General News
18 August, 2023
Parenting program gets new home
Parents who need help with settling, sleep, feeding, development or behaviour issues in infants have a new go-to centre in Nhill. West Wimmera Health Service’s Hindmarsh Day Stay and Positive Parenting Program, which supports families with any...
Parents who need help with settling, sleep, feeding, development or behaviour issues in infants have a new go-to centre in Nhill.
West Wimmera Health Service’s Hindmarsh Day Stay and Positive Parenting Program, which supports families with any parenting issues that arise with their baby or toddler, has relocated to a new dedicated building at 79 Victoria Street, Nhill.
The full-day program, led by specialist staff including midwives and early parenting practitioners, allows families to get one-on-one support, guidance and tips on any parenting challenges they’re facing in a nurturing environment that mimics all the comfortable elements of home.
West Wimmera Health Service CEO Ritchie Dodds said the new building had been purposely set up away from clinical spaces in a residential-style building, complete with bedrooms, cots, toys, bottle sterilisers, a kitchen, a bathroom and a lounge area.
“The idea is to practise parenting techniques and strategies in a space that feels just like home so that once they’ve gained all the skills and tips that the program offers, they can feel confident in transitioning back home and continuing to apply all they’ve learned,” Mr Dodds said.
The program was previously delivered at the Nhill Early Learning Centre, where Millie Roll was just one of the parents who considered it a positive experience.
"We got so much out of it," Ms Roll said.
"Our practitioner was a wealth of knowledge, taught us about wake windows and gave us so many tips to help our baby develop a positive and healthy sleep routine.
"It was great to be able to go through a whole day with the practitioner being there for every feed and nap.
"It gave us the space and time to really practise the techniques there and then.
"The program is a massive asset and valuable service to our area.
"People in metropolitan areas spend big money for access to these services so to have one close to home is amazing.
"Living regionally, you sometimes feel isolated and unsure where to go for support and resources, so to have programs such as this available is truly incredible."
For more information and to book a place in the program, contact the early parenting practitioner on 0448 906 100 or email hindmarshdaystay@wwhs.net.au