Newbridge Parents Encouraged To Join Transformative Home-Visit Programme

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 15:11

By Martin Osborne

A major study conducted by University College Dublin has found that children who participated in the programme were 29% more likely to aspire to third-level education compared to those who did not receive the same support.

Children in Newbridge are among those set to benefit from a pioneering early intervention parenting programme that has been credited with delivering major improvements in education, health, and family wellbeing.

The Preparing for Life programme - originally launched in Darndale, Dublin in 2007 - has since expanded to 10 communities across Ireland, including Newbridge.

The initiative supports parents from pregnancy through to school age with regular home visits, tailored guidance, and a focus on early childhood development.

The research, one of the longest-running randomised control trials in Europe, tracked the outcomes of children a full decade after their involvement ended.

Now aged 14, participants showed enhanced problem-solving abilities, fewer attention difficulties, and stronger family relationships.

Physical health outcomes also improved, suggesting that the programme’s impact extends well beyond the early years.

Speaking to Kfm earlier, Niall Sexton, manager of the Northside programme, explained how parents in Newbridge can sign up to the programme through the Newbridge Family Resource Centre at Dara Park.

More from Local News

Clane Woman Ends Hunger Strike, Citing Health Concerns

She has been on hunger strike since May 21st in an effort to get the Government to act on the war in Gaza, specifically around the Occupied Territories Bill.
Man Arrested For Threats To Slice Irish Babies To Appear In Court Again On 5 June

Misinformation had been circulating online claiming the man was in Newbridge yesterday when he was actually still in custody.
Discussions Underway To Bring Tea Trolleys Back To Trains Across The Country

Audio

Just two services, Cork and Belfast, currently offer on-board catering.
Cllr Calls For Power To Name Housing Estates, Currently Decided By Council's "Naming Committee"

At present, names are reviewed and approved by the council’s Estate Naming Committee, who meet twice a month to assess proposals as part of the planning compliance process.
From TV To Bloom: Kildare’s Debbie Brophy Showcases Pollinator Paradise As Bloom Kicks Off

Audio

Garden-scapes dedicated to sustainable living and to promote the health of pollinators, are among the designs on display.
New IT Systems, More Staff, But Unauthorised Builds Soar In Kildare As Cllrs Demand In-Person Meetings

Kildare County Council’s Executive confirmed a significant increase in complaints about unauthorised developments and acknowledged that the issue is becoming more complex and widespread.
Greyhound Racing Ireland Defends €488k Spent At Two Care Centres In Kilcullen And Croom

Speaking on Kildare Today, Nuala Donlon, spokesperson for Greyhound Action Ireland, said that in comparison, the ISPCA received €1.2 million in Budget 2024 to fund its entire homing and enforcement operations and rehomed 1,382 dogs.
Further Update: Man Arrested Following Online Threats Due In Court This Morning

The man is due to appear before Portlaoise District Court this morning.