Women's and Children's Health Network, 72 King William Road, Adelaide (2026)

20/04/2026

“𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗳𝗳. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻. 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.” – Young mum, Jasmyn

Metropolitan Youth Health’s (MYH) Kidstuff for Young Parents program supports pregnant and parenting people under the age of 25 years, by providing a safe, welcoming and supportive group environment, connecting participants with peers and reducing social isolation.

Through a therapeutic, early intervention and prevention approach the program covers topics such as:

🌱 Children’s growth and development
🤝 Attachment and healthy relationships,
👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting skill building
🏡 Independent living skills
🌍 Community connections and supports

Feedback from participants include:

𝗧𝘂𝗮𝗻 “gained a lot more confidence and many friendships” and “loves all the workers here”, including Nurses, Midwife, Social Workers, Admin.

𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗺𝘆𝗻: “All the staff at Metro Youth are lovely and supportive and are always making me feel welcome. It has been such a wonderful opportunity and I can't wait to attend all the sessions I can!”

𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗻: “Where do I start, MYH has been a blessing in disguise for me and my child. It’s a safe place for young parents who need a little helping hand in this new start of parenthood, they are very understanding and they listen to everything you have to say. They’ve helped me with a lot, and I highly recommend them to everyone! Thank you so much MYH my daughter and I appreciate everything you have done for us.”

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗻: “Kidstuff has given me the opportunity to connect with Mum’s my age in a judgement free way. I’ve learnt new things about parenting and felt fully supported in all aspects of my family’s life from the support workers and friends I’ve made through this program."

Kidstuff for Young Parents Program is facilitated at MYH in collaboration with Communities for Children; Anglicare SA Playford and Onkaparinga and Uniting SA.

Take a look at some of our amazing participants from the Young Parents Program below 👇

For more information about MYH, call 1800 716 881 or visit https://tinyurl.com/4mpybvfr

17/04/2026

𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 ‘𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 🏉🫶 We were so grateful to be part of the 2026 footy festival, with the AFL providing our patients and families with some unforgettable opportunities.

We started the week with the official launch of Gather Round, held at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH), joined by Tex (Taylor Walker, Adelaide Crows), Harry McKay (Carlton) and AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. A special thanks to Gather Round charity partner WCH Foundation, who have raised an incredible $128,000 to date.

Four lucky patients had the once in a lifetime chance to deliver the official match football to the umpires across four games, just like 9 year old Hunter and 6 year old Anthony (pictured).

Throughout the week, AFL players from Melbourne Football Club and Adelaide Football Club visited WCH, bringing plenty of smiles to the wards.

In partnership with AFL, AFL Max and WCH Foundation, we hosted our very first AFL Max Family Event, welcoming 50 patients and their families for a fun-filled day. Children had the chance to learn new footy skills and take part in inclusive activities, regardless of their ability, joined by players from Port Adelaide Football Club, Richmond FC and Essendon Football Club.

We would like to extend a massive thank you to the AFL, AFL Max and WCH Foundation for providing our patients and families with so many memorable opportunities. 💙

16/04/2026

New mum, Jenna was one of the first families to receive the updated Blue Book (My Health and Development Record) with her 8 month old daughter, Scarlet, alongside Catherine, (Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS), Clinical Nurse.

Now being rolled out to parents and caregivers across the state, the refreshed Blue Book has been shaped by valuable feedback and expertise from a wide range of contributors. It’s designed to support families, and the health professionals who care for them, through every stage of a child’s early development, from birth to five years.

The Blue Book is given to parents and caregivers of newborn babies in South Australia to track their child’s health and development, such as growth, vaccinations, and medical appointments, as well as provide information and support services.

What’s new? ✨

📘 A new portrait format design enabling users to easily navigate key sections
💙 Age based sections aligned to key child health and development checks
🖤 Stronger visibility of Aboriginal services and supports
🧠 Expanded guidance on infant mental health and caregiver wellbeing
🌍 Key information translated into 10 languages

Jenna said, “I really love how easy the new Blue Book is to follow. It helps me understand what to expect at each stage and reassures me that I’m on track – and if I’m not sure, I know exactly where to find support.”

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and lived experience to shape this important resource – and to the families who helped guide its development. Together, you’ve helped create a more inclusive, accessible and supportive Blue Book for families across South Australia. 💙

To access the digital Blue Book, visit https://tinyurl.com/ycx2y834

14/04/2026

🚛 Kids like Taksh loved visiting our Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) Community Van when we joined in the school holiday fun at the Touch A Truck Day event in City of Tea Tree Gully. 🚒

Clinicians Jody and Sam had a wonderful time welcoming families into our brand new CaFHS Community Van, having meaningful conversations about child health and development with parents and caregivers.

From measuring and weighing little ones, to sharing health and development advice, showing kids how to brush dragon “Zorbs” teeth 🐉🦷, and supporting caregivers make bookings - it was fantastic to connect with the local community.

The new CaFHS Community Van will help ensure more babies and children across South Australia have better access to important child health and development checks up until starting primary school.

The first five years of a child's life are a critical window for brain, physical, language, social, emotional and cognitive development – and regular health and development checks are one of the best ways to support this.

CaFHS provides free support to all families with children from birth to 5 years and is the primary provider of child health and development checks in South Australia.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello and to all the kids who loved exploring the CaFHS van! 💙

To learn more about our new Community Van, visit https://tinyurl.com/5fetexst

📞 Is your child due for their health and development check? To book, call 1300 733 606.

11/04/2026

We teamed up with AFL Max and WCH Foundation to host a fun filled family event for patients and families who regularly access our services.

From learning new footy skills to running races and taking on ‘The Impossible Kick’, it was a day full of fun, laughter and plenty of footy action.

We were also lucky enough to be joined by some special players from Port Adelaide, Richmond and Essendon who got involved and had a kick with the kids.

Thank you so much to AFL Max for making the day possible, and to the AFL clubs for helping bring so many smiles to our patients and families. 🫶

Help kids get back to footy, and donate to Kick It For Kids: https://tinyurl.com/45dc2f34

10/04/2026

4 year old Alaura was ecstatic to meet Adelaide Football Club superstars Luke Nankervis and Josh Rachele, fresh off their big win on the opening night of Gather Round 2026.

Josh, Luke and Charlie Edwards stopped by the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) to visit patients, bringing plenty of smiles and joy while everyone was still riding the high from the win.

Alaura was recently admitted to the WCH after experiencing headaches and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Following a 10 hour surgery, her family are hopeful she’ll be heading home soon.

A huge thank you to the Adelaide Crows for taking the time to visit our patients and keeping the good vibes going after last night’s win. Go Crows! ❤️💙💛

01/04/2026

✨ Why I love working at Cedar Health Services 💛 Kelly, one of our Nurse Consultants at Cedar Health Service shared with us why she loves coming to work every day.

“My role is full of variety, and every day I have the privilege of providing holistic, person centred care. Our consumers are given the space to feel heard and are never rushed through a 10 minute appointment."

"I’m able to draw on all aspects of my previous experience, from sexual and reproductive health to supporting individuals at risk of homelessness or those using alcohol and/or drugs. Working here allows me to grow, learn, and deliver meaningful, holistic healthcare."

"As a Nurse Practitioner student, I’ve also felt incredibly supported by the Cedar team and the Women's and Children's Health Network (WCHN). That support brings great job satisfaction and makes me feel truly valued."

"Above all, we have an amazing team. We stand alongside people experiencing some of the most challenging moments in their lives - knowing that each day, we make a real difference.”

Cedar Health Service provides inclusive healthcare for people aged 16+ who are living with the health impacts of domestic and family violence. Our team supports a wide range of health needs, including injury assessment, reproductive and sexual healthcare, and emotional and psychological wellbeing.

If you’re interested in joining our team, we’d love to hear from you.
📧 cedarhealthservice@sa.gov.au

For more information about Cedar Health Service, visit https://tinyurl.com/3w3th4mn

31/03/2026

“𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.” – Zoe, WCHN Volunteer 💜

Meet Zoe (right), who has volunteered in our Play Therapy service for more than 3 years at the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN). What began as a way to give back to the community and gain direction for her future has grown into something much more meaningful.

Zoe shares, “Volunteering has become an integral part of who I am and has helped shape me into the person I am today.”

One moment that has stayed with Zoe involved a young girl who was withdrawn and low in spirits. After being offered a simple unicorn mask craft activity, everything changed.

“What seemed like a small gesture had a transformative effect. She went from lying down and barely speaking to upright, smiling and excitedly decorating her mask.”

Zoe’s compassion and positivity are deeply valued by staff. Play Therapist, Amanda (pictured left) shares, “Zoe is an invaluable member of our team, she brings kindness, compassion and initiative to everything she does and is a huge asset to the Play Therapy service and Cassia Ward.”

Thank you so much to Zoe for the care, warmth and joy you bring to children, families and staff across WCHN. 💙

Inspired to make a difference? Find out more about volunteering with WCHN here https://tinyurl.com/yc4apnxb

25/03/2026

🤍 “𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭. 𝘞𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘸𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘊𝘏.” – Vanessa, Charlie’s Mum

We’re sharing the story of Charlie Jack, told beautifully by his parents, Vanessa and Dale for – a Red Nose Australia initiative to acknowledge the names of any baby or child that has been loved and lost.

“On a warm evening in May 2024, our beautiful son, Charlie Jack, was born with wings at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH),” says Vanessa.

“Instead of crying, there was silence.”

“The only noise in the room came from a nearby football match – a cruel reminder that the world kept moving when our world had stopped.”

“Nothing can ever prepare you for that moment. Every hope and dream we had for our son was shattered. We were shattered.”

“We are eternally grateful for the compassionate and empathetic support we received at the WCH.”

“We went home carrying grief instead of a baby. To a house filled with baby items that Charlie would never use.”

“And while we recently welcomed Charlie’s little brother into the world: He is not a replacement. He is not our first.”

“It doesn’t fix the loss. The loss is stitched into our souls. But it brought colour back to a world that had turned grey.”

“Hope after devastation.”

“Light after darkness.”

“We will forever carry joy in one hand and grief in the other. Every milestone, every quiet breath is a reminder that there should be another. Another life. Another story. Another name.”

🤍 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸 🤍

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Vanessa and Dale for sharing Charlie’s story and extend our deepest sympathy to those who have experienced the loss of a baby or child, no matter the cause or age.

Saying their name is a powerful act of kindness and acknowledgement for bereaved families and helps break the stigma associated with infant loss. We invite anyone who has experienced loss to Say Their Name in the comments below.

📞 For 24/7 Grief & Loss Support call Red Nose on 1300 308 307

For information about our Grief Resources, visit https://tinyurl.com/2mtcwy7a

Women's and Children's Health Network

20/04/2026

17/04/2026

16/04/2026

14/04/2026

11/04/2026

10/04/2026

01/04/2026

31/03/2026

25/03/2026

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