If the sound of weekly catch-ups with other parents and carers in a fun and relaxed environment sounds like something you’re interested in, joining a playgroup might be for you!
Playgroups can be a great way to meet others, give children an opportunity to interact, play with ‘new’ toys and learn new activities. They’re also usually inexpensive and have wet weather options with both indoor and outdoor play areas.
We recently attended the Mini Maxi Playgroup run by The Northern Centre, which is located on Anthony Road, West Ryde. Mini Maxi is a free supported playgroup where parents can share their experiences of parenting and provide children with an opportunity to socialise, play and learn in a structured and positive environment. Designed for children aged 10 months to 5 years, it runs for 10 weeks (during school term) from 10am-12pm and each term there’s a new opportunity to enrol in this fabulous service.
The playgroup aims to:
- support a successful transition into a community-based playgroup.
- support vulnerable families with children from 0-5 years in their role as parents through targeted activities, provision of resources & information, advice and support
- provide a soft entry point into community support
Families can self-refer or be referred by other service supports such as Early Childhood Health Centres. Eligibility is assessed on a case by case basis and includes, but not limited to, the following criteria:
- Recently arrived migrant or refugee
- Experiencing social isolation
- Experiencing family or domestic violence
- Experiencing family breakdown
- Low self-esteem/ confidence in their capacity to parent well
- Experiencing mental health issues themselves or a member of their family
The Northern Centre offers a range of parenting programs that provide parents with the extra skills needed to help with raising their families. Government funding means many of the programs are delivered at no cost. They can also offer childcare for the duration of the program (booking essential). For more information on the courses offered by The Northern Centre you can contact them at:
- Phone: 9334 0111
- Email: connect@thenortherncentre.org.au
- Website: www.thenortherncentre.org.au
- Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri 8.30am – 4.30pm, Thu 8.30am – 6.30pm
THIS IS A SPONSORED ARTICLE
