World Children's Day is an annual celebration on 20 November, marking the anniversary of the creation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It highlights the importance of children’s rights, their wellbeing, and the need to amplify their voices for a brighter future.
CEO of the Y WA Dr Tim McDonald said, “The United Nations' World Children’s Day is a day to celebrate and promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.
“At the heart of everything we do at the Y WA, we strive to unleash the power and the potential in inspired young children, offering a wide range of youth services which focus on supporting young people on their journey to becoming their healthiest, happiest selves.”
The youth services not-for-profit actively provides opportunities and promotes flourishing outcomes for children and youth. Engaging with children and young people to achieve this mission is critical for the Y WA, which is achieved through a wide range of programs and services offered to communities across Perth and regional Western Australia.
The Y WA Play in the Park program has been supporting families and children in the Great Southern for 14 years – a program that builds connection and relationships between parents and children through free, supported playgroups.
The Play in the Park team brings a bus full of toys to local playgrounds to engage and promote play, conversation, connection and belonging for families weekly in Albany and Mount Barker, or once a month in regional communities including Wellstead, Walpole, Jerramungup and Cranbrook.
Based on research and evidence-based theories to support child development, Play in the Park is a valued service provided for the local community and families with children aged from birth to five years old, and gives children the chance to learn through play in a supported, engaging and safe environment.
The sessions promote early literacy, oral language and healthy eating, with themes such as a beach theme with a sensory pool with water and shells for the kids to play around in and balancing equipment to assist with gross motor skills and is about modelling ideas for parents to try at home.
Play in the Park allows mums, dads, grandparents, carers, nannies or anyone caring for young children to drop in during the two-hour session. The program strengthens families and communities by providing an opportunity for parents and children in small communities to connect, share stories, and support one another, while benefiting both parents' mental health and children's social development.
Another program by the Y WA, located at South Hedland Primary School, is the Child and Parent Centre in South Hedland which the Y WA has proudly operated since it opened ten years ago. The Y WA team works closely with the school and community agencies to deliver programs, services and support to parents and children up to 8 years of age.
The Child and Parent Centre coordinates local health, education and support services to increase health, wellbeing and school readiness for young children and their families. The South Hedland Child and Parent Centres plays a vital role in the local community by being a central place for parents to access support and services, socialising and preparing children for school, as well as supporting parents as they navigate the complex world of raising children.
Services and programs currently offered through the Child and Parent Centre include child health services, immunisation services, maternal health workshops and programs, early learning programs, supported playgroups, parenting information support and referrals to other support services.
Base@Belmont Youth Centre
The Y WA partners with the City of Belmont to provide a range of services and support to young people aged 11-25 at the Base@Belmont Youth Centre. The Base provides support for young people through a variety of activities, workshops and programs and offers a safe space where young people, can thrive, connect and hang out. Young people can swing by to play pool, table tennis, video games, watch movies and grab something to eat or just hang out with friends and meet new people.
Operating after school, on weekends and throughout the holidays, the Base is staffed by qualified and experienced youth workers, providing programs such as skills-based workshops, cooking and nutrition classes, outreach programs and school holiday activities. The Base also provide school-based programs and workshops including the Y WA’s Positive Choices Program, RAGE Anger Management, Rainbow Collective, Homeschool group and Drumbeat.
The Y WA is committed to supporting young people being able to access the support of a trusted youth worker, to assist them to navigate the complexities they face in their life. This Case Management service is offered to young people at the Base and is available for 11-25 year olds, offering one-on-one support services tailored to each young person.
Funded by the City of Belmont, all activities, workshops, programs and events are free for young people. The City’s partnership with the Y WA provides young people with access to highly trained, qualified youth workers, innovative programs and interesting activities in a supportive, safe and youth-friendly space.
By Hearts and Minds
