There’s a pattern I’ve noticed when it comes to parents especially in the Hunter region.
They’re incredible at showing up for everyone else. Their kids, their families, their households.
But, when it comes to mums putting themselves first, many of us don’t know where to start.
Then you add into the mix navigate returning to work after mat leave and we often feel like a fish out of water.
Having spent some time with the good people at Mai-Wel, I’ve since learnt there’s help available to navigate getting back to the workforce, an initiative called Parent Pathways.
Mai-Wel delivers a program that is absolutely free to support parents and carers of children under six to work toward what they need, whether that’s returning to work, starting study, getting a new qualification, or simply working out what’s next.
What makes it work is the one-on-one support. Each mum or career is matched with a mentor to work out what is achievable and how to get there.
Sometimes it’s the little things that hold us back, not having a laptop to complete study or to whip up a CV or not knowing how to access childcare that works for them.
Your mentor is your go, a tad more reliable, useful and on point then ChatGPT!
And, for any in person appointments with your mentor, the children are always welcome, too.
Our kids may be the love of our lives, but let’s be honest they can be expensive despite their size.
The Parent Pathways program can provide financial assistance for things like training courses or textbooks, referrals to services, and flexible appointment options, in person, by phone, or online.
Thanks to Mai-Wel, parents are getting jobs, starting study, and finding better balance in their family lives. Many say they’ve achieved more than they thought they could when they first reached out.
For Hunter families navigating the early years of parenthood, having the right support at the right time can shift what feels like the impossible to the possible.
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