Louth organizations receive up to €2,000 for Parent Peer Support Projects

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman, today announced that three organisations in Louth are to receive up to €2,000 each for projects under the 2023/24 Parent Peer Support Fund. 

Archways Louth, Autism Support Louth/Meath and Down Syndrome Ireland Louth/Meath will receive support for the development and promotion of parent peer support activities across the county.

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

Research suggests, parents and those in a parenting role, are more comfortable seeking support from their peers. Parent peer support groups promote healthy parenting skills, an increased sense of empowerment and a feeling of belonging. 

Parenting peer support groups are particularly helpful for parents of children and young people who are coping with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues and for parents of children with complex care needs.

The Parent Peer Support Fund was initially launched in 2022, with funding being awarded to 25 projects. The Department received a significant level of positive feedback on the value of this funding from services nationally across the community, voluntary and statutory sector. 

This year, the budget for the Parent Peer Support Fund was increased from €50,000 to €75,000.

Speaking on the awarding of the funding, Minister O’Gorman commented:

“I am delighted to announce the list of services who will receive funding under the 2023/24 Parent Peer Support Fund. 

“The wide range and variety of initiatives dedicated to improving outcomes for parents around the country has to be admired. 

“This funding will greatly assist those services who are working directly to provide high quality practical supports to parents and those in a caring role.”

“This additional funding, which has been made available by my Department via this fund, will allow a greater number of parents to benefit from peer support from within their own communities.”