Waterford parenting support groups receive funding from national initiative

Waterford-based parenting peer support groups are among 49 across the country set to receive funding from the 'Supporting Parents, Parent Peer Support Fund'.

Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley, made the announcement on Wednesday, March 11.

Parent peer support is when parents support each other by sharing knowledge, reducing feelings of isolation, and providing encouragement to navigate challenges and achieve well-being and that includes peer support for parents who share similar life experiences, such as raising a child with complex needs or a mental health condition.

A spokesperson for the Department said research suggests parents are more comfortable seeking support from their peers and that parent peer support projects promote healthy parenting skills, an increased sense of empowerment, and a feeling of belonging.

This year, the total value of the support fund has increased from €100,000 to €152,500 and the total number of services awarded funding has increased from 42 to 49.

Grants of up to €5,000 are being provided to organisations working with parents and carers to support them to develop parent peer support initiatives.

In making the announcement Minister Foley said: "It is clear that there are many positive benefits of these programmes where parents support parents. This is why I have expanded the funding available, allowing us to directly support delivery of a greater number of peer support projects across the country.” 

Twelve projects will receive grants of €5,000 to expand an existing parenting support initiative, which is already working for parents, while 37 projects will receive grants of €2,500 to continue operating or to establish a new parent peer support initiative.

In Waterford the three projects that will receive funding include: Responds Family Support Service, Airmount (€5,000); Autism Support Dungarvan, Kilballyquilty, Rathgormack (€5,000); Chronic Health Advocate CLG, Kilcannon, Dunhill (€5,000); St Brigid's Family and Community Centre, 37 Lower Yellow Road (€2,500); Waterford PETE, Focus Ireland, First Floor, No.7 The Mall, Waterford (€2,500).

This funding is part of 'Supporting Parents, Aa National Model of Parenting Support Services', which seeks to ensure that all parents and carers are confident and capable in their parenting role, helping to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.

This year's fund will support a broad range of peer-led initiatives, including supports for parents of children with additional needs, along with programmes for families affected by domestic violence, and parents of LGBTIQ+ children.

Tier 1 of the fund provides grants of €2,500 to successful applicants who either currently operate, or wish to establish a new parent peer support project.

Tier 2 provides grants of €5,000 to successful applicants who wish to scale up an existing parent peer support project that has been proven to have a positive impact for parents. Details of future funding initiatives under the National Model of Parenting Support Services will be communicated via the Department website and social media channels later this year.