ParentsNext
The ParentsNext program helps parents receiving the Parenting Payment to get ready to re-enter the workforce as their child reaches school age.
ParentsNext is an Australian Government support program to help you plan your next steps towards study or work.
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) is one of the organisations contracted by the Department of Education Skills and Employment to deliver the ParentsNext program.
How the program helps
We assist parents to identify their goals and work with them towards achieving them, to increase independence and have a positive impact on the quality of family life.
We tailor assistance to meet individual needs and link parents with relevant services and activities to assist educational and employment pathways including:
- English classes and vocational training
- workplace visits and volunteering to increase confidence and build skills
- parenting groups and social activities for parents and children
Parent consultation
Parents are encouraged to take part in the ParentsNext Consultative Committee Meetings held quarterly in each region, to contribute ideas about what is needed in the community and to broaden networks, build confidence and learn new skills.
Who is eligible
ParentsNext is for parents who have a child under six years, haven’t had paid work in the last six months and have been receiving the Parenting Payment for the last six months.
Parenting payment is a type of government income support for people who are the primary carer of a child.
Other eligibility requirements differ in each region, so please contact us to discuss your eligibility.
Contact
For more information, please contact your local office, or ParentsNext Program Manager Jacinta Head on 0490 126 015 or jacinta.head@bsl.org.au
When and where
Broadmeadows
Hume City Hub
Level 2, 61 Riggall Street, Dallas, Victoria 3047
Open Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Phone: (03) 9915 7321
nwpn@bsl.org.au
Craigieburn
Connections@Hothlyn
120 Hothlyn Drive, Craigieburn, Victoria 3064
Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9am – 5pm
Phone: (03) 9915 7321
nwpn@bsl.org.au
Dandenong
Brotherhood of St Laurence
Suite 3, Level 3, 33-35 McCrae Street, Dandenong
Open Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Phone: (03) 9915 7350
sepn@bsl.org.au
Epping
Epping Community Services Hub
713 High Street, Epping, Victoria 3076
Open Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Phone: (03) 9422 5662
nepn@bsl.org.au
Fitzroy
Brotherhood of St. Laurence, Work and Learning office
95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065
Open Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Phone: (03) 9483 1143
impn@bsl.org.au
Frankston North
Mahogany Rise Primary, Child and Family Centre
25 Jenkins Street, Frankston North, Victoria 3200
Open Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 am – 5 pm
Phone: (03) 9915 7350
sepn@bsl.org.au
Pakenham
Pakenham Living and Learning Centre,
6B Henry Street, Pakenham, Victoria 3810
Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9am – 5pm
Phone: (03) 9915 7350
sepn@bsl.org.au
Reservoir
PRACE, Reservoir Community and Learning Centre
35 Sturdee Street, Reservoir, Victoria 3073
Open Wednesday and Thursdays, 9am – 5pm
Phone: (03) 9422 5662
nepn@bsl.org.au
Sunbury
Sunbury Consulting Suites
Suite 11, 33-35 Macedon Street, Sunbury, Victoria 3429
Open on the first and third Tuesday of each month, 9 am – 5 pm,
Phone: (03) 9915 7321
nwpn@bsl.org.au