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A woman kneels outdoors, smiling and holding hands with a young boy wearing a black shirt and a red support vest. They are surrounded by grass and trees, with sunlight in the background.

“I don’t know where to start.”
“I just want to talk to someone who gets it.”
“I feel like I’m carrying this on my own.”

We hear these words from parents every day — and we’ve felt them ourselves.

At Belongside Families, we are a family-led not-for-profit created by parents, for parents of children with disability, developmental delay, Autism, rare and genetic conditions. Our team combines lived experience with sector knowledge in disability, education, health, and community, so the support we provide is not only practical but deeply relevant to family life.

All our support is free, informed by evidence, and grounded in real experience — helping parents feel less alone, grow their skills and confidence, and connect with others who truly get it.

At the heart of our approach is one simple belief: when families thrive, children thrive.

Explore our free programs

Join parent groups and our online community

Connect with other parents who truly understand, share experiences, and feel supported by people walking a similar path. 

Take part in workshops and webinars

Gain clear information, practical strategies, and fresh ideas you can use to support your child and family. 

Explore trusted resources and stories

Find tip sheets, guides, and lived experiences from families and people with disability that you can draw on anytime. 

Access evidence-based programs

Delivered with leading universities, combining world-class research with lived experience to give families tools that work in real life. 

Visit our Programs page to see all the free supports available for you and your family.

Explore our programs

Our Impact

A large red heart with a small orange section at the bottom, captioned “Less Alone.” Below, it reads “95% Agree / Strongly Agree” in blue text.
An orange lightbulb icon below the text More confident in making informed decisions. Below the lightbulb, it reads 94% AGREE / STRONGLY AGREE.
An orange stylized eye icon with the text A more positive outlook above it and 82% AGREE / STRONGLY AGREE below.
A speech bubble icon beneath the text “Increased confidence to advocate.” Below, it says “91% AGREE / STRONGLY AGREE.”.
Ten stick figures, nine fully colored and one partially, illustrate survey results with the text “Improved knowledge & skills.” Below, it reads “95% AGREE / STRONGLY AGREE.”.
A compass icon with text above reading Better able to navigate systems & services and text below showing 95% AGREE / STRONGLY AGREE.

What parents are saying

A woman stands on a street holding a toddler, while two young boys in casual clothes smile and look back at the camera. The sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow over the scene.

I am so grateful for the work of Belongside Families. I am a stronger parent because of the support and information they provide. A peer led organisation is an exceptional thing.

Parent
A man holds a sleeping baby while a woman stands close, touching the babys hand. A young child stands nearby at the counter, focused on a red container. They are all in a bright, modern kitchen.

Thank you for supporting us as parents and allowing us to best support our children.

Parent
A woman in a light brown hijab and a young girl in a red shirt smile while sitting together on a bus, with blue sky visible through the window behind them.

What stuck with me was the new found awareness of myself. I now take moments in my week to check in with myself. If I notice I’m not coping, I make time. Even just 5 or 10 minutes. I highly recommend this program!

HMHF Participant
A woman in a bright pink sweater paints a colorful abstract floral design on a canvas at an art studio, with painting supplies and a bottle on the table beside her.

My biggest takeaway from completing Healthy Mothers is learning not to feel selfish when carving out time for myself. I’ve really gotten into art and painting, and I’ve established a routine where I do this every night, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. It helps me process my day.

HMHF Participant
A woman smiles warmly while holding a child who rests their head on her shoulder. They are outdoors with autumn-colored leaves in the background.

Healthy Mothers Healthy Families solidified the notion that in order for me to continue caring for my family, for them to continue getting the best version of me, I needed to take the time to spend on myself.

HMHF Participant
A smiling woman with glasses hugs a happy young boy in a striped shirt. They are sitting close together, both looking slightly off-camera, enjoying a joyful moment indoors.

My family have undoubtedly felt the flow on and the benefits of me doing the program - it has brought joy back into our journey. I don’t feel fearful now;I feel lighter, and hopeful.

Envisage Parent
A woman gently adjusts a cochlear implant on a young girl’s head as they sit on outdoor steps. The girl, wearing a pink dress and holding a stuffed toy, looks down while the woman embraces her.

Belongside's programs are so crucial. I've benefited greatly from the webinars and workshops. It's so great being able to catch up with the recording if I'm not able to make it live.

Parent
A joyful young boy with Down syndrome smiles as a woman hugs and kisses him on the cheek in a bright living room.

The advocacy workshop was helpful for to me to shift my view of myself as the expert on my child’s abilities and to embrace the pressure that comes with advocating for my son.

Parent
A smiling man walks beside a child riding a scooter on a sunny sidewalk. The child wears a helmet and backpack, while the man wears shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops, gently holding the childs shoulder.

Belongside Families' ‘All about me’ course and made a document for my son’s new class teacher. Before the course I did not have the confidence to send the school anything other than therapists reports as I didn’t want to be seen as underestimating their skills. He has had the best start to the school year he has ever had, right from day 1 the teacher has known his triggers and the strategies that work for him and even the principal commented how he is flourishing this year.

Parent
A woman and a young girl sit on the floor playing with colorful plastic building blocks. The girl is stacking blocks while the woman points and helps, both focused on the activity. Play equipment is visible in the background.

I always knew the significance of family-centred practice, but hearing from parents about what it actually means was invaluable. I now prioritise what’s most important to each family and share Belongside Families as a trusted support network.

Allied Health Professional
A smiling woman cuddles a young boy in dinosaur pajamas and a smiling girl on a cozy couch. The woman holds a mug. All three look happy and relaxed, enjoying a close, affectionate moment together.

It’s so powerful to read real life stories and learn strategies that support other families.

Parent
A smiling child with a pink swim ring and a woman stand in a clear blue swimming pool, both enjoying the water on a sunny day.

Your resources are always helpful and practical. I’m grateful to have access to so much free support.

Parent
A smiling family of four stands outdoors, surrounded by greenery. The father holds a laughing baby, and the mother holds a young girl with a medical patch on her arm. All are happy and casually dressed.

I wish I’d had access to this resource when my child was first diagnosed.

Parent
A woman smiling next to a young girl with long light brown hair, in front of a red and yellow building with gridded windows.

We were handed a photocopied pamphlet and told, ‘this is what your Daughter has’. No one in Australia had her rare genetic condition. There were no specialists and no support groups. I was so alone. But through Belongside Families I found my people. I found my tribe.

Parent
A smiling woman hugs a cheerful young boy with Down syndrome. The boy is wearing a shirt with colorful cars and trees, and both are looking happily at the camera in a bright indoor space.

Excellent session with knowledgeable great speakers - I learnt so much and loved that I could relate to lived experience of other genetic families.

Parent
A smiling group poses indoors: an older woman holds a young girl, a boy sits in a wheelchair holding a sign, a woman crouches beside them, and a baby in a bow headband sits on her lap.

Connecting with Belongside Families and the wonderful empowering programs they run and resources has been life changing for our family.

Parent
A smiling man wearing sunglasses and a black shirt with a rainbow infinity symbol holds a boy in a blue soccer jersey outdoors on a sunny day. Trees and people are visible in the background.

It’s changed the way I think. I have become more confident in advocating for my son. As well as connecting to like-minded people who understand.

Parent
A smiling woman in a yellow dress and a young boy stand together by a decorated garden frame with pink flowers and bunting, outdoors, with children playing in the blurred background.

Belongside Families has impacted my life in a very positive way, it has helped me learn a lot about not only my son but myself as well.

Parent
A young boy with short dark hair hugs a woman with long wavy hair and a black top. Both are smiling and looking at the camera, sitting closely together indoors.

Connecting with Belongside Families and the wonderful empowering programs they run and resources has been life-changing for our family.

Parent
A woman and a young boy with a hearing aid touch foreheads and smile at each other outdoors, surrounded by greenery. The moment appears warm and affectionate.

Connecting with Belongside Families and the wonderful, empowering programs they run and resources has been life-changing for our family.

Parent
A woman sits on a brown couch, smiling and hugging two young boys. One boy holds a water bottle and a toy, while the other boy rests, holding a purple foam object.

My experience with Belongside Families has been amazing. When my children were diagnosed, everything focused on them, but I wondered—where was the support for me? Belongside Families gave me a space to realise I wasn’t alone, to come to terms with the changes in my life, and to become a better version of myself. Learning that caring for myself helps me care for my children has been invaluable.

Parent
A mother and her young son, wearing a blue school uniform and backpack, share a warm embrace and smile outdoors before school, their foreheads touching affectionately.

I feel incredibly lucky to have found Belongside One-on-One. In the free 1-hour call, the peer support worker answered all my questions. She also provided tips on things I hadn’t even thought of yet. And even sent me document templates that I still use today. I ended the call feeling confident I was on the right path. And had the practical information I needed to support my son through his transition to school.

Parent
A smiling couple poses closely with a laughing young girl who has Down syndrome. The girl holds her hands up playfully in front of her face. They all appear happy and are enjoying a joyful moment together.

Thank you, Belongside Families. It is a breath of fresh air to find a community of parents that are positive and supportive. My whole perception has changed and what my daughter’s future will look like.

Parent in Belongside Community
A smiling couple stands close together, holding their baby. The man wears a black shirt, the woman a white dress, and the baby is dressed in grey with a blue bib. They are indoors with natural light coming from a window.

I really love the Belongside Community. Parents and carers here are always uplifting and supportive, generous in sharing their experiences and wisdom. You never feel alone on your child’s disability journey — there are always people ready to support you in the hardest times and celebrate the milestones. I’m truly grateful to be part of it.

Parent in Belongside Community
A woman wearing black sunglasses kisses a smiling young child dressed in a pink jacket and knit hat. The sky is blue in the background.

Having a safe space to share my experiences, knowing no question will be ignored or judged, is amazing.

Parent in Belongside Community
A woman, a man, and a young girl smile together for a selfie outdoors, with greenery in the background. The woman has shoulder-length brown hair, and the girl is wearing a peach-colored dress.

The internet and Facebook can be a harsh place, but it’s never like that in the Belongside Community. Everyone is respectful of different experiences. It feels like such a safe and supportive space.

Parent in Belongside Community
A woman wearing glasses and a red sweater smiles while hugging two young boys, one on each side, in a colorful indoor setting. The boys also smile at the camera.

It felt reassuring that I am not alone and that other families in my local community are walking the same journey as me.

Parent
A woman with glasses and a young girl wearing a floral hat and dress smile outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and a bright blue sky in the background.

Getting the opportunity to connect with other families without judgment was incredible.

Parent
A woman in a yellow sweater communicates with a smiling boy in a wheelchair, using sign language outdoors on a sunny day, with buildings and trees in the background.

Sharing about my experiences and hearing that other families are in the same boat. I learned strategies to help my son.

Parent
A woman holding a young child outdoors, both wearing striped shirts. The child looks down with a calm expression while the woman gazes at the child. Green foliage is visible in the background.

The in-person event was really helpful to connect with other parents and hear both similar and different experiences, challenges and solutions. Great it was at my local shopping centre, which my son already knows.

Parent
A young child with brown hair and a hearing aid hugs a smiling woman with light brown hair and green earrings. They are close together, looking at the camera.

Powerful to hear real life stories and learn about strategies and resources from other families. Sessions like these offer hope, support, validation and belonging.

MyTime Parent
A woman and a child with long dark hair sit close together indoors, smiling and laughing joyfully as they hold hands, creating a warm and happy atmosphere.

I felt instantly welcomed and supported by the facilitator and members. Loved it so much, felt like a very safe and supportive group.

MyTime Parent
A smiling woman wearing sunglasses and a cap takes a selfie with a joyful boy in a motorized wheelchair outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and grass in the background.

I’m so glad I found MyTime. It’s just what I have been searching for.

MyTime Parent
A young girl with glasses and a woman with long brown hair are smiling together, their heads close, in a casual selfie.

Through Virtual MyTime I have found a community of parents who understand and support each other’s journeys. We share our challenges, wins, strategies and resources—which has empowered me to support my family’s needs and embrace our strengths.”

MyTime Parent
A smiling woman with curly blonde hair and a boy with a missing front tooth stand close together outdoors near water, grass, and a sidewalk.

This is my protected timeslot. It is saved in my calendar and my partner knows that this is a non-negotiable for me. I have learnt so much from everyone in the group and I love being able to share and help other parents.

MyTime Parent
A joyful young boy with Down syndrome smiles as a woman hugs and kisses him on the cheek in a bright living room.

Belongside Families has created an essential community for parents and carers. The team at Belongside Families have created a village for families walking a similar path. Some are a little further along than others and some are deep in the trenches just be starting to navigate their way.  But although every family’s path is different, we are all walking together in solidarity. This community creates strength & moves us forward with hope. When we have the right support, anything is possible.

Belongside Community
A woman in a black jacket smiles while holding a young boy wearing a gray shirt and blue shoes. They are outdoors, surrounded by green plants, colorful flowers, and a stone wall in the background.

Belongside Familiess' workshops have been practical and specific. The fact that the team are all parents with a disabled child themselves makes them a unique organisation. They create a culture of acceptance and acknowledgement, by sharing their experience with disability and valuing ours. It’s this sense of community that has helped me normalise and acknowledge the challenges. They are knowledgeable and connected and have helped connect me with other services.

Parent
A woman and a young boy sit on a green couch, smiling and laughing as they hug and play together. The boy wears a striped shirt and shorts, and the woman is dressed in a yellow top.

I love that Belongside Families is run by passionate and inspiring families that understand what it’s like to have a child who is medically fragile with disability.   I have learnt things, been inspired and encouraged by Belongside Families on so many levels. I wish I had Belongside Families in the early years of navigating our child’s life.

Parent
A woman sits on a rock at the beach, smiling and holding a laughing young boy on her lap, while an older girl hugs them from the side. The sky is cloudy and the beach is visible in the background.

This program is more than just a set of tools; It empowers you to make choices that are right for your family, ensuring that every decision, whether prioritising therapy or cherishing family moments, contributes to building a good meaningful life for everyone involved.

Parent Facilitator, ENVISAGE
A woman with dark hair in a bun and a young boy with curly hair and a blue shirt smile closely together, posing for a selfie in a colorful room with a round table and red chairs in the background.

All the information that is provided is valued and I can become a bigger advocate for both of boys who have disabilities but also a more confident and stronger advocate for the disability community.

Parent, Belongside Families Community

At Belongside, you’ll find people who truly understand, and a community where you belong.

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