Beyond Empathy received three years funding in mid 2006 under the Australian Government's Stronger Families and Communities 'Local Answers' Strategy to conduct a series of arts-based intervention projects and workshops in Moree. The Connections Strategy educated young Indigenous parents and caregivers about early childhood development and connected them, their children and families, with the local community and local services. The Connections Strategy achieved strong and sustainable connections between support services and community, greater awareness and actions on issues facing the community, pathways for individuals, healthier parents / caregivers, babies, children and families.

The Beyond Empathy Connections Strategy established and built on frameworks for inter-agency support programs and, through creating art, gave voice and built relationships for and between participants and community support agencies.

The Connections Strategy was delivered via a venue that combined two playgroups, ‘Moree Family Links Project Playgroup’ and ‘Young Mothers Playgroup’. Both playgroups targeted young indigenous mothers, families and children aged between 0 and 5; together these playgroups have become South Moree Community Playgroup. The playgroup has reached 60 children and young people and 43 parents and carers of which 78% are indigenous. The results show an increase in parenting skills, understanding of the importance of early childhood development, confidence, self-esteem, tolerance and understanding for the participants as well as a greater community awareness of the issues facing young Indigenous and non-indigenous mothers and carers. This has led to an increase in individual, family and community health and well-being. The project achieved:

• Healthier mothers, babies, children and families.
• Improved parenting skills, understanding of early childhood development and stronger, more effective relationships for families and children.
• Strong and sustainable connections between support services and the target group.
• Bridged collaborative working relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous support workers within and between support agencies.
• Greater awareness of issues facing the community such as drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence and physical, emotional and sexual abuse, maternal and infant mental health issues, lack of employment opportunities, school retention and the importance of early intervention.
• Effective transition to school program that strengthened interagency collaboration to support preschool aged indigenous children to start kindergarten first day, first week, first term.
• Connections established a framework for interagency support programs and utilised various art forms giving voice and building relationships for participants, presenting the high quality outcomes to the community. Relationships formed expanded wellbeing, learning and sense of self.

For further information about this project, please contact the BE office on 02 6772 0101 or at admin@beyondempathy.org.au