Preparing for Life

14/10/2026

During the toddler years, children begin interacting with peers, fostering essential social skills and early friendships. This stage also marks the onset of symbolic pretend play, which is critical for cognitive development and imagination. Parents can facilitate this learning using common household materials, such as large boxes which can be easily converted into spaceships, grocery shops, or castles.

Home Visitors encourage parents to utilise home resources to enrich and support their child's play experiences.

12/10/2026

Northside Partnership has extended the date for drop off until Tuesday 13th October. Remember to drop off your pre-loved costumes to your local childcare centre, Our Lady Immaculate Junior School Darndale or Darndale Belcamp Social Enterprises

Halloween is creeping up on us again, and this year there’s a chance to make all that dressing up a little greener! 👻

Northside Partnership ’s Green Team is bringing a frighteningly good Halloween Costume Swap to Darndale, Belcamp and Moatview, giving families the opportunity to pass on costumes that have been outgrown and find a pre-loved one for the next little witch, wizard, ghost or ghoul.

If you’ve ever opened the wardrobe to find last year’s costume staring back at you, wondering why you bought it when it was probably only going to be worn once…you’re not alone! 🎃

So, rather than letting those costumes gather dust, or become a skeleton in the wardrobe, families are being encouraged to donate clean, good-condition costumes to their local childcare centre by Friday 9th October.

The costumes will then be available to pick up at the swap on Thursday 15th October at Darndale Belcamp Village Centre.

Learn more: https://www.northsidepartnership.ie/go-green-for-halloween/

12/10/2026

Building Babies from Head to Toe is an introduction to infant mental health. Yes! Babies have mental health too and we can support it!

Our next Building Babies from Head to Toe workshop takes place on Friday 13th of November 2026 from 10am till 12pm. It's suitable for expectant parents and parents of babies from newborn to two years of age. The workshop takes place in the Darndale Belcamp Village Centre, Dublin 17, Eircode D17 E027.

To book, please contact Melanie on 087 290 8386 or email [email protected]

HSE Ireland Sphere 17 Regional Youth Service Darndale Together Creative Places Darndale Our Lady Immaculate Parish Darndale-Belcamp Coolock Darndale Adult Literacy Service Doras Buí Bonnybrook Early Education Centre Moatview Early Education Centre

06/10/2026

Thank you, Lord Mayor of Dublin & Lady Mayoress, for inviting our Breastfeeding Support Group and their HSE Ireland mentors to a very special afternoon tea.

We were honoured to attend, and delighted with the acknowledgement of our own Melanie Murphy for her dedication to supporting parents in northeast Dublin. Melanie, one of the original members of the Preparing for Life team, has worked with us for almost 20 years, keeping her breastfeeding support and baby massage groups going even through Covid.

Lady Mayoress spoke eloquently of the friendships that form at these groups, and the support parents & caregivers receive from mentors and peers.

06/10/2026

Play
Children learn differently than adults — they learn by playing and copying their environment. Play builds the essential physical, mental, language, and social skills your child needs for school and life. Remarkably, children can express more to us in one hour of play than in a whole week of talking!

Our PFL home visitors are here to help parents and children connect through play.
Join our "Building Baby from Head-to-Toe" workshop to learn more about the incredible power of playtime.

29/09/2026

The Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) program shifts our focus from simply managing a child's behaviour to understanding the emotional need behind it. Think of yourself as the "Hands on the Circle" - providing a steady, loving presence as your child navigates the world. 🔄❤️

25/09/2026

Our next Circle of Security 8 week group starts at 10am on Wednesday 29th September in Darndale. For full details & to express an interest in attending, please click on this link https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/jG1dmqUBCt

Contact Jane on 0872033820 for more info
Bonnybrook Early Education Centre Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Coolock Library Belmayne Community Group

24/09/2026

Are you looking after a loved one's child?

Would you like to meet people in similar situations?

Join Dublin North East Kinship Care Peer Support Group. They meet on
* last Wednesday of every month:
*10.00am-12.00pm
*YMCA Parkside, Block 2, D13 VCW9

22/09/2026

Every parent needs support sometimes, and that's okay.

Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also come with challenges, uncertainties, and moments when we all need a little extra guidance. Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) offers practical, evidence-based strategies to help parents build stronger relationships, encourage positive behaviour, manage everyday challenges, and create a calmer, happier home environment.

Small changes can make a big difference. Whether you're parenting a toddler, teen, or somewhere in between, Triple P can provide the support, confidence, and tools you need to help your family thrive. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength not weakness. 💙

What you'll gain: ✔️ Expert guidance ✔️ Interactive learning ✔️ Practical tools you can use every day ✔️ A supportive and engaging environment