Start Together
Nurturing Early Development, Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships
Start Together is a short-term, structured program designed to support the early development of children aged 0-5 years. It provides a dedicated space for parents and caregivers to reflect on their child’s growth, while also exploring their own parenting strengths, values, experiences, and goals.
Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, where foundational skills and behaviours are established. Positive experiences during this time—such as a nurturing family environment, opportunities for learning, and strong social connections—can significantly impact long-term outcomes.
For families facing stress and challenges, parenting can sometimes feel like navigating a boat through stormy seas. Family Support Network’s services act as a guiding light, offering support and a safe harbour where you can take refuge and receive guidance on how to steer through these challenges. Our child and family practitioners are here to help you understand your child’s development and how life circumstances may influence it.
We can help with nurturing strong parent-child relationships, building confidence in managing daily routines, encouraging positive child behaviours, and promoting learning through play.
Start Together incorporates the Parents as Teachers program, a comprehensive parent education model for families. This program enhances parents’ understanding of early childhood development, helps detect developmental delays or health concerns, promotes child safety and wellbeing, and fosters early learning and school readiness.
Who do we support?
- Families, parents, and caregivers of children aged 0-5 years living in the Lismore area.
- Expectant families (prenatal).
- Foster and kinship carers.
- All families – we embrace diversity and inclusivity.
- All cultures – we provide culturally safe services to culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
- Parents and caregivers seeking to enhance their understanding of child development.
- Parents and carers facing challenging circumstances.
What support can we provide?
- A welcoming, respectful, non-judgmental, and child-friendly environment.
- Assistance in building strong parent-child attachments and relationships.
- Identification of relevant community services and facilitation of referrals.
- Practical, easy-to-apply strategies and tools for everyday use.
- A commitment to strengthening families to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children.
- A trauma-informed and strength-based approach to support families.
- Focused, outcome-driven goals tailored to the individual needs of children and families.
What might this look like?
- Meeting with a Child and Family Practitioner to identify individual and family strengths, set outcome-focused goals, and create an action plan.
- Accessing compassionate, confidential emotional support.
- Receiving practical guidance on your child’s development, health and wellbeing.
- Gaining information about local community services that may be helpful.
- Learning about child development and strategies for promoting wellbeing.
- Discovering ways to strengthen parent-child attachment and relationships.
- Receiving easy-to-implement, practical strategies and tools for everyday parenting.