Tomorrow Today is involved in community philanthropy and has a well-known early years team, which runs a popular Parents Early Education Partnership program.
Prior to the pandemic the team ran multiple, face-to-face facilitated playgroup sessions with parents and children.
When lockdowns were enforced Tomorrow Today’s executive officer Rosie Koop foresaw the difficult period that families were about to enter.
“When the lockdowns started and group gatherings were prohibited, we knew we needed to find new ways to support families” Ms Koop said.
The group ran online sessions, however, upon hearing reports from PEEP parents still feeling isolated, team members made regular phone calls to check on their wellbeing and support their physical and mental health.
Parents were also offered one-on-one “Walk and Talk” sessions, which entailed a PEEP facilitator providing company and support to individual parents during their one-hour exercise break.
When the Andrew’s government closed all libraries, leisure facilities and playgrounds the early years team sent parents activity packs to help keep kids in lockdown amused.
Parents have described the work done by the early years team during the lockdowns as a source of comfort in a very dark time.
Reflecting on the award Ms Koop could not praise the early years team enough.
“We are just thrilled to receive it. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and flexibility of our early years team and our commitment to local families,” Ms Koop said.
“They found a way to stay connected and support families at a time when so many services were closed.”
The 2022 National Forum returned after a three-year hiatus and brings together those involved in community foundations to share stories, inspire each other and hear from leading experts.
