Early Support for Parents

21/06/2026

It is usually during a crisis, a major life transition, or a sudden need for support that we realise our network is built on convenience rather than genuine connection; Evidence from sociology and psychology strongly supports the idea that we discover the true depth of our social networks only during times of vulnerability; and research by respected anthropologists suggest we need The "Precious Five" (Inner Circle): of people OUTSIDE our family. This group provides not only emotional safety and tangible assistance, but we know also lowers cardiovascular risks and helps prevent depression.

Here's the thing though; after speaking with many people across our community and running Family Community Dinners we know that people across Southern Tasmania don't have these connections (this is actually true globally). They may have one friend (and if you're 'couple friends' - the bad news this counts as one when considering the risk of burn out if you don't expand this network).

But here is the other thing; Community isn't easy. It takes work. It takes commitment. It means showing up when you would rather sit in pjs on the couch, it means answering that text or phone call for help when you're about to sit down to dinner.

On Friday, 37 people stepped out of their comfort zone and turned up to a Family Community Dinner; we had discussions, a shared meal, the kids all had space to interact and play and everyone left asking about the next one.

Don't wait for us to come to an area near you; head out to the local pot luck, host a board games evening, get your neighbours together.

And if you're keen to meet other families in your area; look out for a Community Dinner Date coming to a location near you.

12/06/2026

WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY FAMILY DINNER

Why Come to a Family Community Dinner?

$10 - for the whole family for a two course meal!

Share a meal, build your village. Our Family Community Dinners bring together different families in the same community, because parenting is always better with people by your side.

It always helps to know you're not alone in this; whether you're navigating toddler tantrums, school-age challenges, or teenage attitude; these dinners normalise healthy parenting experiences and promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of both parents and children.

Real support for real challenges: from balancing work and family to supporting kids with additional needs, ESP understands the challenges Tasmanian families face.

Come, share a meal with your family and families in your area; make connections, build networks; CREATE YOUR COMMUNITY.

20/05/2026

Woodbridge - it's your turn again!

Rescheduled, postponed and now ready to rock and roll on:

Friday 19th June 2026

https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-woodbridge-family-community-dinner

29/04/2026

How wonderful was it to have two new, enthusiastic volunteers passionate about building local community and village at last nights dinner. They helped prepare, cook, serve and clean up a wonderful feast while we met some local families and spent some time getting to know the young people in those families.

Massive shout out to Poolish and Co Bread - Cygnet's very own wood fired bakery - for their generous donation to this month's dinner.

16/04/2026

Wednesday 29th - second Wednesday of the school holidays coming up. Cygnet Community Family Dinner time.

HUGE thanks to Poolish & Co who have come on board as one of Early Support for Parent's sponsors.

$10 for a meal for the WHOLE family (not each!). Family friendly. I was asked on Tuesday if children can come:

Of course children can come! And the way we design it means that children have a space to be children, a meal to share AND Mum and/or Dad get to have an adult conversation.

Tickets are limited; please book early to avoid disappointment.

Come, share a meal with your family and families in your area; make connections, build networks; CREATE YOUR COMMUNITY.

13/04/2026

Cygnet: We're back. In a hall. So rain can't rain on our parade.

School holiday cooking reprieve. Come down and get a 2 course meal for $10 for the whole family.

Tickets are limited, and closing dates final so we can cater accordingly.

What does your $10 ticket get you:

- A 2 course meal for you and your immediate family
- Community Connections
- Support for the parenting journey
- A few fun games at the end to help facilitate those lasting
connections

Book via the QR code or using the link below.

https://events.humanitix.com/cygnet-family-community-dinner

13/04/2026

WOODBRIDGE: Your time has come to join one of our Family Community Dinners.

$10 for your whole family gets you:

- 2 course meal
- Community Connections
- Fun games at the end
- Support for this parenting journey

Scan the QR Code or click on the link below to book your ticket now. Tickets are limited, and closing dates are final so we can ensure catering is finalised.

https://events.humanitix.com/woodbridge-family-community-dinner

07/04/2026

Are you a dynamic, engaging individual who thrives on working with Volunteers; who volunteers themselves, understanding volunteers and places volunteering as a core value?

WE NEED YOU - A VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR.

Are you looking for your next challenge in volunteering, are you looking for management experience of a team to advance your employment role?

This is the role for you! If you are interested in being a volunteer, volunteer coordinator we want to hear from you. We offer loads of fun, excellent relationships and a rewarding role.

23/03/2026

During times of uncertanity - whether that is our current global climate, a bushfire or flood; we know that the individuals who fare the best during these events are the the ones who are are well connected to their communities.

Save the date and watch this space for the booking link to come along to our Connected Communities; Community Family Dinner.

Connected Communities:

Greater reslilence: We know that communiites that are connected, meet regularly do better in times of disaster or large social issues.

Combat Isolation; come together, spend time together, find the things we have in common.

Shared Resources; Both practical and emotional - share a parenting struggle or swap some zucchini for potates! 🥔🥒🥔🥒

Collective Optimism; This can be powerful in times of uncertanity.

16/03/2026

What an overwhelming response we received last night to our post. While our Board of Managment met to discuss grant and funding and strategic direction and all things business; our community was answering our call for developing the core team of volulnteers in each region.

💛 While helping us build community, you're building your community. Having a strong community around us takes work and commitment 💛

We still have some capacity and would love to hear from you if you're interested; a get together will be held in each region (this is cross posted to each region we work in 😀 ).

💛 Volunteers URGENTLY Needed – Help Us Bring Families Together 💛

Are you looking for fun, connection, a warm home environment, good food?

Right now, we are putting out an urgent call to our volunteer community.

You don’t need special skills — just a belief that community matters and a willingess to be counted as one who makes that community happen - because community doesn't just happen, it takes work!

Across Tasmania, many families are quietly experiencing something that is becoming more and more common — loneliness and isolation. In a world of infinite digital connection, our human connection has become finite.

We are looking for passionate people aged 18 - 99 who want to help us create welcoming community events where families can gather, connect, and support one another. These might be small local meet-ups, parent catch-ups, play gatherings, or community connection events — simple spaces where relationships can begin.

At Early Support for Parents, we know that one of the most powerful ways to support families is simple: connection. A warm conversation, a shared coffee, children playing together, and parents realising they are not alone.

By volunteering to help bring these gatherings to life, you’ll be helping:

✨ A stronger, kinder more connected Tasmania
✨ Families build local support networks
✨ Children grow up in connected communities
✨ Parents feel less alone

And just as importantly, you’ll become part of a supportive and inspiring volunteer community — people who care deeply about lifting families up.

If you have ever thought about building your community, this is the moment.

📩 Reach out to us today to learn how you can help host or support local community gatherings for families.
Because when we create spaces for connection, everyone benefits.