Employment Plus held two special family-focused workshops – It Takes a Village – for parents living in the Northern suburbs of Adelaide.
Employment Plus has placed more than 600,000 people into jobs over the last 20 years. From July this year it has also become a provider of the ParentsNext program to the North Adelaide region.
Parents Next is an initiative by the federal government, which provides support to parents during the five-year period between birth and their return to work, as kids near school age.
Parents in the Ingle Farm and Gawler regions heard about the various support resources available to them, with the kids entertained by a magician, face painting and play equipment. Family and relationships expert, Sian Jaquet, provided parents with useful tips on how to navigate through all manner of parenting, life and work challenges and those interested could also participate in a drumming workshop.
“With over a century of caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community we welcome the opportunity to provide a more specific and tailored program for new parents,” says The Salvation Army Employment Plus’ National Director, Greg Moult.
“The Salvation Army provided welfare to our nation before official welfare existed under structured government. Our values lie in helping the most vulnerable. It is an honour to extend our services beyond everyday job seekers to the parents of our next generation.”
“In some senses the years from birth to five fly by – but with the adaptation required with a growing family and so many developmental milestones for pre-school children it can also be a hectic time. We see it as an important responsibility to keep new parents engaged and supported so that when they are ready, they have the confidence and connections to re-enter the workforce.”