THE Grain Shed Church of Christ hosts a unique program for children and carers each Monday from 10am for 90 minutes that is as much for the carers as it is for the kids.
The program is based on a music theme called Mainly Music.
Mainly Music co-ordinator Robyn Carson said the idea was to help develop relationships between families and their children and to encourage support for each other.
“All the mums who come really love it,” Ms Carson said.
“We hold it in our crèche, which has a fully secured playground.
“We supply barista coffee for the parents as well as a morning tea for the kids.
“Those who come really enjoy it and develop strong relationships with the other carers.
“One lady said she had never felt so welcome in a play group in Swan Hill.”
The program was developed in New Zealand in 1990 by Jo Hood and is now run throughout the world.
The aim is to not just be a play group but to also include some structure to develop different sensory inputs and fine motor skills as well as be an educational experience that is fun, interactive and immersive.
Each session starts off with a 30-minute music program before the last hour allows free play for children to play either together or individually.
Ms Carson said it was not just a matter of starting up a group, as the Grain Shed had to apply, then do training and then send in a video of a session before being approved to operate.
“We received our tick of approval and the day we were to start COVID hit,” Ms Carson said.
“So it was then on the backburner until the last term of 2021 and it has gone from strength to strength.
“It is a very dynamic program and the mums say it is the best thing for them as well as the kids.
“Because we have the secure playground they feel they can relax and have a cup of tea or a cup of coffee and chat with each other.
“We would like to see some more families come and join us.
“There is no expectation that they attend church – we are not here to evangelise or get people to come to church.”
The group starts back this Monday April 22 and runs throughout the school term.
Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Robyn Carson at the Grain Shed on 5032 9449.
