Early Support for Parents Inc (ESP) is a volunteer home visiting service and has provided, throughout Southern Tasmania, support to parents in their homes for 20 years.

One of the great things about ESP is that anyone with the care and responsibility of children, especially families experiencing stress, can access the service. There are no age restrictions as long as the children are dependent.

There is no need for a referral but it is necessary to phone the coordinator to discuss the family situation and make arrangements for a home visit by the coordinator who will then link the family with a volunteer. After the initial assessment (which is usually within the first week of referral) a volunteer will be matched depending on area and availability.

What can Early Support for Parents Program offer you?
Raising children is one of life’s most wondrous, precious and challenging experiences.  Sometimes the day-to-day reality can fall short of the ideal we often hold in hearts.

We reach out to families experiencing stress and offer support and encouragement through weekly home visits.

Who can use this service ?
Anyone with the care and responsibility for children, especially families experiencing stress.

What is the cost ?
Early Support for Parents is a non-government organisation, which is funded by the Tasmanian State Government and there is no cost involved for families.

How can this service be accessed ?
There is no need for a referral but it is necessary to phone the coordinator on (03) 6223 2937 (answering machine when office unattended) to discuss your situation and making arrangement for a home visit.

What happens after initial contact ?
After the home visit, the coordinator will link you with a trained volunteer home visitor who will usually visit weekly for between 1-2 hours.  Home visits by the coordinator and volunteers are not restricted to ‘normal ‘hours and can usually be flexible enough to meet your individual needs.

What about confidentially ?
This is a confidential service but limitations may apply in some situation.  This can be discussed with the coordinator.