More than 3,600 Western Australian parents and children have experienced stronger family connections, increased confidence and improved wellbeing through the Healthway-supported Arts, Books and Connection (ABC) for Parents program delivered by Meerilinga.
Following the program’s initial success, Healthway and Meerilinga will extend their partnership for a further two years, ensuring families in Fremantle, Melville and surrounding communities can continue to access support.
The program provides free, evidence-informed parenting support designed to strengthen parent wellbeing and support children’s healthy development through the Sunflower group for mothers and children and Sing, Play & Connect pop-up park play sessions.
Over the next two years, ABC will continue delivering these popular programs, while expanding Sing, Play & Connect to fathers, grandparents, culturally diverse families, Aboriginal families, young parents and families experiencing social isolation.
Since launching in 2024, the initiative has engaged 3,628 families through workshops and activities that combine practical parenting guidance with opportunities to build social connections, reduce isolation and strengthen parent-child relationships.
Key outcomes from the first two years include:
- 94% of Sunflower participants felt less alone and overwhelmed.
- 98% of Sing, Play & Connect participants learned new family literacy strategies.
- 100% of participants across both programs reported being happy or very happy with the service.
The partnership also supported beyond face-to-face programs through the MAPS for Parents Podcast, bringing trusted parenting information to families wherever and whenever they need it.
Meerilinga Parenting Service’s Manager Belynda Smith said the results reflected what parents had been telling facilitators for years.
“Parents don’t need to be told how to be perfect. They need to feel welcomed, understood and connected,” Ms Smith said.
“When parents feel confident, less isolated and better supported, children benefit too. Those small moments of connection help build stronger families and healthier communities.”
Healthway’s renewed investment will allow Meerilinga to build on the strong foundations established during the first two years.
Healthway Chief Executive Officer Colin Smith said supporting parents was one of the most effective ways to improve the lifelong health and wellbeing of children, families and communities.
“When parents feel connected, confident and supported, the benefits extend well beyond the family home,” Mr Smith said.
“By continuing our partnership with Meerilinga, we can help more families access practical support, strengthen community connections and support children’s wellbeing from the earliest years.”
ABC for Parents is delivered by Meerilinga Parenting Service across Perth’s south-west metropolitan region in partnership with local governments, libraries, community organisations and health services. The program is grounded in evidence showing that strong, connected relationships between parents and children are among the most important protective factors for lifelong mental health and wellbeing.
If you’re interested in joining any of our parenting programs and workshops, including our ABC for Parents programs, head to the parenting page of our website for more information.
