The purpose of ConnectParent is to increase the capability and confidence of parents of children during the critical first 1000 days of life, from conception to age two.
The program matches parents with a volunteer community connector, who assists them to connect with the support they need in the Benalla community, such as antenatal care and early childhood and parent resources.
ConnectParent builds on Tomorrow Today’s successful Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP) program, which supports more than 80 per cent of Benalla parents with children aged 0-5 years.
Tomorrow Today Executive Officer Jodie Fleming said its volunteer connectors helped parents-to-be and new parents give their children the best start to life.
“We’re looking for people who have a caring and compassionate nature, are willing to learn new skills and are interested in supporting local families to thrive,” Ms Fleming said.
Natalee Plum joined the ConnectParent program as a Community Connector in June 2024.
As a Benalla resident for more than 20 years, and a nurse, she was an ideal candidate for the role.
“I attend PEEP with my young son, and when Rachael, the PEEP co-ordinator, asked me if I’d consider being part of the program, I was happy to give it a go,” Natalee said.
She participated in the ConnectParent training and was paired with Rebecca, a young mum who recently moved to Benalla and didn’t know anyone.
Natalee and Rebecca meet face-to-face regularly, but also text and call to keep in touch.
Community Connectors receive 14 hours of training, with a focus on active listening and other skills they will need to assist the family or individual they are paired with.
Volunteers will receive regular contact from the ConnectParent supervisor and will be able to attend refresher training and debriefing with other Connectors.
“Knowing that I have Rachael and Janene to fall back on if I have any queries or concerns has been really great,” Natalee said.
“There's someone else there that takes control if it does get too much, but that hasn’t been the case for us.
I've loved being a Community Connector. I think they matched me with the perfect person because we're pretty much just like good friends now.”
Rachael Heywood, ConnectParent supervisor at Tomorrow Today, said the old saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is really true.
“Everyone needs that connection, but for many families they don’t have extended family or a network of friends to support them in Benalla.
“Our Community Connectors help those families to build their village, they become part of their support network. It’s such a beautiful role to play in someone’s life.”
Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Community Connector can contact Janene Humphries on 5762 1211 or via janenehumphries@tomorrowtoday.com.au
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