Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Reconnect Playgroups program is helping improve children’s social skills and building connections through play.
Canberra families who welcomed a child during the COVID-19 pandemic are improving children’s social skills and building connections through play.
The Reconnect Playgroups program is supported with funding from ACT Government through the Healthy Canberra Grants.
Delivered by ACT Playgroups, the program aims to increase parental confidence, improve social connections for both parents and children, and grow an understanding of early childhood development and the supports available for new parents.
The program uses play-based learning to help children with early development and socialisation during their first 1000 days, whilst connecting families to each other and the wider community.
By recognising the role families and carers play in the development of a child, and delivering targeted support programs for the whole family the ACT Government is helping give Canberra children the best start in life.
Many children born during the COVID-19 pandemic have had less opportunity for the social and physical development that comes from active play with others.
During lockdowns and restrictions, many families also experienced increased social isolation and reduced peer support.
People who have fewer social connections can experience an increased risk of poor physical and mental health. Programs such as Reconnect Playgroups are used improve the overall health and wellbeing of Canberra families.
ACT Playgroups delivers three playgroups under the Reconnect Playgroup Program. The sessions run for two hours every week for 10 weeks in Gungahlin, Gilmore, and Scullin.
“Reconnect Playgroups has been a valuable program for assisting families to connect with their local community, their peers and learn about the importance of early childhood development, and the many services that are available to support parents and carers,” Executive Officer for ACT Playgroups Carley Jones said.
More information about ACT Playgroups can be found at playgroupact.org.au.
For more information about the Healthy Canberra Grants, visit health.act.gov.au/hpgrants.
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