Program provider

Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS)

Support provided

smalltalk is an evidence-based program which provides parents strategies that they can use to enhance the home learning environment for their children from birth up to school age. smalltalk is delivered by a qualified facilitator in a supported playgroup setting. It can also be offered to individual families in their home. For more information about the program go to https://www.smalltalk.net.au/

The BCHS smalltalk supported playgroup operates in:

• Kangaroo Flat
• Huntly
• Heathcote
• Central Bendigo
• California Gully

Families and children have access to smalltalk for a Term (10 weeks). Families and children engaged in smalltalk can engage in the program for a longer period, based on individual needs and supports required.

Some parents are also eligible for In-Home Support to help them use smalltalk strategies in their homes.

Target population

Open to families that live in the City of Greater Bendigo.

Eligibility criteria

Group eligibility criteria:

A family member in the household has one of the following:

• Commonwealth Health Care Card
• Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card or White Card
• Refugee visa (subclass 200)
• In-country Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 201)
• Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202)
• Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (subclass 786)
• Protection visa (subclass 866)
• Emergency Rescue visa (subclass 203)
• Woman at risk visa (subclass 204)
• Bridging visas, A-E.

Eligibility also extends to families where:

• A family member identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Who are looking after children in kinship care arrangements (out-of-home care)
• Referred from Child FIRST or Child Protection
• Referred from or receiving Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Services.

In-home eligibility criteria:

• Parent aged 25 years or less.
• Mother has not completed high school.
• Single parent family.
• Ten or less children’s books in the home.

Referral pathway

If you would like to refer to the smalltalk program please fill in the Online Referral Form here. This form is for referrers and those who wish to self-refer.

Specific contact

Call (03) 5406 1200 or email smalltalk@bchs.com.au