IMPACT unveils The Nest's new program for young parents

IMPACT Community Services launched Young Parents Connect, a group for parents under the age of 25, on 9 February at The Nest, Bundaberg’s child and family hub.

From 2 to 3 pm every second Monday of the month, the program is bringing together mums and dads who are freshly navigating parenthood to engage in educational activities with their children.

The program is delivered out of The Nest at 57 Bourbong Street, where IMPACT and partner organisations provide integrated support services.

Sharelle Steinback, IMPACT’s Early Years Team Leader and director of Young Parents Connect, said it concentrates on education and wellbeing.

“It’s family-focused, so the parent looks after the children,” Ms Steinback said.

“We’re incorporating interactive group time where they’ll be doing some singing and story time to bond with their children so they can take that away and practice that at home.

“There’ll be role playing, discussions about sleeping routines, when they first start eating solids, bath time, learning from their peers.”

Ms Steinback said the team is hoping to curb parents’ isolation and fill a critical gap in the community.

“We really want to support these young parents because there isn’t anything out there in the community tailored to them,” she said.

“Outcomes will be building confidence in their parenting, helping resilience, giving them information around what’s in the community and building friendships, which is important for mental health.”

Abigail Bellchambers, an IMPACT Community Services Case Manager and one of the program’s facilitators, said the program was designed in response to feedback from young parents.  

“It’s a specific safe space for young parents,” Ms Bellchambers said.

“It’s an intimate group, not like the big public playgroups we have. It’s the same two staff members to build that relationship.”

At The Nest, participants will enjoy easy access a range of services under one roof. This includes paediatric dental and occupational therapy services along with free and confidential community legal aid.

Nancy Oosterhof, IMPACT’s General Manager of Health and Support, said Young Parents Connect can leverage existing partnerships and give parents a say on session activities.

“We can invite our partners to share information in an informal, fun way,” Ms Oosterhof said.

“If the parents and children are interested in certain activities that are not hosted at The Nest, then we can absolutely utilise the community assets available to us."

Ms Oosterhof said IMPACT leans on the diverse experience and expertise of its staff.

“Some staff in the program are parents themselves, and some of the parenting support workers have been previous clients in programs and now work in that space with us.

“It is very much an open, nonjudgmental, inclusive space.”

For more information on Young Parents Connect, contact the team on 07 4153 4233.

To explore The Nest’s partners and IMPACT’s services, visit the website.

IMPACT Community Services is bolstering its school readiness supports at The Nest, Bundaberg’s child and family hub, as young people settle into a new school year. 

Since the multi-service space launched in late 2025 at 57 Bourbong Street, IMPACT has grown its presence to prepare young people and families not only for school, but everything life throws at them.  

IMPACT’s teams range from Hope, Empower, Resilient and Enable (HERE) and Pathways to Early Learning and Development (PELD) for young people to Positive Start Parenting (PS) and Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS) for parents and families.   

Nancy Oosterhof, IMPACT’s General Manager of Health and Support, said The Nest’s school readiness supports are year-round and assist 0 to 18 year olds along with their families. 

“It can be a two year old engaging in a playgroup, or support for young people starting school, transitioning to a new school, moving to a new year level or navigating friendships,” Ms Oosterhof said. 

“We can also help parents with routines or different strategies that will ultimately support the young person but will also support the household to make school and those earlier years as smooth as possible.” 

Family mental health workers, youth workers, early education workers and community navigators are among the IMPACT professionals available at The Nest. 

One of them is Tamika Thompson, IMPACT’s Bundaberg Family Mental Health Team Leader. She said her team personalises support because every young person and family experience challenges differently. 

“We’re not going in with expectations about what we think the family and young person needs,” Ms Thompson said. 

“We tailor support to each young person and their family from their own individual needs, circumstances and environment. 

“First, we focus on building rapport. Once we understand what’s happening for that young person, we then work alongside them to navigate those challenges together.” 

Ms Thompson said IMPACT provides support in multiple settings, including IMPACT Community Services, The Nest, schools and family homes. 

“If a young person is feeling overwhelmed or anxious about everyday challenges, we can support them by offering practical strategies such as breathing techniques, five‑senses grounding and confidence‑building activities,” she said. 

“We partner with young people, families and schools to apply an agreed approach, led by the young person. 

“We’ve even gone to homes in the morning to help a young person get ready and then travelled with them to school so they feel safe and supported to start their day.” 

Ms Thompson’s team offers evidence-based programs such as The BRAVE for managing anxiety; Seasons for Growth for dealing with change, loss or grief; and Love Bites for promoting healthy relationships.  

They are also running a holistic homework and socialisation program called Belonging, Assistance, Support and Empowerment (BASE) that will run from The Nest.

On 11 February, her team will start Steady Steps, a 10-week mindfulness program. 

Ms Thompson said it’s important to have a shared understanding of the pressures families face, and that’s exactly what the IMPACT team brings to the table.  

“Sometimes life is really hard, especially for families working long hours and juggling everything after school. It can feel like a daily race. 

“I understand that, and I can relate to that completely. It's okay if you're feeling a little bit low.  

“We will meet you where you’re at, walk alongside you and support you through it.” 

While The Nest can’t always directly support specific needs, IMPACT and partner organisations can draw on their network to assist. 

Ms Oosterhof said an example is that, even though The Nest doesn’t provide emergency relief regarding school items, the team can link parents with other services in this space. 

“If accessing resources, fulfilling the school booklist, preparing lunch boxes and just providing that really strong start for the young one is a challenge for people, then we can certainly support them,” she said. 

“We've got a really vast network of connections and ways that we can link people in with other services in the community in a respectful and dignified manner.” 

Ms Oosterhof said anyone is welcome to drop in to The Nest during business hours from Monday to Friday, regardless of which service they need. 

“We operate within a ‘no wrong door’ model,” she said. 

“Anyone is welcome at any time to come into the space to connect, access support, resources and information, or just find a safe space to share their story.” 

For more information on The Nest and IMPACT’s programs, visit our website.