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Supporting New Mums and Dads Right in Gippsland
Disadvantaged Gippsland families across the state will be eligible for extra parenting help and advice
More Gippsland families facing disadvantage from across the state will be eligible for extra parenting help and advice thanks to an Andrews Labor Government boost for supported playgroups.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing today announced Gippsland families will benefit from a $22.1 million expansion of the Supported Playgroups program, which helps mums and dads improve their skills and gain more confidence in looking after their children.
A widening of the eligibility criteria will result in more Gippsland families being able to access the service, such as those experiencing family violence, breakdown or social isolation.
This additional funding will mean about 1216 families will be able to access a local supported playgroup in Gippsland.
Currently, the playgroups operate in less than half of Victoria’s local government areas, but the expansion means they will soon be available across the entire state.
The program is about improving learning outcomes for families that need additional support, by fostering quality parent-child connections and making the most of the home learning environment.
Playgroups are convened by trained facilitators, who provide specialist training advice as well as referrals to additional services.
It forms part of the Labor Government’s landmark $202.1 million Education State Early Childhood Reform Plan, which is focused on delivering better services to parents with young children, as well as early intervention for kids who need extra support.
The Plan recognises the importance of providing families with strong support in early childhood, so children get the best possible start in life.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos
"Supported playgroups are just one way we’re helping parents build their confidence and skills, meet other parents and create a positive home learning environment."
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:
"Supported playgroups have already helped many local families in Gippsland and other communities across our region – it’s wonderful to know that more parents across Victoria will now be able to access this really valuable service."
LGA | SERVICE | NO OF FAMILIES |
---|---|---|
Bass Coast | Bass Coast Health | 160 |
Baw Baw | Baw Baw Shire Council | 160 |
East Gippsland | Orbost Regional Health | 64 |
East Gippsland | Save the Children | 96 |
Latrobe | Anglicare Victoria | 160 |
Latrobe | Save the Children | 160 |
Latrobe | Latrobe City Council | 96 |
South Gippsland | South Gippsland Shire Council | 160 |
Wellington | Uniting Vic Tas | 160 |
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: support@gippsland.com
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