Latest News from MyTime
MyTime is a special program that has been designed to provide local support for families of young children with disabilities. This major achievement in helping families and the community raise healthy, happy children is the first nationally-funded program of its kind in the world and provides local support for mums, dads and grandparents and anyone caring for a child under school age and school age with a disability or chronic medical condition. MyTime is unique because the emphasis is on the parents and carers. They are given the opportunity to socialise, have fun and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role. Sharing their concerns with other parents in the same boat is a very powerful healer.
Most MyTime groups meet fortnightly for a couple of hours with a facilitator who helps establish the group and guides discussion in the session while children play supported by a play helper. The sessions help families build supportive relationships and networks with one another and the community. An emphasis is placed on having fun and relaxation and recently some of the groups have participated in "Bare foot bowls", a trip to a winery, golf afternoons for the Dads, luncheons and coffee mornings together. Some groups have had music therapy and relaxation therapy classes also which have not only been relaxing but great fun.
Playgroup Queensland has now established 26 MyTime groups across Queensland. Recently we have welcomed the following groups: - Bundaberg, Noah's Ark Resource Centre - Nancy Hoskinson
- Flagstone, Flagsone State School - Renee Carter
- Geebung, Geebung ECDP - Carmel Devery
- Maryborough, Noah's Ark Resource Centre - Nancy Hoskinson
- Narangba, Noah's Ark Resource Centre - Lynette Cruckshank
- Townsville, Cerebral Palsy League - Corinna Myers
On 11th August, the Disability Services Minister, Annastacia Palaszczuk saw first-hand how a new support program is helping parents of children with a disability to socialise and share their experiences.
Minister Palaszczuk visited the Mitchelton Special School with local MP Murray Watt, Member for Everton where Playgroup Queensland initiated the first MyTime Extension pilot program in July last year for parents of school age children with a disability. The Mitchelton ECDP parents also joined the group to meet the Minister. Two parents from the Mitchelton Extension group, representing all MyTime Parents, prepared a presentation for the Minister telling of their concerns and the support they would like to receive on behalf of their children. There were 24 people at the morning tea and all parents had the opportunity to speak to the Minister, the local member and the representative for Disability Queensland.
The Minister said "The MyTime program is a wonderful example of how an organisation dedicated to children is diversifying its practices to include parents and children with a disability. The program works by linking parents in similar situations and encouraging them to share their experiences, their achievements and their challenges."
Ms Palaszczuk said the Queensland Government was committed to investing in early intervention and prevention programs for children to encourage positive long-term results later in life. "Organisations such as Playgroup Queensland make an invaluable contribution through the provision of universal and targeted services to children and families across the state," she said.
If you are interested in joining a MyTime Group or would like to establish one in your community please call Ph: 3855 9600.
Anne Gooley
State Coordinator
Mytime Project
