Introduction

 

Empowering Traveller families, enriching children’s lives:

“ every programme we deliver, every conversation we have, and every connection we build is guided by one purpose: to enhance lives, strengthen families, and help our children flourish”.

 

Our Family Support Team, are steadfast in our mission to empower Traveller children and their families to reach their full potential. We are deeply committed to our belief that every child deserves to thrive and every parent deserves the skills, confidence, and opportunities to make this happen.

 

In Kerry Travellers, using an evidenced based approach, we walk alongside Traveller families with compassion, respect, trust and determination. In our non-judgemental, secure, environment, we create safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and flourish, and where parents feel empowered, supported, and heard. Together, we strengthen family bonds, open doors to opportunity, and inspire lasting change. Every programme we deliver, every conversation we have, and every connection we build is guided by one purpose: to enhance lives, strengthen families, and help our children flourish”.

 

Our work is about more than assistance — it is about empowerment, resilience, and pride. Our tailored one-to-one support, parenting programmes, children’s activities, and specialist interventions address each family’s unique needs. Together, we build brighter futures where every child can rise with confidence, every parent can lead with strength,

 

 Key Areas of Our Work

We work directly with families facing challenges, offering tailored support plans, home visits, and advocacy to help them overcome difficulties and build stability.

Such as: Circle of Security, Non-Violent Resistance, Early Years development, Baby Massage, and Traveller Trauma awareness,

From creative workshops to inclusive events like our award-winning Autism Summer Camp, we provide safe, fun spaces for children to learn, play, and connect.

We coordinate with schools, health services, and other agencies through the Meitheal framework to ensure families receive joined-up, holistic support.

Intensive One-to-One Family Support

We provide intensive, individualised support for families facing significant challenges. This includes regular home visits, advocacy, and practical assistance, with interventions designed to address both immediate concerns and long-term goals.

Autism Summer Camp – Tusla Award Winner

Our Autism Summer Camp, which received a Tusla Award for innovation and impact, offers a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for children on the autism spectrum. The camp provides sensory-friendly activities, peer interaction, and specialist support, while also giving parents valuable respite and opportunities to connect with others.

Parenting Classes

We deliver culturally relevant parenting classes and evidence-based programmes that help parents develop skills, confidence, and stronger relationships with their children. The programmes enhance  positive parenting, communication, and child development. These sessions also create a supportive peer network for parents to share experiences and strategies.

Support Plans

Every family works with us to create a personalised support plan, setting clear, achievable goals. These plans are regularly reviewed and adapted to ensure they remain effective as circumstances change.

Meitheals

We actively engage in the Meitheal process, collaborating with schools, health services, and community organisations

Community Empowerment

We work to build trust, celebrate Traveller identity, and empower families to take positive steps towards their goals.

 

Meet The Team

 

 

Leadership – Mary Boyne, Family Support Co‑ordinator

The team is led by Mary Boyne, a proud member of the Traveller community whose life and work are driven by deep devotion to supporting her people. Mary brings a wealth of professional experience spanning management, family support, disability services, residential care, and assessment units for children.

 

Mary holds a Degree in Social Science and a Diploma in Law, combining academic expertise with lived experience to deliver informed, empathetic, and culturally grounded support. Mary is known for her compassion, her ability to build trust quickly, and her non‑judgemental approach that makes families feel safe, respected, and understood. She works with complete confidentiality, ensuring that every family can speak openly and honestly, knowing their dignity will always be protected.

Marys  in her heritage shines through in her work, inspiring confidence in families and colleagues alike, and reinforcing the message that Traveller identity is a source of strength and resilience. Under devoted and inspiring leadership, the Family Support Team continues to walk alongside families, celebrate their strengths, and ensure they have the tools, resources, and confidence to create a positive future.

 

Family Link Worker, Kerry Travellers – Chantelle O’Brien

Chantelle O’Brien plays a vital role in supporting Traveller families through her work as a Family Link Worker with Kerry Travellers. Her approach is warm, respectful, and deeply rooted in understanding the cultural context and lived experiences of the Traveller community. She works to build trust, empower families, and create opportunities for both children and parents to thrive.

Through her dedication, skills, and personal warmth, Chantelle plays a vital role in strengthening Traveller families, fostering resilience, and building brighter futures within the community.

Chantelle provides intensive, tailored support to families, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals. She works side-by-side with parents and children to strengthen relationships, build resilience, and promote overall wellbeing. Chantelle delivers a wide range of parenting and family-focused programmes, including:  Parenting Classes, Mindful Parenting, Circle of Security, Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) Training, Early Years Development, Baby Massage, Traveller Trauma Training, Meitheal Training, Children First, and Mental Health First Aid. Her ability to adapt these programmes to be culturally relevant ensures they are both accessible and impactful.

Beyond Chantelle’s structured programmes, Chantelle runs a children’s dance class, creating a safe, joyful space for self-expression and confidence-building. She is also a skilled facilitator, ensuring every group she leads is inclusive, engaging, and empowering. Chantelle is not only a service provider but a source of hope, encouragement, and inspiration for the Traveller community. Her contribution goes far beyond her job description — she is a bridge between services and families, a champion for cultural understanding, and a driving force for positive outcomes. Chantelle O’Brien is truly deserving of recognition for her outstanding service and dedication.