Good Guys Support Ngala

Posted on: Tue 8 March 2011

Held weekly in six communities in the metropolitan area, Ngala Parenting and Play Time (P & PT) provides opportunities for dads, mums, grandparents, aunts and uncles to discuss and share their early parenting ideas and concerns, and to learn about other helpful resources in their community.

Since July 1, 2010 the Good Guys have raised $1,110.54 for Ngala to help support, and assist with parenting babies and young children. Mrs Rae Walter, Ngala CEO said ‘this donation has greatly assisted Ngala’s Northern Community Service to continue providing services to Merriwa, Quinns Rock, Mindarie and Clarkson areas. The support given by Good Guys team is of great importance as it helps this essential programme that benefits many Western Australian families”.

Mrs Walter went on to add “Parenting and Play Time is Ngala’s ‘shop front’ for the community. Local families can come to access information about parenting, learn about their children’s development through play, as well as talk through an issue with Ngala staff and other parents, and find out about other activities and services in the community.”

Ngala’s first P& PT (previously known as Coffee Morning) commenced in late 1999 in Merriwa after extensive community consultations pointed to the need to provide a user friendly means for families with young children (0-5 years) to connect with each other, Ngala and their local community.

P & PT Sessions (1.5 to 2 hours) are held weekly at a variety of community venues for local families. Unlike a playgroup the sessions are facilitated by 2-3 of Ngala’s professional staff with expertise in early childhood, early parenting, nursing, group facilitation and community development. All Ngala’s Community programs are based on a developmental approach to working with families on the assumption that people’s needs are best met when services are provided locally in their own environment. There is a solid base of evidence indicationg the early years of life are crucial in setting the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour and health outcomes (Fish 2002).

P & PT provides Ngala with a “barometer“ to local issues. The information gained from conversations with families at these sessions guides Ngala’s planning for this service, as well other local activities and services.

Indeed, common early parenting experiences such as crying babies, adjustments to new roles, and sleep deprivation can rapidly develop into stressful and potentially harmful situations for families, particularly if they are socially or geographically isolated. In this respect Ngala’s professional staff have often been in the ‘front line’ position in preventing families from ‘falling through the gaps’. In building relationships with families in a safe, welcoming environment, staff can provide information, referral and link them with others within their own community. Building trust in this way also encourages families to continue to seek help when needed.

Additionally, Ngala believes that there is nothing quite like talking with another parent living through a similar experience. P & PT offers parents the opportunity to learn from other parents who are their peer group, as well as often making lasting and valued friendships.

Merriwa Parenting and Play Time operates from the Community Centre in Jenolan Way
Merriwa and caters for families in Merriwa, Quinns Rock, Mindarie, Clarkson, and suburbs adjacent to 6030.

Timetable and locations for Ngala’s Parenting and Playtime

Noranda
Mondays 9.30am to 11.30am Noranda Family Centre, Garson Court, Noranda

Rockingham
Wednesdays 9.30am to 11.30am Ngala, 113 Read Street, Rockingham

Merriwa
Tuesdays 9.30am to 11.30am and Thursdays 10.00am to 12.00pm Jenolan Way Community Centre, Merriwa Jenolan Way Merriwa.

Kwinana
Tuesdays 9.30am to 11.30am Baby Parenting & Play Time: Mondays 10.00am to 11.30am
Corner Parmelia Avenue & Skottowe Parkway, Parmelia

Mirrabooka
Wednesdays 10.00am to 12.00pm
Mirrabooka Library Complex, Sudbury Place, Mirrabooka

Parents & Play Time Telephone Enquiries: 9368 9354

Media Enquiries: Paula Taylor – 32 Degrees South Communications
Telephone: 0404 264 474
Email: paula@32dsg.com

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