Over €4,000 for five local Parent and Toddler groups

Five local Parent and Toddler groups are to benefit from funding to the tune of €4,348, it was announced today.

Glasson/Tubberclair Parent and Toddler Group, Barnardos (which has groups in Athlone and Mullingar, WCD Baby Café Athlone, Ballinahown Parent and Toddler Group in Westmeath and Rahara Parent and Toddler Group in Roscommon all received grants as part of the funding announcement by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley today.

In Westmeath, 14 groups received a total of €12,748 and seven Roscommon groups received a total of €6,200.

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 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.

Minister Foley said: “I’m delighted to be supporting the wonderful work of the Parent and Toddler groups who provide a valuable opportunity for parents/carers with younger children to meet up in the community.

“It is very encouraging to see that more and more parents and their toddlers are taking part every year. I am pleased that these grants are supporting the growth of buggy walking groups, which were introduced post-COVID to encourage more outdoor activity.

Minister Peter Burke welcomed today's announcement: “This is great news for families right across Westmeath. These grants will directly support 14 local parent and toddler groups - from Delvin and Ballinahown to Athlone and Mullingar - helping them continue to offer safe, welcoming spaces for parents or childminders to connect, and for toddlers to play and learn together.”

“The work these groups do in bringing parents and children together is so important - especially for those who are new to the area or new to parenting. I want to thank every group across Westmeath for the time and energy they give to making these sessions such a vital part of community life,” Minister Burke concluded.

The breakdown of funding to local groups is as follows:

- Glasson Tubberclair Parent and Toddler Group - €970

- Barnardos - €1,000

- WCD Baby Café Athlone - €778

- Ballinahown Parent and Toddler Group - €800

- Rahara Parent and Toddler Group - €800