New group a safe, educational space for young parents

The value of a safe place to learn and be supported when entering parenthood cannot be overstated.

IMPACT Community Services holds a weekly group session for young parents or soon-to-be parents to connect with one another and learn from health professionals.

IMPACT’s Positive Start Parenting Team Leader Lesley Allen said this group was aimed at providing support and education for people aged 15-19 years old.

She said information to help the young parents prepare for when the baby arrives without fear of judgement was what the group was all about.

During their first session a representative from Child Health spoke with the group about their new Pepe Pods which they can give to the parents before the baby is born.

The pods are used to enable safe, co-sleeping for parents and new-born babies.

Lesley said the session will not always be held at IMPACT, with the potential to host the group at a local park or café if it is of interest.

The young parents group meets on Wednesdays from 3.30pm-4.40pm to ensure they aren’t missing out on school.

IMPACT can also aid with transport to the sessions should you require it.

For more information about this group phone 4153 4233.

By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya focuses on the power and opportunities which can come from expanding your education.

The power of education and the impact learning has on an individual cannot be understated.

When you study a topic of interest, you’re not only broadening your knowledge, but also building confidence, breaking down barriers and increasing opportunities.

While we are in the information age, the notion that knowledge is power is far from new.

Education has been a part of community for thousands of years; passing on and utilising information has always been crucial to survival and self-empowerment.

It can vary and be relative to the social environment of one’s community, it is vital, nonetheless.

It is also important to recognise that access to formal education is a privilege not afforded easily to everyone, and not suited to everyone’s learning style.

Some people learn visually with diagrams, by watching someone else or through practice. While other’s need to read or hear information in order to comprehend it best.

Regardless of how you learn, expanding your capacity and capability can lead to a sense of self-fulfillment and understanding while opening new career pathways.

Continuous learning also has numerous mental health benefits.

Learning something new, particularly something challenging can reduce stress, be grounding in the moment and create new pathways in your brain.

You may even find a hidden talent or passion.

If you are looking to learn something new, or you have a passion for supporting others, IMPACT can support your learning journey.

At IMPACT Community Services we strive to improve lives daily and for some people we do this through our employment and training services.

One of the programs we run is Community Work Skills, which offers tailored assistance to help Queenslanders over the age of 15 who have left school – other eligibility applies.

Community Work Skills is fully funded by the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

The tailored assistance includes case management to assist building foundation skills; support to complete quality training, job search workshops and one-on-one sessions for resume writing, interviews and job applications.
Training opportunities in aged care, disability, home and community, and hospitality are offered at IMPACT.

For more information head to IMPACT’s website.