Barnardos South Coast 'POPPY' Playgroup - Wollongong LGA

Barnardos South Coast

Contact

Fiona Archer, Glenda Pickett, Lynda Sinnott

Email: gpickett@barnardos.org.au

Telephone: 02 4275 8575

Mobile: 0423 5888 444

Web: http://www.barnardos.org.au/barnardos/html/

Fax: 02 4275 8565

Address

13 Greene Street, Warrawong (PO BOX 76)

NSW 2502

Program Description

POPPY (Parents Opportunity to Participate in Play with their Young Children) - Barnardos South Coast 'POPPY' Playgroup is a playgroup for families of young children (0-5) where a parent has a mental illness. It is facilitated by a Family Worker and an Early Childhood Teacher who assist parents with parenting, health, child development and other issues. The playgroup has regular visitors such as Child and Family Nurse, Health professionals, Speech Pathologist, Nutritionist, and so on. The playgroup also has occasional excursions. A healthy morning tea is provided. The playgroup is a free service. The program is funded through the Families First initiative.

Evaluation Information

The program is evaluated each term for the purposes of planning and every six months to report outcomes to the funding body. We encourage parent participation in planning so as to better meet participants needs and further develop their strengths.

Evidence

The program evidence is based on practice of SESIAHS Mental Health services in the area who originally developed the playgroup. Referral to the program is via assessment of a Mental Health Nurse. The supported playgroup model is based on Families First research and development to facilitate services to assist parents with parenting in the early years. Much of the evidence relates to Early Brain Development research (Perry) and the importance of attachment and play.

Any other information

A play program is developed for the attending children. Workers model appropriate behaviour management of children and child/adult interactions. The importance of play in the child's development is also highlighted with parents encouraged to join in play as much as they are able.

The workers are able to informally track each child's development and talk to parents about developmental concerns they may have for their own child.

Workers are a good source of information and referral for families requiring assistance in other wider family matters.

Workers also carry many resources that parents find valuable.

This program has links to other projects that benefit families such as Transition to School, Schools as Communities, Area Health, Indigenous Health, Volunteer Home visiting, to name a few.

Additional email contact: kidstime1@barnardos.org.au/

Content updated Mar 2, 2010

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