Nurses Sarah and Michelle with a family who access the services of the Community Child Health Service, receiving their First 5 Forever Family Education Bag.
We're excited to share that an existing partnership has been strengthened to make a profound impact on the early development and well-being of Bundaberg's youngest residents. The Bundaberg Regional Council Library's First 5 Forever program joined forces with the Wide Bay HHS Community Child Health team, working hand in hand to promote early literacy and its connection to overall health outcomes.
As part of this innovative partnership, an impressive 1,500 First 5 Forever Family Education Bags were recently donated to the WBHHS Child and Community Health team, significantly more than the 25 donated previously. These carefully curated bags are designed to provide families with valuable resources and tools to nurture a love for reading from the very start.
Michelle Maike, the Nurse Unit Manager of Child and Community Health, expressed her enthusiasm for this strengthened collaboration, "We are delighted to partner with the Bundaberg Regional Council Library's First 5 Forever program. Early literacy plays an important role in a child's cognitive, emotional, and social development, and this partnership allows us to integrate literacy support seamlessly into our services."
The Child Health team is committed to being actively involved in various aspects of the program. This includes participating in information sessions, educational workshops, and participating in community events in collaboration with First 5 Forever. This dynamic approach aims to combine the power of early literacy with expert guidance on child health.
In addition to their direct involvement, the Child Health team will also have access to library outreach kits. These kits serve as a vital resource, ensuring that families have easy access to valuable materials during their visits.
Michelle further emphasised the significance of early literacy in overall child development, stating, "Research consistently shows that early exposure to reading and language significantly contributes to a child's overall wellbeing. By integrating reading and health services, we are providing a holistic approach to nurturing the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of children in our community."
This collaborative effort highlights the shared commitment of both organisations to the holistic wellbeing of Bundaberg's youngest residents. By integrating early literacy and health services, we are not only fostering a love for books but also laying the foundation for a healthier and brighter future for our children.
We look forward to witnessing the positive transformations that will undoubtedly result from this powerful partnership. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier community, one story at a time!
For more information about the First 5 Forever program, visit bundaberg.qld.gov.au/family-literacy.