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Pictured: (L-R) Parents Blair Taylor and Courtney Asser with seven-month-old daughter Delilah and Barwon Health paediatrician Dr Brooke Doherty.

The Barwon Early Parenting Centre (EPC) welcomed the first families in May, offering support for parents of young children in the Barwon South West region.

The multi-disciplinary team at the Barwon EPC, including maternal child health nurses, allied health staff and doctors, offers care for parents and carers of children aged 0-4 with additional needs, such as feeding, sleeping and developmental behaviours.

The new service, located in North Geelong at the McKellar Centre, will help provide early intervention when families need it, with support during the vulnerable period of a child’s early years.

The service aims to enhance the parent-child relationship and equip families with the tools they need to thrive

The Barwon EPC provides a residential program for 10 families each week, as well as day stay programs and specialist clinics.

 Professor Dave Fuller, clinical director for women, children and families said the early years of parenting can be some of the most memorable and cherished times, but it’s common for this period to come with new challenges and unique difficulties.

"Our region is experiencing significant growth, and with that comes a growing demand on the vital support services we provide to families of young children," Dr Fuller said.

"This expansion provides access to help that hasn’t been available without travelling to Melbourne, which is an added difficulty for families experiencing challenges with their infants.

"The Barwon EPC will link with existing child and family services available at the main hospital precinct, as well as the services available at Barwon Health North and Bendigo Bank House, home to McKellar Kids’ Rehab."

For more information, please call 4215 5920 or click here.