Belongside Webinars

When your child has complex medical needs and hospital is a familiar place in their world, they can be exposed to death and loss much earlier than most children their age. These experiences can be incredibly difficult moments to navigate. As a parent you may not know what to say, how much to share, or how to support your child in a way that protects their emotional wellbeing.

In this webinar, we’re joined by children’s bereavement counsellor Carolyn Johns. Carolyn will help us understand how grief can affect children, and provide gentle, practical guidance on how to navigate these conversations.

We’ll cover

• What children’s grief can look like at different ages.
• What grieving children need from the adults around them.
• How to talk to your child about death and dying in clear, honest and developmentally appropriate ways.
• Ways to support children while also recognising the impact on the wider family.

Many families of Autistic children find themselves asking the question, what if traditional schooling isn’t the right fit for my child? For some, it comes after school can’t, burnout, or feeling like their child’s needs are not being understood. For others, it may simply be a growing sense that another pathway outside of traditional education could better suit their child.

Pavlina from Home Education Network joins us to unpack what learning outside of traditional school can look like, and what steps you can take if you’re starting to think about home school.

In this webinar we’ll explore:

• Why more Autistic children are learning outside of traditional school settings.
• Common experiences that lead families to consider homeschooling.
• The different types of home education.
• Supports that may be available to families.
• Ways to support social connection and wellbeing outside of school.

Starting school is a big milestone in any child’s life. When your child has a disability, there can be a lot more to think about.

We’re joined by Laura Woodbury, Transition Support Teacher with the NSW Department of Education. Whether your child is starting school next year or you’re beginning to plan ahead, Laura will help families understand the support options available and feel more prepared for the transition to school.

In this webinar we’ll explore:

• The different support options available through the NSW Department of Education
• What to expect during the transition to school
• How to apply for and access support for your child
• Ways you can support a positive start to school

Delivered in partnership with the Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Network (ECIBPN), this four-session online Conversation Series is designed to help parents navigate the primary school years and advocate for their child’s inclusion and participation. Experienced parents and therapists shared real-life examples and practical strategies on best-practice therapy in schools, understanding IEPs, building collaborative partnerships, and what to do when things aren’t working — helping families gain confidence and tools to support their child to thrive.

Delivered in partnership with the Early Childhood Intervention Best Practice Network (ECIBPN), this four-session online Conversation Series is designed to help parents navigate early childhood education and care settings — including childcare, daycare, and preschool — and advocate for their child’s participation and inclusion. Parents, educators, and therapists shared real-life examples and practical strategies on reasonable adjustments, best-practice therapy, building collaborative partnerships, and what to do when things aren’t working — helping families build confidence and stronger relationships with their child’s early learning community.

Delivered in partnership with Siblings Australia, this five-part webinar series shone a light on the experiences, strengths, and needs of siblings when a child in the family has disability, developmental delay, medical needs, or Autism. Each session combined expert insight and lived experience with practical strategies to help families strengthen relationships, build resilience, and make space for all children’s needs. Topics included understanding the sibling experience, relationships and resilience, the sibling role, school and community connections, and support in medically complex families.

Delivered by Belongside Families in partnership with Genetic Alliance Australia, this four-part webinar series shares insights from parents and professionals to help families make sense of the genetic testing process and the emotional and practical realities that come with it. Each session offers guidance and support for every stage of the journey — from seeking answers to living with a diagnosis. Topics included understanding genetic testing and results, navigating services and shaping the future of genetics.

This four-part webinar series explores the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with disability. Each session features honest conversations between parents and professionals about the experiences we don’t often talk about — but that can make all the difference along the parenting journey. Topics include navigating uncertainty, managing the parenting load, dealing with family and friends, and rediscovering yourself outside of your caring role.

The Navigating the NDIS webinar series blended expert insight and lived experience with practical strategies to support families in planning, accessing, and maximising NDIS supports. Topics include preparing for your NDIS meeting; what to expect during the planning meeting; understanding your plan budgets, assistive technology and portal functions; managing and using supports; and what to do if you’re not happy with your plan.

These webinars help families understand and navigate the wide range of services and supports available for children with disability, developmental delay, autism, and rare or genetic conditions. Each session features guest organisations sharing how their free programs and supports can help families in practical ways. Designed to make complex systems easier to understand and use, topics have included Carer Gateway, MyTime, and Supporting Country Kids with Royal Far West.

A collection of webinars featuring trusted professionals such as Child Life Therapists, counsellors and hospital specialists, alongside parents with lived experience. Each webinar recording offers practical information to help you navigate the healthcare system, specialist care and the realities of family life with complex medical needs. 

A collection of webinars each featuring Autistic speakers with professional expertise, sharing practical insights to help families better understand and support their Autistic child. Topics have included When School is Hard, Understanding Masking, Understanding PDA, and How We Talk about Autism.