CPEA in the Neighbourhood

This program sets up small parent support groups who meet regularly.  Over time members of these groups often become great friends and parent allies for the parenting years ahead. 
The groups are organized by volunteer mums and provide a process by which mums are matched into groups with 5-6 other women who all have children of the same age. 

The purpose

The purpose is to bring together parents with young children for peer support, encouragement, empowerment and friendship.  Parenting will be for most of us the toughest job we face in our lifetime.  Peer support groups can help you:           

1. gain a sense of where you are at and how you are feeling about your role as a parent
2. to further your sense of achievement by being around other like minded parents who value the important task of parenting
3. have a welcome break to relax a little from your busy and relentless work
4. with a sense of company, belonging and friendship
5. by discussing your child’s milestones and the new challenges of what your child’s age is presenting e.g. breastfeeding concerns, meal suggestions, behavior management techniques and sleep problems.
6. and your child to develop close and precious relationships with both the other parents in your group and the children who are all of a similar age.

How do the groups work?

Once you have registered for the Neighbourhood Program members are placed in small groups of around 6 parents.  Where possible the coordinator places groups where the children are of similar age and live close by.  For example if you are a new parent, CPEA will try and place you in a group with babies all around the same age.  This way as a parent you can grow, learn and receive support and understanding from mum’s or dads who are all experiencing similar trials and challenges to you. 
The coordinator attends the first get–together to welcome members and to run a facilitated get-to-know each other session.  At the end of the first meeting, the group decides how they wish to proceed.  For example a group of new parents may choose to meet weekly, rotating visits at each others homes.  A group with older children may choose to rotate between home visits and park playing dates.  The choice is up to each group. 

Where are the groups held?

The groups first meeting are held in the Parent Support Coordinators home, so you can be comfortable feeding your baby, changing nappies or just generally attending to your baby’s needs.
Regular group meetings can be held in homes, at parks or in cafes, depending on the age of the children.  Usually for children under 12-14 months mums choose to host the groups in their homes to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for mums and babies.

How to Get Started with Your Parent Support Group

Contact CPEA to register your interest, along with your child’s date of birth, where you live and a little bit of information about you.
You’ll be contacted by the Parent Support Coordinator who will invite you to come along to a facilitated session to get to know your group.  Your group will all have children the same age as you.  So if you are a new mum, you’ll be placed with other mums, all with children of a very similar age.
At your first meeting, or preferably before, you will need to join CPEA.  Membership is $20 (less than $2 a month) and includes a range of other services that are of benefit to families with young children in Toowoomba.  Benefits include:

1. free access to our Mums, Bubs and Toddler Coffee education mornings
2. a regular informative magazine
3. access to an extensive parents library
4. directory of parent and child related services in Toowoomba
5. free entry into CPEA’s Nearly New Sale

We look forward to hearing from you soon.