Nurturing Connections: Early intervention for families in Kempsey

Families in Kempsey facing mental health challenges and trauma now have access to a vital early intervention program, Nurturing Connections.

Launched by the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s Perinatal and Infant Mental Health team in partnership with Kempsey Families, Nurturing Connections supports families with children aged up to four years of age, where caregiver mental ill-health, trauma or social vulnerabilities affect the child-caregiver relationship.

Funded by the Stronger Communities Investment Unit, Nurturing Connections is one of three programs awarded across the state.

Over the next six to nine months, a dedicated multidisciplinary team—including Perinatal Infant Mental Health Clinicians (one identified Aboriginal role), a Perinatal Peer Support Worker, a Social Worker, a Psychiatrist, and a Child and Family Health Nurse—delivers tailored support to families.

The program focuses on strengthening the caregiver-child bond, supporting parental mental health and trauma recovery, and addressing psychosocial needs to create a stable and nurturing home environment.

Nurturing Connections is guided by key principles:

• Parenting under Pressure (PuP) Framework – Provides structured, evidence-based support

• Attachment-based approach – Strengthens caregiver-child relationships

• Trauma-informed care – Ensures sensitivity to family experiences

• Strengths-based focus – Empowers families by building on their existing strengths

• Cultural safety – Delivers culturally sensitive care, particularly for First Nations families.

• Aligned with national and state health strategies, including the National Child Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the First 2000 Days Framework, Nurturing Connections prioritises early intervention to foster long-term wellbeing.

NSW Future Health Strategic Framework 2022-2032

An independent evaluation of the program is being conducted by the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research (UNSW).

For more information, contact PIMHS Clinical Lead, Angeline Landry, at 0412 123 002. Referrals can be made via MNCLHD-PIMHS-NurturingConnections-Kempsey@health.nsw.gov.au.