Government to fund access to Portage services by all Local Authorities
We need your support with an important petition that has been submitted to the Government by the NPA:
“Government to fund access to Portage services by all Local Authorities.”
Petition link: Government to fund access to portage services by all Local Authorities - Petitions
Why this matters
We are calling on the Government to fund all Local Authorities to provide Portage services in every area, so that young children with developmental delay and disability can access timely, effective early support and achieve better long-term outcomes.
Portage plays a vital role in:
- Promoting critical early development through structured, play-based learning
- Supporting communication, social development, play, early cognition, and physical skills
- Aligning fully with the First 1001 Days and Best Start in Life principles
- Strengthening secure relationships and responsive interactions
- Supporting early developmental gains central to national early years reform
We also believe that early Portage intervention can prevent escalation of need, improve developmental trajectories, and reduce reliance on more intensive services later on.
How you can help
We kindly ask you to:
- Sign the petition
- Share it widely with families, friends, and colleagues
- Include the petition link in your email footer where possible
- Promote it through newsletters, social media, and professional networks
Downloadable poster available here : 
Every signature helps strengthen the message and demonstrates the collective support of professionals, services, and families who see the impact of Portage every day.
Thank you for your time, your support, and for helping us advocate for equitable access to Portage services nationwide.