Minh, who has been struggling with some mental health issues and who also suffers from social isolation due to language barriers, recently contacted her local family support service for some assistance. She had been dealing with issues in accessing transport to get assistance with her medical needs. During the assessment process with the support team at the centre it became apparent that Minh had a four and a half year old son, Tien*, who was not able to attend school due to problems with toilet training.

The support team informed Minh of services that were available to help her and her family. She was supported to enrol Tien into child care at the centre. Minh is now linked with the service that also provides transport, home visits, and advocacy, access to relevant groups and ongoing phone and practical support.

Tien was encouraged to stay out of nappies with the help of the child care centre staff and also attended occasional care at the centre over the busy and stressful Christmas period. This provided some much-needed respite to the parents at a time of year when there is often a lack of services.

The result of this partnership between the service and the family is that Minh now has ongoing support and is linked with services, alleviating crippling social isolation and Tien is now successfully attending a local school.

Minh's experience demonstrates the impact relevant supports and services can have in assisting a family find its feet in a new community.

* Not their real names