THIS could be one of the most loved and needed groups of people in the Hawkesbury – and you might qualify to join them.
They are volunteers from LINCS, the Hawkesbury home-visiting service for parents that can mean the difference between parents feeling like they’re coping - and feeling they’re not.
Parenting is finally being acknowledged as one of the hardest jobs you will ever do. A story on the Sydney Morning Herald website this week (‘What no one tells new mums and dads about parenthood’) lifts the lid on some of the unspoken realities.
"On the days that I did not organise something to do or someone to see it was extraordinarily isolating... especially if you're going through a period where your baby is crying all the time... on a few occasions you would be waiting for the key to turn in the lock,” a young mother interviewed for the story said about waiting for her partner to get home.
LINCS co-ordinator Juliana Smith underlined this loneliness.
“Often our clients are vulnerable, isolated and feeling the pressure and stresses of modern living, where distance to work in the Hawkesbury means long queues in traffic,” she said, stressing that anyone with a child 0-12 who would like some help is eligible to receive the free service.
“You might have little or no support from family, multiple-birth children or mental health concerns, or a child with a disability,” Ms Smith said.
The organisation is recruiting now for its next intake of volunteer visitors who are able to do the training course on three days in August. Volunteers provide in-home support for two hours a week for up to a year, helping the client support their family.
The next training course will be over August 16, 23 and 30. If you think you’ve got what it takes and can give up two hours a week to help parents, or on the other side of the coin, if you are a parent who would love some non-judgemental support and help or would just like to find out a bit more, contact Juliana Smith on 4570 6291 or lincs@sjog.org.au.
LINCS Volunteer Scheme started in the Hawkesbury in 1997, in response to the number of mothers with young families suffering depression, or just not coping as a result of social isolation and a lack of personal and family support.
Hawkesbury Hospital, St John of God at North Richmond and many other local organisations refer parents to the service when they feel they may get some benefit from it.
Mission Australia, St John of God at North Richmond and Merana Aboriginal Community Association at Richmond also benefit from LINCS volunteers providing parental support.
