Many in Benalla will be familiar with Tomorrow Today’s PEEP Program.

Since 2012, the Parents Early Education Partnership has been a central part of life for almost 80 per cent of Benalla families with children under five.

Now, in an Australian first, Benalla’s parents-to-be will benefit from a free five-week program to help them begin their journey as parents on the right foot.

The Antenatal PEEP program was developed in the UK by the same organisation that created PEEP.

In February this year, three of Tomorrow Today’s staff members undertook online training in the program, and now the first Antenatal PEEP session in Australia is scheduled to launch in Benalla on Monday, August 4.

Tomorrow Today’s PEEP co-ordinator Rachael Heywood said Antenatal PEEP is designed for people between 25 and 30 weeks gestation and their partners or significant support people.

“It centres on the social and emotional aspects of parenthood,” she said.

Rachael’s quick to point out that it’s not a replacement for other antenatal classes.

“Benalla Health runs fantastic antenatal classes that focus on the physical aspects of pregnancy and birth,” she said.

“Antenatal PEEP complements those classes.

“It’s about helping parents-to-be to develop a secure attachment with their baby, understand how their baby’s brain is developing and how they can support that; as well as meeting other expectant parents and learning about the services in Benalla for new parents.”

Tomorrow Today invested in this program in response to research that indicated providing support for parents was important for children’s early learning, healthy development and wellbeing.

Education Benalla program manager Sally Matheson said during the first 1000 days of life, from conception to age two, a child’s brain develops more quickly than at any other time in their life.

“Parents play the most important role in a child’s life during this time,” she said.

“Research shows that strong parent-baby relationships improve parents’ confidence and self-esteem, as well as children’s life outcomes.

“We want Benalla’s parents and parents-to-be to have access to support and resources to help them build that confidence, so their children have the best start possible.

“Antenatal PEEP is just one of a range of programs Tomorrow Today offers for Benalla families at this stage of their child’s life.”

Antenatal PEEP starts at 5pm on Monday, August 4 at Tomorrow Today, Shop 4, 66 Nunn St, Benalla.

The sessions run for about 45 minutes each week, for five weeks.

People who are 25-30 weeks pregnant (or will be in August), can register for the program online via tomorrowtoday.com.au/childrens-programs#antenatalpeep/ or by calling Tomorrow Today on 5762 1211.

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