Solid foundations

Why the need for a good start to life has never been stronger

There’s an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. But for some families, that crucial sense of community doesn’t come about organically. Perhaps their lives are impacted by trauma, they have health issues or lack friends or family support. In these cases, sadly, it can be kids who are impacted. That’s where The Benevolent Society comes in.

HISTORY OF SUPPORT Tracing its roots back to 1813, Australia’s first charity o ers a simple vision – a just society where all Australians can live their best life. And when it comes to children, these are much more than words – they’re a promise actioned and a commitment fulfilled. Just ask mums Viv and Bec, whose children attend one of the society’s expansive early years centres.

SENSE OF CONNECTION A single mother of one, Viv enrolled daughter Nina when she was a few days old. “When you have a little one, to build a sense of community, to build a sense there are people to

support you, it makes the really lonely days, the really hard days, the really quiet days, feel as though they’re OK,” she says. “There’s so many moments when you’re uncertain. When you’re fragile. And you’re not really sure what you’re doing is the right thing. And the Benevolent centre has really assisted with that.” The sentiment is echoed by Bec, mum to Millie and Freddie, who found strength and heart when she needed them most.

“When Freddie was born, he had so many health complications… and the team just wrapped around us so beautifully,” she says. “We had a bus that would pick up Millie and take her (to the centre), so I didn’t have to stress about him sleeping at the right times. And they just checked in with me all the time and tried to accommodate anything I needed. I don’t know how to describe it, other than they’re part of our family.”

COMMON STORIES

For The Benevolent Society sta , Bec and Viv’s stories are unique in detail but common in theme. And that recognition of the importance of community underscores the work of educators such as Fiona, a team leader nominated supervisor, who says: “We like to walk alongside our children and families in our education and care setting, because each child is individual, and each family situation is as well.”

COMMITMENT TO CARE At the ground level, this focus on partnership encompasses everything from cultural inclusion to access to child health professionals. There’s also an Early Childhood Early Intervention Scheme that can involve family support services, literacy support and more. As the society’s Rina says: “Some children we may get through our doors haven’t come from an environment that is thriving. So we have to look at ways we can bring out the sparkle in children.”

FOR MORE DETAILS SEE BENEVOLENT.ORG.AU

You get to see that moment where something sparks a child’s interest. You get to see that in their eyes and see them get excited

THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY EARLY YEARS EDUCATOR JOSIAH ON THE JOY THAT INSPIRES HIS WORK

With a focus on helping families thrive, The Benevolent Society offers child development and family support services, early childhood education centres and early years centres.

1 Drawing on the different ways in which children learn, The Benevolent Society’s staffers engage with their young charges in myriad ways, from reading activities, music and computers to exploring the sticks, stones, leaves and creatures of nature. 2 Respecting the rich diversity of family backgrounds, inclusivity is another priority, whether it’s serving vegetarian meals, introducing the children to indigenous culture and language or even just celebrating a favourite superhero! 3 Heading outside, lile ones need lile encouragement to embrace interactive activities, be it working in the garden, jumping on a bike, climbing all over playground equipment or geing creative in a sandpit.