Welcome to the September edition of the … newsletters/September...AMITY HEALTH CforC NEWSLETTER 2017 | 9 1 Welcome to the September edition of the Communities for Children Newsletter

AMITY HEALTH CforC NEWSLETTER 2017 | 9 1

Welcome to the September edition of the Communities for Children

Newsletter Communities for Children is funded by the Australian Government via the Department of Social Services. This program is part of the Families and Communities Program (FCP) providing prevention and early intervention programs to families with children who are at 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 role is to provide support to local community partners to deliver programs and activities so families can be healthy, feel supported and connected to their communities. Programs and activities are located in various community based settings and reflect the needs of individual communities across the region. Amity Health also delivers Allied Health services for Children and Adults. Our services include Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Child Mental Health and Diabetes Education.

NEWSLETTER INDEX

Kojonup Play Café 2

Father’s Day 2

Your Space: for Kids and Youth 3

Family Tip 3

What’s Happening in Narrogin 4/5

Dadvice 6

Kids Recipe of the Month 7

What's On in your Area 8-10

Notice Board 11/12

Upcoming events/Calendars 13

Subscribe to the latest Communities for Children newsletter at

[email protected] or phone

Amity Health on 9842 2797

mailto:[email protected]


Kojonup Play Café The Kojonup Play Café is now up and running thanks to the hard work of Loreen Greeuw from the Kojonup Shire Library and Kojonup District High School (KDHS). The Play Café is a great opportunity for children to learn, experience, investigate and make new friends. It’s also a good time for parents/carers to play with their children and get ideas of how they can prepare kids for school. Arts, crafts, cutting, rolling, sticking, running, jumping, stories and imaginative play help children build the skills they need to get the most out of school. But most importantly it shows that even the smallest of things, things that we do in everyday life can help our children. Parents and carers give children the best start in life. Kojonup Play Café (or any preschool group for that matter), can give parents/carers ideas and the confidence to include children in more things at home. Taking turns in a pretend game of morning tea, stirring the cake mix before it goes in the oven, making a shopping list together or asking a little one to put the ‘orange’ carrots in the basket teach children about colours, language, counting, sharing and a whole host of other skills that we do without thinking. In fact, we are so used to just doing stuff that we sometimes forget that at some point or another we actually learnt it! How did you know the carrots were orange? The Kojonup Play Café guarantees a warm welcome, a hot tea/coffee for parents or carers, healthy morning tea and lots of fun. Make something to stick on the fridge, snuggle up with a book, or just have fun with the kids. Held every Wednesday (Term time only but NOT 4th Wednesday of the month), 9.30-11am in the kindy room at KDHS. Pop along and have a look. September Dates: 6th, 13th and 20th

Father’s Day

Many Australians observe Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September. It is a day for people to show their appreciation for fathers and father figures. Father figures may include stepfathers, fathers-in-law, guardians (eg. foster parents), and family friends.

What Do People Do? Many Australians celebrate Father’s Day by showing their appreciation for their fathers or father figures. Acts of appreciation are done in different ways and may include (but are not limited to):

A day out in the park, at the movies, at a zoo, or another place of interest.

Handmade or purchased cards.

Presents such as food baskets, chocolates, clothing, equipment for hobbies, or gift vouchers.

Breakfasts, brunches, lunches, or dinners either at home, at a restaurant, or at a café.

Father’s Day charity activities, such as fun runs or purchasing special gifts, to raise money for causes such as services for the visually impaired or research on prostate cancer.

Some families may prefer to visit places of worship together, like churches, synagogues or mosques.

Sourced from www.timeanddate.com/holidays/australia/father-day


Your Space for Kids and Youth

Amity Health and Relationships Australia will be running a series of free groups for kids and teens who have a parent with a mental illness in Term 4 and next year. Mental illness is a common issue for many parents and it often has an impact on the children too. Many parents do well to cope with their mental health concerns and continue with daily life and manage parenting very well, but sometimes mental illness can have a lasting impact on parents and children. Children can benefit from having additional support and education about mental health so they can better understand and cope with life at home and school. The Your Space groups provide a safe place for kids and teens to express their concerns about living with a parent with mental illness and to learn more about how to cope and deal with their family situation. They are not alone and many kids live with similar situations. It is an opportunity to make new friends in a social and fun way, whilst learning new tools to cope better. If you are interested, please contact Danita Walsh at Amity Health for further information on 9842 2797.

Try to see the world through their

eyes. Staying connected and ‘tuned

in’ is the best thing you can do to

help them through tough times and

learn to manage emotions


What’s Happening in

Narrogin Hello to all families of Narrogin! Spring is just around the corner and it’s a great time to get out and about with your little ones. Each Monday we run our supported playgroup from Narrogin Primary, where children can enjoy a range of play experiences. And mums, dads and carers can meet others and enjoy a cuppa and fun times with their children. On Monday the 21

st of August we had

Jo Drayton come down and talk to us about the importance of self-care and filling you own soul cup, and how every parent should take at least 10 minutes each day to take care of themselves. Currently this term, we are running the Bringing Up Great Kids parenting program, the Protective Behaviours Workshop and Teen Discipline Workshop (see flyers for more information). Amity Health Child and Parent Support are here to meet the needs of families in the Narrogin area. If there is something you would like to see happening in Narrogin for children and families, please speak to one of our friendly support staff Linda or Nola.

For more info on the Narrogin Kids Hub Playgroups please contact Linda on 0428 929 550 or email Linda: [email protected]

A big welcome to our families in Narrogin! Did you know that Amity Health provides a range of activities and services to support parents and their children in Narrogin funded by the Australian Government.

We provide two weekly playgroups and run special events and activities aimed at improving children’s development and wellbeing and supporting parents and carers.

We hope to keep you up to date with information and programs running in the Narrogin community and region.


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Dadvice. Your Relationship

The thing that catches many new dads by surprise are the changes in their relationship with

their partner. Its pretty common to assume that the baby will arrive and you’ll just carry on with your life - or maybe that the baby will bring you

closer together as a couple. But that is not always the case.

What makes things tricky is that you’re starting a new type of relationship with your partner – a parenting partnership. This is different to your romantic

relationship, and you'll need to negotiate how you’re going to parent together as a team. Figuring out this new partnership and making it work is an important process because it sets the emotional tone for your home. To take the analogy way too far, it’s like your house has an emotional thermostat based on how well you’re getting along as a couple. There’s plenty of research to show how this contributes to your baby’s sense of comfort and security, which makes it totally worth the effort.

Welcome to your “new normal” Couples often talk about feeling closer in the days after the birth, and a shared excitement about the baby they’ve created. However, when this ‘babymoon’ period wears off and your ‘new normal’ sets in – exhaustion, broken sleep, chores that are hard to put off – most couples find their stress levels go up.

Both of you probably feel like you’re the one making all the concessions, and this can lead to an increase in arguments and tension.

Some new dads deal with this by staying at work later and later to avoid confrontation and arguments. This won’t resolve the issues – in fact, it’s likely to make them worse as your partner feels less supported.

Your best bet is to talk about what each of you is finding difficult and what you could change to give you both a break. Taking the time to debrief about each other’s day can be a useful coping strategy.

Listen more, criticise less It’s a cliché, but relationships really are all about good communication. This means lots of listening, and trying to understand where the other person is

coming from. Here’s another cliché for you – last one, we promise. A relationship is a bit like a bank account. Listening and supporting each other is money going in, and criticism or an unwillingness to listen is like your cash flooding out. Depending on how you’ve been communicating, your ‘account’ can have a healthy balance or be massively overdrawn.

Need another ear? Many couples experience challenges in their relationship after becoming parents, and it can be hard to figure things out from the inside. A counsellor can be an objective ear, helping you plan ways to get your relationship back on track if it’s hit a tough spot. Check out Relationships Australia for resources, information and counselling services.

For the full article and many more, head to

healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/pregnancy-and-new-parents/dadvice-for-new-dads

Dad Tip #59

Try to identify the tough moments in the day – like ‘witching hour’ or bath time – and come up with a plan for how you’re going to handle them and what you’re each going to do to support each other.

Dad Tip #28

It can be hard to put feelings into words sometimes, so short hand 1-10 code can help. Saying “I’m a 3.5 today” takes a lot less effort than trying to explain exactly how you're feeling.

“Sliding down in the order

is one of the toughest

things I have found – first one comes along and so

you become second in line.

You are used to being your

partner’s priority and she

yours. I’ve had to keep her

as my priority but the kids are there for hers. If

you are lucky you slide in

just before the dog.”

http://www.relationships.org.au/


Recipe

of the Month

Easy Pasta & Beef

Ingredients

4 cups (570g) wholemeal pasta

600g lean beef mince 1 red onion, finely diced 2 carrots, grated 1 cup frozen mint peas 1 large zucchini, grated 420g can salt-reduced

condensed tomato soup 2 tablespoons salt-reduced

tomato paste 1 tsp of minced garlic

Method Step 1 Cook pasta according to packet directions. Drain. Set aside. Step 2 Spray non-stick frying pan with cooking oil. Cook mince over medium heat until browned. Drain liquid. Add onion, carrot, peas, zucchini and tomato soup. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Step 3 Add tomato paste and cook a further 5 minutes or until cooked through, stirring frequently. Add garlic. Add pasta and stir until heated through. Serve. Sourced from www.healthyfoodguide.com.au


16yo) with a disability, development delay or chronic illness. 9.30am -11.30am Wednesdays School Terms at Wanslea, 26 Prior St, Albany. Dates vary each Term. Ph. Kerry 9843 0077

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

PCYC 77 Sandford Rd. Low cost activities. Toddler gym - Mon, Thurs 10am. Kindy Gym: Tues 4.30pm; Gymnastics: Mon, Thurs, Fri 4pm, Sat 8.15am and 9.45am; for teens Strike II: Fri 7.30pm; Jnr Rangers: Tues 6pm. Police Rangers: Tues 6.30pm. Ph: 9842 1716 or 9841 6672

Rainbow Coast Neighbourhood Centre, Albany Family House, 219 North Road, Parent Support Programs and Community Garden Activities. Free or low cost activities. Creche facilities. Ph. 9841 8254.

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

Spencer Park Primary School Lift Off to Learn For Aboriginal Families with Children 0 – 5yo, Tues, 1 – 3pm at Coolangarras, Spencer Park. Contact Wanslea

BORDEN

Ready Set Go (Borden Early Years) Monday, 9 – 11am at Borden Primary School Ph. Shannon 0428 279 288

BORNHOLM

Western Districts Playgroup Thurs 9.30am. Bornholm Hall, Lower Denmark Rd, Ph. Melita 0437 887 693

BREMER BAY

Community Resource Centre Activities for Children and Families at the CRC including a School Holiday Program Ph.9837 4171

Playgroup Fri mornings 9.30 – 11.30am at the Occasional Care Centre. Ph. Alice 0439 328 961

BROOMEHILL

Playgroup Thursday 9am – 11am, at the RSL Building, India St. Ph. Lisa 9824 1243 or Linda 0429 919 797

‘What’s On’ in the Great Southern for September 2017 ALBANY

Australian Breastfeeding Assoc Thurs 10-12, 18 Chester Pass Rd. (Albany Playgroup). Emilynne Ph 9844 1458

Albany Breastfeeding Centre 99 Collie St. Appointments Mon, Wed and Fri afternoons. Ph 9842 7561

Albany Library Story time Thurs and Sat 10.30am, Rhyme time Wed and Fri 10:30am LEGO Club

Albany Museum School Holiday Activities WA Museum – Albany Discovery Centre open 10am – 4:30pm daily, fun and educational activities for children

Albany Playgroup 18 Chester Pass Rd, Tues, Wed, Fri 9:30-12:00noon. Ph. Jane 0400 209 767

ALAC Swim School All ages and stages welcome. Ph. Nola on 9844 2274

Bouncing Back 8 week Bouncing Back Program for mum’s struggling emotionally after the birth of their baby. Supportive skills-based group with free child care provided. Mon 9.15am to 11.15am Contact Beth on 9892 2345 Mon & Tues for more details

Immunisation Clinic Tuesday 9am -11.30am & 2pm-4pm, Wednesday 9am -11.30am and Thursday 9am -11.30am & 2pm - 4pm at Population 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. Little Grove Progress Hall. Ph. 0415 071 987

Mt Lockyer Primary School Playgroup Wednesdays 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 2.30pm. Please bring a piece of fruit to share. Ph. Christine 9841 1166

Mt Lockyer Primary School Lift off to Learn For Aboriginal families with children Thursday for 0 – 5yo children and families, 9.30 – 11.30am at the Child & Parent Centre

Mt Lockyer Child and Parent Centre Humphreys St, Programs that support families: Storytime, Jumping Joeys, Playgroups, Workshops, Child Health Clinic, visiting Speech and Occupational Therapists. Ph. 9843 0071

My Time Support for families/carers of children (0 -



‘What’s On’ in the Great Southern for September 2017

CRANBROOK

Playgroup Friday 9am – 11am Cranbrook Primary School. Ph. 9826 1028

DENMARK

Denmark Playgroup Mon 9am – 11am at the Child Care Centre, Gumnut Corner Ph. 0499 444 542

Denmark Library Rhyme time: Mon 11am. Story time: Thurs 11am Toy Library: Available in Library Hours. Ph. 9848 3006

Play in the Park 10am to 12pm, 2nd Wed of the month Berridge Park. Ph. 0409 048 204

Community Resource Centre School Holiday Programs Ph. 9848 2842

FRANKLAND RIVER

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

Rhyme Time/Storytime at the Library Thursday 10 - 10.30am

0 -5yo. Ph. 9855 2310

GAIRDNER

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

GNOWANGERUP

Family, Fun and Learning For Aboriginal Families and Children 0 -5yo. Thursday during school term 9.30 -12noon at the old Kindy building Ph. Wanslea 9895 5585

Gnowangerup Playgroup Wednesday 9:30-11:30. Old Kindy Building. Ph. Lara 0409 898 272.

Community Resource Centre CRC/ Library Story time, LEGO Club and Kids Club, School Holiday activities Ph. 9827 1635

Lift-off to Learn For Aboriginal families with children 0 -5yo.Mondays during school terms 9am – 11.30 at the District High School Ph. Wanslea 9895 5585

JERRAMUNGUP

Community Resource Centre Activities for children & families at the CRC including a School Holiday Program Ph. 9835 1630

KENDENUP

Playgroup Tues 9.30am at Kendenup Hall Ph. Teresa 0427 518 800

Kendenup Primary School Story Time 0-4yo Fri 9am Ph. 98514061

KATANNING

Play in the Park 10am – 12pm, 1st Mon of the month All Ages Playground. Ph. 0409 048 204

Family Fun and Learning Supported Groups: Tues 9am -12pm (migrant families), Thurs 9.30 am -12pm (universal). Ph. Katie 9821 1102

Katanning Playgroup 10am – 12pm Fridays only. 84 Conroy St. (opposite public pool) Ph. Tegan 0439 942 905

Katanning Public Library Story time/Baby Rhyme Time/LEGO Ph. 9821 4300

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

Kindilink A free program for Aboriginal families with a child who is 3 years of age (younger siblings welcome). Wednesday and Friday mornings 9am -12.00 pm at Katanning Primary School. Ph. 9821 1077

Lift-Off to Learn For Aboriginal Children 0 - 4yo. Wed 9am – 11.30 during school terms Coorlingah Centre, Ph. Wanslea 9895 5585

KOJONUP

Play in the Park 10am – 12pm, 4th Wed of the month. Apex Park.Ph. 0409 048 204

Library Story/Rhyme time. Fridays 10.30am – 11am, Homework Helpers, Mondays 3.15pm – 4.30pm school terms

Deadly Brotha Boyz Aboriginal Boys 8-18yo, Wed 3.30pm – 5.30pm at the Kojonup Sporting Complex.



Pingrup Playgroup Wed 9:30- 11:30, Pavilion, Gaby Street Ph. Esme 0429 204 022

SOUTH STIRLING

Playgroup Friday 9.30-11:30am, South Stirling Hall Ph: Abbie 9854 2023

TAMBELLUP

Play in the Park 10am – 12pm, 3rd Wed of the month, Diprose Park. Ph. 0409 048 204

Lift-Off to Learn For Aboriginal Children 0 - 5yo.Tuesdays 9.30am – 11.30 during school terms at the Relationships Australia building. Ph. Wanslea 9895 5585

Community Resource Centre – Activities for Children and Families at the CRC including a School Holiday Program Ph. 9825 1177

Tambellup Playgroup Tues 10am. Crowden St. Ph. Ashleigh 9825 1770

WALPOLE

Walpole Kinder Gym Tuesday 10am – 11am. Walpole Recreation Centre. Ph. Karene 0488 060 812

WELLSTEAD

Community Resource Centre – Activities for Children and Families at the CRC including a School Holiday Program Ph: 9847 2078

Playgroup Wed 9.30-11.30am. Wellstead Primary School. Ph. 9847 2030

WOODANILLING

Playgroup Tues 9:30am – 11.30. Woodanilling Primary School. Ph.9823 1528 or Bindy 0409 347 299

Please subscribe to the latest Communities for Children newsletter by emailing

[email protected]

Contact the CforC team at Amity Health to update program contact details and information

on 9842 2797 or by email as provided

‘What’s On’ in the Great Southern for September 2017 Ph. Robbie 0439 982 008 or Stuart 0419 406 333

Kojonup Playgroup Tues – 10am -12, Thurs - 9:30-11:30. Spring St. Ph: Jeannie 9833 1232 or Katie 9832 1003

Kojonup Play Café Wed 9.30am—11.30am at Kojonup DHS Kindy Room. Ph Lorreen for more info on 9831 2412

Toy Library Tues 9.30am, playgroup building

MANYPEAKS

Playgroup Tuesday 9am - 10.30am. Manypeaks Primary School. Ph. 9846 1269

MT BARKER

Family Fun and Learning For Aboriginal Families 9.30 – 12 noon, Booth St. Contact Leith 0428 359 713

Madar Mothers Group - supported group Wed, Mt Barker Community College Ph. Leith 0428 359 713

Mt Barker Playgroup Monday 9.30am-12pm RSL Club, Booth St. Contacts: Veeta 0400 235 194 or Jamie 0415 557 224

Mt Barker Toy Library Thurs 10-11:30am at Mt Barker CRC Ph. Robyn 0402 115 680

Wriggle, Giggle & Grow Fri 10.30am at the Library (school terms) Ph. 9851 2661

Play in the Park 10am – 12pm, Thursday at the Library Ph. 0409 048 204

NYABING

Nyabing Playgroup 9-11am on Thursdays. CWA Hall. Contact 9828 5200

ONGERUP

Community Resource Centre – Activities for Children and Families at the CRC including a School Holiday Program Ph. 9828 2325

Playgroup Tues 9.30 – 11.30am. Ph. Kelly 9828 2195

PINGRUP

Community Resource Centre Activities for families & School Holiday Programs for the Kent District. Ph: 9820 1101



Notice Board

Albany Farmer’s Market—9th September

Around the world, the month of September has been identified as FASD month – the ninth month of the year - to raise awareness about FASD and the importance of alcohol free pregnancies for the nine months of pregnancy. Typically, awareness-raising events occur on the 9th day of the month.

The first FASD Awareness Day took place in 1999 and attracted worldwide interest including in New Zealand, South Australia, South Africa, Italy, Germany, Sweden, USA and Canada. Community events to mark the day now take place in many countries around the world providing opportunities for communities to raise awareness about FASD. This year in Albany an event is being planned by the City of Albany’s Youth Advisory Council, which is also a Local Drug Action Group, and is being supported by the WA Country Health Service Population Health Promotion Team

We don’t want to give the game away, but we suggest you pay a visit to the Albany

Farmers Market at around 9am on Saturday 9

th September and all will be

revealed! And, please spread the word to your friends and colleagues.



Communities 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 Communities Programme (FCP) providing prevention and early intervention programs to families with children who are at risk of disadvantage and disconnected from childhood services.

Communities for Children is managed by Amity Health with the aim of overseeing the development of activities and organising funding allocations to selected community projects in the Lower Great Southern.

Additional 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 Education

Occupational Therapy Child and Adult Mental Health

Dietetics

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3

Father’s Day

4 5 6 National Health

& Physical Educ. Day

7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14

R U OK Day

15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22

Last day of Term 3

23 24

25

Queen’s

Birthday PH

26 27 28 29 30

National Asthma Awareness Week - 1st - 7th Sept

School Holidays

School Holidays

Tip: Stick this on your fridge or notice board and add your own activities to attend this month

Month of September—International

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

National Women’s Health Week - 4th - 8th September

Documents

Welcome to the September edition of the … newsletters/September...AMITY HEALTH CforC NEWSLETTER 2017 | 9 1 Welcome to the September edition of the Communities for Children Newsletter