SWAN Hill Specialist School is inviting parents and carers of school aged children to join their group aimed at supporting and educating them to better assist their children.
Mental health practitioner Karen Simpson said the program was designed to support all parents of both primary and senior school students.
“It is a great way for parents and carers to feel connected to others in similar situations,” she said.
“Often we can feel like we’re doing it alone and this group brings parents together to share their own tips and advice with others,”
The group runs a different theme each session and includes information on diet, exercise physiology, local services and supports, and sexual health.
“We are also running a community expo event on May 19 where local community services and NDIS providers will set up information stands in our school stadium between 4.30pm and 6.30pm,” Ms Simpson said.
“We will also have lunch time celebrations where parents can come along and connect with others and share morning tea each information session.
“The information sessions are a quite way to learn about the issues that might be affecting your child but we also find parents and carers share a lot of ideas within the group from their own experiences.
“It’s a great chance to get together and support one another and learn at the same time.”
Principal of Swan Hill Specialist School, Jodi Walters, said the group secured funding before COVID but was now ready to ramp up to a more regular schedule.
“We have our new cafe space which is large and very comfortable so it is the ideal place to hold the sessions,” she said.
“We extend an invitation to all parents and carers, regardless of what school they attend to come along, even it it’s just an excuse to get out of the house and meet like-minded people.”
The group is free and held monthly.
To find out more, contact Karen Simpson or Megan Grant at the school on 5032 3683.
