More awareness needed on help available with childcare costs

 

A Foyle MLA has said more must be done to raise awareness about the help available with childcare costs.

Sinéad McLaughlin (SDLP) made the comments following a visit to  the Minding Mum Social Café in Derry.

Ms McLaughlin said: "Minding Mum is a fantastic organisation that does so much for parents, especially women, in our city.

"I was very pleased to attend their Social Café , where participants engaged with a wide range of organisations including representatives from Employers For Childcare, who were on hand to discuss the extra support that is available for some parents with the costs of childcare.

“Time and again, we have heard that not enough parents know about the help that is available with childcare costs from the government. While I will continue to lobby for universally affordable and accessible childcare, it is imperative that we do everything possible in the meantime to ensure that as many parents as possible are aware of the help that is available.

"I have previously lobbied the Department of Education to deliver an awareness raising campaign regarding the help that can potentially save some families a significant amount of money. Unfortunately, they have not stepped up to the mark on this and the Department has failed to adequately realise the impact that this could make for thousands of parents across Northern Ireland.

 “I would encourage every parent to avail of Employers For Childcare’s Family Benefits Advice Service and take advantage of their impartial and free advice.”