Down Syndrome Tipperary group to receive funding under parenting peer support scheme

Thurles group Meitheal 21 (Down Syndrome Tipperary) are to recieve up to €2,000 in funding under parents support scheme. 

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman announced 12 projects in the Munster area that are to recieve funding under the Supporting Parents 2023/24 Parent Peer Support Funding Call. 

Each successful project will receive up to a total of €2,000, which will support the development and promotion of parent peer support activities across the country.

This fund is part of the National Model of Parenting Support Services; Supporting Parents. 

Speaking today, Minister O’Gorman said:

“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.”

The department say that 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.

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