Separation and family changes can be challenging for parents, children and young people. The organisations below provide information, practical guidance and support to help families navigate this time.
Information and support for parents
One Family
Information and support for one-parent families, shared parenting and parents experiencing separation.
- Phone: 01 662 9212 / 0818 66 22 12
- Email: info@onefamily.ie
ISPCC Support Line
Parenting guidance and support concerning family relationships and children's wellbeing.
- Phone: 01 522 4300
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm
Parentline
A confidential listening service for parents who need support with parenting challenges and family life.
- Phone: 01 873 3500
- Email: info@parentline.ie
Treoir
Information for unmarried parents on guardianship, parental rights and parenting arrangements.
- Phone: 01 670 0120
- Email: info@treoir.ie
Mediation and legal information
Legal Aid Board – Family Mediation
Helps parents explore agreements about parenting, children and practical arrangements following separation.
- Phone: 066 947 1000 / 0818 615 200
Citizens Information
Information on family rights, maintenance, housing, social welfare and other practical matters.
- Phone: 0818 07 4000
FLAC – Free Legal Advice Centres
Information about accessing free legal information and advice.
- Phone: 01 906 1010
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 1 pm
Support for children and young people
Childline
Free, confidential listening support for children and young people.
- Phone: 1800 66 66 66
Rainbows Ireland
Peer-support groups for children and young people experiencing grief following parental separation, family breakdown or bereavement.
- Phone: 01 473 4175
- Email: ask@rainbowsireland.ie
Barnardos
Resources and services supporting children, parents and families, including information about helping children cope with family change.
- Phone: 1800 910 123
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 pm
Solution Talk – John Sharry
Parenting resources, including guidance on parenting when separated.
- Email: info@solutiontalk.ie
Support where there are safety concerns
Women's Aid
Confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse, including coercive control and safety concerns during separation.
- Freephone: 1800 341 900
Men's Aid Ireland
Confidential support for men experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control.
- Phone: 01 554 3811
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or 999.
Note for parents and guardians: Every family’s experience of separation is different. Seeking information and support can help parents consider what their child may need during a period of change.
The services listed above are independent organisations. Please check their websites for current contact details, eligibility and opening hours. Rainbows Ireland provides peer support, not counselling or therapy.
Rainbows Ireland – Parent/Guardian Disclaimer
Children in Rainbows Groups may have different experiences of loss, bereavement, or family change. Your child may hear other children talk about situations that are different from their own.
Our trained Facilitators guide all conversations in an age-appropriate and supportive way. Their role is to help every child feel safe, listened to, and respected.
Rainbows is a peer support programme, not a counselling service.