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Big Parenting Survery 2024

Parenting NI are committed to supporting parents and ensuring that their voices are heard, which is why we are launching the 2024 Big Parenting Survey, and want to reach more parents than ever before! It is arguably more important than ever to gain an insight into the realities of parenting in Northern Ireland, particularly given the current cost of living crisis, which is putting extreme pressure on parents and families.

We are asking all parents, and those in a parenting role, to take this opportunity to be part of our anonymous “Big Parenting Survey” 2024, to give them the chance to tell us about their experiences – including both the high points, and the struggles. This will help shape the work of Parenting NI, and enable Parenting NI to lobby and campaign for change for families here in Northern Ireland.

Big Parenting Survey 2024: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L65K7WD

New podcast: Parenting Week/Adoption Week 2023

Kate and Brian from Family Care Adoption Services join us to talk about the services they can provide for those looking to adopt and for those who have been adopted.

Podcast: https://parentingni.podbean.com/e/parenting-weekadoption-week-2023/ 

Website – https://familycareadoption.com/

Linktr.ee – linktr.ee/familycareadoption

Phone – 028 9069 1133

Email- email@familycareadoption.org

Information pack download: Information Pack

Mums Spring Tea

Join like minded women to network, learn, share and celebrate being a working parent!

Programme:

  • Nicola McGuinness – Career and Confidence Coach talks to us about her experience coaching women to use their potential for an impactful, fulfilling and joyful career.
  • Citi Bank share their good practice for promoting a positive and parent friendly workplace.
  • Panel discussion and Q&A with local business women.
  • Afternoon Tea

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mums-spring-tea-tickets-529418664477 

Kindly supported by Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Michelle Kelly and sponsored by CITI.

Northern Ireland parents increasingly worried about finances as Christmas period approaches

Over the last six months, prices have risen at so quickly that families are worried about what lies ahead in the winter months.

The annual rate of inflation is sitting at 10.1% – with the price of food rising at its fastest pace in 42 years in September.

Every household is feeling the pinch, but with Christmas just around the corner financial pressures are particularly mounting for parents.

Around two-thirds of parents in Northern Ireland say money is currently one of the greatest challenges they’re facing, closely followed by mental health.

That’s according to a recent survey published by Parenting NI which also revealed that over the last six months parents have been increasingly worried about the cost of food.

Read more: https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2022-10-21/cost-of-living-ni-parents-money-worries-as-christmas-approaches

Support Line Closures

Parenting NI Support Line will be closed on the following days/Times:

  • Thursday 15th Dec from 12.30pm – 3.30pm
  • Friday 23rd Dec from 9.30am and will stay closed until 4.30pm on Tuesday 3rd Jan

We will reopen on Wednesday 4th Jan 2023 at 9.30am.

Parent Mental Health, Wellbeing and Cost of Living survey report

Read the survey report here.

‘This is the first time Parenting NI has conducted a “Parent Mental Health, Wellbeing and Cost of Living” survey. Due to the dramatic increase in the cost of living, we felt compelled to ensure that the voice of parents is considered in what can only be described as an emergency. This survey gives parents from every part of society an opportunity to tell us about their current experiences of parenting in Northern Ireland, what levels of support they have and what gaps there are and what they need to support them on their parenting journey.

We are aware that financial insecurity can have a huge effect on a parent’s mental health. Therefore, we wanted to focus in on these issues in this survey. These issues will be familiar to service providers and policy makers across all departments and organisations. Parents have expressed a level of concern that must be met with action, and this survey has further exposed the experiences of parents and families from all backgrounds.’

                                                                                               – Charlene Brooks, CEO Parenting NI