MEDIA RELEASE

New season of HCF’s Navigating Parenthood podcast asks our teens the questions we can’t.

28 January 2020 - Sydney: There’s a lot of information about parenting teens out there, but HCF has gone straight to the source, giving six switched on teens a platform to tells listeners (and their parents) what it means to grow up and get by in 2020: Mates, dates, self-esteem, study stress, true grief and the grief we give them! So, if you’ve ever wondered what your teen is thinking and feeling, this podcast is for you.

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, produced the new season of the Navigating Parenthood podcast to highlight teen voices, their thoughts, feelings and fears, to uncover insights every parent needs to hear. In conversation with host Rebecca Sparrow, experts from ReachOut and Butterfly Foundation, teens and their own parents, these episodes are created to help parents navigate the teenage years and open up discussion with their kids about what matters to them.

In 5 episodes of the second season of Navigating Parenthood, we cover what we know are prevalent issues for teens and their parents, from depression, study stress, eating disorders and bullying to sex and losing a parent.

According to Greg McAweeney, Chief Officer of Business Growth at HCF, the rationale for developing the podcast series was to give something valuable back to parents.

“Parents can easily find resources on how to raise their children, but their own needs as individuals are often side-stepped or fall down the priority list. There needs to be just as much emphasis on developing and sharing information that supports parents and provides reassurance that parenthood isn’t perfect,” said Mr McAweeney.

“We want to explore the ups and downs of parenting so parents feel supported and understand they are not alone. The HCF podcast series aims to share frank information from experts and teenagers themselves. By doing so we hope to help start and grow conversations between parents and their teenagers.”

Listen to the trailer here and find the series by searching ‘Navigating Parenthood’ and selecting Season 2: Talking to Teens wherever you listen to podcasts, including iTunes, Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts or visit hcf.com.au/podcast

Our experts included representatives from ReachOut, the Butterfly Foundation and a social worker from a prominent Sydney hospital.

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Host Rebecca Sparrow takes us inside the heads of today’s teenagers, uncovering insights every parent needs to hear. Rebecca is a writer and columnist with a strong parent following and a focus in the teen/tween space.

HCF is proud to support members with award-winning podcast content. Navigating Parenthood, produced by HCF and Hardie Grant Media, has received the acclaim of both the global Content Marketing Institute (CMI) finalist for Best PodcasUAudio Series), and the Content Marketing Association of Australia (silver winner, Best Branded Podcast Series).

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Contact: [email protected]

ABOUT HCF HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.6 million members with health and life insurance, and travel and pet insurance. On average over the last five years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. With over 35,000 specialists participating in its Medical Gap Cover Scheme and approximately 10,000 providers participating in its 100% back More for You programs, HCF gives members access to quality health care with no gaps or minimal costs compared to non-participating providers. To empower members to put their health first, HCF also offers a range of health and lifestyle services including its Healthy Weight for Life programs, mobile Victor Chang Heart Health Checks, Thank You rewards program and preparing for hospital online tool. HCF’s national network of retail outlets and Australian-based call centres have earned multi-award winning status. HCF members also have access to low cost, high quality services at HCF Dental Centres and HCF Eyecare Centres. Having contributed $50 million to support the health services research funded by the HCF Research Foundation, HCF is devoted to investing in the future of Australia’s health. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us