Community Groups

AsIAm is Ireland's national autism charity, dedicated to transforming society into an inclusive, neuroaffirmative environment where autistic people are accepted, valued, and empowered. Led by the autistic community, the organization provides evidence-based advice, community support hubs, child and family support, adult wellbeing initiatives, and the Autism ID card. They advocate for systemic change, influence national policy, and provide training to schools, employers, and organizations to foster autism-friendly environments.

The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) is the primary trade union representing 21,000 second-level teachers across community schools, community colleges, comprehensive schools, and voluntary secondary schools in Ireland. The organization advocates for educational investment, teacher supply, student welfare, and the professional rights and working conditions of its members.

The Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) is a registered charity providing essential support, guidance, training, and advocacy to Boards of Management in over 2,800 Catholic primary schools across Ireland. Their mission focuses on ensuring effective school governance, legislative compliance, child protection, and the promotion of Catholic ethos in education.

Cuidiú is a parent-to-parent voluntary support charity dedicated to supporting parents to make parenthood the joy it should be. They provide a welcoming community for parents and caregivers, offering antenatal classes, breastfeeding support, and parent-to-parent assistance through a national network of branches and volunteer-led initiatives across Ireland.

Festina Lente Enterprises CLG is a registered charity founded in 1988 that supports individuals at risk of social and economic exclusion. Operating from the historic Victorian Walled Gardens in Bray, the organization facilitates personal development and achievement through therapeutic horse riding, horticulture, and community-based training programmes for people with disabilities.

Ireland Tamil Academy is a non-profit, secular organization based in Ireland dedicated to preserving and promoting the Tamil language, culture, and heritage. Through online classes and community initiatives, the academy provides Tamil language education to children and adults, fosters cultural understanding, and facilitates academic and research collaborations to support future generations in maintaining their linguistic roots.

Kildare County Childcare Committee (KCCC) strives to ensure that early childhood is understood as a significant and distinct time in life that must be valued, nurtured and respected. Their mission is to ensure that every child in Kildare has equal access to the highest quality education and childcare experiences within their local communities by providing support, advice, and training to childcare services, childminders, and parents.

The National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE) is the only education management body in Ireland with a sole focus on Special Educational Needs. For over 50 years, the organization has united, supported, and advocated for Boards of Management in special schools and mainstream schools with special classes, ensuring the wellbeing and educational access of students aged 4-18 with diverse disabilities and complex needs.

The National Parents Council (NPC) is the representative organisation for parents of children in early years, primary, and post-primary education in Ireland. Established in 1985, the NPC empowers parents to participate in their children's education and school life by providing information, training, advocacy, and a confidential helpline. They represent the voice of parents at a national level to bodies such as the Department of Education and the NCCA, while facilitating networking among Parents' Associations nationwide.

Parents Plus is a registered charity dedicated to strengthening families and improving outcomes for children, young people, and parents. They develop and deliver evidence-based parenting and mental health programmes, training and supervising practitioners across community, mental health, disability, and education sectors to build capacity and provide solution-focused support.

Terenure Enterprise Centre (TEC) is a vibrant social enterprise and registered charity that supports local communities and businesses by providing flexible workspace solutions, including private offices and coworking spaces. Beyond business support, the centre runs a Digital & Social Programme offering digital skills training, social activities, and day trips for people aged 55+, while actively fostering an inclusive, autism-friendly environment for the wider Terenure community.