Why Envisage could be just what you need
Parenting can be a challenging journey.
Parenting a child with developmental concerns or disability can bring another layer of complexity all together. However, by working alongside parents and empowering them, Envisage Families is growing a network of parents who can build an environment where their families can thrive.
In an article published by researchers Dr Elise Davis and Dr Kim-Michelle Gilson in October 2018, it was noted that:
‘….parents of children with a disability – particularly mothers – have been shown to report poorer physical and mental health than mothers of typically developing children.’*
The article also went on to explain that …’there are many opportunities to improve the mental health of parents of children with a disability given they are often in regular contact with early intervention, disability and health services for their child.’
This is why Envisage (Enabling VISions and Growing Expectations) was created by Australian and Canadian Researchers, clinicians, and most importantly, parents and caregivers of children with developmental concerns and disabilities.
Envisage provides facilitated group workshops for parents and carers of young children (aged 0-8) with a newly identified disability or who have concerns regarding their child’s development.
Envisage provides facilitated group workshops for parents and carers of young children (aged 0-8) with a newly identified disability or who have concerns regarding their child’s development.
The Envisage Families Program is delivered over a series of 5 one-hour facilitated workshops, accompanied by some at-home modules – over 5 weeks. The program focuses on evidence-based information, family-focused strategies and peers with similar experiences. Each workshop is facilitated by an early childhood development professional and a parent with lived experience of raising a child with developmental concerns. And all of this is completely free for families to participate
The series of workshops is:
- What is health and wellbeing in early child and family development?
- Child, sibling and family development
- Parenting is a dance led by the children
- Looking after myself so I can look after my family
- Communication, collaboration and connection
The best way to find an Envisage Program at a time and delivery method that works for you and your family is to visit our Find a Program page. You can register for your free program here as well or simply learn more about our team.
Source: Australian Institute of Family Studies – Paying attention to the mental health of parents of children with a disability
