ABC Start Right
We are a community-based programme that supports parents and caregivers of young children by providing practical, evidence-informed programmes that strengthen family relationships and promote children’s healthy development. We work in partnership with local services across Limerick.
Who we are
We are a prevention and early intervention programme for parents and children in Limerick city. You will find us in community spaces, Early Years services, preschools, schools, direct provision centres, family hubs, and at conferences and events. We are part of the national, Tusla-funded Area-Based Childhood Programme, and are managed locally by Limerick City Partnership.
What we do
Our main goal is to help children have the best possible start in life. To achieve this, we support parents, families, educators, and everyone who works with young children, from pregnancy through school age. We design and deliver a wide range of programmes, workshops, activities, and events for parents, children and professionals across Limerick city.
- Antenatal and postnatal workshops
- Parenting workshops & programmes
- Home-based supports
- Online supports & resources
- Parent & toddler groups
- Parent & child programmes
- Events for parents & children
- Creative play therapy
Tailored training, modelling, mentoring, resources and small groups and class-based supports for:
- Early Years educators
- Primary school teachers
- Frontline professionals working with children and families
- Early Years Education
- Infant Mental Health
- Communication development ('Little Voices' Speech & Language Therapists)
- Parenting
- Families in Homelessness
Everyday love, attention, and encouragement make a big difference in a child’s growth and development. Making parenting the most important job in the world.
Quick, practical tips for supporting a child’s growing brain and development, focusing on easy‑to‑apply ideas you can use every day. Made with busy mums and dads in mind, so you’ll come away with simple ways to help your little one learn, bond and thrive through everyday moments like play, conversation and responsive care.
Singing rhymes and simple songs with your little one can be more than just fun playtime — it helps with language development, connection, and early learning in a way that’s easy to do every day. It’s relaxed, positive, and perfect for busy parents looking for simple, enjoyable ways to support their child’s early development.
Babies’ and young children’s early emotional and social development begins before birth and grows through everyday interactions with the people who care for them. This video is a gentle, easy‑to‑understand look at why early relationships matter so much for children’s wellbeing and future learning. Perfect for busy mums and dads who want to support their child’s emotional growth.
This programme helps early years educators build secure, supportive relationships with children. Grounded in attachment theory, it guides educators to understand children’s emotional needs and respond in ways that promote confidence, resilience, and wellbeing. Through reflective practice, educators create nurturing, emotionally responsive spaces where every child feels safe and supported.
This workshop helps early years educators and managers celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen inclusive practice. Through reflection and shared experiences, participants explore ways to support children’s identity, belonging, and inclusion. The programme also provides a practical tool to help educators understand and respond to each child’s unique needs.
The ‘Learning to Talk’ series is a playlist of over 20 videos for helping all adults to support children’s early communication development. There is also a separate playlist of five bitesize YouTube shorts that are 30 to 50 seconds long. The ‘Learning to Talk’ series is designed by HSE Speech and Language Therapists in Partnership with ABC Start Right, Limerick.
If you would like to learn more about ABC Start Right, please contact Maya.
ABC Start Right Unit 26 Tait Business Centre, Dominic Street, Limerick, V94 WY42
Phone: 061 419388
Email: mdafinova@limerickcitypartnership.ie
