'They kept me sane': Parental support group in plea for volunteers in Cork

There are few things more life-changing than becoming a parent.

Our worlds transform when we have a new baby to look after, and often this experience can not only be joyous, but daunting, with many new parents experiencing isolation alongside the sleepless nights and endless nappy changes.

This is where organisations like Cuidiú come in. Ireland’s parental support charity, Cuidiú - meaning ‘help’ - was established over 40 years ago with the aim of aiding mums and dads as they navigate the journey of parenthood.

The charity has over 25 local branches, including the large and very active Cuidiú Cork. The branch hosts a range of regular events - from weekly coffee mornings and buggy walks to breastfeeding support and antenatal classes - and provides a lifeline for parents.

“They kept me sane,” says Amy Keelan, who began attending Cuidiú events when daughter Ailish was a few months old. “It was one of the most important parts of my maternity leave.”

So enthused was Amy by the sense of community at Cuidiú Cork, that she has since become a volunteer, currently hosting buggy walks in Macroom.

Cuidiú Cork is entirely volunteer-led and thus reliant on local people to dedicate their time in a variety of different ways. “We’ll have as much or as little as you can give,” says Melanie Grace, Branch Coordinator at Cuidiú Cork, who acknowledges volunteering comes in all shapes and sizes. Hosting a coffee morning, running a baby and toddler group, providing social media expertise or even offering administrative support to Committee meetings; the volunteering opportunities are endless.

With so many openings for volunteers, finding people to fill them is a challenge for Cuidiú Cork. Carrigaline Baby and Toddler Group, Blackpool Library Baby and Toddler Group and the Sleeping Bunnies playgroup in Ballymaloe are all at risk of cancellation if new volunteers are not urgently found to replace organisers who are stepping down. Without these vital services, mums and dads across Cork will be left without a lifeline in the important early days of their children’s lives

This isn’t an unusual predicament for Cuidiú. Volunteer numbers constantly fluctuate as members return to work, or move on from the early childhood phase of parenthood.

“Parents have their babies,” Melanie says, “they have some time (to volunteer), but then ... they can’t run these groups anymore because their toddler is in pre-school, they’re going back to work and their shift patterns don’t suit, whatever the reason. So we always need volunteers coming up. It’s a constant cycle”.

This is why Cuidiú Cork are issuing a call for volunteers, not just to organise and support existing activities, but to establish new meet-ups across the county. When Amy started leading her buggy walks, she was impressed with the support she received from Cuidiú as a new volunteer.

“I was encouraged the whole time,” she says, “and not just in a ‘pat-on-the-back’ kind of way. People were suggesting locations and really giving practical tips... There are no set rules on how much or how little you can give. My meet-up is every second week because that’s all I can give with my work shifts.”

Area representatives in the north, south, east, west and centre of the county provide volunteers with practical assistance in setting up or running an event, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

You don’t have to actively volunteer to get involved with Cuidiú, nor do you have to be a member to attend its events. Any mum or dad - and they would love to welcome more dads - can attend their social activities, or access breastfeeding and parental support.

Some events charge a minimal sum for family entry - usually less than the cost of a cup of coffee - and others are free. Organisers understand that attending parenting meet-ups for the first time can be daunting, so they ensure a warm welcome awaits anyone new.

“We moved here from England when I was about six months pregnant,” says Melanie of her own first experience with Cuidiú. “I knew nobody. I was at that stage where I just needed an outlet, I needed to talk to grown-ups. I was just so lonely, and (at Cuidiú) I felt so welcome. So if you’re like me and you’re not from here and you don’t know many people, Cuidiú is a great way to get to know others, and for your kids to socialise as well when they’re small”.

Melanie and Amy both joined Cuidiú as new mums, uncertain of what to expect but hoping to meet people in similar situations with whom they could share the highs and lows of parenting. They found that, and more; with Cuidiú continuing to remain an important part of their lives years later.

“The members of today are the volunteers of tomorrow,” says Melanie. “They’ve come along, they’ve made their friends, they realise the value of the community. So when they’ve got a bit of free time, they want to give back.”

They say it takes a village to raise a child. If you are feeling stuck in the trenches of parenthood and need advice on feeding, teething, sleep - or even just a good old vent over a cuppa - Cuidiú Cork could be that village for you.

For more on events or volunteering with Cuidiú Cork, see https://www.cuidiucork.ie/