School holidays are nearly done! Have you locked in your child’s spot in next term’s totally free, smalltalk supported playgroup session?
Your schedule might be hectic, butbooking is quick and easy. If your child is under five years old and you hold a Health Care Card, our smalltalk sessions can be beneficial to you.
Don’t know what a smalltalk supported playgroup session is? That’s ok! They’re a supportive playgroup for parents and children run by a qualified facilitator. These sessions can help developing family connection, increasing parent confidence and discovering everyday opportunities for child development.
Local parent, Tara spoke with us on her recent experience with smalltalk sessions.
How did you hear about the smalltalk supported playgroup service?
It was recommended to me during the regular Maternal Child Health visits after my son Luca was born. As the only single mum in my mother’s group, I found it hard to relate and I didn’t form any solid friendships. Our Maternal and Child Health nurse really escalated our access into the supported playgroup service and I’m so glad she did.
What influenced you to attend the playgroups?
I put my son first in the world so if there’s something that has been recommended for us and he likes it, I’ll go. Luca is a very active child, he’s always 100 miles an hour. The sessions with Kerry were a great way to get his energy out. Being on my own it’s easy to get distracted with cleaning or cooking. The supported playgroups are a dedicated time I could give him free from distraction.
How did you find them useful?
The sessions were really wholesome and grounding for me in the chaos of parenthood. Luca is thriving so I’m happy. We’ve progressed through the supported playgroup service, and with Kerry’s continued help we now attend a couple of local playgroups in Hastings.
Would you recommend other families to attend these playgroups?
Yes! Having the regularity of the playgroups each week has been great. I bumped into Kerry outside of the playgroup recently and she’s genuinely interested in you and your family as all the facilitators will be. It’s a relationship you wouldn’t have had before, and her support has given me so much more confidence.
We also accept referrals from Enhanced Maternal, Child Health Services, families engaged with NDIS and Orange Door.
Eligible families can also take up our in-home sessions, which are one-on-one sessions at your home (or another suitable location) to practice smalltalk strategies. This service is also free.
If this is right up your alley, sign up today: mornpen.vic.gov.au/supportedplaygroups
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
“Like Tara, you may find easy, low-key tools that helps both you as a parent and your child. Our smalltalk supported playgroup service is totally free from judgement, designed to help you stay better connected with your community, build resilience and nurture the relationship between parent and child.”
Quotes attributable to Health and Wellbeing Committee representative, Councillor Antonella Celi:
“The smalltalk supported playgroup service is a great place for parents to find support when it’s needed the most. I encourage you to book in and join a playgroup in your area and discover meaningful ways to connect with others and enhance the development milestones of your children”.
