Every child deserves an
equal chance to thrive.
- ● To be born healthy and given the best possible start in life.
- ● To start school ready to learn and develop.
- ● To grow up with the support and opportunities every child deserves.
Yet disadvantaged communities continue to face poorer health and developmental outcomes from the earliest years of life, driven by inequitable access to care and support. But you can help change that. You can help create better futures for children and families.
Your generosity could save lives.
When support comes too late, the consequences last a lifetime
Sam was born premature to a mother experiencing depression, social isolation, and financial hardship. Separated from her father during pregnancy due to domestic violence, Sam's early milestones went unmonitored. Key developmental checks were missed, and red flags went unseen.
As a toddler, Sam had delayed speech and emerging behavioural difficulties. She didn't attend preschool due to cost. By the time she started school, she was already struggling with ADHD, reading difficulties, and challenges making friends. By adolescence, this escalated to substance use, depression, and self-harm.
At age 14, after an emergency department presentation, Sam was finally diagnosed with autism and depression. Years after early intervention could have changed everything.
"When children like Sam are identified early through programs such as Watch Me Grow, families can be connected to the right supports at the right time, offering them hope and a very different future."
Scientia Professor Valsamma Eapen FRCPsych · FRANZCP · PhD · FAHMS
Lead, Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry Ingham Institute
Chair of Child Psychiatry at UNSW Sydney
Head of the Clinical Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry at South Western Sydney Local Health District
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World-class research. Local solutions. Global impact.
Ingham Institute is one of Australia's leading research institutes, located in the heart of South Western Sydney. Our work is dedicated to health equity and focuses on the specific health challenges of our unique population. This means our research and resources are directed to the communities that need it most.
Our child development research focuses on closing the gap, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds, disadvantaged families and underserved communities receive the same quality of early support as any other child in Australia. We work to ensure that every child has the chance to thrive, no matter where their journey begins.
Help create a healthier, fairer future for every child in our community.
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The Researchers Behind the Work
Professor Jon Hyett
MBBS · BSc · MD · MRCOG · FRANZCOG —Head of Obstetrics Research,
Ingham Institute
Professor Hyett trained in obstetrics, maternal and foetal medicine. His work focuses on predicting pregnancy complications early through screening at 12 weeks and later-stage risk assessment at 36 weeks. He is currently the Head of Obstetrics Research at Ingham Institute and Clinical Academic in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Head of MFM at SWSLHD. His work investigates how early detection and simple treatments such as aspirin can prevent life-threatening complications for mothers and babies.
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Professor Valsamma Eapen
FRCPsych · FRANZCP · PhD · FAHMS —Lead, Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry Ingham Institute
Scientia Professor Eapen leads the Watch Me Grow program and serves as Clinical Academic and Academic Lead for Child Psychiatry within South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD). She is internationally recognised for expertise in autism, Tourette Syndrome, and neurodevelopmental disorders, with more than 500 publications and extensive leadership in early childhood intervention research.
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Professor Michael Kohn
MBBS · FRACP · FACPM · PhD —Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at WSU, SWSLHD and Westmead Hospital
With more than 30 years of experience, Professor Kohn leads translational research focused on reducing developmental inequity and improving child and adolescent health outcomes. His work pioneers “proportionate universal” care models supporting children experiencing developmental vulnerability, ADHD, and mental health challenges.
Your gift supports a child's path to a better future
A child's future should never depend on their postcode, background, or a family's ability to navigate complex healthcare systems.
Your generosity helps build more equitable health services for children and families experiencing the greatest developmental, social, and health needs. Ensuring early support reaches those who need it most.
Every contribution helps children access the care they need
$65Help us continue delivering care to children who need it most
$100Help identify pregnancy risks earlier
$250Help connect a child to the right support early
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