AS A mother and child and family welfare professional, I know first-hand the importance of the early years in a child’s life.
Maternal and child health services are critical to ensure children are meeting their developmental goals, that they are well and thriving, and that families have the support they need to give their children the best start in life.
If elected to council, I will deliver a three point Maternal and Childhood Health Plan that will:
• Uncap the number of free maternal and childhood appointments (currently capped at 10), and increase support for families experiencing vulnerabilities
• Expand outreach maternal and childhood health appointments into people’s homes, and provide easier access to more of the services new parents need
• Establish free playgroups so that children, parents and families can better connect with each other and the community they call home
Currently, maternal and child health nurses offer 10 appointments at key life stages, but too often families, and especially mums, need support outside of this regimented approach.
My plan will deliver flexibility to the council delivered service so that nurses can deliver additional appointments when babies and children have unique challenges that need extra support and advice.
By uncapping the number of free appointments, people’s incomes won’t dictate their ability to get the care, guidance and support they and their children need.
In-home maternal and childhood health support: Too often in the early days of parents, families need all the support they can, but our current maternal and child health system doesn’t offer them the flexibility they need. By delivering additional in-home appointments, we can deliver the healthcare and support where its needed most.
Free playgroups: Interaction, socialisation, exposure to new sounds, smells and activity are key to helping young brains develop. But too often there aren’t enough playgroups for young children.
The Bass Coast is a fantastic place to live but with a growing population we deserve better access to maternal and child health, and mental health services, and more access to quality, affordable childcare for all families.
Caitlyn Robertson, Candidate for Bunurong Ward