In The Field
POPPY Playgroup supports parents to learn how to play
Freya Lucas
Jun 02, 2023
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The POPPY Playgroup (Parent's Opportunity to Participate in Play with their Young) has been offering families experiencing mental health challenges a chance to gather together in a supportive place since May 2011, providing a space where they can relax, meet other parents, share experiences and have fun with their children in a safe environment.
The group was established through the initiatives of the Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre (KCAC) and runs every Monday during school terms from 10am to noon. The group supports parents to learn more about children's development and play interests and also access information sessions featuring guest speakers.Information sessions include topics such as toilet training, speech therapy, early literacy, child safety, nutrition, stress management, children’s behaviour, mental health issues, family budgeting, quitting smoking, meditation and informal discussions on a variety of subjects initiated by the parents.
POPPY Playgroup is partially funded by the Department of Communities and Justice, and many of the participants in the group comment on the sense of community, and how supportive others in the group are, forming friendships and close bonds.
"Even just to talk about things that parents who don't have mental illness won't necessarily understand,” one participant shared.
“Even ways that I wouldn't have anticipated like, my daughter's pretty shy and even though she goes to daycare she finds playgroup less confronting as it's a smaller group".
Access to the playgroup typically comes through health professional referral, however those who are interested can also contact Kingsgrove Community Centre on 02 9150 7823 to self-refer or for more information.
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