LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, Joins Family Carers Ireland Caring Employers Programme

Pictured from left to right are Trudi McHugh, Clinical Nurse Specialist, LauraLynn; David Sisk, Staff Nurse, LauraLynn; Emma McLoughlin, Volunteer Coordinator, LauraLynn; Karen McCullagh, Senior Manager Carer Engagement, Family Carers Ireland; Denika McEvoy, Family Liaison and Respite Coordinator, LauraLynn; and Anne-Marie Carroll, Director of Nursing, LauraLynn.

Monday, 22 June 2026: LauraLynn has today announced that it has joined Family Carers Ireland as a member of Caring Employers, which supports organisations to build inclusive and supportive workplaces for employees with caring responsibilities.
 
The programme is designed to help employers better recognise, understand and respond to the needs of the 1 in 9 people in the workforce who are caring for a loved one with additional needs while also managing their career. Through best practice guidance, practical supports and tailored recommendations, the Caring Employers programme helps organisations create workplaces where family carers feel recognised, understood and better supported.
 
Supporting employees who are carers is about creating a workplace where caring responsibilities are recognised and properly understood, and where staff are supported to balance their role at work with the realities of life at home. For employers, that means stronger staff retention, greater loyalty and a more inclusive workplace culture. For carers, it can make the difference between feeling overlooked and feeling able to continue in work with confidence.
 
As part of the programme, Family Carers Ireland will work with LauraLynn to develop best practice recommendations for a carer-friendly workplace and provide practical, real-world support for staff with caring responsibilities. This includes tailored webinars and events, one-to-one support through Carer Clinics, and guidance for employers on workplace policies and entitlements, including Carer’s Leave.
 
A focus group with LauraLynn employees, carried out as part of part of the programme, highlighted the emotional strain, stress and isolation that can come with balancing work and care. It also underlined the strong commitment of family carers to remain in employment and the positive impact that employer recognition can have in helping staff feel seen and valued. 
 
Lauri Cryan, Head of Human Resources, LauraLynn, spoke about the programme: “As Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, we understand the realities many families face when caring for a child with complex needs. We also know that many of our staff are family carers themselves and how challenging it can be to balance work with responsibilities at home. Becoming a Caring Employer formalises our commitment to listening, understanding and providing practical support where possible. We look forward to working with Family Carers Ireland to support its mission of care and advocacy.”
 
Karen McCullagh, Senior Manager Carer Engagement, Family Carers Ireland, said: “By becoming a Caring Employer, LauraLynn is sending a strong message to its staff that carers matter and that their contribution both at work and at home is recognised. Supportive workplaces can make a real difference to carers’ wellbeing, job retention and financial security.”
 
LauraLynn joins a number of companies including Irish Life and Canada Life, Bank of Ireland, Irish Rail, SETU (Carlow and Waterford), Lidl Ireland, Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, An Post, Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine, AIB, Tesco Ireland, Grant Thornton, Mercer, HSBC and PwC as members of the Family Carers Ireland Caring Employers programme.

About LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice
 
LauraLynn is Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice providing palliative and hospice care and support for children (0-18 years) with life-limiting conditions and their families from across Ireland.
 
LauraLynn provides a range of services including symptom management for children, music and play therapy, psychological support, family and sibling camps, short breaks, bereavement support, crisis and End of Life Care. Care can be availed in our specialised hospice in Leopardstown, in hospital, in the community, or in the family home, depending on the location and medical needs of the child and the family’s preference.
 
LauraLynn’s Dublin Community Team currently provides care and support to children and families in their homes in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth. The team based in Mallow looks after families in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford and South Tipperary while the Ballinasloe Community Team offers services and support to children and families across Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, North Tipperary, Sligo and Clare.
 
LauraLynn also undertakes research into the relatively new area of children’s palliative care. LauraLynn care is provided free of charge for children and families.
 
LauraLynn relies primarily on fundraised income to fund its hospice services.
 
Since opening in 2011, LauraLynn has supported over 1,000 children and their families, including siblings, parents, and grandparents.
 
LauraLynn also has a Disability Service – Hazel House – which supports children with complex disabilities and their families and Willow View which supports adults with complex disabilities.