Sligo Social Services is a local, well established organisation, which operates with integrity, discretion and respect in the heart of our local Sligo community, ensuring the voice of the people is heard and their needs are recognised and responded to. Our goal is to improve the life chances of vulnerable people in our local community, providing services for all throughout their lifecycle, and promoting equity and fairness. For further information on any of the services listed below, please contact the office at Charles Street, Sligo, telephone 071 9145682

We provide the following services for children and families:

Education and Childcare   

Sligo Social Service Council CLG recognises the importance of early education and in this regard is involved in running a targeted Preschool Centre at Charles Street, two Afterschool Projects, one at Cranmore Abbeyquarter Community Centre and one at St. Edward’s School, Ballytivnan.  Service available for ages 2 - 12 years.

It is widely accepted that quality provision in the area of early education has a very positive impact on the future educational, psychological and social development of every child.  The pre-school centre offers a vibrant and friendly service, which is run by experienced and energetic staff. The staff take a very holistic approach to their work, focusing not only on education but on health and wellbeing also. They use Aistear and Siolta to guide their practice on a day to day basis.  Sligo Social Services also operates two Afterschool Projects, one at Cranmore Abbeyquarter Community Centre and one at St. Edward’s School, Ballytivnan. 

The Afterschool service caters for primary school aged children.  While engaged with the service, the children receive support in doing their homework, within a safe and friendly environment where they can also take part in a wide range of fun and creative activities. The staff work from a holistic approach and ensure that the safety, health and wellbeing of the child is paramount. The Afterschool Project runs activities during out of school periods within the academic year and offers a summer camp in July.

Sligo Social Accommodation Services offers:

• Short-term supported accommodation to families. The project can accommodate families for up to a year, in self-contained units in Sligo town, while they are supported to develop the skills necessary to manage their home independently.                                        
• Emergency hostel accommodation for single men and women who have been assessed by Sligo County Council as being homeless.  
• Short-term accommodation (up to six months) with support for single men who have been identified as requiring more intensive support before they move to independent living.

Counselling Service:  The counselling service is delivered by a professionally qualified counsellor. The service is primarily for young people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, and there are a small number of hours available for adults who are themselves parents of young people under the age of 18 years. Referral Form is available on request from the Services Manager.

The Open Access Service is a walk in service, where advice and information, signposting to other services, as well as practical assistance is available to members of the public.

The Refugee Resettlement Programme supports Syrian Families who have been placed in Sligo under the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Programme. A Resettlement Support Worker and an Interpreter/Translator/Intercultural Worker support the families as they begin their new lives in Sligo.

The Substance Misuse Project supports adults who are experiencing difficulties as a result of alcohol or drug misuse. It provides an accessible confidential service dedicated to responding to the individual needs of the person. This may include referrals to and support in accessing addiction services, health, housing and employment and training services.  The project seeks to address needs respectfully by empowerment, support and encouragement. It provides outreach services in the towns of Sligo and Tubbercurry.

The service is targeted at those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

 Referral criteria:

• Adult over 18 years of age.
• Identified need for community based support in area of addiction.
• History of addiction (alcohol or drug)
• An interest in engaging with the service.

 Referrals are accepted from other service providers, professionals and self referrals