Supportive Care for New Parents Set to Arrive in Melbourne’s West
New parents in Melbourne’s western suburbs are soon to receive enhanced support with the completion of the inaugural installment among a series of 12 new and upgraded Early Parenting Centres.
Recently, Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne, and Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn Thomas embarked on a tour of the state-of-the-art Wyndham Early Parenting Centre in Werribee, which is poised to welcome parents later this month.
“Embracing parenthood is an awe-inspiring experience, yet it can be equally challenging during those initial months and years. This new centre will offer vital assistance to hundreds of families throughout Wyndham, addressing issues related to sleep and settling, conveniently close to their homes,” affirmed the Premier.
Exquisitely designed to exude a homely ambiance, the facility offers unwavering support to families with children up to four years of age, furnishing them with the guidance and care they necessitate. Services include specialized support for sleep and settling, feeding, and additional care for babies and toddlers with specific needs.
The formidable challenge of sleep and settling confronts many new parents, with nearly half of Victorian parents availing the services of Early Parenting Centres reporting difficulties related to their child’s sleep patterns. These difficulties can culminate in post-natal depression, feelings of isolation, and stress for parents, further impacting a child’s behavioral, mental, and physical development.
The newly minted center boasts ten residential family units and four day-stay accommodations, providing short-term and extended residential programs geared towards enhancing the health, well-being, and developmental progress of children.
The residential family units are thoughtfully designed to accommodate diverse family structures, affording the flexibility to host multiple children or facilitate the inclusion of older siblings, grandparents, or other caregivers during their stay.
This purpose-built center additionally encompasses fully-equipped kitchen and dining facilities, inviting playrooms, and engaging outdoor play areas, all collaboratively delivered in partnership with the Tweddle Child and Family Health Service. This innovative facility promises to become a beacon of support and hope for new parents in the region, ensuring healthier and happier beginnings for families across Wyndham.
