Welcome to Parents First (Laois, Offaly) CLG.
Parents First is a well-established community organisation providing a range of supports to parents with children from pregnancy to 3 years.
The organisation offers a Community Mothers programme and a ParentChild+ programme.
OUR VISION
ALL CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE THE BEST START IN LIFE THROUGH:
SECURE, TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR PARENTS AND FAMILIES; SAFE, LOVING HOMES; AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITIES, WHERE THEIR HEALTH, WELLBEING AND LEARNING CAN THRIVE.
Community Families is a home visiting programme which puts parents first, supporting them in their new relationship with their baby
Parents are connected with a trained home visitor who supports them to become confident and grow as parents. The Home Visitor provides support, information and connects new parents within their local community.
The Team in Laois and Offaly
The Community Families Programme aims to:
- Improve the lives of children, their parents and families through trusted relationships with Home Visitors
- Work in partnership with parents to support their child’s health, wellbeing, and learning ensuring they reach their full potential
- Support the special bond between parents and their children as this is the foundation for positive life outcomes
- Support families to learn more about their child’s development and learning at home
- Ensure parents and families feel supported in their local communities building friendships, connections and accessing supports and services.
ParentChild+ is an evidence-based, ‘learning through play experience’ for parents and their preschool children. It is designed to strengthen the natural bond between parent and child and to encourage a love of learning.
It employs a non-directive approach and encourages the parent as the child’s first and best teacher. This programme prepares children for later success in school.
ParentChild+ employs specially trained local women as Home Visitors to model verbal interaction for the parent and child.
The Home Visitor visits the family twice a week in their own home for two short (1/2-hour) play sessions, which are held during the (primary) school year only.
The family then continue the activities in their own time, thereby enabling the ParentChild+ child and his/her siblings to develop their language, literacy and numeracy skills. The educational outcomes for children, particularly in pre-numeracy and pre-literacy skills, will be improved as a result of their engagement in ParentChild+. They will start school ready to learn, thereby maximising their chances of success in education and life.
Parent involvement in their children’s educational development will increase. Parents will have the self-confidence and skills to support their children’s learning as they progress through the education system and on to employment.
Groups for Parents with Babies and young children
Community families have a variety of groups for parents with babies and young children. Our ‘Baby Cafes’ provide a welcoming and supportive space for parents to meet other parents with new babies, share experiences and build friendships. We hold baby Massage classes, sensory play, weaning workshops, and first aid for parents.
Our Family Morning offers activities such as baby and toddler play sessions, story time, music and movement, and opportunities for informal chats over tea or coffee.
Both groups provide helpful information and support on topics such as child development, parenting, feeding and local family services. Most importantly, these groups help parents feel less isolated and give young children the opportunity to socialise, play, and learn in a safe, friendly environment. All parents are warmly invited to come along, meet other families and become part of our friendly community—everyone is welcome!
See posters for details of times and locations.
The official Launch of the Community Families programme took place in November 2025
