The Inner West Play & Chat Supported Playgroups is a series of nine supported playgroups in the Inner West of Sydney including a fathers playgroup. It is a Families NSW initiative and a joint venture between KU Children’s Services and The Benevolent Society.
The program aims to:
- Enhance family functioning
- Promote healthy parenting practices
- Enhance children’s well being and development
- Link families into social and community support systems
- Advocate for families and children
Ashfield, Tempe, Marrickville West and Rozelle
Families experiencing a significant level of stress, vulnerability and other complex issues are offered supported playgroups facilitated by an Early Childhood Teacher, Family Counsellor/ Worker and an untrained childcare worker. The two hour session involves an hour for facilitated child and family interaction and an hour for a parents’ group facilitated by the Family Counsellor, while children participate in a children’s group conducted by the other staff.
Burwood, Homebush West and Five Dock
Supported playgroups for families with less severe difficulties but still in need of support. These are facilitated by a Community Welfare Worker and an untrained childcare worker. These supported playgroups provide a facilitated child and family interaction group of one and a half hours duration.
Fathers Group
The fathers’ group is assisted by the Marrickville Council through the Magic Yellow Bus.
Who can attend
Priority is given to first-time and single parents, as well as:
- young parents
- families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
- parents with mental health concerns
- parents who are themselves disabled
- parents with drug and alcohol issues
For more information:
Inner West Play & Chat Supported Playgroups
T: 02 9692 0559