Women & Families Program

Programs supporting culturally and linguistically diverse families to strengthen wellbeing, safety, parenting confidence and community connection.

 
 

Who this is for

Refugee and migrant women who are newly arrived in Australia with children up to age eight, and parents expecting a baby. The Women and Families Support Program is funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and serves the Blacktown and Penrith local government areas.

What we offer

Community and Family Support (CAFS) Initiatives

The Women’s and Families Program is delivered through two CAFS initiatives:

Community Strengthening

The Community Strengthening initiative focuses on improving community wellbeing by fostering a sense of belonging, participation, trust and access to services. This is particularly important for culturally and linguistically diverse communities who may experience isolation, barriers to services or other vulnerabilities. Support under this initiative includes:

  • Community Engagement – Community events and activities linked to significant cultural and annual celebrations such as International Women’s Day, cultural celebrations, Child Protection Week, Mother’s Day. These activities support connection, inclusion and cultural celebration.
  • Social Participation – Interactive family activities, including creative arts, cooking, and wellbeing workshops, designed to strengthen relationships, encourage community participation, and reduce social isolation.
  • Education and Skills Training – Community education initiatives delivered by bilingual educators, TAFE programs, child safety education.
  • Information Advice and Referral – Offering practical support, information, and referrals to help families and young parents engage with relevant services and community networks.

Wellbeing & Safety

The Wellbeing & Safety initiative provides targeted and more intensive support to families where there are emerging or existing concerns impacting child safety, wellbeing or family functioning. Support under this initiative includes:

  • Supported Playgroups (Ages 0 to 5) – Evidence-based supported playgroups delivered in schools and community settings, based on the Parent-Child Mother Goose model, supporting children’s early learning and development through positive parent-child interaction.
  • Parenting Programs – Providing structured, evidence-based parenting support including Triple P, school transition programs, and culturally responsive sessions for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families to enhance parenting skills and family wellbeing.
  • Family Capacity Building – Individualised support through home visits and outreach before and after childbirth, helping families engage with services, improve wellbeing, and access timely support.

Groups should start on a weekday. For example:

  • Mt Druitt Women’s Support Group- Monday
  • Blacktown Multicultural Playgroup – Tuesday
  • Colyton Women’s Support group – Tuesday
  • Bert Oldfield Mums and Bubs Group (Seven Hills) — Wednesdays
  • Penrith Migrant & Refugee Women’s Support Group — Thursdays
  • Blacktown Multicultural Women’s Support Group — Thursdays
  • Schofields Mums and Bubs Group — Fridays

How it works

  1. Get in touch or ask to be referred
  2. We help you find the right group or support
  3. You connect with other families and the services you need