Young Parents Support Programme & Student Mothers’ Group
Young Parents Support Programme & Student Mothers’ Group
The Barnardos Ireland Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP) is a needs-led family support programme tailored to the needs of young parents (ages 14 to 23) and their families, and it continues to support them until their child reaches two years of age.
The Young Parent Support Programme works closely with young parents and their children to promote and nurture their educational, emotional and social well-being. The service is available to both mothers and fathers.
We have four Young Parent Programmes,
- Wexford: Based in Enniscorthy the project works with teenage parents from anywhere in Wexford county.
- Dublin North: Based in Finglas the project works with teenage parents from Dublin 11.
- Dublin Southwest: Based in Clondalkin the project works with teenage parents from Dublin 24, 12 and parts of 6W.
- Clare: 84 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 TK52
Barnardos also run a Student Mothers Group which supports young expectant mothers and young mothers to remain in second level education.
The Students Mothers Group is available to mothers in secondary education in Waterford city and county and county Wexford.
How do we support young parents?
The Young Parent Support Programme helps young parents to maximise their potential and reduce risk of social exclusion and isolation.
Our Young Parent Support Programme can support you by providing:
- Health advice during pregnancy
- Knowledge of child development and parenting skills
- Managing peer and family relationships
- Securing appropriate accommodation and social welfare entitlements
- Returning to education and training
- Arranging childcare
Our Student Mothers Group can support you by providing:
- One-to-one work between project worker and student mother
- Childcare support
- Financial support towards school and study materials
- Group work programmes and social events
- Helping you link with other services during and after your pregnancy such as hospital maternity services, and the Squashy Couch Youth Café
How can I access a service?
Our Young Parent Support Programmes and the Student Mothers group work on a self-referral basis, so a young parent can contact the service directly themselves and speak with one of Barnardos project workers. This is known as a self-referral. Referrals are also accepted from school and other invested partners.