As many of you know, often the best source of support for new parents of babies with Down syndrome is to speak to another parent who has a child with Down syndrome; someone who is familiar with the feelings that they may be experiencing. Parent Link is a Down Syndrome Ireland support service provided by parent volunteers throughout our branch network who provide new parents with time, understanding, confidentiality and a listening ear.
We’re delighted to announce that we will be rolling out new Parent Link training for more parents who would like to volunteer with this crucial support service across the country, with the pilot training taking place in at our Cork Branch’s Field of Dreams.
Members from Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford are all taking part training, which takes place over two-days on September 7th and September 22nd.
We’re so grateful to all our wonderful parents who will help and support new parents at a time when they may need it most.
Following training, our Parent Link volunteers will be able to listen and be there and re-assure new parents that Down syndrome is just a small part of who their baby is and that just like the rest of us, people with Down syndrome enjoy long and healthy lives that are happy, fulfilling and active.
The training takes place over two non-consecutive days and centres around communication and listening skills, feelings and reactions, the therapeutic relationship, self-care for volunteers and Parent Link information.
There are still some limited places available in Cork on September 7th and September 22nd , for more information please contact Jason Pierce at jason.pierce@dsicork.org.
If you would like more information about upcoming training dates, please contact our Early Years Specialist Olive Buckeridge at Olive@downsyndrome.ie.
