Grafton Child and Family Wellbeing Hub
A partnership hub supporting children and families through early intervention, parenting support, health services and community connections during the first 2000 days of life.
Community need
Many families in the Clarence Valley experience barriers to accessing health, parenting and family support services, particularly during pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life. Service fragmentation, travel distance, social disadvantage and limited access to culturally safe supports can make it difficult for families to get help when they need it. The Hub addresses these challenges by providing coordinated and culturally responsive support in a welcoming community setting, with a strong focus on improving outcomes during the first 2000 days of life. Supported by an “it takes a community to grow up a child” model, the Hub responds to local demand for earlier intervention, stronger service integration and improved support for families and children.
Our approach
The Hub uses a collaborative, strengths-based model that brings health, family and community services together in one location. Partner organisations work alongside families to identify needs, build on strengths and connect them with the right services and supports. The approach focuses on early intervention, prevention, cultural safety and coordinated care. Families can access support through drop-in services, group activities, referrals and direct engagement with partner organisations. The model aims to reduce service barriers, improve access and strengthen relationships between families and local services.
Consultation
The Hub has been shaped through ongoing collaboration with Aboriginal community organisations, local service providers, families and community members. Community feedback, lived experience and local knowledge have informed service design, delivery and continuous improvement. Aboriginal leadership and partnership are central to the Hub’s development, helping ensure services are culturally safe, accessible and responsive to local community needs.
Key activities
Parenting education and family support programs.
Early childhood development activities and developmental screening.
Child and family health services.
Antenatal and early parenting support.
Referral and care coordination across local services.
Community engagement activities and group programs.
Culturally safe support for Aboriginal children and families.
Navigation and connection to health, social and wellbeing services.
Partnership activities that strengthen service integration across the Clarence Valley.
Objectives
Improve health and wellbeing outcomes for children and families.
Strengthen support during the first 2000 days of life.
Increase access to early intervention and prevention services.
Improve coordination between health, family and community services.
Reduce barriers to accessing support, particularly for vulnerable families.
Strengthen culturally safe service delivery for Aboriginal children and families.
Build family confidence, resilience and parenting capability.
Support children to achieve the best possible start in life.