At Southside Partnership, we believe that providing safe, structured spaces for children and youngpeople, along with educational support and a range of wrap-around opportunities, significantly enhances their chances of staying in the education system and progressing to third-level education and beyond.
PEEP+ DLR
The Parents Early Education Partnership Plus Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (PEEP+ DLR) is a programme designed for parents and their children aged 0–2 years. It supports parents in building strong and secure relationships with their children while fostering early learning and development.
The programme runs across six locations in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown for 33 weeks per year during term time, with parents able to participate for up to two years. Sessions include free play, snack time, circle time, songs, and storytelling, providing a supportive and engaging environment for both parents and children. Parents involved in the programme report increased confidence, a better understanding of child development, and valuable peer support.
YOUNG PEOPLE
Early Years – Holly House & Furry Hill Community Resource Centres
Recognising that increased access to opportunities builds confidence and self-esteem, we have developed a holistic Homework and Afterschool Programme at Holly House and Furry Hill Community Resource Centres to support children and young people in staying engaged in education.
Young Bugs Afterschool Programme
Designed for children aged 4–7 years, this programme helps develop communication skills, build confidence, and enhance social interaction. Activities include yoga, dance, art, physical play, outdoor exploration, storytelling, and music.
Homework Club
Our Homework Club provides a safe, structured space for children to complete their homework with one- to-one support if needed. Sessions are divided into two groups:
- 1st–3rd Class
- 4th–6th Class
We work closely with parents and teachers to ensure that each child’s needs are met, including tailored support for children with additional learning needs
Further Supports
Grinds Programme
We offer a grinds programme for Junior Cert and Leaving Cert students, we work with volunteers to provide key supports in the subjects of English, Irish and Maths.
Personal Development Groups
These groups offer young people a space to explore important topics such as relationships and consent, helping them build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in expressing themselves.
Empowering Young Voices
We are committed to ensuring that young people are heard and actively involved in shaping their own futures. Through our programmes, we create opportunities for them to develop leadership skills, advocate for themselves, and contribute to decisions that affect their lives.
Young People at Risk (not in Education, Training or Employment)
For young people aged 15–24 who are not in education, training, or employment, we provide one-to-one support to help them build confidence, set achievable goals, and access further opportunities. Where appropriate, we make referrals to relevant services.
Parents and Carers
We offer a range of supports for parents and families throughout the year, including:
- Healthy Food Made Easy for families
- Stress management, mental health workshops and peer support groups
- Referrals to additional services where needed
Youth at Risk Network
In partnership with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Drugs and Alcohol Task Force, we facilitate two Youth at Risk (YAR) Networks each year. These provide a platform for frontline youth workers across the county to discuss emerging issues affecting at-risk young people, such as drug intimidation, consent, and self-harm.
Network themes are developed through inter-agency and community collaboration, with sessions facilitated by CAN (Community Action Network).
Contact us to discover more about Southside Partnership Children, Young People and Families support.
Rebeca Alonso rebeca.alonso@sspship.ie 087 6945098
or Natalie Donegan natalie.donegan@sspship.ie on 01-2722613
