Belconnen – A Village for Every Child is an initiative that aims to improve systems across Belconnen so that children are physically healthy, socially and emotionally strong, and ready to engage in learning and life.
Village believes children are the heart of our community and deserve the best start to life possible. We want ALL families to feel supported, empowered and equipped for raising children.
By using a Collective Impact framework that operates outside the system, Village aims to transform early childhood systems across Belconnen. Village works together with families, communities, child and family support providers and government agencies to identify and address the issues facing young families. By working together, the community is stronger, more connected and better placed to meet the needs of children and families.
The SPARK training and employment initiative will take a break between July 2023 and June 2024 and will not offer programs while on this break.
SPARK, Ginninderry’s Training and Employment Initiative develops and delivers a range of accredited and non-accredited training programs targeting those in the Capital region community who are disconnected from the labour market, underemployed or face barriers entering the workforce. Ginninderry’s overarching objective is to be “a sustainable community of international significance in the Capital region” with a strong focus on improving the education, social and economic outcomes of residents over the life of the development. The SPARK programs are aimed at key disadvantaged groups who are disconnected from employment, youth 17-24 years old, long term unemployed, women returning to the workforce, first nation people, culturally and linguistically diverse and mature aged. The SPARK team focus on supporting participants every step of the way from engagement, through to training and employment, including traineeships and apprenticeships. See:
The Mower Shed is a social enterprise of UCK, who deliver market rate, garden maintenance services. The purpose of the Mower Shed is to address intergenerational disadvantage, build a strong and positive community and give a model way of how employment programs and mainstream employment can become more inclusive and supportive.
Its focus is on providing employment opportunities to people who struggle with gaining and maintaining mainstream employment. They assist their casual staff in re-establishing work habits and support them in obtaining general certificates and other role-specific certificates to increase their employability. The team leaders provide support to the casual staff when they are having trouble with implementing soft skills and identify areas that need further development. They model a positive work ethic, engagement, and high-level team skills.
The Mower Shed concept has received strong support from all segments of the community including business, community organisations, government, and general members of the public. See
The Integrated Family Support Service (IFSS) consists of the Case Management and Parenting Engagement Programs (PEP). The IFSS unit is managed by the Family Support Services Team Leader, Heli McKellar. The IFSS works with individuals and families residing in the wider Belconnen and Gungahlin regions. Neither of these programs are designed to respond to crisis or moderate to high mental health needs, however, families who present with complex challenges may be accepted into the program/s with the provision that other wraparound supports are in place.
The objectives of the IFSS are that:
The IFSS works within the ethos of the UnitingCare Kippax, working within the guidelines of strength-based model.
The families’ needs for assistance are viewed through the person/child centred, family focused, and collaborative practice lenses
Ensure that families who access this service are included in decision making and empowered to make choices about their participation in the program.
Ensure that decision making in relation to IFSS occurs in a non-judgmental manner.
Ensure that safety principles are adhered to the course of the regular delivery of the program.
Case Management is about supporting people through free and confidential assistance by providing:
Information, referral, support, and advocacy in the areas of health, social inclusion, education, domestic violence, housing, employment and training, and finance etc.
Holistic assistance with a view to empower people
Assistance with problem-solving and decision-making
Information on parenting issues
Parenting programs
This program was designed by Uniting Care Kippax (UCK) as a unique alternative to the range of parenting programs offered in the Belconnen and Gungahlin area. While drawing from evidence-based programs, the PEP works closely with individual families in their own homes to assist in the practical application of the advice and guidance offered in formal parenting education.
Families are matched with trained volunteer mentors who will work with them in their own homes in a range of ways to support the development of “good enough” parenting over a period of up to 12 months. These home visits could include in-home modelling of parenting behaviour, providing a listening ear, or supporting the family to choose which services they may like to connect to.
The volunteer mentors will be supported by Parenting Education Officer. Integrated Family Support Services team of UCK will also ensure the provision of the necessary training, resources, and supervision for each volunteer mentor as well as the administration of the program including scheduling of the home visits.
The skills families learn through their engagement with the program will assist in developing parenting skills and capacity and enable them to bring about constructive, lasting, and meaningful change.
The Emergency Material & Financial Aid (EMFA) Program is managed by the Family Supports Services Team Leader, Heli McKellar. The service aims to provide short-term emergency financial and material aid to families and individuals who are in crisis or may be experiencing difficulties.
We provide walk-in assistance to individuals and families to help manage immediate issues, and if further support is needed, a referral is made to case – coordination. The team can provide emergency food hampers via reception to individuals if case – coordination is not required. The program also organises social inclusion activities to increase individual and community wellbeing such as the Good Morning Breakfast, Welcome Café and Body Mind and Soul (BMS) mindfulness classes.
All of the below issues may be encountered and discussed during case – coordination sessions; however, we would refer to other services for assistance.
Housing affordability and availability
Unemployment, education and training
Domestic and family violence
Parenting/family difficulties
Medical conditions, mental illness or disabilities
Centrelink problems
Debt and budgeting problems
Legal problems
Issues with substance use and/or problem gambling
We assist directly with:
Food hampers
Medication costs (limits apply)
Clothing – when available
Food vouchers – when available
Other costs pending on program resources and EMFA worker’s assessment
Lisa regularly attends UnitingCare Kippax to receive Emergency, Material and Financial Aid (EMFA) assistance from the EMFA program. Lisa has suffered from mental health, domestic violence and substance issues. Lisa seeks EMFA assistance by requesting and receiving Emergency food hampers, other material items such a hygiene items, food vouchers, brokerage assistance and from time to time may request a specific item such a “Moccona Coffee” Lisa quite enjoys. Lisa regularly pops into the centre to get a loaf of bread and may get a coat of the coat rack in the foyer while she is in the area.
Lisa has recently accessed additional programs run by EMFA staff such as the Good morning breakfast program and Welcome Cafe. One morning Lisa was so keen to have a hot breakfast Lisa arrived 30min early and when staff arrived Lisa was sitting out the front in the freezing cold. Staff invited Lisa inside and made a hot cup of coffee while breakfast was being prepared. Lisa enjoyed her breakfast and coffee and even had a second serve. While at the breakfast Lisa has mentioned how coming to the breakfast gives her something to do on a Thursday morning. Lisa enjoys a chat with other Good morning breakfast participants and staff increasing her social interactions for the day.
The Home Interaction Program Parents and Youngsters Program (HIPPY)
The Home Interaction Program Parents and Youngsters Program (HIPPY) is a free two-year, home-based early learning and parenting service delivered in over 100 sites across Australia to families with young children and aims to:
First Year – Age 3 (fortnightly delivery)
Support families to teach children before they start school.
Support families to encourage a love of learning everywhere and any time.
Connect families to other families doing HIPPY.
Connect families to groups and services within their community.
Second Year – Age 4/Preschool (weekly delivery)
Families continue HIPPY as children start pre-school.
Families support their children to be confident learners.
HIPPY supports families to be part of their school community giving them tools to communicate with their child’s teacher.
The HIPPY Team consists of 5 people, a HIPPY Program Coordinator – Warrick Eppelstun, and 4 HIPPY tutors delivering the program to the families enrolled.
Parents enrolled in the program have an opportunity to become a HIPPY tutor in their second year of the program.
Tutors are provided training in delivering the program as well as opportunities to further support their return to the workforce through education, soft skills and industry specific training.
Kippax Kids was established over 30 years ago by congregation members, as an expression of the mission of Kippax Uniting Church to love and nurture families in our local community.
Kippax Kids provides a safe and welcoming space for community groups and organisations to hire and use for their own playgroups and parenting sessions. The facilities and resources are suitable for children aged 0–5 years, and allow families to play, laugh, learn, and connect.
The Kippax Kids creche room and playground are available for hire Monday – Friday, 9am – 3pm, during school terms. Please contact Kippax Kids Administrator for more information at kippaxkids@kippax.org.au or 0416 196 099.
