Canberra families invited to social skills playgroup to deal with post COVID challenges

Canberra families of children who were born during the COVID-19 pandemic are being invited to a special playgroup experience which is designed to improve children’s social skills and build connections through play.

“We know many children born during the pandemic have had less opportunity for the social and physical development that comes from active play with others,” Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said.

“During COVID lockdowns and restrictions, many families also experienced increased social isolation and reduced peer support.

“People who have fewer social connections can experience an increased risk of poor physical and mental health, which is why it’s crucial we invest in programs such as Reconnect Playgroups to improve the overall health and wellbeing of Canberra families.”

The Reconnect Playgroups program is supported with more than $126,000 in funding from the 2022‑2024 Focus on Supporting Children and Families Healthy Canberra Grants, and is being delivered by ACT Playgroups. It will use play-based learning to help children with early development and socialisation during their first 1000 days, whilst connecting families to each other and the wider community.

As well as boosting children’s social skills, the playgroup program aims to increase parental confidence, improve social connections for both parents and children, and grow an understanding of early childhood development and the support available for new parents.

The program was developed to support the goals of the ACT Government’s Best Start for Canberra’s Children: The First 1000 Days Strategy which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Canberra’s families and children during their early years.

ACT Playgroups delivers three playgroups under the Reconnect Playgroup Program. The sessions run for two hours every week for ten weeks and are located in Gungahlin, Gilmore and Scullin.

More information can be found here.