Child and Family Centres
Guide to Childrens Services
Parent Link Parenting Guides
When Baby makes three: how to relax and enjoy parenting
Gungahlin Centre
At the Centre we can assist parents with information, support and services. We provide a range of services based on the needs of children and their families, with a strong emphasis on providing services in homes, schools and the community.
At Your Centre
All sessions and groups outlined are run during school terms only, unless otherwise stated.
- Atfaal Family Playgroup
- Children's Behaviour and Wellbeing Clinic
- Drop-in Parenting Information
- Growing Healthy Families
- Hit the Highway
- Learn, Giggle and Grow
- More Giggles
- Playing Together (special needs playgroup)
- Playworks
- Relaxing into Parenting
- Topical Talks
- Triple P – Lifestyle Triple P
- Triple P - Positive Parenting Program
- Welcome to Gungahlin
Your Centre in the Community
Family homes
Outdoors
Schools
Services at Your Centre
ACT Health
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
- Community Midwifery Clinic (Canberra Hospital Birth Centre)
- Community Midwifery Clinic (Canberra Hospital Antenatal Services)
- Community Paediatric and Child Health Service
- Coping with Fussy Eaters: Friendly Family Mealtimes
- Maternal and Child Health (MACH) Clinics
- New Parents Groups
- Nutrition Clinic
- Orthoptist
- Sleep Groups
- Women’s Health Service
Calvary Hospital
Community Services Directorate
Legal
Relationships Australia
At Your Centre
Atfaal Family Playgroup
Playgroup for Muslim families with children under 4 years living in Gungahlin. The group aims to build links with the community and improve access to parenting information and services.
When: Tuesday mornings. Groups run thoughout the school terms.
Who: Muslim parents and children under 4 years
Contact: 6207 0120
Children's Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Clinic
Consultation clinics for parents and children under 8 years to identify concerns, and provide information on child development and behaviours. Strategies and support are provided to address concerns.
When: Thursday afternoons. Commencing in February 2012.
Who: Parents with children under 8 years
Drop-in Parenting Information
An open invitation for parents to visit their local Child and Family Centre, chat with a trained professional about parenting, ask questions and get information. This can lead to ongoing support with a child and family worker. Staff are available to speak with parents and service providers – Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, either in person or by phoning the Gungahlin Child and Family Centre about a range of issues including:
- general parenting
- adjusting to being a parent
- family relationship issues
- your child’s behaviour.
This service is free of charge and available without an appointment.
When: 9.00 am –5.00 pm Monday to Friday
How: Drop-in or call 6207 0120
Who: For parents and carers of young children
Contact: 6207 0120
Growing Healthy Families
The Child and Family Centres have a strong commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and communities. Growing Healthy Families:
- focuses on parents’ strengths
- focuses on health, education, parenting and family support
- offers family support, advocacy, linking families to existing services and community development activities
Who: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and children
When: Contact the Centre for programs currently offered
Contact: 6207 0120
Hit the Highway
A group for children 5–11 years old who have an autism spectrum disorder or some form of developmental delay. The focus of the group is to build social, communication and self regulation skills. Family members do not attend this group.
When: Fortnightly, Mondays 3.45-5.00pm beginning week 3 of school term
Who: Children 5–11 years who have an autism spectrum disorder or development delay.
Contact: Kara Potter on 0418 673 073
Learn, Giggle and Grow
Parents and children have the opportunity to interact and play in a safe and supported environment. The emphasis is on encouraging parents to engage with their children in play, enrich the parent–child relationship and help parents build confidence. Facilitated by Relationships Australia and Child and Family Centres.
When: Monday mornings. Groups run for eight weeks of each school term
Who: Parents and children
Contact: 6207 0120
More Giggles
An independent group for parents and children who have graduated from Learn, Giggle and Grow. An opportunity for parents and children under 4 years to connect and have fun. Facilitated by ACT Playgroups and Gungahlin Child and Family Centre.
When: Thursday mornings. Groups run for eight weeks in each school term.
Who: Parents and children who have graduated from Learn, Giggle and Grow
Contact: 6207 0120
Playing Together (special needs playgroup)
A playgroup providing an opportunity to meet with other parents and have fun with your children. Guest speakers will speak on topics relevant to those attending. Siblings under 5 years welcome. Facilitated by ACT Playgroups, Therapy ACT and Child and Family Centres.
When: Wednesday mornings. Groups run for ten weeks in each school term.
Who: Parents and children birth to 5 years who have a disability, developmental delay or chronic illness.
Contact: 6207 0120
Playworks
A group for children aged up to 6 years with a disability or who are experiencing developmental, communication or social delays. The focus of the group is on building school readiness skills, social and communication skills. Parents, carers and siblings are all welcome to attend this group.
When: Weekly, Tuesdays 3.45-5.0pm beginning week 2 of school term
Who: Parents and children birth to 6 years with a disability
Contact: Kara Potter on 0418 673 073
Relaxing into Parenting
A program for expectant first time parents run by the Queen Elizabeth II Family Centre, Child, Youth and Women’s Health and Child and Family Centres.
How: Bookings through Gungahlin Child and Family Centre
Who: Expectant first time parents
Phone: 6207 0120
Topical Talks
Information sessions for groups of parent on topics such as: practical behaviour tips, toilet learning, play to learn, learn to play.
When: On request
Who: Parents and service partners
Contact: 6207 0120
Triple P – Lifestyle Triple P
A parenting group based on nutritional, behavioural and activity support for parents who would like to improve their child's health, nutrition and activity levels. Learn and practise positive strategies to support your child's health.
When: Next group to commence end of term 1 2012. Contact the coordinator, Narelle Rivers on 6205 2904
Who: Parents who have a child aged 5-10 years
Triple P – Positive Parenting Program
A parenting group that aims to strengthen relationships between dads, mums and their children. Learn and practice positive behaviour management strategies. Group Triple P employs an active skills training process to help parents acquire new knowledge and skills. The program consists of group sessions providing opportunities for parents to learn through observation, discussion, practice and feedback.
When: Next group to commence in term 2 2012. Contact your local centre for more information
Who: Parents of young children
Welcome to Gungahlin
For families with young children newly arrived in Gungahlin to meet new friends and find out about local services.
Where: Gungahlin Child and Family Centre
When: Group runs twice a year. Contact your centre for more information.
Who: Families in Gungahlin
Your Centre in the Community
Family Homes
Parents as Teachers Home Visiting Program
A voluntary program available to families with very young children living in Gungahlin. This program offers up to 3 years of home visiting and ideally seeks to commence working with families when children are 6 months old or younger.
During monthly home visits, parent advisers can provide you with practical information and guidance in helping your child develop skills that are essential for later learning. Emphasis is placed on developing your child’s:
- thinking and curiosity
- language skills
- motor skills
- social skills
During these visits parent advisers will share ideas and activities with you to support you in the role of being your child’s first teacher.
When: By appointment
Who: Families with a child under 6 months to 3 years of age living in the Gungahlin region
Contact: 6207 0120
Outdoors
Paint and Play – Ngunnawal
A great time for children from birth to 5 years and their mums, dads or carers. Enjoy painting, puzzles, craft, games, play with your child and meet other parents in your neighbourhood. Please bring your own snack and remember sunscreen and a hat in warm weather and a coat and hat in cold weather. Held during school terms, weather permitting.
Where: Platypus Park, Ngunnawal
When: Tuesdays, 9.45am to 11.00am. Groups run for eight weeks in each school term. Commences week 2 of each term.
Schools
Cool Kids
A group for primary school children aged 9–12 years, focusing on teaching them better ways to manage anxiety. Where primary schools
Where: primary school
When: Register your interest for the next group through your Child and Family Centre
Who: Primary school children aged 9–12 years
Contact: 6207 0120
Seasons for Growth
A group for primary school children aged 6–12 years helping them understand change, loss and grief. It provides practical strategies for children to cope with grief and is suitable for children who have experienced:
- the death of a loved one
- separation within the family
- death of a pet
- multiple changes in family or social environments.
Where: Gungahlin primary schools
When: Register your interest for the next group through your Child and Family Centre
Who: Primary school children aged 6–12 years
Services at Your Centre
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
A representative of CAMHS provides outreach support to clients in the Gungahlin area.
Who: CAMHS clients
Phone: 1800629354. All referrals are required to go through the CAMHS intake line.
Community Midwifery Clinic
Midwives offer antenatal check-ups, information and advice for parents scheduled to give birth at The Canberra Hospital (TCH) Birth Centre.
How: Bookings through TCH Birth Centre
Who: Women scheduled to give birth at TCH Birth Centre
Contact: 6244 3145
Community Midwifery Clinic
Midwives offer antenatal check-ups, information and advice for parents scheduled to give birth at The Canberra Hospital Antenatal Ward.
How: Bookings through TCH Antenatal Clinic
Who: Women scheduled to give birth at TCH Antenatal Clinic
Contact: 6244 3466
Community Paediatric and Child Health Service
Specialised services to families with concerns about their children’s development.
How: Referrals are accepted from general practitioners, maternal and child health nurses, allied health professionals, teachers and school counsellors through the Community Health Intake Line.
Who: Children with delayed development
Contact: 6207 9977
Coping with Fussy Eaters: Friendly Family Mealtime
Two x 90 minute sessions - you need to attend both - where a dietician will answer your questions. This is a free program with access to ongoing support from health professionals.
How: Bookings through ACT Community Health Intake
Who: Parents of fussy eaters aged 1–7 years
Contact: 6207 9977
Maternal and Child Health (MACH) Clinics
MACH nurses offer health checks, immunisation, information and advice on parenting issues, including development, lactation, feeding, sleep and settling.
How: Appointments and drop-in times through ACT Community Health Intake
Who: Parents of babies
Contact: 6207 9977
New Parent Group
MACH nurses facilitate first-time parents of babies up to 4 months, offering support, information and advice over 5 weekly sessions.
How: Bookings through ACT Community Health Intake
Who: First time parents of babies up to 4 months
Contact: 6207 9977
Nutrition Clinic
Individual information and advice about feeding and nutrition.
How: Bookings through ACT Community Health Intake
Who: Children, young people and pregnant or breastfeeding women
Contact: 6207 9977
Orthoptist
A secondary screening clinic for children aged birth to 6 years. Referrals through MACH and kindergarten screen.
How: Bookings through ACT Community Health Intake
Who: Children from birth to 6 years
Contact: 6207 9977
Sleep Groups
MACH nurses conduct sleep groups aimed at addressing sleep and settling issues.
How: Enrolments through ACT Community Health Intake
Who: Parents of infants and children up to 3 years
Contact: 6207 9977
Women’s Health Service
Nurse and counsellor led services offered weekly to support women’s health and wellbeing.
How: Contact ACT Health Directorate, Women’s Health Service for more information
Who: Women who experience significant barriers to health service access
Contact: 6205 1078
Calvary Hospital
Calvary Antenatal Outreach Clinic
Midwives offer antenatal check-ups, information and advice for parents scheduled to give birth at Calvary Hospital.
How: Bookings through Calvary Hospital Antenatal Clinic
Who: Women scheduled to give birth at Calvary Hospital
Phone: 6201 6359
Community Services Directorate
Housing and Community Services
How: Appointments through Gateway Services
Who: Housing and Community Services clients
Contact: 13 34 27
Physiotherapy and Speech Drop-in Clinics
- Drop-in clinic provides parents in the ACT with an opportunity to discuss issues about their child’s communication skills with a speech pathologist.
- Parents can also discuss issues about their child’s gross motor development and posture, movement and walking with a physiotherapist.
- The clinics take the form of an informal discussion and screen of skills - it is not a formal assessment.
- No appointment is necessary, however, for speech pathology drop-in clinics, an approximate timeslot will be provided upon arrival.
How: Contact Therapy ACT for times and dates. Further information about drop-in clinics, including timetables can be found at www.dhcs.act.gov.au/therapyact/drop_in
Who: Physiotherapy - from birth to end of primary school.
Speech - from birth to the end of kindergarten.
For concerns in older children, please contact the Intake Line 6205 1246
Contact: 6205 1277 or 6205 1246
Legal
Street Law (ACT Community Legal Centres, Legal Aid ACT and the Aboriginal Legal Service)
Community legal service assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Street Law lawyers will:
- help with practical problems
- explain complicated legal issues
- explain how you can access your rights - we cannot help with migration issues
- help negotiate with landlords, lenders, government services and others
- help to request and prepare for housing reviews, tribunals or court hearings
- put you in touch with other organisations that can help you if Street Law cannot.
When: Information and bookings through Gungahlin Child and Family Centre
Who: People who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless, by providing a legal service and by connecting clients with other services
Contact: 6207 0120
Relationships Australia
And Baby Makes 3
Group for expectant and new parents to build on and strengthen relationships during this important time.
How: Bookings through Relationships Australia
Who: Expectant and new parents
Contact: 6122 7100
Relationship Counselling
How: Bookings through Gungahlin Child and Family Centre
Who: Families using the Gungahlin Child and Family Centre
Contact: 6207 0120
