THE INTEGRATED FAMILY SUPPORT HUB
DETAILS
The Integrated Family Support HUB (IFS HUB) Program works to support outcomes of family and children’s wellbeing by providing information, enabling early identification of issues, providing holistic responses for families and enhancing referral pathways to services in the Mackay region.
Play, Care, Talk & Listen, Read & Count, Encourage
The Integrated Family Support HUB Program promotes the importance of positive care for children as well as supporting parents with information and helpful tips to support their child’s development in the early years.
PLAYGROUP
Playgroups are supported with a variety of stimulating and educational activities while ensuring a welcoming environment for parents and their children to connect through conversation and play. Children will learn important skills needed for school.
- MONDAY
Prep-Ready Kids is aimed at helping families prepare their children for the commencement of Prep. The program aims to get children used to socialising, following instruction, waiting their turn and being in a learning environment. All families are welcome to join this session aimed at children aged between 4- 5
Every Monday (school terms) from 9.30am to 11.00 am, $25 per term - WEDNESDAY
Each Wednesday, we’ll move and groove our Broccoli muscles as well as explore all the amazing healthy foods that keeps us fit and healthy with Miss Kim and Miss Kate from Active Squirtz.
Every Wednesday (school terms), 9:30-11:30, $3 per family - THURSDAY
We welcome back Maria for children’s yoga! Children will explore different kinds of movement and stretching while enjoying music and a gentle meditative relaxation exercise at the conclusion of the session.
Every Thursday (school terms), 9.30am -11.30am, $3 per family - FRIDAY
Move with Maria – kids yoga at the Gardens – bend, stretch and practice some relaxation with Maria.
Every Friday (school terms), 9.15am -11.15am; $3 per family
WORKSHOPS & PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS
The Integrated Family Support Hub, in partnership with qualified paediatric specialists, have created a suite of parent information workshops and sessions designed to assist our parenting community gain an understanding of child development and various milestones for children 0-5.
We do this to assist parents gain a greater understanding of where their children should be tracking towards developmentally and to assist identifying any delays in order to seek early intervention/assistance.
A shortage of Paediatric specialists in our region means wait lists and cost remain high for families in need. These workshops provide an opportunity for families to access some assistance while they remain on waitlists.
Programs include:
HAPPY KIDS ARE HEALTHY KIDS (Nutrition) – Jody Walker Naturopathy
WELL BALANCED WOMAN (Women’s health)– Jody Walker Naturopathy
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY WORKSHOPS – Move and Play Paediatric Therapy
VISITS TO THE CENTRE BY QUALIFIED SPEECH THERAPIST AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
BABY + CHILD FIRST AID – Baby Ed Australia
SPECIAL EVENTS
Each term, Integrated Family Support Hub celebrate different occasions and at times host special playgroups with additional activities centred around things such as NAIDOC week, Child Protection Week, Day for Daniel etc. Keep an eye on our Facebook page where all these events are announced and advertised.
CHILD PROTECTION
The program works with the Mackay Child Friendly Community Action Group (MCFCAG), a group of local community and government representatives dedicated to building a safer and friendlier environment in our community for children and their families.
“Child protection is Everyone’s business. The responsibility lies with the adults in keeping children safe from harm. All members of society need to play a part in ensuring children are nurtured and safe. ”
– Key Message from Child Protection Week
Relevant Information
EXTRA RESOURCES
Useful Resources
Raising Children Raising children network is a parenting information and support website covering pregnancy to adulthood and beyond.
CDC’s Developmental Milestones CDC is a useful app that helps you understand birth to 5 years and roughly when your child should reach milestones in how he/she plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. It’s a great way to check in and track your child’s development and act early if you have concerns.
| Activities for families | |
| Early Years Count | A range of activity ideas to do at home with children 0-8 years. |
| Playgroup Qld Activities | Play activities for young children at home. |
| Learning@home | A number of online tools and resources by the Department of Education to support school-aged students while at home. |
| Kiwico At home resources for kids (and their grown ups) | Wide range of resources updated daily, including at-home activities for children from age 2 years, fun activities to do over video chat and child friendly information about how viruses spread and the science of handwashing. |
| Chatter pack | A list of free online learning resources in different subject areas. |
| Mental health and wellbeing resources | |
| Emerging Minds | A selection of resources specifically to help children cope with worry and stress about COVID-19. |
| Beyond Blue | Advice about managing mental health and links to websites with quality information about the virus. |
| The Centre for Disease Control | Information on stress and coping with the pandemic, with some handy tips for parents/carers to support young children and teens. |
| Coronacast | An ABC podcast that helps answer people’s questions about COVID-19, breaking down the latest news and research. |
LOCATION
43 Shakespeare Street, East Mackay QLD 4740
FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP!
If you would like more information about us, have a suggestion, would like to tell us about a need in your community or connect with a particular community group please give us a call on 4957 2626 or contact us here.