The Community Mothers Programme: A Friendly Hand for New Parents

 Parenting is often described as the most rewarding job in the world, but it is also one of the most overwhelming. If you are a new parent, or about to become one, and feel like you could use a listening ear, practical advice, or just a bit of reassurance, the Community Mothers Programme is designed exactly for you. It is increasingly known as Community Families.

This is not a medical service, and it is not an inspection. It is a peer-support service where experienced parents help new parents find their feet.

What is the Community Mothers Programme?

The Community Mothers Programme is a home-visiting service that provides free, non-judgmental support to parents. It was developed in Ireland and is recognized globally for its success.

The core idea is simple: Parents supporting Parents.

Instead of a doctor or nurse visiting you to check medical charts, a "Community Mother" or "Home Visitor" visits you to check on you. These are local, experienced parents who have been trained to offer encouragement, listen to your concerns, and share practical information about child development.

Important Note on the Name

You may see this programme listed under two names depending on where you live:

  • Community Mothers (The traditional name)

  • Community Families (The new, inclusive name used in many areas like Dublin Docklands, Westmeath, and Kerry)

What Actually Happens?

When you sign up, you are matched with a trained Home Visitor. They will visit you in your own home, or meet you in a community setting if you prefer, for about an hour.

  • It’s Parent-Led: You decide what to talk about. It could be feeding, sleeping, your own health, or just how tired you are.

  • It’s Consistency: You usually see the same person, allowing you to build a trusted relationship.

  • It’s Practical: They use illustrated guides to help you understand your baby’s development, such as nutrition, play, and language.

  • It’s Social: They can let you know about local parent-and-toddler groups, baby massage classes, and other ways to meet people in your area.


Who is it For?

The programme is generally open to:

  • Pregnant women and parents of children aged 0–3 years. In some areas, this extends to 5 years.

  • First-time parents are often prioritized, but many areas now accept second or third-time parents who feel they need extra support.

  • It is available to families from all backgrounds.

How to Access the Programme

You do not need a doctor's letter to join. There are two main ways to get access:

  1. Self-Referral: You can contact the local programme coordinator directly using the details below and ask to join.

  2. Professional Referral: You can ask your Public Health Nurse (PHN), GP, or a social worker to refer you. Public Health Nurses are very familiar with this scheme and often recommend it at your developmental check-ups.

Contact Information (By Region)

Because the programme is delivered locally, often by Family Resource Centres or specific partnerships, there is no single "national hotline." You must contact the provider in your specific area.

1. Dublin (City & County)

  • Dublin Docklands & East Inner City (NCI Early Learning Initiative)

    • Service Name: Community Families

    • Area: Dublin 1, 2, 4 and surrounding Docklands areas.

    • Phone: 01 449 8600 / 086 466 6466

    • Email: marion.byrne@ncirl.ie or Grace.Flynn@ncirl.ie

    • Website: www.ncirl.ie/ELI

  • Finglas (Better Finglas / Barnardos)

    • Service Name: Pregnancy & New Parents Support

    • Area: Finglas (Dublin 11).

    • Phone: 01 864 2941

    • Email: abcfinglas@barnardos.ie

    • Website: betterfinglas.org

  • Crumlin / Dublin 12

    • Often coordinated through the St. Agnes Parish or local partnerships.

    • Contact: Check with the St. Agnes Parent & Toddler group or your local Crumlin Public Health Nurse for the active coordinator.

2. Midlands (Longford & Westmeath)

  • Westmeath Community Development

    • Service Name: Community Families (Longford & Westmeath)

    • Phone: 044 934 8571 / 086 044 2354

    • Email: ccorcoran@westcd.ie

    • Website: westcd.ie

3. South & South West (Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary)

  • Limerick

    • Provider: Limerick Social Service Council

    • Phone: 061 314 111

    • Email: communitymothers@lssc.ie

  • North Tipperary (Nenagh & surrounds)

    • Provider: Silver Arch Family Resource Centre

    • Phone: 067 31800

    • Email: info@silverarchfrc.ie

  • Kerry

    • Provider: HSE Community Families Kerry

    • Contact: Alice Moore (Coordinator)

    • Email: AliceM.Moore@hse.ie

4. Other Areas

If your county is not listed above, the programme may be run by your local Family Resource Centre (FRC).

  • Search for your local FRC: Visit www.familyresource.ie and search for your county. Call them and ask "Do you have a Community Mothers or Home Visiting programme?"

Popular posts from this blog

Housing support & advice

Navigating the housing market in Ireland can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while wearing oven mitts. It is complex, occasionally frustrating, but definitely manageable if you know where the handles are. Whether you are looking for long term security through social housing or trying to understand your rights in a private rental, here is the essential guide to the supports and advice available in 2026. 1. Social Housing Support Social housing is provided by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for people who cannot afford to provide accommodation from their own resources. Eligibility and the Waiting List To get on the "housing list," you must first meet specific income limits and show a genuine need for housing. As of early 2026, the income thresholds remain a key factor. For example, in major areas like Dublin, the net income limit for a single person is generally €40,000 . These limits vary slightly depending on your location and the number of peopl...
Read more

Irish public sector jobs

The Irish public sector is one of the largest and most varied employers in the country. With over 400,000 people working across different departments, it offers a level of job security and career progression that is hard to match in the private sector. Whether you are a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or someone looking for a career change, the public sector has a role that likely fits your skill set. The Two Pillars: Civil Service vs. Public Service It is helpful to understand the distinction between the Civil Service and the broader Public Service . The Civil Service: This group consists of about 50,000 people who work directly for government departments (like Justice, Education, or Finance). Their work involves developing policy, implementing government decisions, and providing direct services to citizens. The Public Service: This is a much larger umbrella that includes the Civil Service but also encompasses the Health Service Executive (HSE), An Garda Síochána, the...
Read more