Free first aid classes and more as part of parenting programme in Laois

Free workshops and talks will be taking place across Laois

Published 5th Sep 2026, 13:00 BST Events will take place across libraries in Laois. Free workshops and talks will be taking place across Laois Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

The annual Parenting Support Programme will return to libraries across Laois this month.

The Parenting Support Programme for 2026 will be delivered in Laois libraries with support from Children and Young People's Services Committees (CYPSC). As part of the programme, talks, workshops and activities will be delivered by facilitators and library staff.

The programme aims to provide parents with simple and practical strategies to help build healthy relationships with their children.

It is designed to empower parents, caregivers, and professionals with the tools and confidence needed to support children’s wellbeing and development.

The programme will begin this September and will be open to everyone, including parents and caregivers, healthcare professionals, teachers, special needs assistants and anyone else who works with children and young people.

The programme will address a variety of subjects, including mental health and wellbeing, tips and techniques for encouraging literacy and media literacy, parents First Aid and more.

24-hour Midoc service needed in Laois as it’s ‘almost impossible’ to get GP Among the events planned, the youth mental health charity, Jigsaw, will host an informative library talk for parents and highlight the services available to them at Portlaoise Library on Thursday, September 10 at 6pm.

At this event, people can learn how to support their teenager, recognise warning signs, and access free advice. Jigsaw will explain their confidential supports and how to start conversations about mental health, as well as how to access help locally and online.

A particularly helpful event will be held in Mountmellick Library on Tuesday, September 15 at 11am which will focus on first aid. Parent First Aid is Ireland’s leading provider of paediatric first aid training for parents and carers of children. In this two hour class, you will learn essential life-saving techniques enabling you to act quickly in the event of a family medical emergency.

Other events taking place in Laois include an online safety talk in Mountrath Library on Thursday, September 17 at 10.30am and Stradbally Library on Wednesday, September 30 at 10.30am.

Portlaoise Library will also host a hands-on workshop about the importance of recycling on Saturday, September 12 at 10.30am.