-income working families are not in receipt of social welfare,” said Paul Woulfe, manager, Clare Citizens Information Service. “They are, therefore, not entitled to a Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) payment, even where their income is below or equivalent to a social welfare payment for their family size,” he contined. He said a number of one-parent families have experienced a 6% loss in income this year, reflecting a reduction in the means test for one-parent families, the extension of the USC and a reduction in child benefit. Cuts in Child Benefit and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) have also impacted on most low-income families with children. “In addition, the BTSCFA has been reduced …