Premier

Telephone Support For More Victorian Families

12 July 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is helping dads, grandparents caring for children, and rural families get free parenting support they need when they’re unable to attend support services in person.

Parents and carers complete a six to ten week program based on readings from a workbook or via online modules and can be supported through weekly telephone calls with a qualified parent support worker.

The service assists parents to build skills and confidence and provides resilience and resourcefulness training support to parents when they need it.

Visiting the Gateway Health service in Wodonga today, Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos, confirmed a $171,000 12-month extension of funding for the service.

Gateway Health delivers a range of health services, including aged care, disability services, relationship counselling, parenting education and support, Cradle to Kinder and Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies.

More than 170 families have already used the program and Gateway Health is currently expanding referral pathways into the program to gain more information on demand for the program.

This investment is in addition to this year’s Victorian Budget 2017/18 that provides $81.1 million to expand the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Line and the Enhanced MCH Service, and fund the expansion of supported playgroups run across Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“We’re ensuring families have the support they need, when they need it, to build loving and nurturing relationships within their families.”

“It’s vital that support is accessible for those who are less likely to participate in face-to-face parenting support services like fathers, rural families and grandparents caring for grandchildren.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“This program is making a real difference in local people’s lives. Gateway Health is a fantastic community organisation that provides great support to families across Northern Victoria.”

Quotes attributable to outgoing CEO Gateway Health Leonard Peady

“This service enables parents to receive parenting support and education via the telephone and is particularly important for those parents who cannot attend centre based programs.”

“The feedback that we’ve received from parents who have completed the program is very positive, and has made a real difference in raising their children.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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