Neighbourhood Hub Launches Early Connections Program To Support Local Families

The Neighbourhood Hub, a leading community centre in Mackay, is proud to announce the launch of its new Early Connections Program, designed to support families in the Andergrove and Beaconsfield areas in accessing essential early childhood education, health, and developmental services.

The program, funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Education, will provide increased pathways and connections for families experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantage during the critical years leading up to school age. With a strong focus on early intervention, the Early Connections Program will help ease the transition from home life to early education, while also offering a wide range of parenting support, health checks, and developmental guidance.

Sophie Townson, Early Connections Program Coordinator, expressed her excitement about the new initiative, emphasising the program’s holistic approach to family support.

“I’m excited to offer this program and create a safe space where families can find the guidance and resources they need,” Sophie said.

“The Early Connections Program is about more than just providing information - it’s about building relationships and supporting families to overcome barriers.

“Whether it’s through connecting with education and health services, gaining support through playgroup, or helping to arrange health checks for their little ones, we want to ensure every child is supported during these pivotal years.”

The Early Connections Program aims to remove the common barriers many families face when accessing essential early childhood services. By strengthening links between families and local service providers, the program ensures families can access the support they need for positive and lasting outcomes in their child’s early development.

The Neighbourhood Hub is reaching out to organisations and community groups to help spread the word and refer families in the Andergrove and Beaconsfield areas who may benefit from the program and receive personalised support and resources tailored to their unique needs.

“We understand that families experiencing vulnerabilities often need extra help navigating the various services available,” Sophie added.

“Through our Early Connections Program, we aim to simplify that process, providing a central point of contact and ensuring that families are connected to the right resources as they embark on their journey of early childhood development.”

The Early Connections Program offers a range of services, including:

   • Access to early childhood education pathways: Connecting families with local early learning centres, kindergarten programs, and school readiness initiatives.
   • Health and developmental checks: Ensuring that children’s health, social, and emotional development is on track before they start school.
   • Parenting support services: Offering advice, weekly playgroups, and resources for parents to help them navigate the challenges of raising young children.
   • Referral services: Helping families access other community services, including mental health support, housing, and financial assistance.

To refer a family to the Early Connections Program, please contact Sophie Townson at The Neighbourhood Hub at sophiet@tnhub.org.au or phone (07) 4957 2626.

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The Neighbourhood Hub has launched the Early Connections Program in Andergrove and Beaconsfield to support families with access to early childhood education, health services, and parenting support, aiming to improve outcomes for children in their critical developmental years. Photo supplied

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