Maroubra parents and carers of young children will soon have access to a new voluntary support service designed to help improve their families’ future, thanks to the Parent Pathways program.
Starting from November 1, Workskil Australia, the largest not-for-profit employment services provider in the country, will operate Parent Pathways across various locations, including Maroubra. The program aims to offer tailored support to parents and carers of children under the age of six who are not currently in paid employment. This new initiative replaces the mandatory ParentsNext service.
Tailored Support for Families
Parent Pathways provides a wide range of services to help parents overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, whether they are personal, parental, or related to education and employment. According to Nicole Dwyer, CEO of Workskil Australia, the program addresses specific challenges that parents face, such as language barriers, literacy issues, financial difficulties, and the need for stable housing or childcare.
“Parent Pathways is a really practical initiative which helps participants overcome obstacles to reach their personal, parental or career goals,” Ms Dwyer said. “It’s about empowering participants, who might not have other support networks, and helping equip them to be the best they can be – for themselves and their children.”
The program will also connect families with health services and provide financial assistance where needed. Participants will receive direct support to pursue education, training, and employment opportunities if that aligns with their goals.
Who Can Participate
To be eligible for Parent Pathways, participants must either be receiving a Parenting or Carers Payment or Special Benefit, or meet other criteria such as being a First Nations parent, an early school leaver, or aged under 22. The program is designed to be inclusive, with a strong focus on cultural diversity and understanding individual needs.
Workskil Australia will create Parent Centres in communities like Maroubra, where parents can access the support services in a welcoming and safe environment. These centres will also allow parents to bring their children along while they connect with the available resources.
“We’ll be creating vibrant, welcoming Parent Centres where parents and carers can come along, with their children, and feel comfortable to learn, connect and grow,” Ms Dwyer added.
Flexibility and Community Impact
Unlike its predecessor, the ParentsNext service, Parent Pathways is voluntary. This means that participants can leave the program at any time without any penalties and return when they are ready. The program also promises flexibility in participation, so that parents can take breaks if needed.
Workskil Australia is set to recruit 25 new staff members to help deliver the program across its various locations. These new positions will largely benefit locals in regional towns and areas like Maroubra, where the program will be active.
Workskil Australia has been a leading provider of employment and community services since 1982 and operates in over 67 locations across the country. Their aim with Parent Pathways is to create a supportive and accessible network for parents in need of assistance, giving them the tools to build better futures for their families.
The program will be available across multiple suburbs in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, with a strong focus on delivering locally relevant solutions to meet the needs of each community.
Published 23-Oct-2024