Sydney Hope Family Cottage - Infant and Parent Support

Sydney Hope Family Cottage delivers an Early Parent Support Program for families with children aged from birth to two years and is staffed by Registered Nurses with postgraduate qualifications in areas such as Midwifery and Child and Family Health.

The program addresses issues such as:

• Specialised early parent support for mothers especially with breast feeding
• Feeding and settling routines in infants
• Sleeping patterns
• Parenting skills & confidence
• Parental health needs
• Enhancing parent/child relationships
• Provision of information and referrals to other services.

This program operates from Monday to Friday.

Home visiting services are available within a reasonable distance. Families can self-refer to the cottage or may be referred by their Health and Early Childhood Nurse or General Practitioner.

Fees

The fees for the clinic are competitive (NB – the fee can be negotiated in cases of low income or special circumstances). If you are in a private Health Fund, you may be eligible for cover. Please enquire at the time of referral as to whether your health fund covers this service.

Playgroups

The Father’s and Children’s Playgroup

The Infants’ Home has created a space for fathers to play with their children, learn parenting skills, and to meet other dads on a Saturday. The play group is held at The Infants’ Home. It is jointly facilitated by participating fathers and an early childhood educators. Guest speakers attend and speak on topics such as infant health and development.

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am with a short break during the Christmas period.

Fees

The fathers assist with fundraising to support the playgroup.

The Red Bug: Stories, activities and play in the park.

A playgroup on Monday mornings (during school term) 10:00am – 11:30am (except public holidays).

This playgroup operates at Ashfield Park (near the play equipment) in partnership with Ashfield Council. It is suitable for all ages between six months until school entry. In case of wet weather, call 02 9799 4844.

Fees

Free of charge, sponsored by Ashfield Local Council.

EveryDay© Parenting Programs

EveryDay© Parenting Programs – Playgroups & Parenting Courses

The Infants’ Home recognises that every parent benefits from support in raising children, so the EveryDay© Parenting Program has been designed with parents and children in mind – to help give each child and parent every opportunity.

Parenting Programs

The Infants’ Home offers parenting courses run by experienced and trained facilitators to help equip parents in raising their children. Programs are held each term, on evenings or during the day, depending on demand.

Topics are highly relevant to families and help parents grapple with the challenges of parenting. The courses introduce a range of skills and techniques to manage the changing needs of children as they grow and develop.

Fees

Fees may apply depending on the course.