An eight-week, peer-led online program for parents and carers of children with disability or developmental delay. Free for Australian families; weekly sessions build practical skills and family resilience.
Sunday 8 February 2026
to Sunday 29 March 2026
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Online
Free
Now & Next is an award-winning, evidence-based parent education program delivered online by trained peer workers. You will join other parents and carers to learn practical strategies for setting goals, improving family wellbeing and supporting your child’s development.
Expect warm, peer-led sessions that balance evidence-based tools with real-life parenting experience. The sessions use the Pictability tool, Goal to Action coaching, and mindfulness activities to help you make steady progress toward meaningful outcomes for your child and family.
The program is designed for busy parents of children aged 0-12 and focuses on achievable, family-centred change. Sessions are interactive and practical, so come prepared to share, reflect and try new approaches in a supportive online space.
This program runs over eight weekly online sessions, each two hours long, and attendance at all sessions is required to gain the full benefit and a certificate of completion. The course content moves from vision and goal-setting through to strengths, wellbeing and partnering with professionals.
Session highlights include:
- Week 1: Creating a long-term vision with Pictability
- Weeks 2-3: Goal to Action coaching and practical planning
- Weeks 4-8: Strengths, wellbeing, partnership skills and toolkit review
You will receive mailed materials once registration is confirmed and log-in details by email before the first session. A reliable internet connection and a device with a camera are needed, and cameras must be on for all sessions to receive a completion certificate.
Delivered online via Zoom so you can join from anywhere in Australia, this program removes travel as a barrier for busy families. Instructions and the Zoom link are emailed closer to the start date so you can plan ahead.
If you need accessibility support, the Now & Next team encourages you to let them know when you register so reasonable adjustments can be made. The program aims to be inclusive for parents with disabilities, neurodivergence or who speak English as a second language.
Materials for the course are posted to participants after registration is confirmed, meaning families will have physical resources to follow along with during online sessions. This blend of mailed resources and online learning supports varied family routines and learning styles.
This program is for parents, family members and primary carers of children with disabilities, developmental delays or neurodivergence aged 0-12. Attendance at all eight sessions is required for certificate eligibility and to gain the full skills and benefits of the course.
Places are limited and groups may be cancelled if RSVP numbers are too low, so RSVP by the stated deadline. If you have questions about course dates, group bookings or hosting Now & Next in your organisation, contact the Now & Next team for more details.
The program is delivered by trained peer workers who bring lived experience and practical tips, creating a learning environment grounded in empathy and real-world parenting. Parents should plan for active participation and consider arranging short breaks or childcare as needed during the two-hour sessions.
The Now & Next course is free for families in Australia, whether or not they have NDIS funding, making it an accessible parent education option for many households. RSVP is required and spaces are allocated per family to ensure focused support.
RSVP deadlines and confirmation details are provided on the event listing; once registered, participants will receive further instructions and material mailouts. For certificate of completion requirements, participants must have their camera on for every session to confirm attendance and engagement.
To register or ask about future course dates, email the Now & Next team or call the Plumtree office for assistance. The program aims to support families with practical tools, peer connection and sustained positive outcomes for children and carers.
