$9m investment will boost the village for South Western Sydney mothers under 25

Young mothers (those under 25 years of age) in South Western Sydney will benefit from a newly announced $9 million investment aimed at improving their long term safety, resilience and wellbeing.

The NSW Government has partnered with the not-for-profit and private sector on a collaboration to provide early intervention services to support pregnant women and mothers under 25 years of age and their children.

Known as Village Connect the program is a hub for parents, with a number of partner agencies including Sonder, Karitane and Uniting NSW.ACT coming together to support young mothers and their children. 

The service integrates three key elements including Sonder’s 24/7 support app which is an easily accessible digital platform for information, as well as personal guidance via chat or phone. The app diverts young parents from crisis situations, with trained professionals available 24/7.

Karitane and Uniting NSW.ACT will match clients with more complex needs to more intensive and tailored supports to address challenges faced by young parents.

Together, these services provide a holistic approach to meet a family’s needs when they arise and as their circumstances change.

The Department of Communities and Justice will work closely with the Department of Education and NSW Health to deliver program outcomes and ensure sufficient wraparound supports are available.

Formally known as the Investment Approach for Social Impact Strategy (IAFSIS), the new initiative aims to improve the lifetime outcomes for young parents and their children, and, if successful, may roll out state wide. 

“It takes a village to raise a child and this initiative is bringing the village together to deliver support to young mums when they need it most,” Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington, said.

“We are collaborating to empower families by giving them the support they need during the difficult early days, so they stay strong, healthy and safe together.”