Are you Parenting Alone?
Would you like some support, friendship and information?
The structure of family life is becoming ever more varied in Duhallow and an increasing number of children are experiencing family life with their parents living apart. The Duhallow Parenting Alone Support Group (PAL) provides a support structure for those parenting alone whilst also empowering parents to access their rights and entitlements.
The PAL group aims to:
- Provide the highest standard of practical support through information, training and networking.
- Encourage single parents to have confidence and independence to make their own decisions.
- Highlight needs and issues that affect one parent families.
- Educate people against prejudice.
- Provide a positive image of one parent families in the area.
Supports Available
IRD Duhallow’s PAL aims to provide support to one parent families incorporating both the parents and the children. It aims to offer practical support through information, training and networking. Meetings are ongoing and all are welcomed to attend.
From research undertaken by the IRD Duhallow Equality Working Group, it emerged that childcare was one of the main reasons that one-parent families were unable to access the many supports and opportunities offered to lone parents by IRD Duhallow. As a result, quality childcare is provided while parents attend these meetings, training programmes, information and support. The IRD Duhallow After School Service is the hallmark of IRD Duhallow’s practical and thoughtful approach to supporting it’s clients. The parents have peace of mind as their children are cared for in a well planned, stimulating, secure and healthy environment. The service is also of real benefit to the children of the one-parent families on an ongoing basis.
Both lone mothers and lone fathers in the region are invited to participate in meetings which take place every fortnight. Childcare is available in the IRD Duhallow Afterschools at a subsidised cost. All children attending must be booked in advance. The group meets regularly to discuss issues faced by lone parents, providing peer support and mentoring. The group also organizes outings for one parent families and encourages children to mix together in a social setting.
For further information on PAL please contact Louise Bourke at 029-60633.
