Ķekava to launch free support programme for new parents
From September 2026 to January 2027, Ķekava municipality will run a free programme called “Being Nearby and Growing Together” for expectant parents and families with young children. It includes 15 sessions combining practical guidance with peer support.
Starting this autumn, Ķekava municipality will host a new emotional support and non-formal education programme called “Being Nearby and Growing Together,” running from September 2026 through January 2027. The initiative is organized by the association “Partnerība ‘Daugavkrasts’” with funding from the Ķekava municipal government, aiming to strengthen the community of young families, reduce parental isolation, and support parents' emotional wellbeing.
Who can join
The programme is open to expectant parents and families with children up to two years old. Priority will be given to families registered in Ķekava municipality, though parents from neighboring municipalities and Riga may apply if spots remain available. Participation is free, but the number of places is limited, so advance registration is required.
What the sessions offer
Over five months, 15 regular sessions are planned at the Ķekava Culture House, with up to seven or eight families attending each meeting. Topics will include child development, sleep and crying, play, breastfeeding and complementary feeding, as well as recognizing and managing parental emotions and setting boundaries. Each session will also include time for getting acquainted and sharing experiences, aiming to build a lasting support network among parents in the municipality.
The programme will be led by a certified parental emotional support specialist with more than five years of experience working with families and parents of young children.
Expected outcomes
Organizers hope to involve at least ten unique families and record at least 120 attendances across the 15 sessions overall. The programme is expected to boost parents' confidence in their skills, improve emotional wellbeing, and encourage new connections and greater involvement in the local community.
