Play Connections

Play Connections is a supported playgroup facilitated by Connect Health & Community.

Established in 2015, the group serves families in the cities of Glen Eira and Bayside. 

Play Connections offers a unique service, assisting families experiencing social isolation, physical and/or mental health issues, family violence, bonding and attachment issues.

The group focuses on strengthening family relationships, early childhood development, social connection/interactions, playing and having fun.

This is achieved through:

• Families having input to the program;
• Recognising cultural and community events and festivals; and
• A range of structured and informal activities including outside play (sandpit, climbing, bikes, imaginative play), creative activities, music/singing, construction/blocks, dramatic play, hygiene skills, morning tea/manners, reading/storytime.

In addition to meeting creative play needs, Play Connections offers unique service opportunities to the participating families, including:

• Regular visits from the Child Youth and Family team including podiatry, dietician, physiotherapy, psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist and others, with the opportunity for discussion and potential for referral to other services.
• Assessment of families in their home environment prior to group attendance to ensure all families have the required supports, and ongoing work and referrals with child health nurses outside the group as needed.

Our Play Connections service is here to help the families in our community enjoy the best possible foundation for their children. 

If your family, or a family you know, is experiencing isolation, physical or mental health issues, parenting and/or relationship challenges or family violence and could benefit from a supported environment for playing and connecting, we are here for you. 

For more information or to talk to us today, call us on 03) 9575 5322.