In 2024, the runners of the Swiss City Marathon Lucerne donated to the "PAT - Learning with Parents" early intervention programme. Thanks to this support, families in difficult situations receive home visits from specialists.
Every year, our charity partner, The Human Safety Net Switzerland Foundation, selects a local donation project that supports families in difficult situations. In 2024, donations of over CHF 12,000 went to the "PAT - Learning with Parents" early intervention programme. In autumn 2024, the programme was integrated into the mother and father counselling service at the Centre for Social Affairs in Sursee and could be implemented thanks to the financial support.
Why the "PAT - learning with parents" early intervention programme is important
Healthy children are better able to learn, play and participate in family life. Well-integrated families are more resilient and know where to turn for support in times of crisis.
Start of support for eight families
In 2024, three trained mother and father counsellors completed additional training to become PAT family support workers. Since then, eight families have received regular support and more are currently being assessed. The families have various stress factors, but also have resources such as a willingness to co-operate and the ability to reflect and implement ideas.
Home visits are very popular
The families are visited at home 1-2 times a month. During each home visit, an activity is introduced that promotes the child's development and parent-child interaction.
For example, knowledge about child development is imparted, the living situation is looked at and, if necessary, improved or referred to other specialist centres. Great emphasis is placed on development and parenting behaviour, such as sleep or shaping transitions.
Building social networks promotes the family's self-efficacy
There are numerous organisations and services for families with small children in every municipality. Families are accompanied to toddler clubs, playgrounds, toy libraries or local libraries. The aim is for the family to build up their own social network from which they can benefit in times of crisis.
The screenings provide parents with helpful information and guidance
Screenings are another important part of the programme. The aim is to ensure the healthy development of the children. Areas such as hearing, vision, health and development are tested regularly. Parents' observations are included in the tests. This provides them with helpful information about their children's new abilities. The screenings supplement visits to the paediatrician, but do not replace them. The ZEPPELIN study impressively demonstrates that children who are ideally accompanied in this way for at least 1.5 years from birth still show significant advantages in 3rd grade.
Thank you for your support!
