About Us

Mission Statement

"To improve the quality of life for families with newborns and young children, to build a healthier community"

Our History

Sutherland Early Support Service was set up in May 2005 following the closure of the Sutherland Family Network in March 2005, which left a major gap in family support services in the Sutherland Shire. The Network had operated successfully in Sutherland Shire since 1994. A group of interested persons lobbied council and other established organisations for local support to open the new service - the Sutherland Early Support Service.

The support of Sutherland Shire Council resulted in Sutherland Early Support Service becoming a project under the management of Sutherland Information and Community Service Inc. (SSICS). SSICS as our auspice provide administration of Sutherland Early Support Service, insurance for volunteers, book-keeping and annual audits. Funding for the first year of service was most generously provided by the Big Sister Movement.

Sutherland Early Support Service officially opened on the 30th of May 2005 and retained rooms at Sylvania Community Health Centre previously occupied by Sutherland Family Network. This allowed for a smooth transition thanks to the continued support from the South East Sydney Illawara Area Health Service (SESIAHS). The fact that the new service was able to re-open after only a few months in indicative of the good reputation it enjoys as well as the dedication of the staff, volunteers and advisory committee. We were delighted to receive the Sutherland Shire Community Group of the Year Award 2006 presented by Sutherland Shire Council.

The new service retained the volunteer team from the previous programme. This allowed Sutherland Early Support Service to immediately take on new clients and also to contact former client families who were still in need of support.

The advisory committee for Sutherland Early Support Service continues to work on securing future funding and has been successful with significant donations. Our supporters, sponsors and partners are listed on the "Our Supporters" page. However, Sutherland Early Support Service is still in need of funds to ensure the continued operation and expansion of this valuable service. We hope to secure more corporate sponsorship in the future.

We are confident that the service will continue to be supported by the Sutherland Shire community. Hopefully in the future the service will be able to expand so that additional families in the shire can be assisted.

The service relocated to the new Community Health Centre building at Sutherland Hospital in early 2007 following the sale of the Sylvania Community Health Centre site by SESIAHS.

Our Vision

To support and respond effectively to the needs of parents and their young children (0-3 years) by:

• Employing best practice in our early intervention program for stressed families with young children,
• Developing networks that link families with their community, and
• Promoting the needs of families burdened by physical, social and/or emotional problems.

"The first three years of life are critical for children's development. Research shows that not only children's emotional and physical growth but also their neurological development is affected by their experiences during these years. Neurological development plays a significant role in a child's capacity to learn to cope with stressful situations and to interact socially in later life." (Perry 1993, Families First Resource Kit)

Our Goals

• Decrease family stress,
• Prevent or reduce crises that may lead to child abuse,
• Provide an understanding of child development and behaviour,
• Reduce social isolation,
• Increase self-esteem, confidence and parenting skills,
• Provide assistance to disadvantaged families where financial difficulties and proverty exists,
• Improve family function to the benefit of the family and the community,
• Provide support, education and access to additional services to families, and
• Create a caring, inclusive community.

The above goals are achieved by:

• Promoting optimum family care for children,
• Helping families reach their full potential through a nurturing, protective and enriching environment, and
• Assisting families to develop social networks in the community and by connecting people to support one another.

Region of Service

Sutherland Early Support Service currently covers the area within the geographical boundaries of the Sutherland Shire local government area.