Check out the early parenting centre we're building in Hastings

Parents and caregivers on the Mornington Peninsula will soon have better access to specialised support to care for their little ones, with construction progressing on a multi-million-dollar early parenting centre (EPC) in Hastings.

Foundations for the new centre have been laid, with the structure emerging from the ground.

The new EPC will be built on part of the Hastings Community Health site at 185 High Street, Hastings. It will include:

10 residential family units
four day-stay places
kitchen and dining area
playrooms and multi-purpose rooms
outdoor play areas
landscaping.

The new centre has been carefully designed to create an environment where families can feel safe, comfortable and at home.

The EPC is being delivered in partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Centre, with support from Peninsula Health, Brand Architects and builder, SJ Higgins.

Take a look at the designs below.

Gallery

Artist impression of a building entrance with a large awning

Artist impression: entrance of the EPC we're building in Hastings

Artist impression of a common area with tables, chairs and couches

Artist impression: common area

Artist impression of a multi-purpose room filled with rows of seats

Artist impression: multi-purpose room

Artist impression of an interior space with staffed desks, hanging lights and a hallway

Artist impression: interior

Artist impression of an outdoor space with timber decking and greenery

Artist impression: outdoor spaces

Artist impression of a open dining area with many square tables

Artist impression: kitchen and dining facilities

Artist impression of a reception area with a reception desk and seating

Artist impression: reception area

Artist impression of a playroom with child-sized furniture and play equipment

Artist impression: playroom area

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What is an Early Parenting Centre (EPC)?

Having a baby or child under four years of age is a special time for families. But it can also be a stressful time.

For some, support from loved ones, their local doctor, and a maternal and child health service will be enough.

Others will experience more persistent challenges. That's where EPCs can help.

EPCs support parents or carers with children up to four years old. The centres help build parenting skills, providing support with:

sleep, settling or feeding
bonding and attachment
infant and child behavioural concerns
strengthening parenting capacity and skills.

EPCs provide four main services:

day-stay services – intensive day programs providing early parenting support
residential services – parents can stay at the centre for several days to build parenting skills and capacity
telehealth services – parents receive support over the telephone, either stand-alone or complementary to other EPC services
home-based services – tailored services providing practical supports to help families nurture and care for their child independently.

EPCs also provide wrap-around support to families with more complex needs or vulnerabilities. This includes care planning, referrals and community support.

About the EPC expansion and upgrade program

The EPC we're building in Hastings one of eleven new or upgraded facilities being delivered through the Victorian Government's early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program.