Sure Start - Down

Areas covered: Downpatrick, Ardglass, Strangford, Killough, Murlough (Newcastle).

Down SureStart project is a local partnership of statutory, voluntary and community organisations who work collaboratively to provide free services which will give every child under 4 years the best possible start in life.

SureStart aims to promote the physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of pre-school children to ensure they can flourish at home and when they go to school.

The services include (for further info on our services visit our website):

• outreach and home visiting
• family support
• primary and community healthcare and advice (ante natal-postnatal support groups, breast feeding support)
• good quality play and learning experiences for children, both group and home-based
• speech, language and communication support (group and home based)
• support for all families of children with an additional needs
• Health & safety promotion (including home safety checks)
• healthy lifestyle and parenting programmes (a creche facility is available for families attending programmes)

In each local area, a variety of different programmes and activities are planned according to the needs of the community e.g. Antenatal/Postnatal Support, Infant Massage, Baby/Toddler Yoga, Breastfeeding Support, Cook It, Parenting Programmes, Health Visitor Support, Weaning Groups, First Aid, Parent & Toddler Groups, Speech & Language Support, Healthy Lifestyle Programmes and Family Support.

The Family Support home visiting service within SureStart provides emotional and practical support to families and children during difficult periods in their lives. The aim is to enhance parenting skills and empower parents/carers.

Partners include: South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, South Eastern Education and Library Board, Action for Children, Public Health Agency, Ardglass Pre-School, County Down Rural Community Network, Bryson Charitable Group, Newry Mourne & Down Council, local nurseries, playgroups and primary schools.

DOWN SureStart crèche facility: Creche provided to registered parents accessing some of our programmes and activities. A range of fun activities provided to encourage your child’s holistic development. Contact DOWN SureStart for more information. (contact will be as above)

Parent and toddler (must be registered with DOWN SureStart contact the office for further information)

DOWN SureStart Parent and Toddler Fountain Street( Presbyterian church Fountain Street Downpatrick) - Mondays @ 10.15

DOWN SureStart Parent and Toddler Ardglass (St Nicholas P.S. Ardglass) – Fridays @10am

DOWN SureStart Parent and Toddler Newcastle (St Mary’s P.S. Newcastle) – Mondays @ 9.45 

For more information/news/event please visit  website / Facebook Page

Down Sure Start Referral Form