Strengthening Community Support: Launch of Traveller-Specific Videos to Enhance Parents Plus Early Years Programme (PPEY)
We are delighted to announce the successful online launch of a series of Traveller Specific Videos developed to complement the Parents Plus Early Years Programme (PPEY) as part of our Tusla Traveller Project. This important development represents a collaborative effort to better engage and support parents from the Traveller community through culturally relevant and empowering resources.
The Parents Plus Early Years Programme offers practical and positive parenting support to families with young children. Delivered through a strengths-based facilitative model, the programme equips parents with skills to support their child’s development while recognising their unique strengths and challenges. As part of a Tusla-funded project, the programme is delivered in local areas by trained Family Link Workers, many of whom come from within the Traveller community themselves, and who are further supported through mentoring and training.
The PPEY programme, which comprises fourteen individual topics, was praised at the launch for its flexibility, where the delivery format can be in a group setting or individually delivered to parents in their homes.
To enhance the accessibility and relatability of the PPEY programme for Traveller families, four powerful new videos have been created by the Donegal Traveller Project, with input from Tusla and Parents Plus. These videos offer a deep and authentic insight into the lived experiences of Traveller parents, as well as the strength and resilience that exist within Traveller families.
The videos include:
- A parent testimonial video, where Traveller parents share their experiences and the real benefits they gained from attending the programme.
- A video that highlights both the strengths of Traveller families and the specific challenges and needs faced by Traveller parents.
- A professionals video, featuring contributions from Tusla, Parents Plus, and Traveller parent and family link worker advocates.
- A facilitation video, showcasing Traveller Family Link Workers delivering the PPEY programme in their communities.
The online launch event in October 2025 was well attended by a broad mix of stakeholders — Traveller parents, Family Link Workers, service managers, and representatives from Tusla and Parents Plus. The enthusiasm and engagement at the event reflected the strong commitment to improving outcomes for Traveller children and families through culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches.
These new videos serve several important purposes:
- Training Tool: They provide invaluable resources for Family Link Workers and professionals in understanding culturally appropriate delivery methods and the unique context of Traveller families.
- Promotional Resource: The testimonial and facilitation videos can be used to promote the programme to prospective parents, offering reassurance and encouragement from voices within their own community.
- Empowerment and Representation: By showcasing Traveller families in a positive, strengths-based light, the videos help challenge stereotypes and foster pride and self-belief among parents.
- Sustainability and Accessibility: As digital resources, these videos can be easily accessed and integrated into ongoing training and delivery efforts, ensuring the programme remains dynamic and responsive to the community’s needs.
At its core, Parents Plus champions a strengths-based approach, aiming to empower parents in their roles and create supportive environments for young children to thrive. These Traveller-specific videos not only align with that mission, but they elevate it—by ensuring Traveller parents are seen, heard, and supported in a meaningful way. .
This launch marks a significant step forward in inclusive practice, community-led delivery, and building trust within the Traveller community.
The videos are available to all trained PPEY facilitators in the members area of the Parents Plus website.
Wendy Taylor has thirty years’ experience in adult education and working with children and families. In addition to her role as ‘Family Services Manager’ in a Family Resource Centre she is also an Adult Educator with the Education Training Board, where she specialises in Early Childhood Care and Education. Wendy is a Parents Plus trainer and supervisor, with extensive experience in facilitating the Parents Plus Programmes.
