Peer Support

Become a Childminder

nicma childminding peer support groups and ‘drop in’ centres

Childminding Support & Buddy Groups and ‘Drop-in’ Centres provide a support network to childminders who work in isolation and offer a range of activities including

  • Social activities
  • Training
  • Guest Speakers
  • Support
  • Advice and sharing of information.

Support Groups

New faces will be made very welcome. If you are interested in attending your local Group, please use the relevant Group contact or the NICMA staff member as detailed below to confirm specific dates, venue and times of meetings.

 

Belfast Trust

Group Contact
East Belfast & Holywood Buddy Group
North & West Belfast Buddy Group
South Belfast Buddy Group
Jane McKibbin
Childminding Development Officer
028 9181 1015
jane.mckibbin@nicma.org

SOUTH EASTERN Trust

Group Contact
Aghalee & Ballinderry Buddy Group
Bangor Support Group
Marquis Hall, Abbey Street, Bangor
Colin Support Group,
Christ the Redeemer Parish Hall, Lagmore
East Belfast & Holywood Buddy Group
Hillsborough Buddy Group
Lisburn Buddy Group 
Lisburn Drop-In
Ards and Comber Buddy Group, 
Downpatrick Buddy Group
Fiona Clendinning
Childminding Development Officer
0783 773 4825
fiona.clendinning@nicma.org

Western Trust

Group Contact
Enniskillen Support Group
Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen
Fiona Scallon Farrell
028 6632 5823
Londonderry
Shantallow Sure Start Drop-in & Support Group
Joanna Legg
Childminding Network Co-ordinator
0775 981 6933
joanna.legg@nicma.org
Omagh (Wee Folk Drop In)
Omagh Early Years Centre
Jackie Crawford
028 8224 6254
Derry Buddy Group
Omagh Support Group
Limavady Buddy Group
Strabane Buddy Group
Maria Magee
Childminding Development Officer
0773 975 3187
maria.magee@nicma.org

SOUTHERN Trust

Group Contact
Newry/South Armagh Drop-in Centre
Pond Field Community Centre, Bessbrook
Lynda Griffin
028 3083 7160
Portadown
Blossom Sure Start Drop-in & Support Group
Katie Turkington
Childminding Network Co-ordinator
0774 777 1271
katie.turkington@southerntrust.hscni.net
Armagh
Arke Childminding Drop-in
Arke Surestart, Armagh
Michelle Grant
Childminding Development Officer
0773 817 6199
michelle.grant@nicma.org
Banbridge Support Group
Scarva Street Church, Banbridge
Olive Magill
028 4062 4253
Dungannon Support Group
Ballysaggart Complex, Dungannon
Grainne Scullion
028 8774 9171
Kilkeel Support Group
Surestart, Seashell Centre, Kilkeel
Grainne South
028 4173 7702

Northern Trust

Group Contact
Cookstown
G-old Sure Start Drop-in & Support Group
Tina McKeown
Childminding Network Co-ordinator GOLD Sure Start
028 8676 9994
tina.mckeown@nicma.org
Carrickfergus Buddy Group
Larne Buddy Group
Newtownabbey Buddy Group
Susan Anderson
Training & Development Manager
02891 246045
susan.anderson@nicma.org
Antrim Town Support Group
Training Room, ASDA
Lisa Williamson
0771 542 0644
Causeway Buddy Group
Mount Fern Complex, Coleraine
Magherafelt Buddy Group
Ballymena Buddy Group
Clare McKay
Childminding Development Officer
0773 975 3188
clare.mckay@nicma.org