Parramatta Families Have Fun and Build Friendships
St John’s Church Hall in Church Street Mall was turned into a mobile play room last Thursday, with building blocks, Lego, trucks, cars, glitter, glue and bubbles everywhere.
It was all part of a Family Fun Day organised to help support younger parents with children up to eight years of age in the Parramatta area. Twenty young families attended the Day which was held by the Network of Young Parents Services (NYPS)
Children had their hands full trying to redecorate the interior of the hall, while parents took the opportunity to chat and share experiences with other mums and dads. 
ANGLICARE’s Carramar Early Interventions Co-ordinator, Louisa Fallon, says the day was a huge success that opened a lot of networking opportunities.
“This is the first time NYPS have had a Family Fun Day, so I am really pleased with how smoothly everything went. It was great to see all the young kids playing with each other and enjoying the mobile play group – but what was even better was watching many of the young parents connect with each other and also with other community services”.
Ms Fallon says that the Family Fun Day is something that the NYPS will consider making an annual event.
“Sometimes young mums and dads may find it difficult to know where to get support, or it may just feel too awkward to ask for help. But if simply asking means that you or your child will have better opportunities then it is worth it. That is why we are thinking of making the Family Fun Day a yearly event.
“The day provides a comfortable, relaxed environment where parents can approach the different programs involved with NYPS without fear or hesitation and this is something young mums and dads welcome with open arms,” Ms Fallon said.
The parents and children enjoyed a sausage sizzle, as well as fruit cups which were kindly donated by the Northmead Growers Market.
One of the NYPS programs that were on hand during the Fun Day was ANGLICARE’s Carramar Early Intervention Program. The program supports pregnant or parenting women aged up to 26 years with children up to five years of age.
Amy, one of ANGLICARE’s Carramar Early Intervention clients, says the day was just what she and her 16 month-old son needed.
“It was really nice to attend a community event and know there was a lot of kindness and support in the air. The Family Fun Day was a great opportunity for me to watch my son enjoying the company of other young kids, while I was able to connect with parents and chat about the ups and downs of being a young mum”.
For more information about ANGLICARE’s Carramar Early Intervention program, please call 02 9895 8181
