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3a Stapleton Avenue Sutherland NSW 2232

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Are you a new mum
Looking for some support at home?

The Orana Early Support mission is to improve the quality of life for families with newborns and young children and to build a healthier local community.

Need support at home?

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Need support at home?

Are you looking for some practical and emotional support at home? The Early Support Service might be for you.

The Orana Early Support Service is a successful home visitation support and counselling service for Sutherland Shire families. The program has been running since 2005 and is currently funded by the Department of Communities and Justice under the Targeted Early Intervention program

Who is eligible?

The Early Support Service is available for:

  • Families residing in the Sutherland Shire
  • Families with at least one child aged 0-3
  • Parents who are experiencing social isolation
  • Single parents
  • New migrant families
  • Families with multiple births
  • Parents who are experiencing postnatal depression and/or anxiety
  • Parents experiencing mild mental health issues
  • Defence Force families
  • Women who have experienced domestic violence
  • Families experiencing financial hardship
  • Parents experiencing relationship issues
  • Parents struggling with adjusting to parenthood
  • Young Parents (18+)

Support on offer

The support you will receive under the Orana Early Support Service is via our trained volunteers. You will be matched with a trained volunteer who will support you in home for one day a week, between 2 – 4 hours on that one day.  You can also access free in-home counselling sessions if you are experiencing anxiety, depression or just need counselling support for your general wellbeing.

 

 

Group of smiling people

The support you will receive under the Orana Early Support Service is via our trained volunteers. You will be matched with a trained volunteer who will support you in home for one day a week, between 2 – 4 hours on that one day.  You can also access free in-home counselling sessions if you are experiencing anxiety, depression or just need counselling support for your general wellbeing.

Examples of support provided to parents by trained volunteers:

  • Watching the kids while the mother takes a nap and/or shower.
  • Take the mother and child out on a picnic, playground etc.
  • Play with one child so mum can have time with other children.
  • Emotional support.
  • Positive role modelling
  • Assistance with appointments.
  • Extra pair of hands while doing the grocery shopping.
  • Respite for parents who are constantly around their children.
  • Provision of resources for Mum and family if needed.
  • Linking with local Mothers groups or other services.
  • Encouraging Mum to open up about her struggles.
  • Holding the newborn so Mum has a break from contact.
  • Supporting Mum with sleep settling routines (if asked for by Mum)
  • Social support.
  • Meal preparation together and/or watching and entertaining children while Mum prepares meals.
  • Watching and entertaining children while Mum completes any admin and/or contacts family or friends.

Who will help me?

You will be matched and supported by a trained volunteer.

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COPAC – Challenges of Parenting Adult Children

You will be matched and supported by a trained volunteer.

The volunteer you are matched with will support you in home on one day a week, between 2 – 4 hours on that day.

All Orana Early Support Service volunteers undergo a comprehensive screening including:

  • Application Process
  • Police Checks
  • Working With Children Checks
  • Full day of training with the program coordinators
  • Completion of Contract
  • References contacted by program coordinators

Referral Process:

Referrals are generally received from health and welfare workers, professionals in the community or a worker currently engaged with the family. However, Early Support welcomes both self-referrals and referrals from other organisations, Child and Family Health Nurses and many more.
REFER NOW

Or email earlysupport@oranansw.org.au for a soft-copy

Group of smiling people
Referrals are generally received from health and welfare workers, professionals in the community or a worker currently engaged with the family. However, Early Support welcomes both self-referrals and referrals from other organisations, Child and Family Health Nurses and many more.
REFER NOW

Or email earlysupport@oranansw.org.au for a soft-copy

Period of service

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Period of service

Families who sign onto the program will receive support for up to 12 months, free. Please note to be eligible for the service you must reside in the Sutherland Shire and have at least one child aged 3 or under.

Testimonials

“Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to meet my wonderful Orana family. Now my children are older, and they are independent-I have the time to give back.. To be able to spend my time to help & support a young mum in our community has brought me so much love and filled my heart. Also, to have the honour of listening & passing on some thoughts/ideas that may help when mum feels overwhelmed is wonderful. I am blessed to get such warm cuddles & smiles from the children and to have a face light up when I come to the door melts my heart. I look forward every week to talk, share, laugh & sometimes, to even be a shoulder for a tear or two. I love this wonderful program which benefits both the giver & receiver, and I hope my mum knows through all of this she is doing an amazing job!!!”

Early Support Volunteer

“We cannot put into words how grateful we are to have the support from the Volunteer from Orana Support program. I wish more people know about it as it has such a tremendous impact on our lives. After a cozy first interview with the coordinator from Orana, we were matched with a wonderful woman. She helped us through the hardest time with our newborn twins, supported us emotionally, gave us valuable advice and shared joy of raising babies. She has become like a family to us, and our babies love her like their auntie. In fact, she is the closest person to them after their parents. Which is amazing because all our family is abroad. Her kindness truly makes the world a better place. We would highly recommend all young parents who has no support from their family to reach out Orana Support.”

Early Support Family

I’d like to Volunteer

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I’d like to Volunteer

Looking to support a new Mum in the Sutherland Shire?

This service would not be possible without our volunteers. To become a volunteer with the Early Support Service, Coordinators will provide you with an application form. If you are successful you will be part of a full day of training that needs to be completed prior to being matched with a family.

I'm Interested in volunteering