Play in the Park, a community program based in the Great Southern, has reimagined their support by creating online playgroups and dropping off care packs to keep supporting the community to give children the chance to learn through play in a supported, engaging and safe environment.
Through these virtual playgroups children are introduced to multiple benefits; introduction of pre literacy and language skills, development of motor skills and increase of self-confidence, wellbeing and belonging. With parents also benefiting from the playgroups by improving their parenting skills and giving them an opportunity to increase community connection and widen their support networks.
Jamie Scally, Program Coordinator said "We wanted to help maintain some normality for children during the crisis and give parents a forum to connect.
Play in the Park has now resumed normal operations, back to local parks and community hubs to deliver their program, alongside continuing with engaging videos of Storytime through their YouTube channel.
Image taken from Albany Advertiser: YMCA Play in the Park's Jamie Scally with Camellia Shalev-Tutton and her son Daniel. Credit: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson