Gerald Lynch
New parents throughout Whittlesea are being given a helping hand, with a new early parenting centre in South Morang officially opening its doors.
Designed to feel like a home away from home, the centre will support families with children up to four years of age, giving them the advice and care they need, like support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.
Centre acting manager and director of Anna Seabom said having this centre in Whittlesea provides accessible care for parents all across Melbourne’s north.
“Parents can expect to be cared for by dedicated and caring health professionals who will work alongside them to achieve the changes they are hoping to make,” she said.
“These services are delivered through our Day Stay, Residential (four night stay) and Telehealth programs.
“The Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre (EPC) strives to support happy, healthy, safe and thriving babies and toddlers by promoting the parent-child relationship, and equipping parents with strategies to achieve their parenting goals. We recognise that the health and wellbeing of the primary caregiver, and whole family is vital to children’s development and outcomes.“
The Whittlesea EPC, which is delivered in partnership with Mercy Health, is just the third in the state and Ms Seabom emphasised the importance of these types of facilities.
“EPCs provide much needed support to parents experiencing challenges in their parenting journey and help build parenting capacity through the care and guidance offered by experienced staff,” she said.
The residential family units are designed with flexibility in mind and support different family structures.
