We Love Stories

Thriving kids and families in West Heidelberg

We Love Stories aims for all children in West Heidelberg (aged 0-12) to start school ready to learn, flourish at primary school, and transition smoothly into high school. The early years and the move to high school are critical in shaping a child’s future. We work with families and services, so all children have what they need to do well.

We do this through:

• Local research: Combining the wisdom of local kids, families and practitioners with academic research and sharing what we learn.
• Partnership: Bringing together local families and people working in the area to listen to community and act on what is needed.
• Strengthening the web of supports: Strengthening relationships between services and expanding the range of support available locally.
• Community-made books: Working with community groups to make their own books. Families lead these projects, bringing their cultural and artistic strengths.
• Evaluation: Always making sure our work is having the impact we want it to and learning how we can do better.

Grounded in evidence about literacy and child development, We Love Stories is all about giving every child the best possible start.

Early Years Partnership

Local families and services are working together to build a future where every child has what they need to thrive in the early years and beyond.

For kids to get what they need in the early years, families need to be supported by a loving village that honours their voices and strengths and is there for them when they need it.

Having all our children thrive is not a job one person, team or organisation can do alone. We need to work together, led by our community.

Research and Learning

West Heidelberg is a vibrant community, including Aboriginal, Somali and migrant families.

People that call West Heidelberg home are drawn together by their varied experiences and struggles and have made a place where everyone is welcome.

We Love Stories is focussed on healthy development for every child in West Heidelberg. Having all children thrive is not a job that one person, team or organisation can do alone. We need to work together, led by our community.

Our work is driven by what local children and families tell us about what life is like and what the community need. To find out more about this research, click below:

• Developmental Disadvantage Report 2022
• Community Listening Report 2024
• View webinar on Health, Literacy and Early Language Interventions
• View webinar on Developmental Disadvantage in West Heidelberg

Other resources