Parents to have their say on vital services

Parents with children aged five and under are invited to attend a series of meetings to share their thoughts on what services they would like to see in the region.

The meetings will be hosted by yourtown - a trusted provider of services for young people, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing, long-term unemployment, prevention of youth suicide, child protection, as well as support for those experiencing domestic and family violence.

Meeting sessions will be held in North Lakes on February 28, Deception Bay on March 1, and Caboolture on March 2.

yourtown Service Development Manager Ann Chandra says this will be an opportunity for parents to have an open conversation.

“The yourtown team based at Deception Bay is active in many local community events with a focus on connecting families with the services they need. But this project will be a bit different. It’s about developing a long-term strategy for the direction of our early years services here in the Moreton Bay Region and in other locations around Australia,” Ann says.

“We can only do that if we listen to what parents with young children really need.

“We know the first five years of a child’s life are the most critical years for their physical, emotional, psychological and social development.

“Our hope is that parents of young children can tell us what’s working well for them and their children, and where they see gaps in the services that are important to them.”

Parents will need to book quickly, with only 12 places available at each 90-minute session.

Ann says “participants will receive a $50 voucher (one per family) in recognition of their valuable contribution”.

“But it’s first come first served, so registration is essential,” Ann explains.

Parents with children aged five and under who are interested in attending should email servicedesign@yourtown.com.au by Monday February 27 to secure a place.

Ann hopes to see lots of new faces come along.

“Parenting is one of the most difficult and rewarding things you will ever do. This is your invitation to share your experience as the parent of a young child to build better services for other parents into the future,” Ann says.

“You’re welcome to bring your children - we’ll have an experienced worker on hand with snacks and activities to keep the kids entertained while you share your ideas.”

Servicing the community

yourtown has an office located at 219 Deception Bay Rd, Deception Bay.

Ann says a number of services are available for the community when they need them.

“The Moreton Bay Region has a range of child and family services delivered by many wonderful organisations. At yourtown in Deception Bay we offer the Young Parents Program, Expressive Therapy for children, Mind4Kids (mental health counselling support for children aged up to 11) and the Starfish program (mental health support for children and young people up to 18),” Ann says.

“Call yourtown Deception Bay on 3888 0758 for a chat with one of our friendly team members.”