Parent and Toddler Groups to receive funding

Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea welcomes the announcement that 461 Parent and Toddler Groups around the country are receiving funding totalling €421,618.

The funding can be used for a variety of purposes including children’s toys, equipment and books as well as children’s refreshments and snacks. It can also be used for children’s activities such as arts and crafts and music.

Parents can also be supported with parenting courses and courses in first aid for children.

This initiative is part of First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families.

In February, the Minister Foley announced that funding of €350,000 had been secured, which was an increase of €100,000 on last year’s allocation. However, with the growth in demand even stronger this year, a further additional €70,000 in funding was secured to bring the budget up to €421,000. This has allowed the allocation of grants to 461 Parent and Toddler Groups this year, an increase of 66 compared to last year when 395 groups received grants.

Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea said: “This is a great support for Parent and Toddler groups who provide a valuable opportunity for parents/carers with younger children to meet up in the community. This is great way for mothers to get together, meet new people and to support each other. Great friendships are gained through these groups that often last a lifetime.

Breakdown of the Parent and Toddler grants are listed in the table below.