New mums and dads across the Mornington Peninsula will soon have better access to early parenting support in a state-of-the-art facility, with construction starting on a new Early Parenting Centre (EPC).
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today turned the first sod on the multi-million-dollar project, located at 185 High Street in Hastings.
The new centre has been carefully designed to create an environment where families can feel safe, comfortable and at home. It will have 10 residential family units and four day-stay places, providing short-term and longer stay programs to improve health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes for children.
EPCs offer specialised and targeted support and advice for families with babies and toddlers up to four years old. This includes help with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.
Sleep and settling is one of the biggest challenges facing new parents and about half of the parents who attend EPCs report problems with their child's sleep. Difficulties with sleep can lead to post-natal depression, stress and can affect a child's behavioural, mental and physical development.
The Allan Labor Government is investing more than $185 million to expand our network of 13 Early Parenting Centres across the state, including a dedicated Aboriginal Early Parenting Centre in Frankston, upgrades to Noble Park and Geelong, and five brand new centres in Wyndham, Whittlesea, Casey, Ballarat and Geelong.
Once completed, the new and upgraded centres will provide support to more than 5,000 families each year - ensuring more families with babies and young children can get early parenting support closer to home.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"The new early parenting centre in Hastings will mean new mums and dads across the Mornington Peninsula can access the support and advice they need, closer to home."
"Bringing a newborn into the world is a joyous but also challenging time for any family - that's why we're investing in centres across the state to provide that vital support for parents and carer."
As stated by Member for Hastings Paul Mercurio
"We know how important sleep and settling a new baby is for the wellbeing of parents and siblings. This centre will help guide local families through this stage in a safe, inclusive and comfortable space."
As stated by Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
"The new Early Parenting Centre will be easily accessible and support young families across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula during those early years of parenthood."
