Digital initiative for Ballymun parents launched

img_131_3_previewBallymun Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force today (25.08.17) launched Ballymun Connects, a new initiative aimed at creating a vibrant and active online community for parents in Ballymun. Ballymun Connects offers parents information and support with a dedicated website alongside a Facebook page.

Ballymun Connects began development last year when the Ballymun Local Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce identified the need to increase access to parent-to-parent support in Ballymun. As well as being a directory of trusted organisations and services, the website includes information on events and activities taking place in Ballymun, useful tips on parenting and is set to feature blogs written by parents and service workers.

andrewChairperson of the Ballymun Local Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce, Cllr Andrew Montague today said: “I am delighted to launch Ballymun Connects, a new initiative that will help build an active online community for parents in Ballymun. Everything is presented in parent-friendly language with links, images, audio and video content to make it more inviting. Parents can get help and information from other parents in Ballymun by posting on the Ballymun Connects Facebook page.

“When creating this service for parents in Ballymun, we though the best place to start was to talk to talk to parents in the area. We completed some extensive research, including in-depth one-to-one interviews, focus groups and surveys” continued Andrew Montague. “What we discovered was that parents had an increasing presence on social media and that an online community for parents in Ballymun would be very welcome.

“We’ve listened to many voices ‘on the ground’ about what they needed and we want parents in Ballymun to be with us every step of the way. If anyone has suggestions on what they would like to hear from us, then we would encourage them to let us know by emailing: ballymunconnects@ballymundtf.ie” concluded Andrew Montague.

Facebook competition

To mark the launch of Ballymun Connects, Ballymun Local Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce are running a competition, where two lucky winners will win a family pass to the cinema. All you need to do to enter is just like the new Ballymun Connects Facebook page and share the competition post: https://www.facebook.com/BallymunConnects/