Three Meath parenting peer support projects to each receive a €2,500 grant

Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services, Trim Family Resource Centre, and Trim Autism Friendly Town Committee are all set to receive €2,500 each for their parenting peer support projects.

Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley, this week announced details of 49 parenting peer support projects nationwide.

Parent peer support is when parents support each other by sharing knowledge, reducing feelings of isolation, and providing encouragement to navigate challenges and achieve well-being.

This includes peer support for parents who share similar life experiences, such as raising a child with complex needs or a mental health condition.

Research suggests parents are more comfortable seeking support from their peers and that parent peer support projects promote healthy parenting skills, an increased sense of empowerment, and a feeling of belonging.

This year, the total value of the Supporting Parents, Parent Peer Support Fund 2026 has increased from €100,000 to €152,500. The total number of services awarded funding has increased from 42 to 49.

Grants of up to €5,000 are being provided to organisations working with parents and/or carers to support them to develop parent peer support initiatives.

“It is clear that there are many positive benefits of these programmes where parents support parents. This is why I have expanded the funding available, allowing us to directly support delivery of a greater number of peer support projects across the country,” said Minister Foley.