Parenting NI has been a leading organisation for supporting parents in Northern Ireland since 1979. In a guest blog for Life Law NI, Emma Lyttle from Parenting NI provides us with some information about the organisation and the services they provide:-
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Since being established in 1979, Parenting NI has become a leading parenting support organisation committed to delivering high quality services to parents throughout Northern Ireland.
At Parenting NI, our primary aim is to contribute to the well-being of children and young people by supporting parents and to influence policy and practice on parenting.
Our values are underpinned in all of Parenting NI projects, including the following:
- The safety and well-being of children is paramount
- Parenting should be valued
- Parents need to be supported
- Support services for parents should be universal and accessible
- Parents have the right to expect high quality services
- All families should be valued equally, regardless of their structure or background
- Parents and young people are entitled to be able to talk confidentially
- Parents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and not to be judged
- Parents have the right to expect organisations with whom they are involved to be open, honest and accountable
- The rights and responsibilities of parents, children and young people should be protected and respected
The Work We Do
All of Parenting NI services have been developed based on the needs of parents. Our focus is primarily on prevention and early intervention in order to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people.
At Parenting NI, we envisage a future where parenting is highly valued, and family members receive the support and resources they need to provide a happy and safe environment in which children and young people can achieve their potential.
As an organisation, we try to do achieve this goal in many ways and by providing a number of services:-
- Parenting Helpline
The Parenting NI Helpline offers a free phone service based in Northern Ireland. Our helpline team have been specifically chosen to ensure that all callers receive the most appropriate support and guidance in relation to family issues. The Parenting NI helpline team also have knowledge of local services that are available regionally to ensure that all families with any additional needs can access other support if required. Call us on 0808 8010 722 to avail of our helpline service.
- Counselling Service
Our Parent’s Counselling service focuses on finding realistic, manageable solutions for you and your family, empowering you to meet your own needs and goals. Parent’s Counselling offers a confidential, professional service, in a warm, friendly atmosphere, where you will be listened to and given space to explore any issues relating to parenting.
- Programmes & Workshops
We offer a range of parenting programmes throughout Northern Ireland to help parents build on their skills and knowledge about parenting.
We aim to keep our programmes fun and interactive through participation and group work, in a setting where everyone feels safe and supported. Participating in one of our programmes is also a great way to meet other parents experiencing similar issues, build confidence and improve family relationships.
- Parental Participation
We believe that it is important that parents have their voices heard. We have been engaging parents through consultation since 1999. The consultation process is an important opportunity for parents to share their views. In consulting with parents, it enables our organisation to highlight the key issues and needs of parents in order to influence policy, planning and service delivery.
Life Law NI 
You must be logged in to post a comment.