Working early for a better future

ANGLICARE NT understands that early years are a window of opportunity to a better life.

Childhood, especially the very early years, does not last long but the impacts last a lifetime.

In the NT, most children and families are doing well. But poverty is a barrier to families raising kids.

Poverty limits opportunities — opportunities to be healthy and access nutritious food, education and adequate housing.

Anglicare NT chief executive Dave Pugh said it could prevent families from taking part in community and sometimes to safely care for kids.

“We work with families right across the Territory to ensure they have positive support when they need it to give their children the best possible start to life,” he said.

“The foundations for life are laid down early, before birth and before children start school. This is the best time to support families and children to build their strengths, pro- vide opportunities for their children and to reduce the inequality that poverty creates”.

Quality well planned programs are proven to make a difference. They are a strong investment and the best resolve to poverty.

Anglicare NT offers a suite of programs and services to support families and ensure children are safe, nurtured and cared for. Programs like Pandanus improve young mum’s health and social support during pregnancy.

Early learning programs like Communities for Children, playgroups and HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) build little one’s abilities to be confident and successful learners from birth.

If we start early our children will have a better future.

City of Darwin is also doing their bit to help prevent poverty by running their yearly Christmas hamper Food Drive.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis has called on the public to donate much needed non-perishable food items for vulnerable and disadvantaged community members.

As part of Anti-Poverty Week, the food drive will take place from October 9 to 27 and all items collected will be donated to Foodbank NT.

Non-perishable foods can include items such as canned foods, long-life milk and custards, biscuits, mince pies, cereals, pasta, condiments, and one pan meals.

Donation bins can be found at, City of Darwin Civic Centre, Casuarina Pool, Nightcliff Pool, City Library, Casuarina Library, Nightcliff Library and Karama Library.

“We work with families right across the Territory to ensure they have positive support when they need it to give their children the best possible start to life”