Northside Cork garden to act as training centre for girls at risk of homelessness

A new garden will serve as an outdoor training centre for vulnerable young women at risk of homelessness in Cork.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney performed the official opening yesterday of the Good Shepherd Services’ Bruac Eile garden project on the city’s northside.

“The women and girls who attend our educational programmes would have had very little formal second level schooling,” said Good Shepherd Services chief executive Tony O’Riordan.

“Bruac Eile is often a last-chance education opportunity for these girls.

“They come from disadvantaged areas and would be vulnerable in a number of respects. Some would be resident in Edel House or in our Riverview centre while attending Bruac Eile.”

Great event today at Bruac Eile, Cork, launching a hort and gardening project. Really worthwhile project - well done! pic.twitter.com/iCBZ27YokY

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) March 23, 2015

The Good Shepherd Services also run the Edel House shelter and Riverview Residential Centre which provides short- to medium-term accommodation for homeless girls aged 15 to 18 years of age.

It provides a range of training courses at Bruac Eile to young women who are early school leavers, unemployed, or vulnerable to homelessness.

The young women are offered courses in academic fields such as literacy, computers, communications, maths, art and design, and practical areas such as social and life skills, cooking, and preparation for work.

They also get education on sexual health, parenting, personal effectiveness, childcare, and well-being.

The centre is also now offering courses on gardening and horticulture.

12pm-3pm
Open Day at Bruac Eile, Good Shepard Services, Redemption Road

Minister Simon Coveney officially opens... http://t.co/XCs2o5dWuI

— Cork Lifelong Learning Festival (@learning_fest) March 23, 2015

The Good Shepherd Services joined forces with Churchfield Community Trust to prepare the Bruac Eile garden in a project which was supported by Grow It Ireland International in association with AIB’s Add More Green Fund and Cork City Council’s Environmental Partnership Fund.

The services run by Good Shepherds are aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness. The official opening of the garden project coincided with Cork’s 12th Lifelong Learning Festival which started yesterday.