Crann Support Group
Empowering Community Organisations
Our mission is to support Community Childcare Organisations (CCOs) and Community Voluntary Social Inclusion Projects (CVSIPS) by the provision of shared business in the strong belief that with excellent management systems and strong governance CRANN can make a very significant positive difference to Community & Voluntary Organisations.
Our Story is Inspiring
CRANN’s journey began in 1999. The “CRANN” logo is a tree with the caption, “Communities supporting each other. This model developed organically through an identification of need and a commitment to meet the needs within the different communities.
Our History
Ballivor Childcare Committee was set up in 1999 at a time that the need for the provision of an Afterschool’s Service was identified in South Meath, (Ballivor and surrounding townlands). This was due to the level of disadvantage families living in these areas. The purpose of the service was to ensure children had a hot meal and were given assistance with their homework. In 1999, funding became available through the The Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, funded by the Irish Government and part funded by the European Union Structural Funds under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, to provide capital funding for purpose built childcare facilities to cater for children aged 3 months – 13 years.
Focusing on the village of Ballivor, a needs analysis was carried out to establish if there was a need for a childcare facility. Using the data obtained, an application to secure funding was made, land which was formally known as the “cow plot” was obtained from the Department of Agriculture, and Giggles opened its doors in 2003. The first purpose-built community childcare service in Co. Meath!
