Supported Playgroup Facebook group keeping families connected

Published on 14 May 2020

Frankston City Council has launched a Supported Playgroup Facebook group to keep families connected while social distancing rules are in place.

The closed group has 40 members, each with children under five-years-old, and is facilitated by Council’s Children’s Services team.

Facilitators share experiences such as daily story time, parenting tips, music and movement sessions and simple play activities with those families enrolled in the Supported Playgroup program.

Frankston City Council Mayor, Sandra Mayer, said it was important parents and children continued to feel a sense of connection with the community in a safe online environment where their privacy was protected.

“Parenting is challenging at the best of times and many parents build strong, supportive friendships at playgroup.

“We want to ensure these friendships are maintained at a time when people aren’t able to catch up with their friends face-to-face.”

Cr Mayer added that children also benefitted from seeing their friends and other familiar adults through the online medium.

“As well as little ones, many of these families also have school aged children who are currently learning at home. Facilitators are mindful of this and make an effort to include them in the Supported Playgroup activities.”

Cr Mayer said Supported Playgroup parents had embraced the opportunity.

“Many have shared photos of their families participating in fun activities including crafts, using sheets and cushions to create cubby houses and cooking at home.

“By helping parents maintain contact with other families we can ensure they feel supported and we can also link them to other services in their community as required,” Cr Mayer said.

Supported Playgroup enrolments are now open. For information about eligibility please contact: playgroups@frankston.vic.gov.au