Tamworth Family Support Service (TFSS) was humbled to receive a generous donation from Joblink Plus towards our HIPPY program last week.

TFSS was chosen as one of 10 incredible community organisations which Joblink Plus donated towards at their Women’s Week event.

The acronym HIPPY stands for Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters, which is a two year home-based support program for children aged between four and five.  

The program helps encourage early development of literacy and numeracy skills with educational and play packs sent out weekly or fortnightly.

TFSS Program Coordinator Kimberly Smart said that research shows that developing literacy and numeracy skills at an early age can help set the child up for success in life.

“Our program focuses on the value of parents as the child’s first teachers."

“We are very thankful for this generous donation, which will be used to support families across Tamworth area," said Mrs Smart.

The priority of access for the program are:

• Single parents
• Aboriginal families
• Families with a health care card
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) families

The program is facilitated by a team of HIPPY tutors, who are all parents who have previously completed the program.

“We are fortunate to have a great team of HIPPY tutors who are in a great position to understand and assist parents throughout the learning experience,” said Mrs Smart.

TFSS provide a diverse range of support services across the New England Region for those experiencing or at risk of domestic violence, homelessness, and family issues.


Photo: TFSS Program Coordinator Kim Smart accepting the generous donation from Joblink Plus.