Spirals – a parenting programme for parents of 0 -3 year olds

Spirals is coming to Greencastle Community Centre

Spirals is a group parenting programme for parents of children aged from 0 -3 which is run by the Lifestart Foundation. The programme provides an introduction to a range of interesting parenting issues and child development topics for parents and care givers. Play is an central theme of the programme with interactive play sessions every week. The delivery method is fun and interactive with lots of YouTube clips, discussions, practical demonstrations and tips on how to nurture babies and toddlers as they grow and learn.

Spirals will begin on Thursday 23rd November

from 10 – 12 in Greencastle Community Playschool at Greencastle Community Centre. You can contact the Centre on 074 9381054 or email them at info@greencastlecentre.ie to book a place on the Spirals programme.

Spirals will also be starting in Letterkenny in February 2018. Contact parenthubdonegal@gmail.com or 087 1736667 for details.

 

Mevagh Family Resource Centre

Mevagh Family Resource Centre is based in Downings, County Donegal. Since our foundation in 1998 we have established the centre as the area’s natural focal point by providing services and family support. In more recent years we have focused on additional family friendly activities while still providing a range of programmes and services, including community education, community garden, men’s shed and group supports.

 

We also deliver specific projects for children and young people, developing personal capacity, improving health and wellbeing and providing educational opportunities. We work in partnership with local agencies to provide these supports. Programme’s include:

 

  • Breast Feeding Support Group – every Thursday morning @ 11-12:30pm
  • Busy Bee’s, Parent, Baby & Toddler Group – Every Friday @ 10-12pm
  • Junior Youth Club age 7-12 years – every Thursday @ 3:15-4:30pm
  • Youth Club – Club Óige Mhíobhaigh– every Friday @ 7:30-9pm
  • Book Club – second Tuesday of every month @ 8pm
  • Mevagh Craft Group – every Thursday @ 10:30 – 12:30pm
  • Mevagh Carers Group – second Tuesday of every month @ 11am
  • Mevagh Men’s Group – second Tuesday of every month @ 8-10pm
  • Mevagh Women’s Group – third Monday of every month @ 8pm
  • Mevagh Men’s Shed – every Tuesday & Thursday @ 7-10pm
  • Mevagh Community Garden
  • McGrath School of Speech & Drama – every Wednesday @ 5-8pm
  • ParentStop – when needed, can book through making an appointment.

 

In addition to this, the centre provides information, advice and supports to meet the needs of individuals and groups. We also offer faxing, typing and copying service, internet access, library, agency outreach, assist with job applications and CV writing, room rental and tourist information. Our Centre opens Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and close for lunch 1pm to 2pm.

Parent & Toddler Group Buncrana

There is a Parent & Toddler group in Buncrana that meets every Wednesday and Friday in Wains World from 10:00 to 12:30. It is a great opportunity for mums, dads, grandparents or childminders to get together for a chat while the wee ones play. There is a cost of €3 per child but under 1s are free.

Good times for babies in the St Johnston & Carrigans Family Resource Centre

BABY MASSAGE with Kiera – For babies aged 6 weeks to 6 months starting Wednesday 11th October 2017 at 9.30 am for 5 weeks. To book a place contact the Centre on 0749148551 ASAP as places are limited.

Parent, Baby and Toddler groups provide a stepping stone for children preparing to go to playgroup. These groups provide children with an environment in which they are able to play independently with other children, while still having the security of their parents close by. The Parent, Baby & Toddler Group starts back in St Johnston and Carrigans on Monday 11th September in the Old Playgroup. We look forward to seeing you.

For further information you can contact the St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre 074 9148551 or email stjohnstonresource@eircom.net

Parent and Toddler groups

Before we begin, let me point out that a Parent and Toddler group is open to parents, grandparents, carers, guardians and childminders and that the children can be new born, infants or toddlers! Having cleared that up, you might be interested to know that there are over forty P&T groups in Donegal and a few of them are open over the summer.

The Rathmullen Parent and Toddler group meets in the Resource Centre at the Coastguard Station on Thursdays from 10.30 – 12.30 through the summer. Contact 074 9158724

The Downstrands Parent and Toddler group meets in the Dolmen Centre, Kilclooney, Portnoo on Mondays through the summer from 10:30 – 12:30 Contact 074 9545879

If you are aware of other groups that are continuing to meet over the summer please let us know here at Parent Hub – just email parenthubdonegal@gmail.com and we will get those details up on the website and out on Facebook.

Most P&T groups operate during term time so in mid August we will be putting up details of all the groups around the County to help you find one near you.

It’s good to get together!

Parents need to have good social networks. This is a key message from the Parenting24Seven website http://www.tusla.ie/parenting-24-seven/0-5-years/parents-need-good-social-networks

Any of us who have parented young children – and indeed older children – know that we need a group of friends who understand our world, who share our experiences

As parents we can sometimes feel isolated and when that happens ordinary, everyday issues can feel more overwhelming. When we have regular contact with others it helps us to talk about what is going on in life – the good things and the challenging bits! We all need to have a laugh, put things in perspective, share the wisdom that parenting brings us!

The Doula Dee group, some of whom are pictured above, meets in Letterkenny Town Park every Monday at 10am for a walk and a chat. It is informal. You don’t have to register or commit to being there every week and it is a great way to meet other parents. Another group Play Dates LK, ,which you can find on Facebook, offers opportunities to meet up in the Letterkenny Area. In the summer most Parent & Toddler groups take a break so it is great to have other events and activities happening.

What else is happening in the County? Contact us, let us know and we will share the information on the Parenthubdonegal.ie website and Facebook page for others.If there is nothing happening in your area why not be the one to start it! You don’t need to have a formal structure. It might just be meeting somewhere to go for a walk, or in a park where children can play. It is good to get together – good for the children and good for us as parents!

Music and Movement at the Greencastle Community Parent and Toddler Group

Greencastle Community Parent and Toddler group

meet every Thursday from 10-12 in the Greencastle Community Centre, Drumaweir, Greencastle. On Thursday 29th June they will be hosting a morning of music and movement for babies, toddlers and parents. Come along and join the craic! For further information call Susan at 074 9381054 or email http://info@greencastlecentre.ie. You can also check out the website at http://www.greencastlecentre.ie/