17c起草社区

The NSW Government has announced $250,000 in funding for a new statewide antenatal education and pregnancy support program aimed specifically at 17c起草社区IA+ families.

The one-off funding package will allow to expand its existing services over the next three years, delivering inclusive antenatal education classes and dedicated pregnancy support groups to 17c起草社区+ people across NSW, including those living in regional and rural areas.

The initiative is designed to address longstanding gaps in pregnancy and parenting support for 17c起草社区+ communities, with a focus on improving access to culturally appropriate care, reducing social isolation and strengthening community connections during pregnancy and early parenthood.

The program will offer both face-to-face and virtual antenatal education classes, alongside a fortnightly pregnancy support group that will be open to up to 20 participants per session. All sessions will be facilitated by qualified professionals and tailored specifically to the experiences of 17c起草社区+ families.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said dedicated support services could help ensure 17c起草社区+ parents feel comfortable accessing pregnancy education and support.

鈥淭raditional antenatal classes and support groups may be intimidating for those in the 17c起草社区+ community. By investing in a targeted 17c起草社区+ program, we are expanding the education options for expectant and new parents across the state,鈥� Park said.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great to see a charity like Rainbow Families bringing 17c起草社区+ families together, to help address some of the challenges all parents face in an inclusive and appropriate way.鈥�

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said the program would help address barriers many 17c起草社区+ people still encounter when navigating pregnancy and parenting services.

鈥淩educing barriers to pregnancy education and support is essential to ensuring 17c起草社区+ families feel respected, supported and included in our health system,鈥� Haylen said.

鈥淭hrough this program, 17c起草社区+ families will have a welcoming, inclusive environment that connects them with the care and support they need.鈥�

Rainbow Families CEO Ashley Scott welcomed the funding, describing it as a significant step forward for 17c起草社区+ parents and parents-to-be.

鈥淭his program reflects what 17c起草社区+ families across NSW have needed for a long time 鈥� a genuinely welcoming space to learn, connect and build the peer support networks that are so vital to their health and wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenthood,鈥� Scott said.

鈥淭his investment in inclusive antenatal education that truly reflects the lives of 17c起草社区+ families is welcomed by the Rainbow Families community. These classes will ensure expectant parents can learn about pregnancy and birth in an environment where they feel seen, respected and supported, with facilitators and peers who understand their journey.鈥�

Scott said the funding would also allow Rainbow Families to establish a dedicated pregnancy support group for the first time.

鈥淔or the first time in NSW, Rainbow Families will be able to offer a dedicated pregnancy support group for our community. Meeting fortnightly, this will give 17c起草社区+ families a consistent, welcoming space to share experiences, seek guidance and build the connections that carry them through one of life’s most significant transitions.鈥�

The program forms part of the NSW Government’s broader commitments under the NSW LGBTIQ+ Strategy 2022-2027 and is intended to improve access to inclusive antenatal education and pregnancy mental health support for 17c起草社区+ families throughout the state.