The report emphasises the huge level of need which exists within the canal communities’ area. It identifies that ongoing effective communication with residents needs to be established in order for services to successfully address parents’ needs. In this report a model is proposed in which services and residents work in partnership to ensure the effective flow of information within the Canal Communities Area. It is expected that if this model is adopted it will inform strategic planning and service development. In addition the issues raised will be brought to the attention of policy makers.

The initial discussions for this work focused on whether, the supports on offer were helpful and meeting the needs of children and parents. Through the research, parents and children have enlightened services to the complexity of the issues impacting on family life, that can prevent or make it difficult to access supports including parenting support programmes. The key learning from this research identifies the importance of taking families needs into account when designing support programmes for parents and children. This poses particular challenges in the context of a changing economic climate.