Kids First Finalist in the Victorian Early Years Awards (VEYA)

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If your life or someone else’s is in immediate danger, call the emergency services for support.

Mental Health

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue is an Australian independent non-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses.

Suicide Call Back Service

Suicide Call Back Service is a nationwide service providing 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a non-profit organisation that provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support service in Australia.

MensLine

MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service offering support for men.

Families and Children

Child Protection

You should make a report to Child Protection if you have formed a reasonable belief that a child has suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect and their parent has not or is unlikely to protect them from harm of that type.

Parentline

Parentline is a statewide telephone counselling and support service for all Victorian parents and carers of children from 0-18 years.
Experienced social workers, psychologists and family therapists can give you counselling and information around a wide range of parenting issues.

Kids Help Line

Kids Helpline is a service for young people to call anytime, for any reason.

Women's Crisis Line

DVConnect’s Womensline is a free helpline for women and their children in Queensland who are experiencing domestic and family violence.

WA Women's Domestic Violence 24h Helpline

A list of crisis support helplines for those experiencing family and domestic violence.

LGBTIAQ+ Support Services

QLife

QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

Family Violence & Sexual Assault Support Services

1800RESPECT

1800RESPECT is a national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.

The VEYA celebrates excellence across nine award categories, and Kids First has been recognised in the Supporting Parents to Build Their Capacity and Confidence category. This category highlights the incredible work being done to empower families, parents, and carers, acknowledging their role as the most important educators in a child’s early development.

Kids First’s Early Help Hubs: Finalist in the Supporting Parents to Build Their Capacity and Confidence Category

Kids First’s Early Help Hubs, developed in partnership with City of Whittlesea, Mitchell Shire Council, Whittlesea Community Connections, Bubup Wilam, DPV Health, and FamilyCare, have been recognised for their impact in the community. These hubs were co-designed with local families in Whittlesea and Mitchell Shire – two rapidly growing areas facing socio-economic challenges, such as higher-than-average rates of family violence and mortgage stress.

The hubs offer a comprehensive model of care, providing early intervention services and resources that focus on building parent resilience and confidence. With a range of supports including specialist services, workshops, and group programs, the hubs aim to foster safe and nurturing environments that improve family functioning, social connections, and financial literacy.

Since their inception nearly two years ago, the hubs have made a significant impact. Evaluation by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute shows promising results, with families reporting increased awareness of available parenting resources, a greater willingness to seek support, and a better understanding of their needs as parents. The hubs are making a tangible difference in the lives of families, helping to ensure that parents have the tools and confidence to support their children’s development.

What’s Next?

We are incredibly proud of this recognition and the meaningful work being done through our Early Help Hubs. As we await the announcement of the winners on 7 November 2024, we celebrate this milestone and the dedication of our partners and the communities we serve.

Stay tuned as we continue to share updates on our journey with VEYA and the inspiring stories of early childhood professionals across Victoria!

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