Now & Next:
Peer-led support created by families,
for families
Practical tools, connection and support for parents of children with a disability, developmental delay or developmental concerns.
Empowering families since 2015
Now & Next is an online program developed by parents raising a child with disability or developmental delay. Led by parent peer workers who are trained to support families, the program brings parents together to focus on what matters most for their child and family to thrive.
- Plan strengths-based goals and take small, practical steps to achieve them
- Connect with other families, share information and learn together
- Explore ways to collaborate with people involved in your child’s learning to achieve goals
We are dedicated to supporting families to become more confident and connected, because stronger families lead to better outcomes for children.
Now & Next is backed by research and independent evaluation. Parents often tell us they feel less isolated, and that our shared experience creates a respectful and understanding space to learn together.
Choose the program that best suits your family
Register your interest and one of our peer workers will contact you for any questions you may have.
Now & Next
Create a vision and achievable goals for your child and family to thrive while building a community of support.
Now & Next is for parents, family members and primary carers of children aged 0–12 years who have a disability, developmental delay, are neurodivergent or if there are concerns about their development.
Now & Next is free for all families in Australia as part of a research collaboration between the University of New South Wales, the University of Melbourne, Monash University and Plumtree.
For families in New Zealand and the rest of the world interested in Now & Next, please visit Fast Track Inclusion Trust for enrollment details.
Key details at a glance
- Free for families in Australia, with or without NDIS
- Delivered online
- Eight sessions
- Two hours each
- Weeknight and weekend options available
- Facilitated by parent peer workers who are raising a child with a disability and trained to support families
- Suitable for parents and carers aged 0–12 years who have a disability, developmental delay, are neurodivergent or if there are concerns about their development.
Now & Next School
Support your child’s wellbeing and develop strengths-based learning goals in partnership with educators.
Our Child’s Voice model encourages your child to participate in planning supports as they grow to become independent young adults.
Now & Next School is for parents, family members and primary carers of primary school-aged children—or those transitioning to school—who have a disability, developmental delay, are neurodivergent or if there are concerns about their development.
Free for families who completed Now & Next, School & Life participants, and families working with us through the NDIS.
Key details at a glance
- Free for families who completed Now & Next, School & Life participants, and families working with us through the NDIS.
- Delivered online
- Four sessions
- Two hours each
- Suitable for parents and carers primary of school-aged children, or those transitioning to school who have a disability, developmental delay, are neurodivergent or if there are concerns about their development.
- Facilitated by parent peer workers who are raising a child with a disability and trained to support families
Not the right time to join?
If now is not the best moment for you, you’re welcome to express your interest.
We’ll stay in touch and let you know about upcoming Now & Next and Now & Next School groups.
Families thrive with Now & Next
The program is evidence-based and delivers positive outcomes, backed by research and external evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
What families say about Now & Next
The program we needed when
our children were little
As mothers of young men with disabilities, we developed Now & Next to offer families hope and the tools they need to help their children thrive.
In Now & Next, we give families the tools to build on their strengths so that they understand what to do to help their child thrive and progress.
Sylvana Mahmic CEO Plumtree and Dr Annick Janson Research Director, Ecosynergy Group Ltd (EGL)
Get in touch
Have a question or want to learn more about getting started with Plumtree?
We’d love to hear from you.
