Creating space for parents to connect 

Youth Family and Community Connection’s (YFCC) Stronger Families Series is helping create welcoming spaces for parents and carers to connect, learn and feel supported in their parenting journey. 

The free workshop series was developed after staff spent time speaking with families and community members about the kinds of support they wanted and needed. 

YFCC Family Support Team Leader Lisa Browne said those conversations highlighted the need for relaxed, accessible spaces where parents and carers could come together without judgement. 

“Our team spends a lot of time out in the community talking with families and other community members,” she said.  

“Through those conversations, we saw a real need to create spaces where parents and carers could simply come along, connect with others and know they’re not alone in their parenting journey.” 

The Stronger Families Series is designed to be flexible and approachable, with parents and carers welcome to attend one session or as many as they like. 

Each workshop includes around an hour focused on a practical parenting topic, followed by time for participants to share a cuppa, something to eat and connect with others. 

Lisa said the social connection was an important part of the program. 

“We know that some of the best support comes from connecting with people who understand what you’re going through, so we’ve intentionally built that opportunity into every workshop,” she said. 

“Above all, we hope parents leave knowing they are not alone.” 

Lisa said the workshops were designed to help parents and carers feel more confident, better equipped with practical strategies and reassured that many families experience similar challenges. 

“So far, the response has been fantastic,” she said. 

“We’ve had really positive feedback from both parents and the wider community. 

“We’re not surprised by that, because this series was developed directly from the voices of local families and community members. It responds to what people told us they wanted, and we’re excited to see those conversations turn into something meaningful for our community. 

“Whether you’re someone who loves joining in discussions or you’re a little quieter and would prefer to sit, listen and take it all in, you’ll be welcomed exactly as you are.”