Ballyhoura Rural Services (BRS) is a registered charity which was established 2010 to address the issue of physical, social and emotional isolation. We operate in the East Limerick and North Cork Region. This is a list of what we offer:
BRS Befriending
One to one Befriending
Phonelink Befriending
Lifestory Recording
BRS Befriending delivers its befriending service through two Community Employment Schemes and a Volunteer Programme.
BRS Social Farm
Doon Social Farm is a 33 acre organic farm which provides therapeutic and wellness programmes in a farm setting. It is aimed at those who are experiencing social isolation, particularly young people. The farm was inspired by the success of social farms abroad which have proven successful in addressing the causes of isolation and exclusion.
Ballyhoura Rural Services Local Training Initiative (LTI) is a community based education and training project focused on organic horticulture. The project runs over the academic year from October to May. It is targeted at learners who may have difficulties accessing education and training.
BRS Social Farm delivers its services through the Community Services Programme (CSP) and the Limerick and Clare Educational Training Board (LCETB) funded Local Training Initiative. We are also partners with the LCETB and where possible provide free classes to the local community.
Doon Social Farm provides wellness services to local community groups across Limerick and Tipperary. Many of these groups are disadvantaged. We apply for grants every year to support our programmes. 100% of our services are dependent on grant aid.
Café and Farm Shop: Open every Friday, 10am to 2pm (café) and 10am to 4pm (farm shop). The café provides a space for the local community to meet. We use our own organic produce where possible, and all items are homemade. Funds raised go towards supporting the farm.
Sensory room and garden: Our latest project is to provide sensory space for the people of Doon and surrounding areas. This project will depend on fundraising and we hope to work with the local community to provide this very important amenity.
BRS Housing
Ballyhoura Rural Services (BRS) has in 2021 taken ownership of the Sisters of Mercy Campus in Doon, Co Limerick. The Campus consists of a 33-acre farm, St Joseph’s Convent of Mercy and the former St Joseph’s Secondary School building with a number of ancillary buildings. The goal of the board of BRS is to convert the Convent into a supported living housing development and to convert the old Secondary School into a residential mother and child reconciliation service for women in an advanced recovery phase from drug use.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to identify and assist individuals who are experiencing physical, social and emotional isolation in rural areas, particularly older people.
Our vision as befrienders is that people are aware of the high quality support delivered by BRS. We offer a range of services that are client-centered and empowering. We hope what we offer is owned, valued and used by the community it seeks to serve. The vision of the social farm is to be a haven for wellness and Nature. This encompasses the healing quality that Nature offers.
Our aim is to combat the sense of isolation and loss experienced by many people living in rural areas. We do this with a range of services, focused on specific target groups. To date, BRS Befriending concentrates on establishing services and supports centered predominantly on older people. We do this by developing staff skills, training and structures. Externally, we work with complimentary partners and learn from best practice. Together this enables us to empower and facilitate local people to take the next step towards improving their quality of life, by encouraging socialisation and community involvement.
Doon Social Farm, as part of BRS, aims to include all age groups. There is a big focus is on providing services for young people, but equally importantly, we include all disadvantaged groups, including adults.
Our Guiding Principles
To treat each individual with respect and dignity and work in a spirit of partnership.
To promote inclusiveness and not discriminate on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or membership of the Travelling community.
To provide a non-judgmental and non-directive service.
To respect clients confidentiality, as per the BRS confidentiality policy.
To work within the policies and procedures and ethos of the organisation and commit to ongoing training.
