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Other
Kellie O'Callaghan
2005
Good beginnings –
Great Start The AWT approved $730 to Kellie O’Callaghan to provide
accessible parenting focused information, support and resources. That is
the provision of locally relevant early intervention programs to reduce the
risk of child abuse and neglect while enhancing parenting skills and family
relationships. Kelly has much experience in this area and has undertaken
training with Good Beginnings Australia at her own expense to gain the
qualifications and skills required to implement a community based
Infant-Parent Mental Health Program in rural Victoria (Eastern region)
Kellie highlighted in her
application the lack of comprehensive mental health services, professionals
and support in rural Victoria. As a result she has forged ahead in
educating herself so as to implement a community based Infant-Parent Mental
Health Program. The target group, at present, is young woman (17 – 22)
who are first time parents and often parenting independently of partners.
Kelly stated in her application:
‘I would like to
ensure that young woman are supported in their early stages of parenting of
infant children. I would like to reduce the harm to children who are
disadvantages because their parents are not adequately supported or assessed
at the earliest possible opportunity.’
Kelly provides free
counselling to families in the local community thus filling the gaps in the
rural mental health system in her area. If this isn’t impressive
enough Kelly has raised funds to pay her wage and rent for a space. As a
result the AWT was honoured to support $730 towards therapeutic tools and
developmentally appropriate toys for infants used in counselling sessions.
All us mob on the board of the AWT would like to thank Kelly for having the
initiative, vision, compassion, motivation and strength to provide support
to young parents in isolated areas.
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