Start Small began with two mums who met while navigating the early days of parenting medically complex children.
What started as park walks and shared conversations grew into a small but powerful community built on connection, empathy, and care.
The story of Start Small is one of friendship, grief, laughter, and care; and most of all, refusing to let other families feel as alone as they once did.
2022 — We met at local support groups
Our paths crossed at many of the same events aimed at our children, and we quickly realised the lack of emotional support specific to parent carers.
2024 — Parent led organisation
With funding and community support, we became a parent-led voluntary organisation dedicated to helping families feel less alone.
2023 — Our informal network
Our informal meetups turned into a network of parents sharing sharing stories, knowledge and encouragment.
Meet the founders
Kate's Story
Kate's son was born prematurely in June 2020 at 32 weeks during the height of the first COVID lockdown. He had multiple complications, a long hospital stay, and an unknown future with little hope. I struggled with the lack of support aimed at parent carers after such life altering news . As a counsellor Kate knew that this laid the foundation for recognising the importance of peer support and specialised care.
Clemmie's Story
Alex was born prematurely in August 2021 at 32 weeks due to severe growth restriction. He had a NICU stay, multiple complex diagnoses, and a constant juggle of medical appointments. Clemmie began to find support tailored to Alex's needs, but as a psychologist Clemmie recognised the mental health implications of isolation and the need for accessible, early intervention services for parents outside clinical settings.
What we believe
At Start Small, we believe community care begins with connection.Our values are shaped by lived experience — the resilience, kindness, and courage that grow when families support one another.Together, we build spaces that feel safe, inclusive, and full of hope.
Connection
Because no one should face the early days alone. We create spaces where families feel seen and supported.
Resilience
We grow through what we’ve lived — turning challenge into strength and hope for others.
Empathy
We listen before we act, meeting every family with compassion and understanding.
Got some questions?We have answers
No. Many of us didn’t have a full diagnosis for a long time (or still don’t). If you’re dealing with hospital appointments, feeding plans, physio, referrals, “watch and wait,” suspected genetic conditions, developmental delay, etc — you’re welcome.
Yes. Siblings are part of the family too. We’re trying to create spaces where the whole family can be together, not split everyone up.
We hold relaxed Stay & Play–style meet-ups, coffee walks, inclusive outings (like swimming or beach trips), and seasonal events. You can chat with other parents, let your child explore in a safe, understanding space, or just sit and breathe.
Yes. You are absolutely allowed to be however you are that day — anxious, numb, angry, hopeful, grieving, proud, exhausted. We’ve felt all of those.
Yes. You don’t have to be “in a bad enough place” to reach out. You’re allowed to ask small questions too.
Most of what we offer is free or donation-based. We’re doing this because we believe every family deserves support, not just the ones who can pay for it.
Sign up now and keep yourself informed!
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