Playgroup NSW Inc.

MyTime

MyTime groups provide local support for mums, dads, grandparents and anyone caring for a young child under school age with a disability or chronic medical condition.

MyTime gives parents the chance to socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role. Parents can meet with people in similar circumstances to have fun, hear from others and find out about available community support. Research-based parenting information will also be available at group meetings.

Each group has a play helper who can lead children in activities such as singing, drawing, playing with toys, blocks or sand so parents can spend time focusing on catching up with others.

Why is MyTime important?

It can be hard for parents to find time to get support and find play opportunities for their children. Making time for yourself and your needs can help your child. Local MyTime groups bring parents together with people who can understand their children’s achievements and help with the challenges. Each group has a play helper who can lead children in activities such as singing, drawing, playing with toys, blocks or sand so parents can spend time focusing on catching up with others.

How MyTime works

Each group is supported by two workers – a facilitator for parents and a play helper for children. A facilitator works with parent groups, helping them get to know each other and decide on topics or activities for their group to discuss. Groups have at least four parents and usually meet once a week for a couple of hours.

How do I join?

First, register your details and then we will contact you and let you know where the closest group is to you. MyTime groups are FREE to families and care givers who have a child under school age with a chronic illness or disability.

There are currently over thirty MyTime Playgroups operating in New South Wales. Locations are listed below:

• Albion Park Rail MyTime
• Ashfield MyTime
• Bexley MyTime
• Bowral MyTime
• Broken Hill MyTime
• Coffs Harbour MyTime
• Emu Plains MyTime
• Erina MyTime
• Fairfield MyTime
• Glebe MyTime
• Gosford MyTime
• Guildford West MyTime
• Gungahlin MyTime
• Harden MyTime
• Hawkesbury MyTime
• Katoomba MyTime
• Lake Albert MyTime
• Lismore East MyTime
• Mt Druitt MyTime
• Narellan MyTime
• Oakhurst MyTime
• Queanbeyan MyTime
• Rivett MyTime
• San Remo MyTime
• Scullen MyTime
• St Mary’s MyTime
• Suffolk Park MyTime
• Tamworth MyTime
• Toronto MyTime
• Umina MyTime
• Wollongong MyTime
• Woodbery MyTime

For more information on MyTime Playgroups, email Playgroup NSW or call 1800 171 882.

Who can join?

Parents and carers of children under school age with a disability or chronic medical condition who are eligible to receive the Carer Allowance (Child).

For further information about MyTime, register here.

You can also look at the MyTime Website (www.mytime.net.au) for the location of all the groups across Australia.