Community Connect

Support Information

 

There is more support available than you think!

Having a baby can feel overwhelming at times, especially if your pregnancy wasn’t planned, or if you encounter unexpected challenges along the way. However, there is often more support and information available for you than you may realise.

We have listed some groups and websites that you might find useful here so we hope you find the support you need and wish you well on your parenting journey!

Your local Community Connect Team

 

Parenting

General Information                     

www.mychild.ie                                 HSE guide to pregnancy, baby & toddler health
www.parentline.ie                             Parenting support, guidance & information

Specific Groups & Supports

www.cuidiu.ie                                     Playgroups, mother to mother & breastfeeding support
www.lalecheleagueireland.com       Breastfeeding support

Most areas also have Parent and Baby/Toddler Groups; ask locally or search online to find one in your area

www.anew.ie                                      Counselling & parenting programmes

www.treoir.ie                                      Parenting alone/ separately

www.tpsp.ie                                       Teen Parent Support

www.barnardos.ie                             Family Support Services

 

Educational Supports Childcare

Ask in your school / college

 

Childcare

www.ncs.gov.ie                                  National Childcare Scheme – financial support for childcare

www.mindme.ie                                Find a childminder or babysitter

 

Other Websites

Here are some helpful online forums where you might also find some answers/support:

www.everymum.ie
www.mummypages.ie
www.rollercoaster.ie
www.mumsnet.com (UK)
www.mhfi.org (Dads)
www.dad.info (UK)

There are likely to be lots of other supports available in your local area that you never knew about, so it’s worth searching online or asking your neighbours or in your local library/ online community notice boards etc.

 

Medical Information and Support

The HSE provides comprehensive information on pregnancy, parenting and supports available on their websites:

www.hse.ie and www.mychild.ie

Your local GP can be a great source of information on supports specific to your own situation or local area.

  • You are entitled to free (pregnancy related) GP visits during your pregnancy
  • Your baby will have free GP visits up to the age of 6 years old.

 

Housing Difficulties

If you’re struggling with housing you should contact your Local Authority (County / City Council) to register with them to enquire about both short and long term supports.

Short-term supports include:

www.anew.ie                                  Housing support for parents/expectant parents

www.focusireland.ie                      Emergency Housing Support

 

Financial Difficulties

If you’re struggling financially there are many government supports available to you.

Your local Social Welfare office can connect you with a Community Welfare Officer (also called DEASP representative) who can help you navigate the other financial/welfare supports available.

See supports at: www.welfare.ie

Other General/Financial Support

www.citizensinformation.ie                Information on living in Ireland

www.svp.ie                                           St. Vincent De Paul – practical help

www.mabs.ie                                       MABS – Budgeting Advice

Search online to find Food Bank groups in your area who help you to feed you & your family.

Preparing for a baby on a budget

Some ideas for where you might find baby items available free or at very low prices:

www.donedeal.ie

www.freecycle.org

www.adverts.ie

Charity Shops are also a great source of low cost items,

Also look for local Facebook groups offering baby items to buy/sell/donate

 

Pregnancy Challenges

Whatever difficulties you face during your pregnancy there is someone who can help you get through them by offering a listening ear, or to walk alongside you…..

Domestic Abuse                              www.womensaid.ie                          Call free 24/7 on 1800 341 900

Rape Crisis                                        www.rapecrisishelp.ie                       Call free 24/7 on 1800 77 88 88

Need to talk                                       www.samaritans.ie                            Call free 24/7 on 116 123

Feeling Suicidal                                www.pieta.ie                                       Call free 24/7 on 1800 247 247

Considering adoption?
Adoption Authority of Ireland         www.aai.gov.ie                                 Call Mon-Fri (10am – 1pm) on 01 2309 306

Coping with pregnancy loss?

https://feileacain.ie                            Féileacáin (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death)

www.miscarriage.ie                           Miscarriage Association of Ireland

 

Difficult Diagnosis for Baby

Getting a difficult diagnosis for your baby can be terrifying. There are many support groups who understand what you’re going through and can offer various resources.

Life Limiting Conditions

Parental Support: One Day More                                                   www.onedaymore.ie
Parental Support: Every Life Counts                                             www.everylifecounts.ie

Children’s Hospice/Palliative (end of life) Care                           www.lauralynn.ie

Other Conditions/Diagnoses

Down Syndrome                                                                              www.downsyndrome.ie
Cystic Fibrosis                                                                                  www.cfireland.ie
Disability diagnosis                                                                          www.enableireland.ie
Intellectual disability                                                                        www.cope-foundation.ie

Hospital / Residential Care after Baby is Born

Help caring for a sick baby at home                                             www.jackandjill.ie
Parental accommodation during Dublin hospital visits             www.hughshouse.ie