The HIPPY program builds a love of learning but also lasting connections for its tutors and participants.

Elie was a new mum and had just moved to the Border when she started attending a playgroup run by Gateway Health.

When her son turned four, she started the HIPPY program.

Now, she is close to finishing two years as a HIPPY tutor and her certificate four in community services.

“I was so excited to become a tutor,” Elie said.

“I’ve enjoyed every little bit of it and learnt a lot as well. I’m meeting new people and creating new connections.

“The reason I was motivated to get into HIPPY as a tutor was more to help people from the same sort of background, as a migrant or refugee, because I wanted them to see someone they could relate to.

“HIPPY makes you feel welcome. A friend I met at the HIPPY playgroup I’m still friends with today. Our children are grown up but we are still in touch.”

First introduced to the HIPPY program with her eldest daughter, Chaz became a tutor and is now looking forward to becoming a participant again with her younger daughter.

“Through HIPPY, you do meet a lot of new parents and make new friends. A lot of the mums I was with, their children are going to the same school as my daughter, so it was great to make those connections before starting school, and going, knowing other mums and children there,” she said.

When the tutor role came up, she jumped at the opportunity.

“I knew I wanted to do it and give back to the community and help other people to get the same benefits from the program as I did,” she said.

“With the activities and opportunities offered, you get to see the benefits immediately in the families.”

While undertaking her community services certificate, Edditana heard about HIPPY through another student who was working as a tutor.

However, she didn’t get involved until her daughter started in the program.

She says the team of tutors creates the warmth and support that is the foundation of Gateway Health’s HIPPY program.

Providing support to the parents with the program activities, learning and practical parenting tools is a key part of the role.

“HIPPY is definitely such an awesome program for anyone to join or get into” Edditana said.

Gemma joined HIPPY with her son and this year moved into the tutor role, wanting to support and help families in the way she was during her time in the program.

“I enjoy all aspects of HIPPY,” she said.

“Everyone is always so patient, kind, helpful, understanding and inclusive. In the program, I always had someone I could reach out to for support and help, even if it was just that I needed to have someone to talk to.

“We always felt included and accepted in every way and as a tutor it’s the same. I have been encouraged, acknowledged and supported every day I come into work.”

HIPPY stands for Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters. It is a free two-year, at-home early learning and parenting program that supports parents to be their child’s first teacher.

HIPPY Tutors and families meet regularly to explore the free HIPPY activity packs and stories. Families then spend time together doing the short, fun and easy activities.

As part of their two-year role and to assist them post-HIPPY, tutors also can pursue training pathways tailored to their employment, training and personal goals.

The program is available to families in the Albury-Wodonga area with a child who is three years old or turning three years old throughout the year.

For more information, contact the HIPPY team on hippy@gatewayhealth.org.au call 1800 657 573 or head to the our website https://gatewayhealth.org.au/services/child-family/home-interaction-program-for-parents-and-youngsters-hippy/