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Tag: Health Professionals

  • Empowering Change: The Real-World Impact of Parents Plus Programmes

    Empowering Change: The Real-World Impact of Parents Plus Programmes

    At Parents Plus, our mission extends beyond developing evidence-based programmes—we are dedicated to witnessing these programmes flourish in diverse settings, directly impacting families, educators, and community support workers. 

    Across the UK and Ireland, our programmes are making significant inroads into communities, guided by the hands of committed professionals. Here, we explore a series of case studies that highlight the transformative effects of our initiatives in various regions.

    Regional Collaboration in North-East England

    A significant regional collaboration in the North-East of England—encompassing Northumberland, South Tyneside, Newcastle, and Gateshead—has adopted the Parenting When Separated programme. This initiative is integrated through Early Help and Family Hubs, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to supporting families during separation. The collaborative nature of this rollout underscores the scalability of Parents Plus programmes, adapting to regional needs while fostering a community of practice among professionals.

    Learn more – https://www.parentspluscharity.com/post/parenting-when-separated-case-study/

    North Somerset’s Family Support Success

    In North Somerset, Leanne Pugh, a dedicated Family Support Worker, has been implementing the Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme with great success. This programme has been crucial in helping families develop effective communication and problem-solving skills, which are vital in navigating the complexities of adolescent development. Through her efforts, families report improved relationships and better conflict resolution, showcasing the programme’s effectiveness in real-world settings.

    Discover more  – https://www.parentspluscharity.com/news/working-things-out-in-north-sommerst/

    Early Years Education in Falkirk, Scotland

    Further north, in Falkirk, Scotland, Susi Wakely, a Senior Educational Psychologist, has rolled out the Parents Plus Early Years Programme. Her work focuses on equipping parents with skills to support their children’s early development. The programme’s success in Falkirk highlights its adaptability and efficacy, helping parents enhance nurturing environments that promote early learning and development.

    Find out more – https://www.parentspluscharity.com/news/parents-plus-early-years-programme-in-falkirk/

    Supporting Additional Needs in Scotland

    Also in Scotland, Alice Grant, an Additional Support Needs (ASN) Outreach Teacher, delivers the Parents Plus Early Years Programme to families with special needs. Alice’s work emphasises tailored support, ensuring that the programme effectively addresses the unique challenges faced by these families, fostering significant developmental progress in children with additional needs.

    Read more –  https://www.parentspluscharity.com/news/parents-plus-in-partnership-with-falkirk-council/

    Parenting When Separated in Hertfordshire

    In Hertfordshire, England, Nicola Wilder from the Council’s Development and Commissioning Office has been instrumental in the rollout of the Parents Plus Parenting When Separated Programme. Funded by the Department of Work and Pensions Reducing Parental Conflict programme, this initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce parental conflict. Nicola’s leadership in this project is a prime example of how structured support can aid families in navigating the emotional challenges of separation, providing parents with the tools to maintain a supportive environment for their children.

    Learn more – https://www.parentspluscharity.com/news/hertfordshire-council-case-study/

    The Real World Impact

    These case studies illustrates the real world impact of the Parents Plus programmes across different regions and settings. Each story is a testament to the dedication of professionals who deliver these programmes and the resilience of families who embrace them. At Parents Plus, we are proud to support this network of change-makers and continue to innovate and expand our reach to meet the evolving needs of families and communities. As we move forward, we remain committed to empowering professionals and improving the well-being of children and families through evidence-based, practical solutions.

    For those interested in learning more about our training or seeking to partner with us, please feel free to contact Impact Lead Vicki Byrne at vicki@parentsplus.ie. 

    Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.

  • Empowering Parents and Carers

    Empowering Parents and Carers

    A Reflection from the Children’s Disability Network Team Mid-Wicklow

    The Wicklow Primary Healthcare Centre, and the Children’s Disability Network Team Mid-Wicklow (CDNT6) have been at the forefront of delivering the Parents Plus Special Needs Programme since it was launched in September 2020  

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme was developed to enable professionals to effectively support parents of children with special needs to:

    • Manage behaviour and emotional problems
    • Deal with puberty, sexuality and relationships
    • Reduce their own stress as parents
    • Support all relationships in the family
    • Build self-esteem and confidence
    • Advocate for their child or adolescent
    • Support education and development
    • Prepare their child for adulthood and future transitions

    This initiative supports the empowerment of parents and carers of children with special needs, offering individual pre-group meetings, seven group sessions, and continued support post-programme..

    The facilitation team, Elsabé de Villiers, Senior Educational Psychologist, Susan Kaup Senior Speech and Language Therapist, and Julie Bunworth, Senior Social Worker shared their reflections on the programme’s impact.

    “The dedication and engagement of parents and carers in this programme is nothing short of remarkable. Their willingness to deeply engage with the programme and each other, investing time, emotional energy, and a commitment to integrating new strategies into their lives, has been a cornerstone of the programme’s success.” 

    They went on to highlight the interest and commitment of parents and carers attending the programme, noting the ease and comfort with which participants connect, share their journeys and sincerely engage with each other’s experiences. This collaborative and supportive environment has been key to the shared learning among participants.

    The programme takes a tailored approach to meeting the individual goals and needs of the parents and families involved. A pre-course meeting was arranged to discuss the Special Needs Programme with each parent. At this meeting, each parent chose four goals for their family- usually two goals for their child/children and two goals for themselves as parents to work towards during the course. The facilitator’s role in delivering the Special Needs Programme was explained at this pre-course meeting. Facilitators present information about two topics each week and each parent decides which tools and strategies to try out with their family during the course. The facilitator’s role each week is to build each parent’s confidence as they work towards the goals they choose for their family. Feedback from attendees has highlighted the solidarity that develops between parents, and the focus on self-care to enhance overall well-being. 

    As we look to the future, the Parents Plus facilitators on CDNT6 in Wicklow have identified opportunities in delivering the programme, for example, enabling both parents to attend by running groups online and exploring alternative formats like setting up a group for fathers and including those who may not feel comfortable in a group setting by completing the PPSN Programme with some parents on an individual basis.

    Our programmes combine a social learning model with a solution-focused preventative framework that encourages and empowers parents, young people, and children to ‘take charge’ and make positive changes in their lives

    Parents Plus trains and supports over 800 professionals as facilitators each year throughout Ireland, the UK and internationally.

    Our bespoke train-the-trainer model ensures that professional service providers are best equipped to improve the lives of thousands of families and young people in a variety of settings, including family resource centres, child and adolescent mental health clinics; and disability services, childcare centres and preschools; primary and secondary schools; and child protection agencies.

    Trained professionals include teachers, social workers, speech and language therapists, psychologists, family support workers, public health nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, childcare workers, mental health workers, health promotion officers and community Workers.

    To learn more about our programmes please visit our website at https://www.parentsplus.ie/parents-plus-programmes/ or email our Impact Lead Vicki Byrne at vicki@parentsplus.ie

    A Case Study from Northumberland County Council

    In the North-East of England four Local Authority and County Council areas, including Northumberland, South Tyneside, Newcastle, and Gateshead, have come together as a region to avail of training in and rolling out the Parenting When Separated programme under the RPC, through Early Help and Family Hubs.

    Read the case study here
  • Empowering Professionals to Support Healthy Families: The Benefits of the Healthy Families Programme Training

    Empowering Professionals to Support Healthy Families: The Benefits of the Healthy Families Programme Training

    The well-being of families is a crucial component of a thriving society, and empowering professionals to support healthy families is an important step towards this goal.

    As a professional working in the community, education, health, or disability services, you understand the importance of supporting families in creating healthy and positive relationships. However, it can be challenging to know how to best provide this support.

    The Healthy Families Programme Training, developed by Parents Plus Charity, offers a solution-focused and evidence-based approach to helping professionals work effectively with families.

    In this blog post, we will explore the key benefits of training in the The Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme and why it is an invaluable investment for professionals.

    The Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme is a highly effective evidence-based programme that has been specifically designed to support families in improving their relationships, communication, and overall well-being. As a professional, attending the training for this programme can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively deliver this programme to families in your community.

    This programme is suitable for all families with young children aged 1 to 12 years. It is flexible and can be delivered over 6-12 weeks in small groups or with individuals.

    The next Healthy Families Programme facilitator training is on the 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd March 2024 (9am-1.30pm) an is suitable for a range of professionals, including:

    • Primary Care Teams such as Psychologists and Public Health Nurses
    • HSE Sláintecare Healthy Communities 
    • Children’s Hospitals
    • Dieticians
    • Health Promotion Officers
    • Family Resource Centres
    • Regional Parent support networks
    • TUSLA Parenting Support Champions Project
    • Area Based Childhood Programme (ABC)

    Building Stronger Relationships

    Strong and healthy relationships are the foundation of a stable family, and the Healthy Families Programme Training provides professionals with the skills and strategies to support positive family dynamics. Through this training, you will learn how to facilitate effective communication around topics such as healthy eating and mealtimes, and incorporating active play and physical activities into their day. You will also learn how to support parents in establishing good routines for sleep, which is essential for overall family well-being.

    Enhancing Mental Health Outcomes

    Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and the Healthy Families Programme Training equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to identify and address mental health issues within families. You will learn how to help parents maintain positive mental health and self-esteem in themselves and their children, which is critical for overall family well-being.

    Developing Practical Parenting Strategies

    Positive parenting practices are essential for healthy family functioning, and the Healthy Families Programme Training provides professionals with practical strategies to support parents. Through this training, professionals learn how to promote positive parenting behaviours, manage challenging behaviours, and enhance parent-child relationships. By empowering parents with practical tools and strategies, professionals can contribute to healthier and happier families.

    Fostering a Culture of Prevention and Early Intervention

    Prevention and early intervention are critical in addressing family challenges, and the Healthy Families Programme Training provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to identify and address potential issues before they become more significant.

    Enhancing Professional Development

    Investing in professional development is critical for personal and professional growth, and the Healthy Families Programme Training offers an excellent opportunity for professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge.

    Setting up rules around technology use

    You will learn how to support parents in setting up rules around technology use at home. With technology playing such a central role in our lives, it is important for families to establish healthy boundaries and routines around technology use to promote positive family relationships.

    Learn More About This Programme

    In conclusion, if you are a professional working in the community, education, health, or disability services, attending the training for the Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme is a valuable investment in your professional development. The programme has a proven track record of success and can help you to support families in creating healthy and positive relationships. By attending the training, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact on the families you serve.

    We have limited places left on our next programme training and encourage anyone interested to book today to guarantee a spot.

    With the demand for this training increasing, we cannot guarantee availability if you delay your booking. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to enhance your professional skills and support families in your community.

    Book today to secure your place and gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on the families you serve.

    Book Your Training Today

    If you would like to train in any of our programmes, learn about our group discounts or discover how we can support you to improve outcomes for children, adolescents and families, please contact our Impact Lead, Vicki Byrne, Vicki@parentsplus.ie 

    We also deliver onsite training and supervision of teams (15 or more), and/or tailored support in the roll-out and evaluation of our programmes to ensure effective community-wide delivery.   

  • 5 Reasons Why Professionals in Community, Education, Health and Disability Services Should Attend the Healthy Families Programme Training

    5 Reasons Why Professionals in Community, Education, Health and Disability Services Should Attend the Healthy Families Programme Training

    As a professional working in the community, education, health, or disability services, you understand the importance of supporting families in creating healthy and positive relationships. However, it can be challenging to know how to best provide this support.

    The Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme is a highly effective evidence-based programme that has been specifically designed to support families in improving their relationships, communication, and overall well-being. As a professional, attending the training for this programme can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively deliver this programme to families in your community.

    This programme is practical, solution-focused and draws on parents strengths.  It is suitable for all families with young children aged 1 to 12 years. It is flexible and can be delivered over 6-12 weeks in small groups or with individuals.

    In our pilot with 42 families, the parents reported significant improvements in family well-being and healthy habits in the home.

    Here are some reasons why professionals in community, education, health, and disability services should attend this programme:

    1. Tailored for Specific Needs:

    The programme is tailored to meet the specific needs of families who are facing challenges related to parenting, communication, and family dynamics. The training will provide you with the tools to tailor the programme to the unique needs of the families you work with.

    2. Help parents understand how to improve their family’s health and well-being:

    This includes promoting healthy eating and mealtimes, and incorporating active play and physical activities into their day. You will also learn how to support parents in establishing good routines for sleep, which is essential for overall family well-being.

    3. Help parents maintain positive mental health:

    Mental health and self-esteem are also key areas that you will cover in the programme. You will learn how to help parents maintain positive mental health and self-esteem in themselves and their children, which is critical for overall family well-being.

    4. Setting up rules around technology use:

    You will learn how to support parents in setting up rules around technology use at home. With technology playing such a central role in our lives, it is important for families to establish healthy boundaries and routines around technology use to promote positive family relationships.

    5. Building positive family relationships.:

    Finally, the programme focuses on building positive family relationships. You will learn how to support parents in creating a positive family environment that promotes effective communication, respect, and cooperation.

    Learn More About This Programme

    In conclusion, if you are a professional working in the community, education, health, or disability services, attending the training for the Parents Plus Healthy Families Programme is a valuable investment in your professional development. The programme has a proven track record of success and can help you to support families in creating healthy and positive relationships. By attending the training, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact on the families you serve.

    We have limited places left on our next programme training and encourage anyone interested to book today to guarantee a spot.

    With the demand for this training increasing, we cannot guarantee availability if you delay your booking. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to enhance your professional skills and support families in your community.

    Book today to secure your place and gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on the families you serve.

    Book Your Training Today

    If you would like to train in any of our programmes, learn about our group discounts or discover how we can support you to improve outcomes for children, adolescents and families, please contact our Impact Lead, Vicki Byrne, Vicki@parentsplus.ie 

    We also deliver onsite training and supervision of teams (15 or more), and/or tailored support in the roll-out and evaluation of our programmes to ensure effective community-wide delivery.   

  • Parents Plus Programme Information Sessions – May 2023

    Parents Plus Programme Information Sessions – May 2023

    Parents Plus is an evidence-based organisation that provides a range of services and professionals in Ireland and around the world.

    Our goal is to support professionals with the tools to help parents and caregivers in raising resilient, confident, and happy children and young people.

    At the core of the Parents Plus approach is a commitment to research and evidence-based practice. We believe that the best way to support professionals is to provide programs that are based on the latest research and best practices in the field of child and family psychology.

    If you are a qualified professional working with families and children and would like more information about our programmes, please join us for our online Information Sessions in May 2023.  Here you will find out more on our programmes and training from our senior trainers and you will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout.

    These are FREE information sessions but you must register to attend, using the specific links below;

    Parents Plus Children’s Programme Information Session – May 24th (11am-12pm). Please register here https://forms.gle/Uqe8ELNbHUdBN2Aj7

    Parents Plus Special Needs Programme Information Session – May 23rd (10am-11am). Please register here https://forms.gle/37Vhbr4YePFxu5i4A

    Parents Plus Adolescent Programme Information Session – May 25th (11am-12pm). Please register here https://forms.gle/YMuEXnERTQcnd9ZBA

    Parents Plus ADHD Programme Information Session – May 24th (11am-12pm). Please register here https://forms.gle/Uqe8ELNbHUdBN2Aj7

    Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme Information Session – May 25th (11am-12pm). Please register here https://forms.gle/YMuEXnERTQcnd9ZBA

    Please find further details on our all of our programme training here https://www.parentsplus.ie/post/calendar-of-professional-programmes-2023/

  • Workshop: ‘Skills in Running Effective Online Programmes’

    Workshop: ‘Skills in Running Effective Online Programmes’

    As we approach the end of January we wanted to help make sure you get the most out of 2023 by inviting you to a FREE online seminar that focuses on running effective online programmes.

    The benefits of online parent programmes delivery are multiple, the convenience and accessibility for parents, the support offered by interacting with other parents with similar challenges in the group discussions and breakout rooms, the fact that more couples/parents who are parenting together can attend, good attendance levels overall and the cost-effectiveness of running group programmes online. Though many services have reverted to in-person programmes post-Covid, which is great, it also makes sense to also have an online group offer to draw more parents into accessing this valuable support and parenting resource.
    This special practice seminar on ‘Running Effective Online Parents Plus Programmes’ takes place on 8th February from 10 am to 12 pm online via Zoom.

    The session will showcase and support the work of the practitioners and services who successfully deliver the Parent Plus programme online in various settings throughout Ireland and the UK. You are most welcome to attend if you are a practitioner who is already trained in any Parents Plus programme and are delivering or planning to deliver an online group to parents in your service.

    Managers who are looking at online delivery for 2023 are also welcome and will benefit.
    The seminar is free to attend but you must register below

    FREE Seminar: Running Effective Online Parents Plus Programmes – 
    Wednesday 8th February from 10 am to 12 pm online via Zoom.

    10 am – Opening and Welcome – Dr Eileen Brosnan, Parents Plus.

    10:15 am – Delivering services online, advantages and disadvantages. Prof John Sharry, Parents Plus.

    10:30 am – Rolling out the Parents Plus Children’s Programme – A hybrid model (online & in person) – The North Somerset experience. Graham Pascoe, Parenting Co-ordinator and Schools Link and Lauren Nurse, Parenting and Early Help Business Support both from North Somerset Council.

    10:50 am – Parents Plus Children’s Programme Online – Working with a diverse range of parents and needs – Evija Nwaneri, Parenting Cavan Facilitator and Chairperson Cavan Multicultural Network and Vanda Brady, Outreach Ireland and Cavan Cross-Cultural Community.

    11:10 Break

    11.15 am – Delivering the Parenting When Separated Programme – A coordinated approach across the mid-west FRC network with referral links to the local Court Services – Pat Fitzpatrick, Northside Family Resource Centre, Limerick. 

    11.35 am – Breakouts – Overcoming organisational and practice challenges in online PP Programme delivery – sharing learning.

    11:50 am – Consolidating skills and learning – Moving forward with the online work.

    12:00 – Finish 

    There will also be a chance to network in breakouts to share ideas on overcoming organisational and practice challenges in online programme delivery

    Workshop Registration
    Practice Seminar: Running Effective Online Parents Plus Programmes – 
    8th February from 10 am to 12 pm online via Zoom.
     
    Setting up and running online groups successfully requires time and planning, as well as effective group session facilitation. To aid you in this we have developed this seminar where we share our collective learning from running the groups remotely over the last three years.
    This seminar aims to help you with:
    Getting online programmes off the ground and fine-tuning your online delivery skills including:Recruiting parents and pre-programme workSupporting parents’ participation, and the therapeutic elementsDrawing in quieter members and managing those with high levels of needEnsuring all participants gain a sense of connection and can give and receive support from one another.Maintaining the strengths-based practice model while running online programmesEnsuring the programme topics are covered – balancing programme content with parent discussion time. Using ‘breakouts’ effectively for small group work, worksheets and exercises.
    Workshop Registration
    The workshop is for trained Parents Plus Programme Facilitators and managers and will be taking place on February 8th from 10 am – 12 pm. 

    To get in touch directly with Eileen Brosnan to discuss delivering online programmes please click ‘Email Eileen’ below
     
    Email Eileen
  • Learn More About Our On Going Support For Professionals Working in Community, Health, Education and Disability Services

    Learn More About Our On Going Support For Professionals Working in Community, Health, Education and Disability Services

    We provide a range of post-training supports for facilitators and agencies who want to ensure sustainable and effective delivery of the programmes within their services.

     

    Our training and supports are designed to improve outcomes for families, through our evidence-based parenting and mental health programmes.

    Research shows that families achieve the best outcomes when facilitators and their managers are supported pre and post-training when delivering programmes or education. This is why we provide an extensive package of pre and post-training supports to our facilitators and managers in order to ensure a sustainable and effective delivery of the programmes within their agency or service.
     

    Our comprehensive package of support for professionals and managers working in Community, Health, Education and Disability Services includes –

    • Implementation support to get groups off the ground, including planning workshops and coaching for managers.
    • Individual and group supervision sessions with an experienced Parents Plus Trainer.
    • Advanced training workshops on specific topics.
    • Extra resources to facilitate delivery, e.g. fliers, posters, certificates, practice articles, parenting articles, and supplementary handouts.
    • Support to promote your Parents Plus courses in your community.
    • Advice and guidance on evaluating and monitoring outcomes in your agency to ensure your groups are effective.
    • Access to two individual supervision sessions free of charge in the first year post-training.
    • healthy families collection

    The Parents Plus Programmes are robustly evidence-based and currently over 25 studies conducted in clinical, community and disability settings attest to their effectiveness for families with children and adolescents of all ages, dealing with a variety of challenges and issues. Our Programs are systemic, solution-focused, group-based interventions designed for delivery in clinical and community settings as treatment programs.  

    These programmes are designed for families with child-focused problems, such as behavioural difficulties, disruptive behaviour disorders, and emotional disorders in young people with and without developmental
    disabilities.  

    Our programmes have been developed for families of pre-schoolers, preadolescent children, and teenagers, as well as for separated or divorced families. Studies involving over 1,000 families have shown that our programs have a significant impact on child behaviour problems, goal attainment, and parental satisfaction and stress.

    You can read more details about our pre- and post-training supports here!

    PP MAIN LOGO-COLOUR

    All profits from Parents Plus sales of programme training and supervision is re-invested in developing new evidence-based programmes to respond to the evolving needs of families, and to sponsor facilitator training and supports of services with limited budgets, who work with high need families.

  • 2023 Calendar of Professional Programmes from Parents Plus

    2023 Calendar of Professional Programmes from Parents Plus

    Our programmes are for professionals who work in Community, Health, Education and Disability services and they’re backed by over 25 years of research and have proven benefits for families.


    In the last 10 years alone, we have supported over 1,000 organisations, in Ireland and internationally, to create sustainable change in their service delivery, strengthening over 100,000 families.

    Our suite of programmes’ training and supervision are suitable for a range of professionals working in services such as HSE Primary Care, CAMHS, Family Resource Centres, Disability, Education (EWS, HSCL, SCP, Primary and Secondary) as well as Youth Services.

    Below are the programmes available to book from our 2023 calendar of training.

    The Parents Plus Children’s Programme

    The Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training For Professionals

    The Parents Plus Children’s Programme is practical and solution-focused. It will provide you with the essential skills and learning to achieve the best outcomes for the parents and families who attend your services.

    The training focuses on the following –

    • Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme
    • Delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions, to groups and individual families
    • Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator
    • Building on parent’s strengths as a basis for ongoing change
    • Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships

    Dates available in May and October 2023

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme Training For Professionals

    Parents of children with an intellectual disability can face significant challenges, especially during the adolescent years. With our Special Needs Programme, you can support parents to manage these challenges, improve their family’s well-being and strengthen their links with other parents.

    The training focuses on the following:

    • Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme
    • Delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions to groups and individual families
    • Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator
    • Building on parents’ strengths as a basis for ongoing change
    • Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships

    Dates available in May 2023

    The Parents Plus Adolescents Programme

    The Parents Plus Adolescents Programme Training For Professionals

    The teenage years can be a challenging time for many families. Helping parents develop warm relationships with their teenagers reduces conflict and supports them to grow up as well-adjusted and happy adults. 

    The training focuses on the following:

    • Developing an in-depth understanding of this programme
      delivering the programme via face-to-face and online sessions to groups and individual families
    • Providing opportunities to observe and practise the skills to become a solution-focused facilitator
    • Building on parents’ strengths as a basis for ongoing change
    • Strengthening inter-agency and community partnerships

    Dates available in October 2023

    Parenting When Separated Programme

    Parenting When Separated Programme Training for Professionals

    Families going through separation can experience increased isolation and conflict.  With our Parenting When Separated Programme, you can help parents to personally cope, and to co-parent effectively, to ensure their children cope and thrive.

    The training focuses on:

    • Solving co-parenting problems in a positive way which focuses on the needs of their children
    • Creating practical arrangements for children that minimise stress and conflict
    • Improving parents communication with their children and with their children’s other parent
    • Coping with the emotional impact of separation and learn stress management techniques
    • Helping their children cope emotionally with the separation 
    • Dealing with the challenges of lone parenting or being a ‘live away’

    Dates available October 2023

    Healthy Families Programme

    The Healthy Families Programme for Professionals

    Children are experiencing increased rates of health problems, such as obesity and higher levels of anxiety. With our Healthy Families Programme you can empower parents to create healthy and connected families and improve well-being for everyone. 

    The training focuses on:

    • Understanding how to improve families health and well-being
    • Promoting healthy eating and mealtimes
    • Incorporating active play and physical activities into their day
    • Maintaining positive mental health and self-esteem
    • Establishing good routines for sleep 
    • Setting up rules around technology use at home
    • Building positive family relationships

    Dates available in October 2023

    To view our complete suite of Professional Programmes click here

  • Book Your Place on the Parents Plus Special Needs Programme

    Book Your Place on the Parents Plus Special Needs Programme

    Training for this Programme is taking place on the 5th, 7th & 8th December

    The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme for Professionals is a first in the world programme for families rearing an adolescent with an intellectual disability and was created to help parents to manage challenges, improve their family’s well-being and strengthen their links with other parents.

    Training for this unique and invaluable Programme is taking place on the 5th, 7th & 8th December.

    Through training in the Special Needs Programme, you will learn how to empower parents to positively manage the many hidden challenges and isolation that can be common for parents of adolescents with an intellectual disability, as well as improve the well-being of all family members and prepare young people for future transitions and adulthood.

    This programme is practical, solution-focused and draws on parents strengths. It is suitable for professionals including social workers, therapists, teachers to assist parents who are raising an older child or adolescent with a mild, moderate or severe intellectual disability, and who may also have an additional diagnosis, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a physical disability.

    By training as a facilitator of this programme, you will learn how to support parents of an adolescent with special needs to:

    • Manage behaviour and emotional problems
    • Deal with puberty, sexuality and relationships
    • Reduce their own stress as parents
    • Support all relationships in the family
    • Build self-esteem and confidence
    • Advocate for their child or adolescent
    • Support education and development
    • Prepare their child for adulthood and future transitions
    Book Your Place Today

    Like each of our extended suite of 8 professional programmes, The Special Needs Programme has been co-developed with services and families and is supported with a robust evidence base, well-defined outcomes and backed by 25 years of research.

    This professional programme will empower you to have better outcomes in your service equipping parents with the tailored tools for a brighter future for their families.

    Learn More
  • Update from the ADHD Programme Launch Seminar

    Update from the ADHD Programme Launch Seminar

    Parents-Plus-ADHD-Programme-Launch-Una-OBrien-Dr-John-Sharry-17
    Speech and language therapist, Úna O’Brien and Parents Plus Clinical Director, Dr John Sharry

    The entire team at Parents Plus want to extend a huge thank you to everyone that attend our new ADHD Children’s Programme for Professionals launch seminar.

    Cherie Tyner Parents Plus CEO said “It was wonderful to have so many professionals from CAMHS, Primary Care, Education, Disability and Family support services join, all clearly wanting to support families with evidence-based programmes”.

    As the Parents Plus ADHD Children’s Programme is Ireland’s first ADHD training programme for frontline professionals it was important to us that attendees to the seminar heard from professionals using the programme. Speech and language therapist, Úna O’Brien who has worked in CAMHS with many families who have a child with ADHD, spoke at the seminar and said it’s “frustrating for professionals who may not know or understand enough about ADHD.  If they don’t have the tools to help, they are facing client dissatisfaction, and this affects their confidence.”

    The most powerful part of the launch yesterday was the parent presentations. It was wonderful to be able to give them a platform to tell the professionals how the service has impacted them and explain in their own words how the whole family have benefited from the programme.


    For anyone who couldn’t make the launch seminar we are delighted to be able to share with you the slide deck which will give you a summary of the course materials and outline the work that has gone into creating this vitally important programme.

    The Parents Plus ADHD Children’s Programme PresentationDownload

    If you have any questions about anything covered in the seminar, booking your training in the Parents Plus ADHD Programme for professionals or any of our other professional programmes please feel free to contact Vicki Byrne at vicki@parentsplus.ie 

    For those who attended our seminar we would genuinely value you taking 2 minutes of your time to fill out our short survey. via the button below. We know you are extremely busy and truly appreciate your time and feedback as this helps us to continue to provide engaging events and programmes in the future.

    Seminar Survey

    The Parents Plus ADHD Children’s programme training is for frontline professionals and can help prevent serious secondary problems, such as self-harm and substance misuse, from affecting children with ADHD as they grow older. If you are an interested professional or manager and would like to learn more about the Parents Plus Children’s ADHD training and discover how the programme will work in your service you Click Here.

    For a quick snapshot of the seminar and the key messages you can visit our Twitter feed below

    The Parents Plus ADHD Childrens Programme was written by Prof John Sharry (Co-founder of Parents Plus and Adjunct Professor, in the School of Psychology, UCD) and Gráinne Hampson (Speech and Language Therapist, Parents Plus) along with a wider multidisciplinary professional team and with input from ADHD Ireland and the parents who attend their services. The programme is distributed by the Parents Plus Charity (CHY 13664), who develop evidence-based programmes and support professionals to deliver them to families.