The Connect and Nurture (CAN) program is an in-home support service for new mothers who:

• have young children aged between 0 and 3.
• are experiencing feelings of isolation or overwhelm
• live in the Nepean and Blue Mountains region.

We are looking for kind and nurturing local women who love to form social connections and want to support mothers to not feel alone in raising children by being a kind-hearted aunty or grandparent figure. Our current volunteers understand that caring for children 0 to 3 years is wonderful, but not without its challenges, and have expressed how much they would have valued a program like this when they were parenting young children.

**A CAN volunteer's main role is to form a genuine social connection with their matched family. We achieve this through weekly, consistent home- visits for up to a 6 month support period. It is essential that volunteers provide a non-judgemental listening ear. Volunteers may also support the family by engaging with their child(ren) or helping with the basic functions of the home e.g. fold washing together. Volunteers do not provide a babysitting, gardening, cooking or cleaning services.

The program is managed by a Family Support Worker and Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator recruits, formally trains and supports the volunteers in their journey with their matched family. Families are supported by the Family Support Worker through immediate and additional home support visits, and/or referral to a rich network of support services in our community.

CAN volunteers are thoughtfully matched with a family with regard to:

• their values,
• geographical location,
• family preferences and any other important considerations to ensure the success of the program.

To be selected in this program, you will be caring, compassionate, empathetic and able to commit to a family for their support period. In addition, you will need your own transportation and a drivers licence.

Volunteers must provide a Working With Children Check and a Police Check.

We look forward to seeing your application.