SCRIBBLES Supported Playgroup at Seawinds Community Hub has won the Playgroup Victoria Supported Playgroup of the Year award.
Children, parents and playgroup facilitators celebrated the achievement last week.
Supported playgroups aim to assist parents develop the skills and confidence to support their children’s learning and development.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has received an annual grant to assist local supported playgroups since 2009, and is in partnership with community agencies, including Community Health, Anglicare, Good Shepherd and Family Life.
Families are invited to join through referral.
Scribbles is co-facilitated by the shire and Family Life, a service organisation working to transform lives for stronger communities.
Creating Capable Communities community development coordinator Aly Madden said Family Life offered services to children, young people and families.
“We have been co-facilitating Scribbles Playgroup for more than three years for families who reside in Rosebud West and Tootgarook,” she said.
“The playgroup has provided families an opportunity to develop friendships, establish social support networks and learn new skills and we congratulate everyone at Scribbles on the fantastic award.”
Shire child youth and family care acting manager Louise Wilkins said playgroups provided valuable opportunities for children to learn and develop through play.
“They foster and develop children’s language and motor skills, expose children to sensory experiences and enhance social skills,” she said.
“Supported playgroups and parent groups also create opportunities for parents to meet in a safe and supportive environment and learn new skills, develop social networks and build linkages to other services.”
Families benefiting from a supported playgroup environment include those with health or developmental needs, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, indigenous families and families who are disadvantaged. Participation in supported playgroups is primarily by referral.
Families interested in playgroups can call Kerry on 5950 1632 or visit the shire website: mornpen.vic.gov.au
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 January 2016
