Young Parent Support Programme
A free, voluntary support service for young parents offering practical, one-to-one support from pregnancy through your child’s early years, whenever you need it.
Real support, for real life
The Young Parent Support Programme (YPSP) provides free, voluntary support to young parents as they navigate pregnancy and early parenthood.
Whether you are looking for practical parenting advice, emotional support, parent craft education, help returning to education, or simply someone to talk to, the programme works alongside you to build confidence, strengthen relationships and support your child’s early development.
Support is flexible, personalised and shaped around what matters most to you and your family.
- Free and voluntary support across Cork city and county.
- Available from pregnancy through the early years of your child’s life.
- Practical, emotional and educational support tailored to your needs.
- Includes the nationally recognised BabyWISE antenatal programme.
- Support available at home, in the community or at Childhood Matters.
- Opportunities to connect with other young parents and build support networks.
Who This Service Is For
YPSP is for young parents across Cork who would like additional support during pregnancy or the early years of parenting.
The service is open to:
- Parents aged 24 and under.
- Expectant parents.
- Parents with children right through the first 1000 days of their child’s life.
- Young parents living in Cork city or county.
Preparing for parenthood, with BabyWISE
Pregnancy can bring a lot of questions, and the Young Parent Support Programme is here to help you feel ready for what’s ahead. Through our BabyWISE programme — developed by the Childhood Matters team here in Cork, and now shared with Young Parent Support Programmes across the country — you’ll have the chance to explore topics such as preparing for parenthood, feeding and caring for your baby, having a healthy pregnancy, understanding how babies develop, and building a strong bond with your baby.
BabyWISE can be delivered one-to-one, with a partner, or with other family members — in whatever way feels most comfortable for you.
Practical help, when you need it
From feeding and sleep routines to understanding your baby's development, YPSP offers hands-on support that fits around everyday life.
The team works alongside you in your own home, helping you build confidence, develop parenting skills and find approaches that work for you and your child.
Building Confidence and Connection
Becoming a parent — especially at a young age — can bring up a lot of emotions, and it’s normal to need some support adjusting to your new role. Young Parent Support Programmme offers emotional support around things like adjusting to parenthood, feelings of isolation, building confidence, relationships, and accessing other supports if you need them. If domestic violence is a concern, the team can help you access the right support.
YPSP also works with the people around you, including grandparents, partners and other family members, because having a strong support network can make a real difference for you and your baby.
The programme also runs group activities — including mother and baby groups, paediatric first aid, mental health workshops, self-care and cooking sessions, and baby massage — a chance to meet other young parents and build your own network of support.
Keeping your future moving
Becoming a parent doesn’t mean putting your education or training on hold. Through funding from the School Completion Programme, YPSP can support you to return to or remain in education, take part in online learning or training courses, and access practical help such as books, equipment, laptops, uniforms, grinds or driving lessons.
This support goes beyond formal education too. YPSP can help you build confidence, life skills and practical know-how, whatever stage you’re at.
“You’re not alone.”
— A parent supported by the Lime Tree Project
Outcomes
YPSP helps young parents build the confidence, skills and support networks they need to thrive during pregnancy and early parenthood.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen parenting confidence.
- Support healthy child development.
- Build strong parent-child relationships.
- Reduce isolation and increase social connection.
- Support participation in education, training and employment.
- Develop practical life and parenting skills.
- Strengthen family and community support networks.
Progress is tracked using the Hardiker Scale, a recognised framework for understanding a family’s level of need.
Many young parents who take part in YPSP move to a lower level of support need over time — a sign that the programme is helping them build the confidence and stability to manage independently.
Referral Details
- YPSP is a voluntary service, and you can get in touch directly — you don’t need a referral from anyone else.
- Young parents themselves, as well as family members, can make contact with the team at any time.
- Professionals working with young parents — including maternity social workers, hospital staff, Tusla aftercare workers, public health nurses, schools and youth services — can also make a referral, with the young parent’s agreement.
- Once you get in touch, a member of the YPSP team will arrange to meet you to talk through what support might help, and how the programme could work for you.
- All of Cork city and county.
Contact: Louise Kelleher, Family Support Services Manager
Email: lkelleher@childhood-matters.ie
Tel: 087 344 4218
In Association with:
Do I need to be referred by a professional to access YPSP?
No. YPSP is a voluntary service, and you can get in touch yourself, or a family member can get in touch on your behalf. Professionals can also make a referral with your agreement, but it isn’t required.
Is YPSP a child protection service?
No. YPSP is an early intervention service for any young parent who would like support — you don’t need to be involved with Tusla or have any child protection concerns to take part.
Is there a cost?
No, YPSP is a free service.
Where does support take place?
Most support takes place in your own home, but it can also happen in the community or at Childhood Matters — whatever works best for you.
What ages does YPSP support?
YPSP supports young parents from pregnancy until their child turns two and eight months, or until the parent turns 24 — whichever comes first.
What if I’m a partner, grandparent or other family member — can I get involved too?
Yes. YPSP works with the wider family network where helpful, including partners, grandparents and other family members who play a role in the young parent’s life.
Could this service help someone you support?
When you’re ready, follow the referral steps to get in touch with our team.
