Moorabool Maternal and Child Health We don’t just weigh babies!

Programs in 2012 Programs in MCH Clinics x 4 community engagement Let’s Read Programactivities - literacy trail Aboriginal Book Project - children’s week Birthday Postcard Project- festivals Breastfeeding Support Service Groups 2012 New Parents Groups Imagination Magic Program Magic Program Emotional Wellbeing Group Moorabool Young Parents Group Connect and Play Playgroup Rhythm and Coos (2013)

Improvements to KAS stats. In the 2011/12 annual report KAS visits in Moorabool Shire from the 8mth age group increased significantly including a 13% increase at 18m 8% increase at 2 years 13.7% increase at 31/2. Anecdotally, parents report that the increased profile of MCH due to our programs and services, encouraged ongoing attendance especially in the older age groups. ATSI consultations in the older age groups also increased significantly ranging between 25% and 70%.

Multi-disciplinary team Maternal and Child Health Nurses – Qualifications in general nursing, midwifery and Masters or Grad Dip in Child Family and Community (MCH) Group Specific training and expertise/experience– PND, LC, Parent Child Mother Goose (PCMG), Circle of Security. Health Promotion Officer – Primary and Early Years Education qualifications, Health Promotion training, PCMG and Magic facilitator training. Family Support Officer – Early Years Education qualification, PCMG and Magic facilitator training. Service Support Officer – MSC & community knowledge, project and program support, MaCHs system,Family Partnership training.

Health Promotion Health Promotion Officer KAS activities and promotional projects, many including opportunities for appointment bookings Working collaboratively with the MCH team in the development of programs and projects to support MCH identified areas of need Planning and evaluation MCH programs/projects Information, support and liaison Community engagement activities Early Years Forums/workshops Program co-facilitation Funding applications

Family Support Officer Program co-facilitation, organisation/development Program co-facilitation, organisation/development -New Parent Groups, Emotional Wellbeing Groups, Magic Parenting support Parenting support Playgroup Support Playgroup Support Kindergarten participation – support to engage identified vulnerable clients and their children Kindergarten participation – support to engage identified vulnerable clients and their children Resources, centre updates, handout and pack development Resources, centre updates, handout and pack development

Dressed for success at the Literacy Trails

Program pathways MCH Clinic Emotional Wellbeing Groups New Parents Groups Imagination Magic Program Rhythm and Coos Program Magic Program Moorabool Young Parents Group Many opportunities for referral internally within the service to programs to assist parents, as well as receiving self or agency referrals Parents and children can and do access more than one program Issues raised within a particular program can often be referred on to another program. Known staff and venues creates a sense of safety and familiarity which can assist with attendance at some programs. Program awareness, participation and program mentoring allows for continuation of services in staff absences through attendance by other MCH staff. CommunityActivities and Events SupportedPlaygroup

Multi use room for programs New Parent Groups, Imagination Magic, Magic, Emotional Wellbeing Group, Young Parents Group, Supported Playgroup

New Parents Groups Open to mothers and fathers and support people from across the shire Groups are co-facilitated May have up to 25 participants Use a designated/multi-use space designed for ease of communication and welcoming atmosphere

Emotional Wellbeing Group Emotional Support Post-natal Depression – participants show measured improvements in EPDS Art therapy component – no art skills required Group support Childcare provided Links to services and community including PEHP program. Links to an MCH Supported Playgroup

“I think our group is innovative and helps address the many issues of motherhood by exploring our feelings of depression, isolation and inadequacies and celebrating our feelings of hope, humour and harmony.” Group Member July 2008

Imagination Magic Performing Arts Program for children aged 0-5 years and their parents/carers. Held monthly – Bacchus Marsh and Ballan Rural and special sessions Range of performers/ workshop artists Supporting parent/child attachment, social and emotional, cognitive and literacy development. Regular MCH opportunistic consultations, centre bookings, observations, referrals to other programs

Moorabool Young Parents Group Support group for young pregnant and parenting mothers and their partners Co-facilitated by M&CH Nurse and Youth Worker Held weekly during school terms Guest speakers, excursions, play days, lunches, information and support. Opportunities for KAS consultations and follow up Partnerships/links internally and externally – schools, support services Referrals to other MCH programs, and support to attend as required Initial seed funding in 2008 provided by Best Start.

1-2-3 Magic Both parents encouraged to attend if possible Behaviour management technique and positive reinforcement strategies Relationship strengthening Co-facilitated by 2 staff members/trained practitioners in the program Referral to MCHN for other issues/needs raised during sessions. Referral to MCH and external programs

New program planned for 2013 Rhythm and Coos A 7-8 week program to promote secure bonding and attachment, and provide parents/carers with a set of skills/repertoire to draw upon in a range of situations. Engagement of parent with their child in songs, rhymes and storytelling Crosses a range of demographics, encompassing more vulnerable families Co-facilitated by MCH staff, ongoing/transitional, provides referral pathways Referral from Emotional Wellbeing Group, MCH, service agencies No cost to parents, low cost to develop

Maternal and Child Health Service Guide More information regarding the MCH Service and programs is available on the Moorabool Shire Council Website at or in the Moorabool Shire Council Maternal and Child Health Services Guide available by contacting Nichole Russell on More information regarding the MCH Service and programs is available on the Moorabool Shire Council Website at or in the Moorabool Shire Council Maternal and Child Health Services Guide available by contacting Nichole Russell on