Better Futures Local Solutions Wyong LGA Helping Young Parents & Supporting Jobless Families Measures NEWSLETTER

- NOVEMBER 2013 GOOD NEWS STORIES

I would encourage you to take a minute or two & read the stories of some of our Helping Young Parents & Supporting Jobless Families participants in the Wyong LG A their achievements simply amazing no matter how small they are taking steps t owards a better future for themselves and their families Single Dad aged 21years with 2yr old daughter has taken over full care of the ch ild with support from his Mother & Sister since his daughter was 12months old. Dad has employment with a local manufacturer for 76 hours each fortnight & his l ittle one in approved Long Day Child Care three days a week. Dad is such a dete rmined participant in our Helping Young Parents Measure and is keen to provide f or his little girl in every possible way. A very dedicated young Dad whose moti vation is infectious. Dad is in stable accommodation currently near his family and wishing to enhance his skills by undertaking a Certificate III Construction/Carpentry Course throug h TAFE. TAFE has been fantastic organising an appropriate course for our custom er along with support from his current employer to enable him to undertake his s tudies while working. There is a possibility also the customer may be eligible for a grant of up to $1000 to assist with Course Cost and Tools. After a lot of juggling and team work between TAFE, the Better Futures Solutions Team DHS Centrelink and the customer s employer the outcome is life-changing for our customer. An excellent result for not only our customer but the future of h is little girl a budding member of Australia s Future Workforce.

Customer attended SJF Workshop Mum with four children partner on DSP Blind Pensi on who suffers from depression & alcohol issues. Customer trying to keep the fa mily together with very little family support. Guest Speakers from the Benevole nt Society & TAFE at the Workshop sparked interest in the customer s mind to seek further assistance. Carers Allowance was discussed and appropriate referrals ma de on the day to assist the Mum. Customer keen to link with Communities for Chi ldren Programs in the area along with furthering her own studies through the Rea ching your Destination Program (TAFE). Our very emotional customer was very tha nkful for the support & assistance given on the day unaware of the services in t he local area. SJF Customer (stay at home Dad with partner suffering post-natal depression)atte nded SJF Workshop and disclosed outstanding fines with State Debt Recovery - Wor k Development Orders were discussed during the workshop by the BFLS Team along w ith other appropriate themes. Customer stayed back after workshop with PSO requ esting more information around paying his fine to be able to get drivers licence again and then hopefully return to work. A face to face interview was organised through SDR and LCTW at The Entrance for the following day. The customer was extremely grateful for the support & assistance given. The customer has been str uggling to pay the outstanding debt of $1000 customer was advised by State Debt Recovery because he had attended the interview with SDR at The Entrance Centreli nk they would work with him to reduce the debt and he could now apply again for

his licence

a very happy customer

keen to seek employment in the near future.

19yo HYP customer who was attending DALE Young Parent Program Wyong recently had her second child and planned to return to the program soon after as she didn t wa nt to miss out on her studies. Customer advised the program has changed her lif e, given her the confidence to be a better Mum for her young children. An SJF customer was contacted for a pre-interview phone call. She advised that s he was going to a University Open Day at Ourimbah to find out about Open Foundat ion Course as she hoped to study Nursing in the future. Customer was advised abo ut the Reaching Your Destination Program through Hunter TAFE and was appropriate ly referred to consider her study options through TAFE and make the best choice with all the information available to her. When the customer attended her face t o face appointment she advised attendance at the University Open Day and had als o been contacted by the Reaching your Destination Staff. Customer decided to enr ol at TAFE and was very happy with her decision as she will complete a Nursing A cute Care Course by the end of 2013 an excellent outcome. An SJF customer advised she was struggling to save the bond required for her chi ldren to attend childcare. Customer advised she could not afford to study throug h TAFE especially if she needed additional childcare. She was advised about PES/ JETCCF/CCR and the fact that if she was studying 15+ hours that she could access up to 50 hours of childcare. She mentioned that her car registration had just b een paid and this had left her short financially, Customer had been going to her mum s for meals because she could not afford food. She requested advice when her next payment was due as she wasn t sure if it would be enough to cover the bond an d she didn t want her girls to miss out. When advised her payment was quite consid erable, as her family reconciliation payment had gone through, she started to cr y. She said that she was overwhelmed and was very thankful. Her little girl look ed worried that her mum was crying but she let her know that mummy wasn t crying b ecause she was sad but because this time she was very happy. Our customer said t hat things were changing for the better and was very grateful saying that she d pr obably cry again when she told her mum the good news . An SJF customer attended the WOW Course through TAFE and was keen to enrol in fu rther study, hoping to work in the Pathology field. She appeared very confident customer and her son were very well presented. The customer then told her story - she was sleeping rough, either at the beach or on someone s couch, when she fou nd herself pregnant approximately 2 years ago. When her baby was due she attende d Wyong office as she didn t have anything ready, no capsule, pram etc and had hit an all- time low. She was then referred to the Case Co-ordination Team at Wyong Service Centre. The customer became teary as she advised everything turned aro und that day. In addition to accessing practical items she was referred to a loc al service provider from whom she receives ongoing support. As part of her WOW C ourse she is doing Events Management and is arranging an event for carers throug h a local service provider going ahead in leaps and bounds an excellent outcome for a very thankful customer. An SJF customer was sent to Lake Haven Intensive Services Site as she wanted ass istance with the preparation of her resume. Early in the interview she was in te ars saying that she couldn t spell or write very well. She was referred to a Liter acy/Numeracy Course through TAFE and a warm hand-off completed with the LEAP Pro gram at Blue Haven Community Centre. By the end of the interview the customer w as looking forward to starting her TAFE Course and as it happened became a volun teer the smile on her face said it all. One SJF customer attended subsequent SJF appointment. Upon checking customer s de tails noted she had previously been referred to the Reaching Your Destination Pr ogram through TAFE. Customer advised she has successfully completed her Certifi cate II Course and keen to further her studies to complete Certificate IV level. Customer advised she was keen to gain these qualifications and then would be ab le to seek work as soon as possible. Customer very thankful for the assistance extended to her.

Customer has two small children and suffers from depression. Neither children ar e in daycare as she could not afford same. Customer would like to study and get her life on track. She was referred to a local service provider; handed (after d iscussion) a list of Child Care providers and contact was made with the Child Ca re Centre of her choice. The Child Care Centre (after hearing her story) agreed to waive the Bond and also advised her that if she gets a letter from her servic e provider they will give her the first 13 weeks childcare for free. Customer ca lled to the Intensive Services Site at Lake Haven to advise everything was going well and thankful someone had taken the time to sit and listen to her plight an d now she has hope for not only her own future but her childrens future. SJF Customer attended appointment and was on the phone when called for interview at local Centrelink Service Centre. Customer was talking to a provider about do ing a Beauty Course which was going to cost in excess of what she could afford e ach week. She was upset as the organisation wanted her to sign up then and there - she was worried about the cost, the cost of childcare etc. At the time of the interview TAFE were offering a fully funded course in Hair, Beauty and Business . The course had 4 places left. TAFE was contacted and customer was accepted int o the Course the customer was extremely grateful. Customer presented with daughter who has undergone number of medical tests to de termine the cause of her unknown medical issue that is affecting use of her legs . Costs for these tests and transport to & from medical appointments to ensure these tests are undertaken becoming harder to afford. The customer was quite di stressed and not sure where to turn. Customer was referred to Case Co-ordinatio n along with Communities for Children and a list of local welfare agencies to as sist the customer with daily expenses to try and free up extra funds. The young mum was relieved and grateful for the support as she was totally unaware of the services able to assist her in the interim. Single mum with 4 children aged 3-10yrs. Eldest child has major anxiety which is impacting on family. Child is seeing a paediatrician and psychologist. Mother i s called to the school on a regular basis and is already concerned about partici pation requirements even though youngest child is only 3yrs old. Discussed futur e participation requirements and also advised about Carer Allowance. Customer t hankful for the support extended.

Customer attended SJF Workshop Mum with four children partner has medical condit ion visually impaired - suffers depression and customer trying to keep the famil y together with very little family support. Carers Allowance was discussed and appropriate referrals made on the day to assist the Mum. Customer very thankful for the support & assistance given unaware of the services in the local area. SJF Customer (stay at home Dad with partner suffering post-natal depression)atte nded the workshop and disclosed outstanding fines with State Debt Recovery - Wor k Development Orders were discussed during the workshop. Customer stayed back a fter workshop with PSO requesting more information around paying his fine to be able to get drivers licence again and then hopefully return to work. A face to f ace interview was organised through SDR and LCTW at The Entrance for the followi ng day. The customer was extremely grateful for the support & assistance given . The customer has been struggling to pay the outstanding debt customer was advi sed by State Debt Recovery because he had attended the interview with SDR at Cen trelink they would work with him to reduce the debt and he could now apply again for his licence. Young mum recently separated attended interview with daughter, six months old. M um found herself living back at home and is socially isolated customer did not a ttend her first appointment but was contacted about coming in for an interview & reassured her there was nothing to be scared about. Mum attended and was still visibly upset over the breakdown of her relationship with daughter s father. When

discussing her options for study (not compulsory until Feb 2014) she became nerv ous but also excited. Young Mum interested in Dale Young Parent Program and Trai ning Programs & attending Better Futures HUB & DHS Mobile Bus Day at North Wyong in late November. Young mum was also referred to the ACORN Project, and other l ocal service providers. She really wants to move out and get a place of her own. She also mentioned that she had her L s but her father gets frustrated with her w hen giving lessons appropriate referral undertaken for driving lessons. The youn g mum said she had no idea that there was so much support from Centrelink and th e local Community. An SJF customer attended subsequent SJF appt. Upon checking her record customer had previously been referred to Reaching Your Destination Program through TAFE. Customer completed Certificate II Course & is keen to further her studies to co mplete Certificate IV level. Customer advised she was keen to gain these qualifi cations to be able to seek work in the future. Customer very appreciative of ass istance offered.

THE STORIES ARE ENDLESS A VERY REWARDING EXPERIENCE TO SEE CUSTOMERS BRIMMING WITH CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM AND SHEER DETERMINATION TO SUCCEED FOR THEMSELVES & THEIR FAMILIES.

Supporting Better Futures for Families The Australian Government Mobile Office is coming to the Better Futures HUB 2 Amy Close North Wyong on Thursday 28 November 2013 Open from 9.00am-3.00pm We invite you to attend our Service Provider Information Day. Come along and find out about the Government and Community Services Services Available on the day include: Better Futures Local Solutions TEAM for Children Programs) Financial Information Service Indigenous Services Officer Australian Hearing Medicare E-Health Dress for Success Job Centre Australia Salvation Army Employment Plus Benevolent Society (Communities DALE Young Parent Program Wyong ET Australia Family Referral Service LEAP Project Lighthouse Early Learning Centre TAFE Central Coast Womens Health

Interviews and Workshops will be conducted for Helping Young Parents & Supportin g Jobless Families participants along with information readily available and sta ff to assist by all providers present on the day.

Community Description The Better Futures Hub is an innovative place-based solution that maximises oppo rtunities for economic and social participation of young parents and jobless fam ilies in the north of Wyong Shire. BFH supports young parents and jobless familie s in this region to participate in pathways from early childhood education to tr aining and development within one central facility. Partners include Betters Futures Local Solutions Local Advisory Group, Youthconn ections.com.au, St Phillips Christian College. ET Australia, Lighthouse Early Le arning Centre, Henry Kendall Group and Benevolent Society. Funded by the Australi an Government Department of Human Services under the Better Futures, Local Solut ions initiative. Opportunities are being created for Wyong locals thanks to the Better Futures, Local Solutions initiative. CURRENT/FUTURE COURSES THROUGH ET AUSTRALIA - BETTER FUTURES HUB ET Course 20 Cert 28 9 December Australia August October III I Duration Business in Business 2013 2013 Childrens -BSB10112 18 4 9 BSB30112 December April Services 2014 2013 CHC30712 + Work Experience LAKE HAVEN INTENSIVE SERVICES SITE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES CENTRELINK The DHS Centrelink Better Futures Locals Solutions Team operate from Lake Haven Intensive Services Site undertaking Interviews & Workshops within the Wyong LGA. Interviews are conducted across Lake Haven, The Entrance & Wyong Services Cent res & Blue Haven Community Centre. Workshops are conducted within the Community including Blue Haven Community Centre, The Entrance Community Centre, Wyong Chi ld & Family Services, the Better Futures HUB and other community locations withi n the Wyong LGA. We re here to support and enhance family wellbeing to best suit individual needs t hrough appropriate referrals to local community providers. Other staff on site at the Lake Haven Intensive Services Site include the Commun ity Team Leader, PSO, ISO, CEO, MSO, Community Support Team and other DHS Staff.

Achieving realistic outcomes for participants under the Helping Young Parents & Supporting Jobless Families Measures within the Wyong Local Government Area. T he journey for each participant is evolving each day.... a very rewarding experi ence to be a part of the change no matter how small in these people s lives.

PROGRAMS FOR HELPING YOUNG PARENTS & SUPPORTING JOBLESS FAMILIES PARTICIPANTS WI THIN THE WYONG LGA DALE Young Parent Program Wyong The Dynamic Alternative Learning Environment Young Parents Program is a campus o f St Philip s Christian College Gosford administered by St Philips Christian Educa tion Foundation. The DALE Young Parents Program is an alternative education prog ram for the Wyong LGA as part of the Federal Government s Helping Young Parents In itiative to support school aged young people who have had or are expecting a chi ld. The people who are working to deliver this program include St Philip s Christ ian College Gosford (the school responsible for the educational program), Wadalb a Community School (provision of facilities at Wadalba Community Centre), Youth Connections Program Staff (for community networking and support) and Federal Gov ernment (providing Communities for Child Funding through the Benevolent Society) . Aims: DALE Young Parent Program aims to provide a program that will:

Give young parents and expecting teen mothers the opportunity to continue their education in an environment that is comfortable and informal, supportive of thei r particular needs and also conducive to learning Enhance chance of gaining employment or undertaking further study Support them in all areas of their lives, enabling them to pursue their educatio nal and employment aspirations Support the young parents in developing their parenting skills by interaction wi th community service groups and with assistance from the qualified staff in the crche. Build a network of support agencies and community service providers to enable st udents to access a range of services that meet their needs Provide quality childcare for the babies and young children of the students, bas ed on Christian beliefs, values and practice, in a nurturing and loving environm ent. The program offers daily activities designed to enhance the physical, emot ional, social & intellectual development of the children attending the Creche. 2013 Term 4 8/10/2013-6/12/2013 DALE Young Parents P rogram Wadalba Currently there are 20 Young Parents enrolled in the DALE Young Parent Program a t Wadalba these young mums have grown in self-confidence and have formed friends hips with other young mums along with social interaction for their own little on es cared for at the crche on site. The transformation has been amazing participan ts have advised the program has assisted them to achieve life skills, budgeting, and learning day-to-day skills. All participants relay the same story about fe eling comfortable talking to each other and friendships being formed without any judgement. LEAP Local Employment Access Project Blue Haven Community Centre LEAP towards employment Learn and train locally LEAP over the challenges that ge t in the way Anyone living in the Wyong LGA who would like to LEAP into employment we are loc ated at Blue Haven Community Centre. What will it be like if I come to LEAP? * We will listen to you and your story * We will always treat you with genuine respect as a member of our community * You and your children will be welcomed into a relaxed friendly place * Our conversations are confidential and we will always check with you before co ntacting other services on your behalf for help and advice What can we offer? * Individual support including face to face and over the phone * Help with making your way through the maze towards employment and training * Connecting you with local services inside and outside Blue Haven * Linking you with community activities, projects and events What can I do? * Learn and train locally * Discover your potential and how to reach your employment goals * Help plan great activities for your community eg markets, gardens, family fun days * Get to know others and share your experiences at a Coffee Link Mini Caf morning * Enrol in a TAFE Course * Join a group run by other organisations like Womens Health, Schools as Communi ty Centre, Wyong Child & Family Services * Meet the DHS Centrelink Better Futures Local Solutions team for a workshop or interview (eligible participants) * Visit a Job Service Provider * Come along to a resume preparation workshop * Give children and babies a great experience in the on-site crche (some activiti es only)

* Find out about becoming a LEAP Volunteer Contacting LEAP at Blue Haven Community Centre, Apsley Court Blue Haven Phone: 4390 0897 and speak with Holly (Case Co-ordination) or Margot (Community Programs) Butterfly Sessions at Blue Haven Community Centre

The Butterfly is a symbol of change, hope, maturity & happiness The LEAP Project in conjunction with Woy Woy Women s & Children s Service will be ho lding Butterfly Sessions commencing 31 October 2013 each Thursday morning for si x weeks from 10.30am-12.30pm in the Dolphin Cottage room at Blue Haven Community Centre. Topics Covered over the six weeks include: What is Domestic Violence, The Cycle of Abuse, The Myths and Facts around Domes tic Violence, What is an AVO and the process used to apply for AVO s, What is Emot ional Abuse and Brainwashing, What is a Healthy Relationship, Making Boundaries, Self-Esteem, The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children and Parenting Issues , Supporting yourself and Ways to Move On. All enquiries please phone Woy Woy Women & Childrens Service on 4340 1052 or Hol ly Thomas at LEAP on 4390 0897 BLUE HAVEN COMMUNITY MARKET DAY Saturday, 16 November 2013 TAFE Hunter Institute Programs Wyong LGA Skills for Work Project - Wyong LGA Local Solutions Funded Program 2013 Toukley Public School/Budgewoi Public School Supporting Jobless Families Measure The purpose of the Grant is to deliver TAFE courses including Certificate II Ski lls for Work & Training in Community Sector and Certificate III in Education Sup port, that will be delivered in identified schools in the north of Wyong. These courses will be delivered in conjunction with local pre-schools, primary a nd high schools and will target parents of school students who are presently un employed under the Supporting Jobless Families Measure, to promote access to wor kforce and employment opportunities both within schools and the community. An onsite creche for the young children of participants will be provided at no c ost. Courses currently running include: Certificate III in Education Support Program at Budgewoi Public School with 19 p articipants all enjoying the interaction with other participants and a will to s ucceed. Certificate II Skills for Work & Training in the Community Sector will be commen cing in January 2014 Referrals are made directly via the Schools and through Supporting Jobless Famil ies Interviewed conducted by Department of Human Services Centrelink across the Wyong LGA. Hunter TAFE in conjunction with DHS Centrelink administer the referr als process. A Taste of TAFE Program Support Jobless Families Measure Exploring Work Options & discovering pathways to employment & Training through a TAFE Taster Program conducted at Blue Haven Community Centre. Training is broke n down into four week blocks with rolling enrolments with a range of career oppo rtunities studying courses such as Fitness; Childrens Services; Community Servic es; Business; Computing; First Aid & Hospitality

Held on Thursdays over 40 week period form 9.30am-2.30pm - Program commenced 21 February 2013 Training is conducted in a relaxed and friendly environment by qualified and exp erienced teachers

Reaching your Destination Program Helping Young Parents & Supporting Jobless Fam ilies Measure Reaching Your Destination is a mentoring program through Hunter TAFE assisting p articipants with education; linkage to childcare; student & support services; le arning new skills. Through the program participants are entitled to a place in a course at Certificate II level or above with help and assistance from a Studen t Support Officer. This program is a Hunter TAFE Initiative to support participa nts to achieve their chosen study outcome. A Student Support Officer can help participants to: Find a course Prepare for a course Arrange your own transport Arrange your own childcare Get help on campus with study Learn new skills Student Support Workers from TAFE attend Supporting Jobless Families Workshops c onducted across the Wyong LGA outlining their services and programs to prospecti ve course participants. The Reaching Your Destination Program through Hunter TAFE assists participants w ithin the Helping Young Parents & Supporting Jobless Families Measures within t he Wyong LGA. For further information please contact 4923 7995 or email: ryd@tafe.nsw.edu.au

Skills for Tomorrow Young Parent Program Helping Young Parents Measure Skills for Tomorrow Young Parent Program is a Hunter TAFE Program for Teen Paren ts. This program involves a minimum Certificate II qualification with relevant C ertificate III units mapped to local job opportunities. This program is delivered in the Community and provides Crche and transport witha transition to TAFE deliver ed training. The Program is delivered over two days per week for 12 students over two terms. This is a transportable program with two programs running each year (1 2 students in each) and are run in the location where there is the most need. T he programs during 2012-2013 have been conducted at Blue Haven Community Centre & The Entrance Community Centre. These Young Mums have shown sheer determination from the onset many being faced with complex personal issues. Their faces gleamed at their graduation ceremonie s with a sense of pride and foremost a sense of belonging. Friendships have bee n formed and the children of the young mums have benefited from social interacti on with other young children in a safe environment with child care educators. W ith their achievements to date firmly planted in their minds these young mums ha ve been inspired to further their studies their motivation their beautiful child ren. Various Courses have been conducted across the Wyong LGA namely Blue Haven Commu nity Centre & The Entrance Community Centre through the Cert II Skills for Tomor row/Community Services Programs all managed by External Relations and Strategy u

nder the project funding through the National Partnership signed between TAFE, S tate and Federal Government.

Successful Learning Activities for Jobless Families In June two Wyong TAFE Outreach students, Nathan and Jay received Hunter Institu te Kaiyu Encouragement Awards. It has been inspiring to watch the impact of thei r nominations. These prestigious awards have acted as a catalyst for both studen ts. Their motivation to succeed has increased exponentially they now wish to enrol l in multiple courses they are so enthused! They were graduates of the Inaugural Cert II Introduction to Community Service. This course was delivered by partners Wyong TAFE Outreach, Child and Family Serv ice Wyong Shire and Wyong Schools as Community Service. There were 21 enrolments ; 17 course completions; 11 continuing onto higher qualifications; 16 in all are still engaged in training and finally the course saw four nominations to Hunter Institute Encouragement Awards. By anyone s standards that is an outstanding res ult! Wyong Child and Family Services provided childcare and the course was held withi n the school grounds. This place based learning gave participants the feeling of s afety to learn new things and to see themselves as capable learners. The Schools as Community Centre provided a friendly, local and relaxed environment. Some of the participants have said they had not been in a learning environment s ince they had left school many years before. This course successfully addressed barriers to learning and participation that we often see, such as childcare issu es, cost, and transport issues. Trainers adept with engaging tentative learners were mindful of learning readiness of participants and adopted strategies to ens ure participant success. Coordinator Dr Penny Newson said. The partnership between the organisations was strong and very effective. A few s trategies that were implemented from the outset guaranteed its success. Clear ro les and responsibilities of partners were outlined, excellent communication stra tegies were put in place and a joint can do attitude guaranteed success. The best part is witnessing the sense of esteem of participants emerge. They now ha ve an image of themselves as successful learners ; they know what it feels like t o be in a classroom and to win at something that previously they had not thought was possible . Dr Penny Newson .Trainer Quotes from parents who participated in the course: The course helped to bridge the gap between being an unemployed person with small children trying to find their way back into further learning and work. It helpe d me to realise new opportunities and skills in a warm friendly community enviro nment Jay is a single parent of three small children. She is currently completin g a Cert IV in Business Administration and is an active community volunteer. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Cert II gave me better work-related skills, like wor king in a team, recording minutes. The trainers were great. The learning was bro ken down into small pieces it was relaxed and friendly Nathan. Nathan is now comp leting a Cert III in Children Services Nathan has a partner and three small childr en. It just was the best six months to start me back into learning it got me enthused Mi randa has one child and is now doing a Cert II in Community Welfare. I didn t know if I had the ability to do it it s all about confidence. It was a toe in t he water to more study. You have to be a certain type of person to want to make o thers lives better. I was inspired to hear of people s life stories and what brings them together to work in their Community. It s all about belonging Natalie is on t rack to complete a Cert IV in Community Services .She is a single of 3 boys TAFE Outreach Courses are free and cater to isolated communities. The courses ar e unique in that they address barriers such as lack of transport and childcare n eeds. Outreach programs provide access points so adults can re-enter education. They can develop skills that lead to employment and develop pathways of study in

a We in es

range of programs to gain and enhance skills necessary to find work. are now offering our second Cert II to support families in the Wyong LGA. Aga promising outcomes are on the horizon. These courses have had limited financ but exceptional outcomes.

CURRENT COMMUNITIES FOR CHILDREN PROGRAMS 2013-2014 (The Benevolent Society has been funded by the Australian Government to manage the Wyong Shire Communities for Children Projects)

Wyong Child & Family Services The ACORN Project (mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow) The ACORN Project supports local parents who are not in paid work to create and work towards individual goals for themselves and their families. Working closel y with our ACORN Family Support Facilitator, families can choose to participate in all or part of a nine week program called NURTURE or to gain help in accessin g a range of support services available in the community. The aims of the ACORN Project are to: Build on each individual s strengths, social supports and resources Improve each child s wellbeing and development Connect with and support families to link with local health services and support agencies Increase each individual s knowledge, experience, life skills and self-determinati on Strengthen each individual s confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to focus on their goals Empower each individual to overcome any barriers identified in the goal setting process Enable participants to connect with other families Assist interested individuals to gain skills, training or education to re-enter the workforce Improve knowledge of parenting skills and children s brain development Provide a stable, positive, stimulating and safe playgroup/crche for their childr en Give families access to early childhood education through supported playgroups & childcare Support through the ACORN Project will run continuously throughout the year. Th e NURTURE Program will operate in school terms, in 10 week cycles, in these thre e community locations Monday Dolphin Cottage & LEAP Rooms Blue Haven Schools as Community Centre Wednesday Gorokan Schools as Community Centre & Friday Wyong Child & Family Serv ices Program 10.00am 2.00pm Supported Playgroup Shared Morning Tea Peer lun ch for parents/ separate lunch for children Life Skills sessions for adults/ear ly education & care program for children The Better Futures Local Solutions Team attended the ACORN end of Term Celebrati on recently. It was a great opportunity to see the outcomes of some of the Team s referrals and share the successes of the participants. Many were very hesitant a bout the program initially but have achieved many varied outcomes. Some have lin ked into upcoming study and, for some, the ACORN program has provided their chil d s first experience of child care. One of the male participants took in some of his Aboriginal artwork and was blown away when the staff wanted to purchase some of the pieces of art. They were so i mpressed with his artwork they are trying to access support for him to showcase his paintings etc.

To date four terms of the Acorn Project have been undertaken in the three locati ons within the Wyong LGA with in excess of 200 participants referred to the ACOR N Program - an excellent outcome. This program encompasses both the Helping You ng Parents & Supporting Jobless Families Measures. For further information please contact ACORN Facilitator 5204 Mary-Anne Exley on 4352

Aboriginal Young Parents Linking Project - Bungree Aboriginal Association Inc. Intensive Family Based Service Bungree is a strong Aboriginal organisation delivering a range of community base d projects including Intensive Family Based Service (IFBS), Community Options & Case Management, Specialist Homelessness Service and Housing Aboriginal Communit ies Program. The Aboriginal Young Parents Linking Project Coordinator will be well supported by the IFBS team to engage with young parents and provide holistic support for t he parents, their children and their families by assisting with access to servic es, support in maintaining engagement in education, support in accessing integra ted culturally sensitive services. The project will develop and maintain access and referral pathways with Centrelink, Young families, Jobless families, Communi ties for Children and Better Futures Local Solutions initiatives. Further information please contact Manager Belinda Field on 4351 0633 or Young Parent Support Worker - Kristie Waters on 4351 0633

Aboriginal Transition to School Project - The Benevolent Society This project will develop strategies and initiatives to engage with Aboriginal f amilies who have little or no prior to school/early learning experiences or appr opriate links with the service system. The program will: Assist and link Aboriginal families with appropriate health screenings, prior to school immunisations, hearing and language development. Assist families to link with transition to school activities at their local scho ols Provide information and resources in culturally accessible formats Support families to develop practical life skills to assist them raising their c hildren Provide support to help parents build confidence in their parenting skills and p rovide information to assist parents to understand their child s development. Please contact Aboriginal Community Worker on 4355 7500 Cassa Hinton for further information

Children In Sport Project (Sport 4 Kidz) NSW Sport & Recreation Sport and Recreation an existing Wyong Shire Communities for Children Community Partner delivering 2261 Kidz Sport. It has also worked collaboratively with othe r service providers to deliver programs including Better Futures Early Intervent ion, FROGS gambling and the Aboriginal Sport program. The Sport 4 Kidz project will build on existing physical activity programs in th e target areas as well as introducing some new ones where there exists a gap. A s well as delivering a range of no cost sporting programs in three areas (northe rn, western and southern), the project will introduce and manage a Sporting gear Exchange . Activities will be held at a variety of locations in the Wyong LGA. Please contact Co-Ordinator Mardi Love for further information on 4362 3184

Early Learning Outreach Project TAFE Children s Services Hunter Institute Ourimbah Campus Early Childhood Centre TAFE is an existing Wyong Shire Communities for Children Community Partner deliv ering Early Literacy Project and Making Music Project. It has also worked collab oratively with other service providers to deliver programs including Young Paren t Skills for Tomorrow, Kids Day Out and Gosford City Reads. The Early Learning Outreach Project will collaborate and partner with other serv ice providers to deliver soft entry free events at eight venues across the Wyong Shire by way of 10X35 minute Early Language and Literacy sessions and 10X35 min ute Music and movement sessions at each site. The project will also include the provision of Musical and Literacy Resource Kits to five selected venues, visits to the local library for two venues, student drama performance at 3 venues, inte ractive training for parents, grandparents and carers (Babes on laps and Languag e and Literacy Training) at five venues and training volunteers and community wo rkers (3 consecutive sessions) in two areas. For further information please contact Manager Celia Hayes or Teacher Jeniene Gr een on 4348 4423 Families and Community Connections Southern Project - Horizons Central Coast Fa mily Services Families and Community Connections Southern will employ a connections coordinato r (based at Killarney Village Central 4 days/week) who s role will include consult ation with communities providing information and referral, recruiting, training and supporting school based volunteers and developing, coordinating and implemen ting appropriate parenting and group programs and services. They will also deliv er two Ready Set Go transition to school playgroups (one Aboriginal specific), R ock Up Ready Transition to High School and Just 4 Families. Onsite crche will be provided for workshop activities. For further information please contact Manager Vivianne Verwey or Connections Worker Julie Bell on 4351 5008 PLAY CAF The Benevolent Society The Entrance/Kanwal Play Caf is soft entry approach which provides a child friendly space for parent s to meet and for their children to learn social skills especially those familie s who may be reluctant to seek assistance through formal avenues of service prov ision.. It also provides opportunities for families to receive information abou t available supports and link with resources and services that operate out of t he community centres. Wednesdays 10 -12 at The Entrance Community Centre & Thursdays 10 12 at Lakeland s Community Centre, Kanwal For further information please contact Manager Rhonda Richardson on 4352 3222

Play Links - Yarran Early Intervention Services Bateau Bay Early Childhood Screening and Education Project for children 0-5 years with or a t risk of developmental delay. Provides parents and childcare workers with info rmation and practical strategies to support children s development. Support to acc ess other relevant assessment or specialist services. The program is accessed vi a Community for Children Early Childhood activities.

For further information please contact Manager Glenn-Marie Wright on 4322 7011 o r 4322 3981 Play Links Support Worker Karen Scott 4332 3981 Young Parents Group CHAT & SANITY - Central Coast Family Support Service Long Je

tty/The Entrance CHAT - Supported Play Group for young parents under 25 years. Meets during schoo l terms. Provides support and opportunity to make friends, learn new skills, gai n knowledge and become more involved in the community. SANITY Chat group for pregnant or young parents under 19 years. Meets during sch ool terms. Provides young parents with the opportunity to meet other mums and d ads in the local area who get what it s like to be a parent as a young person the environment is relaxed and a child friendly space. Transport available to paren ts living in the Wyong Shire area. Lunch provided. Young Parent Groups meet weekly in school terms Mondays 10 am 12 noon at Long Jetty Uniting Church hall, The Entrance Rd (behind the Uniting Church) Fridays 12.00 noon 2.00 pm at Long Jetty Uniting Church hall, The Entrance Rd (b ehind the Uniting church) For further information please contact Manager Amber Gunn or Bec Garnett on 4340 1585 Social Media Project - Central Coast Family Support Service The Social Media project will engage with C4C community partners to develop dedi cated online spaces to ensure that we engage families using forms of media that are familiar and identifiable to different family target groups. Training commun ity partners and other service providers in the Wyong LGA to use effective and a ppropriate social media communication strategies. Central Coast Family Support Services will provide an adaptable online environme nt for young parents and parents to be aged up to 25 years using social media pl atforms to foster and enhance parenting skills. The Social Media Project will a lso develop knowledge and understanding of support services available and method s of access. The Project will be semi-structured and moderated by the Young Parent Social Med ia Project Co-Ordinator to enable young parent involvement, peer-to-peer learnin g opportunities and flexibility tht will suit the demanding lives led by young p arents. Exchange of information will occur through online spaces and communicat ions. For further information please contact Manager Amber Gunn or Emily Bish on 4340 1585 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Project - Central Coast Family Support Servic e The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Project (GRGP), will provide support to f amilies with children 0 12 years of age, in contexts where family issues impact upon children s safety, wellbeing and development. The GRGP will provide integrat ed family case management to assist grandparents in providing long term, stable placements for their grandchildren. Grandparents raising grandchildren will be able to receive a variety of information relevant to their situation and partici pate in group and informal activities that aim to keep these placements long ter m and stable. For further information please contact Manager 1585 Amber Gunn or Sarah Grey on 4340

Play Around the World - Northern Settlement Services Play Around the World is a multicultural supported playgroup program, intended t o provide an opportunity for parents to share experiences of parenting and for c hildren to socialise, play and learn in a structured and positive environment. T his opportunity is particularly provided for culturally and linguistically diver se (CALD) parents and children who may not otherwise attend a playgroup. For further information please contact Natalia Meliendrez on 4334 3877 Creche to support the Young Parent Alternative Learning (DALE) program at Wadalb

a - St. Philip s Christian Education Foundation This program is dedicated to supporting pregnant teens and teen mothers to conti nue their education. DALE offers something different to regular school. Students work independently at their own pace with teacher support. the learning program is being supported by a range of funding sources. C4C is supporting the crche wh ich will cater for children 0-3 years. See DALE Young Parent Program details ea rlier pages of this newsletter for full information about the DALE Young Parent Program relocating to Better Futures HUB at North Wyong in 2014.

ET Australia is a community based not for profit independent organisation that h as been operating on the NSW Central Coast since 1977. ET Australia undertakes a range of community development activity aimed at building a strong, resilient and cohesive community along with provision of services and programs to assist p eople to find and maintain employment. Through Better Futures Local Solutions in the Wyong LGA ET Australia is offering various Training Programs as outlined below at the Better Futures HUB North Wyo ng. This program is funded by NSW State Training Services via the Strategic Skills P rogram for jobseekers, single and teen parents. The Jobseekers, Single and Teen Parents program is targeted at jobseekers. Preferred age group is 17 years- 24 ye ars. Courses Start End Details Date Date Available & Qualification Certificate III in Childrens Services Full Certificate Program Funded by NSW/Commonwealth Government 20/08/13 Available to jobseekers in the Wyong Area 11/12/13 Tuesday/Wednesday + on the job 9.30-2.30 Funded Job Certificate Seeker Program I in Business 16 currently enrolled Statement of Attainment Program Funded by NSW/Commonwealth Government 28/10/13 Available to jobseekers in the Wyong Area 04/12/13 Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 9.30-2.30 CertificateFunded III inJobseeker Business Program 10 enrolled Full Certificate Program Funded by NSW/Commonwealth Government 09/12/13 Available to jobseekers in the Wyong Area 09/4/14 Monday/Tuesday & Wednesday after Christmas + on the job - 9.30-2.30 - Funded Job Seeker Program The program aims to; * provide the primary carer or primary parent (single or teen) with the skills a nd confidence to enter or return to the workforce; * provide jobseekers including young people with the skills to enter the workfor ce or gain a traineeship or apprenticeship; and * provide participants with employability skills, LL&N and mentoring in addition al to units of competency with industry workplace skills.

Reaching out to those in need

Marg Portass Participation Support Officer Department of Human Services - Centrelink Mobile No: 0459 222246 5 November 2013

Wyong LGA