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Early parenting support boosted for families in South West Sydney
Freya Lucas
Nov 23, 2023
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A new start-of-the-art early parenting centre has opened in South West Sydney, at the newly redeveloped Campbelltown Hospital and run by Karitane, a recognised provider of parenting support services.
The Early Parenting Service has a broad offering including:
- Residential unit: a three-night or four-night service that provides a comfortable and supportive environment for new parents in need of intensive support and guidance. The unit features 19 rooms designed to accommodate families with a welcoming and nurturing environment for everyone. There is also a culturally inclusive space designed to support the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
- Virtual residential parenting service: NSW families who cannot travel to a residential unit or prefer to receive support in their own home environment, can receive a personalised five-day online service with overnight support. This service is available for families across NSW including those who live in regional and remote locations.
- Toddler clinic: tailored support and expertise for families with toddlers navigating the challenges of early childhood.
- Perinatal infant mental health support: specialised care to address the unique mental health needs of both parents and infants.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park officially opened the Karitane Early Parenting Service, which will further enhance NSW family support services during the critical first 2,000 days of a child's life.
The service is co-located alongside Campbelltown Hospital's new and expanded maternity, paediatric, women's health and mental health services, which form key features of the $632 million Stage 2 hospital redevelopment.
Minister Park said the integration of services ensures a holistic and wrap-around approach for all family members, making it easier than ever for parents to receive the care, support and guidance they need during the crucial early years of their child's life.
“More than half, 52 per cent, of all admissions for Karitane's residential services originate from within South Western Sydney Local Health District,'' Mr Park said.
“The opening of the Karitane Early Parenting Service at Campbelltown Hospital represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards providing exceptional support to families, not only in south western Sydney but across NSW.”
Karitane CEO Ms Grainne O'Loughlin said Karitane has been a trusted partner for more than 100 years in parenting for generations of NSW families seeking professional support with their unsettled babies, perinatal infant mental health issues and challenging toddler behaviours.
“In this time, we've seen 30 per cent of all new parents needing professional care, with many requiring intensive residential stays to support their more complex parenting needs,'' Ms O'Loughlin said.
“Our Early Parenting Service will ensure our exceptional care continues for future generations of families.''
South Western Sydney Local Health District Acting Chief Executive Ms Sonia Marshall said the early stages of life shaped future learning, behaviour and long-term health.
“Our valuable partnership with Karitane is allowing us to build a healthier future by providing life-changing care for children and their families in their early years, with the opening of this new centre,'' Ms Marshall said.
For more information about Karitane Early Parenting Services, visit Karitane
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