New Parent–Child Psychological Support Programme a Huge Win for New Parents in Bray

An innovative new early childhood initiative designed to support the emotional wellbeing of parents and infants was officially launched in Bray on Wednesday. The Parent–Child Psychological Support (PCPS) Programme focuses on strengthening the bond between parents and babies while providing early developmental support during the crucial first 18 months of a child’s life. It has been established through a collaborative effort between services in Bray including the HSE, Tusla and SPECS- Bray & North Wicklow Area Partnership to ensure we give babies the best possible start.

The programme was formally launched by Kevin McCarthy, Secretary General, Department of Children, Disability & Equality at the Bray Primary Care Centre, with invited guests from health services, community organisations and parents and babies who have joined the programme in attendance.

Minister for Children, Disability & Equality, Norma Foley, commented:

“I welcome the launch of the Parent-Child Psychological Support Programme in Bray. It is a great example of providing early intervention to support families, helping them from the new born stage to 18 months. The funding was secured by the Department of Children, Disability & Equality from the Dormant Accounts Fund and piloted under the What Works initiative.

I would like to congratulate all involved - the Supporting Parents & Early Childhood Services team, Bray & North Wicklow Area Partnership, Tusla, the Area-Based Childhood Programme and the HSE.”

So what exactly is the new PCPS programme?

The new programme provides support and information to parents in all areas of their baby’s development, as well as wraparound parent-child attachment and emotional supports for parents, during this often very challenging time. It is delivered in a multidisciplinary clinic in the Bray Primary Care Centre with support from Public Health Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists, Psychology and Family Support practitioners. It recognises that the first 18 months of a baby’s life is the most crucial for their brain development, hence the importance of parents receiving the best possible support during this stage. By supporting families early, the programme aims to improve outcomes for children while reducing the need for more intensive and costly interventions later.

The evidence-based framework underpinning the PCPS programme was developed by Prof. M. Angeles Cerezo, Chair of Psychology at the University of Valencia and Clinical Psychologist. Prof. Cerezo has strong and long-standing ties with Ireland and she was invited 25 years ago to develop her ideas for prevention and integrate them into the Irish system, as Visiting Professor of Trinity College.

With this new programme in Bray already making a real difference, it is hoped that it may be rolled out nationwide.

SPECS Early Intervention and Family Support Manager Maryrose Costello commented:

“We know that the most crucial time for a baby’s brain development, including emotional and social development, is in the first two years of life. That’s why it is so important that parents receive the best possible support during this stage to build a secure bond with their baby. Thanks to the strong collaboration between key organisations and practitioners working locally in Bray, we are excited to pioneer this approach here, ensuring families get the right support at the most important time for them and their baby.”

What the PCPS Programme means for new parents:

· Free service available to all parents with babies from newborn to 18 months in the Bray area

· Altogether new parents and babies visit the programme 7 times – at a few weeks old and again at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months old.

· At each visit all areas of health and development are checked.

· The parent’s wellbeing, how they are coping as a parent and their relationship with their child, is also supported.

Since beginning in Bray in September 2025, the programme has already begun supporting families, helped identify a number of developmental needs and made referrals to further specialist services.

Families interested in learning more about the programme or accessing supports can contact the SPECS team at pcpsadmin@bnwap.ie