may 2016 cfc newsletter

8/17/2019 May 2016 CfC Newsletter

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AMITY HEALTH CforC NEWSLETTER 2016 | 5 1

Welcome to the May edition of the

Communities for ChildrenNewsletter

Communities for Children is funded by the AustralianGovernment via the Department of Social Services. Thisprogram is part of the Families and CommunitiesProgramme (FCP) providing prevention and earlyintervention programs to families with children who areat risk of disadvantage and disconnected from

childhood services.

Amity Health’s team is passionate about helping rural,remote and isolated families and their children. Our roleis to provide support to local community partners todeliver programs and activities so families can behealthy, feel supported and connected to theircommunities. Programs and activities are located invarious community based settings and reflect the needsof individual communities across the region.

Additional services available from Amity Health include Dietetics,Occupational Therapy, Child Mental Health, Speech Pathology

and Diabetes Education.

NEWSLETTER INDEX

Mindful Kids Group

2

The Core Issue 3

Hub of the Month: Tambellup Kids 4

Parents: Looking After Yourself 5

National Families Week 6

“What's On” in your Area 7-9

Community Activity Fund 10

Albany Young Carers Club 11

Upcoming events/Calendar 12

Subscribe to the latest Communities for Childrennewsletter at [email protected] or

phone Amity Health on 9842 2797

May Newsletter

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Mindful Kids roup Danita Walsh

Amity Health has recently completed it’s first Mindful Kids group series for children agedbetween 8-12 yrs old. The group ran for 6 sessions after school during Term 1. Childrenwho attended the group were encouraged to bring a parent along to learn too. This allowed

for parents to provide greater support and follow-up at

home with their children, to reinforce the new skills learned.Most children learning mindfulness and relaxation skills willneed ongoing support to integrate these into their dailyroutine, so it’s great when parents can model these skills inreal life, during calm and stressful times. All skills takepractice to benefit from!

Children attending the group reported feeling safe and

enjoying the group, finding it easy to understand and do theexercises. They particularly enjoyed exploring the mindfulsensing activities, the yoga stretches, breathing and bodyrelaxation exercises.

The Mindful Kids Group focuses on mindfulness andrelaxation training skills in a small group environment, toboost self -regulation and resilience in children. Any child iswelcome to join and benefit from the skills. In particular, children who may be anxious,stressed, have self -regulation difficulties and need to develop coping skills would benefitfrom learning how to use mindfulness and relaxation skills to cope better with life at schooland home. Some of the skills explored include: breathing skills, mindful sensingtechniques, relaxation and simple yoga exercises, guided visualisations and educationabout stress and the link between body-mind, which impact on our thoughts and feelings.The groups are fun and simple, aimed at children’s learning levels to encourage a sense of

exploration and participation.Children who may be anxious ingroups are welcome to participateat their own pace. Parents areencouraged to attend the groupsessions to learn the skills toreinforce at home.

The group runs for 1hr afterschool, over 5 weeks duringschool terms.

The group is facilitated by Danita

Walsh, Occupational Therapist,Child Youth Counsellor and ArtPsychotherapist. For more details,call Amity Health on 9842 2797


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The Core Issue!Cleo Drygan - Occupational Therapist

The school year is well and truly begun as we step into Term 2! As children move through school,they are required to sit and concentrate more and more. For some children, this can be a difficulttask. A number of things may be impacting on their ability to sit and concentrate in mat or table top

activities. If your child is having difficulty holding their body in an upright position against gravity, tothen be able to concentrate, focus and attend to the task at hand beyond this point will be madeexponentially difficult. To hold one’s body upright, postural stability and core control are required.With poor development of these muscles, children may develop compensatory techniques that canaffect their development further.

In the early years, children with poor postural stability and control of their core may changepositions regularly, lean on one hand (usually non dominant), or lay down when in class especiallyduring mat work. This can limit their ability to use both hands together increasing their bilateralcoordination abilities (when stabilising themselves with one hand), may limit their engagement intasks and can be unsuitable (when laying down or moving to a position where they can lean on

items for support). As children get older (approx. Year 2) this may present in different ways, suchas holding their head in their hand rather than supporting their paper, continuous repositioning ofbody, and wrapping their legs around the chairs legs for additional support. W sitting is also aposition children of any early age may adopt (sitting on their knees with their feet angled away fromtheir body and their bottom sitting between their feet on the ground). This position puts the child’ship joint in extreme internal rotation, potentially affecting their balance and coordination, and shouldbe discouraged (encourage crossed legs, legs out front, or to the side etc.). These examples arenot extensive and children can present with varying compensatory or adapted techniques.

The good news is that a strong core and good postural control can often be developed with fun andplayful games! Core strengthening is essential for the progression of other developmental skills,because the core is the centre of control for everything else the body does.

Some fun activities to play with your childinclude:

Wheelbarrows – take turns in holdingeach other’s feet and walking on yourhands. For children with poorer posturalcontrol hold their feet up higher. Aim tobeat your last distance!

Jumping on a trampoline

Tug-

of -

war Animal walks – for example, crab walk

(keeping bottom off the ground), bearwalks, and elephant walks (bending atwaist and hanging arms)

Swings – self propelling

If you have any concerns with your childpostural control or would like further

information or activities, please contact Cleo,Children’s Occupational Therapist, at Amity

Health, 98422797.


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Communities for Children

Hub of the Month

Tambellup Kids

The kids have had a great start to the After School Program in Tambellup.Cooking was a huge hit with an average of 25 kids turn up and cooked someyummy meals. A big thank you to Anita Phillips, all the teachers and parentsthat volunteered to help.

During the Term One school holidays, we had

a fun day of Archery which was run by Woody Archery from Woodanilling. The kids andparents all had a great day. Viv, the TambellupKids Co-Ordinator, cooked up a storm with amassive sausage sizzle—over 90 sausagesand 4 kg of onion! We would like to thank youEllen Hooper for all your help.

The second dance day was massive with 35 kids dancing at the Shire Hall. Anyes from Twilight Dreams in Albany did yoga, hip hop, art and natural foodand drinks. Great fun and a big thank you from the mums of Tambellup as mostof the kids went home and fell asleep.

This term we have a dancing class planned at the town hall provided byTwilight Dreams from Albany. We also have a golf clinic planned which will betaught by Shane Woods, a local from Tambellup. This will be for both the

primary and the high school kids, so plenty of fun tobe had by all.

Next term school holidays there is more fun plannedwith sports events and even some art days. So keepan eye out on the Amity Health Facebook page formore information so you can also join in on the fun,or contact Amity Health on 9842 2797


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Parents:

Looking After Yourself

There are incredibly positive things about becoming a parent, like the joy of seeing your baby smile.

But there’s also more responsibility, less time for you and your partner – and maybe more tiredness

than you ever imagined. Looking after yourself helps you be the parent you want to be.

Parents and parenting

Parenting doesn’t always come naturally. All parents are working it out as they go along. All parents makemistakes and learn through experience. Parenting requires observation, understanding, persistence,imagination, patience, honesty and energy!

It’s OK to feel confident about what you know. And it’s also OK to admit you don’t know and ask questions

– often the ‘dumb’ questions are the best kind!

Looking after your relationship with your partner

Happy couples have a positive effect on their children. This means that looking after your relationship canhelp you both get the most out of being parents and partners. Open communication can help you cope with the relationship changes that come with becoming a parent.You might be getting less sleep, less time to talk to each other and less time alone with each other. Thiscan sometimes lead to disagreements.

You can counter these tensions by telling each other how you’re feeling and finding ways to support each

other. You can keep your relationship positive by picking your battles and setting aside a time and placeto discuss frustrations and work out solutions. Setting realistic expectations, being understanding and forgiving each other during the early years can often

make the difference between staying together and drifting apart.

Looking after yourself: activity, food and rest

Three things make a world of difference to your energy levels and ability tolook after your new baby:

staying active

eating healthy food

getting as much rest as you can.

Regular exercise improves circulation, increases your overall metabolism,boosts the immune system and makes you feel good. A daily walk gets youout of the house and into the fresh air. A change of scenery can do wondersfor your mood, or you can just jump around the house listening to yourfavourite music.

Eating well can be very difficult for busy parents. Have some simple food on hand, like fresh vegetablescut up ready to eat with dips, fruit, yoghurt and wholegrain bread.

If you’re breastfeeding, you need a lot of protein and nutrients, plus plenty of fluids.

When it comes to rest, there are three golden rules: sleep when your baby is sleeping, go to bed early, and

nap whenever you can.

Sourced from http://raisingchildren.net.au/


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About the Week

Each year, over a hundred thousand people and hundreds of organisations

celebrate National Families Week – Australia’s annual celebration of families.

The aim of National Families Week is to celebrate the vital role that families

play in Australian society.

National Families Week is a time to celebrate with your family, make contactwith your extended family and friends, and share in the enjoyment of family

activities within the wider community. It is a time to celebrate the meaning of

family and to make the most of family life.

All Australians, including community organisations, schools, councils,

companies and individuals are invited to participate in National Families Week

each year.

The 2016 theme is ‘Stronger Families, Stronger Communities’

What sorts of events are held during Naonal Families

Week? Each year, tens of thousands of people and hundreds of organisations

celebrate National Families Week – Australia’s annual celebration of the vital

role of families. In 2015, more than 125,000 people participated in events

across Australia. Participating organisations undertook a wide range of

National Families Week activities such as morning teas, barbeques, sausage

sizzles, playgroup visits, family picnics, artwork displays, family information

days, drawing competitions, dances, art displays, photo competitions,

seminars and workshops, breakfast gatherings, story-telling events, services

displays, and movie nights.

National Families Week is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social

Services.

http://nfw.org.au/

http://nfw.org.au/get-involved/resources/

http://nfw.org.au/http://nfw.org.au/http://nfw.org.au/get-involved/resources/http://nfw.org.au/get-involved/resources/http://nfw.org.au/get-involved/resources/http://nfw.org.au/get-involved/resources/http://nfw.org.au/get-involved/resources/http://nfw.org.au/


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Rangers: Tues 6pm. Police Rangers:Tues 6.30pm. Ph: 9842 1716 or 98416672

Rainbow Coast Neighbourhood Centre:

219 North Road, Ph 9841 8254. Parent

Support Programs and CommunityGarden Activities. Free and low costactivities. Creche facilities are generallyavailable but please call ahead.

Rainbow Coast Toy Library:for children 0-8yo. Sat 10am-12noon(school term), Fri by apt.Behind PCYCbuilding 77 Sanford Rd E:[email protected]

BORDEN

Ready Set Go (Borden Early Years Network)

9 – 11am at Borden Primary School.Shannon 0428279288

BORNHOLM

Western Districts Playgroup:

Thurs 9.30am. Bornholm Hall, LowerDenmark Rd, Ph: Melita Smith0437887693

BREMER BAY

Playgroup:

Tues mornings Ph: Alice Reddington0439328961

Story Time at the Library:

Ph: 9837 4171

School Holiday Program:

Ph: Bremer Bay Community Resource

Centre 9837 4171

CRANBROOK

Playgroup:

Friday 9am – 11am Cranbrook PrimarySchool. 9826 1028

DENMARK

Rhyme time:

Mon 11am. Story time: Thurs 11am,Denmark Library.

Denmark Playgroup:

Mon 9am – 11am at the Child CareCentre, Gumnut Corner

‘What’s On’ in the Great Southern for May 2016

ALBANY

Australian Breastfeeding Assoc:

Thurs 10-12, 18 Chester Pass Rd.(Albany Playgroup). Emilynne 9844 1458,visit www.breastfeeding.asn.au

Albany Breastfeeding Centre:

99 Collie St. Appointments Mon, Wedand Fri afternoons. Contact 9842 7561

Albany Library:

Story time Thurs and Sat 10.30am,Rhyme time Wed and Fri 10:30am

Albany Museum:

School Holiday Activities Albany Playgroup:

18 Chester Pass Rd, Tues, Wed, Fri 9:30

-12:00. Ph: Jane 0400 209 767

ALAC Swim School: All ages and stages welcome. Nola on9844 2274 or [email protected]

Immunisation Clinic:

Tues 1.30-4pm and Thurs 1.30-4pm atPopulation Health, Warden Avenue. Ph:9842 7500 for an appointment.

King River Playgroup:King River Hall, Millbrook. Playgroup &3yo old Kindy. Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 10-12pm Ph: Janine – 0438 945 604

Little Grove Playgroup:Tues, Wed and Fri 9:30-11:30. LittleGrove Progress Hall. Ph: Rebecca 0411858 567

Mt Lockyer Primary School Playgroup:Wed 9am - 12 noon. Please bring a pieceof fruit to share. Child and Parent Centre,Humphreys Street, Ph: 9842 9998

Mt Lockyer Child and Parent Centre:

Rhyme Time: Mon from 9:30-10:30am.

Jumping Joeys: Tues 9:30-10:30am. MtLockyer Primary School. Ph: 9842 9998

My time:

Support for parents of children withspecial needs, Wed 9.30am at Wanslea.Ph: Di 9842 9998.

Play in the Park:

Tues& Fri 10-12noon Cull Park,Campbell Rd. Ph: 0409 048 204

PCYC:

77 Sanford Rd. Low cost activities.

Toddler gym - Mon, Thurs 10am. KindyGym: Tues 4.30pm; Gymnastics: Mon,Thurs, Fri 4pm, Sat 8.15am and 9.45am;For teens Strike II: Fri 7.30pm; Jnr

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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FRANKLAND RIVER

Frankland River Playgroup: Wed 9:30 - 11:30. Community Centre,55 Wingebellup Rd. Ph: [email protected]

Play in the Park:10am to 12pm 4

th Wed of the month,

Federation Park (next to Library)

GAIRDNER

Gairdner Playgroup:Tues 9.30 – 11.30 Ph: Jen 0409 425 915

GNOWANGERUP

Gnowangerup Playgroup:Tuesday 9:30-11:30. Family CentreBuilding, Whitehead Rd. Ph: Renee 98258188

Gnowangerup Library:Story time, Thurs 9.30am, Contact theCRC

Play in the Park:10am – 12pm, 1

st Wed of the month at

the Community Park

JERRAMUNGUP

Jerramungup Activities: for families, Story Time, School HolidayProgram all at the CRC Ph:9835 1630

Play in the Park: 10am – 12pm 1

st Wed of the month at

Roe Park

KENDENUP

Story Time:Fri 9am at Kendenup PS Ph: 98514061 Playgroup: Tues 9.30am at Kendenup HallContact Teresa Stockdale o427518800

KATANNING

Katanning Public Library:Story time and Baby Rhyme Time at10am on alternating Tues. Ph: Mickala9821 4300

Badgebup Playgroup:Wednesday, 9.30am, Badgebup Hall.

Family Fun and Learning:Supported Groups: Tues 9am -12pm (formigrant families), Fri 9am 2pm (universal)Katie from Wanslea 9821 1102

Walk & Talk:

Wednesday, 9am, Ph: 9821 2009.

Katanning Playgroup:0-5 years. Wed -9:30-11:30 & Thurs10:00-12pm. 84 Conroy St (oppositepublic pool) E:[email protected]

Katanning Toy Library:Tues & Sat 10.30-11.30am KatanningLibrary, Austral Tce.

Play in the Park:10am – 12pm, 2

nd Wed of the month at

All Ages Playground

KOJONUP

Kojonup Playgroup:Tues – 10am -12 & Thurs - 9:30-11:30.Spring St.

Toy Library:Tues 9.30am, playgroup building

Story Time in the Park with activities10am -12pm every 4

th Wed of the month

at Apex Park Ph: Kojonup Library 98312412

Deadly Brotha Boyz: Aboriginal Boys 8-18yo,Wed 3.30 – 5.30at the Kojonup Sporting Complex Ph:Robbie 0439 982008 or Stuart0419406333

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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MT BARKER

Mt Barker Toy Library:Thurs 10-11:30am at Mt Barker CRC,

Robyn 0402 115 680 [email protected]

Play in the Park with story time:10-12noon Thursday, Mt Barker Library.Ph: 0409 048 204.

Mount Barker Playgroup:Monday 9.30am-11.30am Wednesday 11.00am-1.00pm RSL Club,Booth St. Contacts: Veeta (President) - 0400235194 or Jamie (Secretary) - 0415557224,

[email protected]

Wriggle, Giggle & Grow:Fri 10.30am at the Library (school termsonly) Ph: 9851 2661 [email protected]

Madar Mothers Group (supported Group) Wed, Mt Barker Community College Ph:Leith 0428 359 713

NYABING

Nyabing Playgroup:9-11am on Thursdays. CWA Hall.Contact 9828 5200 or [email protected]

ONGERUP

Community Activities: at the Community Resource Centre Ph;9828 2325

Ongerup Playgroup:Tues 9.30 – 11.30 Ph: Kelly 9828 2195

PINGRUP

Play in the Paddock events:check with the Community ResourceCentre Ph: 9820 1101

Pingrup Playgroup:

Wed 9:30- 11:30, Pavilion, Gaby StreetPh: 9820 1123

SOUTH STIRLING

South Stirling Playgroup:Monday 9.30-11:30am, South Stirling

Hall

TAMBELLUP

Tambellup Kids: After school and School Holiday

Programs for Children and Youth. For alldetails Ph: Viv 0477 999 950

Tambellup Playgroup:Tues 10am. Crowden St. Ph: Ashleigh9825 1770

Indigenous Parenting Playgroup:Friday 9.30am, Primary School, Ph: 98251144

WALPOLE

Walpole Kinder Gym:Tues 10am – 11am 0-5yo activity Ph:Maree 0418 916 543

WELLSTEAD

Playgroup:Wed 9.30-11.30am, Wellstead PrimarySchool. Ph: 9847 2030

Toy Library:Wellstead CRC

WOODANILLING

Playgroup:Fri 9:30am - 12pm during school term.Bindi Murray 0409 347 299

Please subscribe to the latest Communities for

Children newsletter by [email protected].

Contact the CforC team at Amity Health toupdate program contact details and informationon 98 422 797 or email as provided above.

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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MA Y CALENDAR

Communies for Children - Lower Great Southern is funded by the Australian Government via the Department of Social Services.

This program is part of the Department of Social Service’s Families and Communies Programme (FCP) providing prevenon and early interven-

on programs to families with children who are at risk of disadvantage and disconnected from childhood services.

Communies for Children is managed by Amity Health with the aim of overseeing the development of acvies and

organising funding allocaons to selected community projects in the Lower Great Southern.

Addional services available from Amity Health include:

Amity Health 136 Lockyer Ave PO Box 5294, Albany WA 6332

T: 9842 2797 F: 9842 2798 E: [email protected] W: www.amityhealth.com.au

Speech Pathology Diabetes Educaon

Occupaonal TherapyChild Mental Health

Dietecs

Tip: Sck this on your Fridge or Noce Board and

add your own acvies to aend this month

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Mother’s Day

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

Families Week

may 2016 cfc newsletter

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