MyTime - A time for You.
My Time is funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and The Parenting Research Centre (PRC). MyTime group provide local support for mums, dads, grand parents and anyone caring for a child with disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition. Parents can socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role .
The peer group brings together parents and carers with similar circumstances, to make time for themselves, have fun and to share their personal experiences. Find out about available community support, gain knowledge and information on parenting skills while taking time out for yourself over a cup of tea or coffee.
MyTime is available to members caring for a child until 16 years of age. Children may come along to groups until they reach school age. A play helper is available to support children's activities however the carer is responsibile for the child and sibilings at all times.
Eleni Matskarofski - Tweddle's MyTime Coordinator - says that the common themes and willingness to share experiences validates the need for the peer support group. Sessions are reassuring for parents/ carers, who have expressed sincere relief. Uplifted discussion and interest often extends beyond time with an eagerness to meet again in the future.
Parents and facilitators talk about MyTime
Watch Clip
News around the groups
Catching up at Altona Meadows
The cooler weather and gentle rain added to the relaxed vibe at the Altona Meadows MyTime group following a weekend of 35 degree plus temperatures. Although dads and carers are encouraged to come along, today it was mums at the Monday morning session.
The parents bring their children along for a play and Tweddle play helper Suzanne introduces activities and different sensory toys for the children to experience. The large play space is light and stimulating, although today it was a bit wet for the outdoor playground.
MyTime is about time for you and talking about the things that you know other people in the group will understand. In today’s group parents talked about passions and interests that tend to get lost in the hectic schedule of having children with additional needs.
Rachel talked about training for her upcoming triathlon. Amanda spoke about how running allowed her time to experience a bit of space. Danni shared her interest in kick starting a scrapbooking project and Marie, a music teacher, plays both the trumpet and the piano. A hot coffee over some mandala colouring sessions for relaxation were enjoyed and Jacqui from the Western Autistic School dropped in for a chat.
Yarns around diagnosis, developmental delay, emotions and frustrations (both parent and child) were shared and a common thread of dedication, passion and hard work emerged.
Deer Park Oaks Day
Who needs a flash Marquee when you’re getting together with supportive friends at the MyTime Deer Park Oaks Day. The ladies made the most of the morning dressed in their hats while enjoying a lovely morning tea with much horsing around.
This social event is one of many that forms part of the MyTime experience. The groups are about making friends and more, in a relaxed accepting environment. MyTime parents are often busy taking their children to medical and therapy appointments, except on a Thursday morning when they stop and take time out for themselves and share a cuppa and a chat.
Play helper Vilma joined the team 4 years ago and MyTime mum Nicole has also made the transition to play helper. Whether meeting at Deer Park or out for lunch, children enjoy facilitated, interactive play while parent or carer can unwind with friends.
Here’s a snap of some of the Deer Park Mums sharing time on Oaks Day. I’m not sure if the ladies picked any winners but the vibe was great fun. Come along and join in!
A Cuppa unites the community for parents of children with a disability.
On Monday 2nd August, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham parents of children with a disability joined supportive representatives in the community to raise awareness of the stalled outcome of the Productivity Commission’s findings into long-term disability care and support.
The event, called DisabiliTea and organised by Every Australian Counts, took place at Altona Meadows and Laverton Uniting Church at 10am. Tweddle MyTime facilitator and parent Kylee Brealey was excited about the event which saw council representatives from the Home and Community care sector and disability workers joined local families with a disabled child.
Every Australian Counts is the campaign for the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme. The NDIS will revolutionise the way people with a disability, their families and carers are supported in this country. The NDIS will be a new support system for people with a disability, their families and carers. It will transform the way services are funded and delivered, ensuring people are better supported and enabling them to have greater choice and control.
“We need every Australian to say that people with a disability, their families and carers are Australians too, and that their hopes and dreams count. That they are part of our community, and that they count” said Kylee.
Tweddle run MyTime, a weekly peer support group for parents of preschoolers and school aged children with a disability or chronic medical condition. Groups are located across the west in Altona Meadows, Footscray, Hillside, Point Cook, Deer Park and Hoppers Crossing. The groups run every school term for eight weeks and average between four to ten families.
“When families find out their child has a disability it is often devastating and isolating, often resulting in losing friendships” Kylee added, “We need to show the government that there is widespread community support for change – and that the time for action has come”
for more information about MyTime@Tweddle call Eleni Matskarofski on (03) 8387 0638