Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed today’s announcement that a €150,000 Parent Peer Support Fund is now open for applications.

Minister Canney said parent-to-parent support can be transformative for families, and encouraged community and voluntary groups, particularly those working with parents and carers, to apply before the deadline.

Minister Canney said: “Parents supporting parents reduces isolation, builds confidence and helps families navigate challenges together. I welcome Minister Norma Foley’s opening of the 2025/26 Parent Peer Support Fund and I strongly encourage organisations, big and small, to apply. Whether you are starting a new peer network or scaling a project that’s already making a difference, this funding can help you reach more families in our communities.”

The €150,000 fund will provide grants of up to €5,000 for organisations working with parents and/or carers to develop or expand parent peer support initiatives. This includes support for parents who share similar life experiences, such as raising a child with complex needs or a mental health condition.

Two tiers of funding are available. Tier 1 will provide grants of €2,500 to 37 successful applicants who either currently operate or wish to establish a new parent peer support project. Tier 2 will provide grants of €5,000 to 12 successful applicants who wish to scale up an existing project already delivering positive impact.

Minister Canney added: “Last year’s fund supported projects ranging from domestic violence and kinship-care supports to breastfeeding, disability and migrant-parent groups. This year’s expanded programme will help even more parents find the community and practical support they need.”

Application forms for both tiers, along with the guidance and terms and conditions, are available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/202526-parent-peer-support-fund/.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 31 October 2025. Enquiries may be directed to [email protected].