MONDAY mornings are busy at Lucas Community Hub during the school term, as parents, facilitators and children enjoy Lucas Playgroup.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s always some sort of craft activity on the go, Lego is out, playdough is kneaded, Fischer Price toys spark the curiosities of little minds, and if the weather is nice, the sand pit and water play are very popular.<\/p>\n
But the weekly gathering isn\u2019t just an opportunity for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to play and socialise. It\u2019s also a space where parents and carers can relax and chat with likeminded people, establish networks and find support.<\/p>\n
Co-facilitators, Tegan Ratcliff and Rebekah Spark are parents themselves. They like that the playgroup is a \u2018community group\u2019 in every sense of the phrase.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe parents enjoy having conversations about parenting. There have been new people that have come along, and it\u2019s been a good way to network,\u201d Mrs Spark said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe couldn\u2019t function without the contributions and active involvement of the families who attend. It\u2019s the main reason we are here every week doing what we do and loving it, that and watching the children having so much fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mrs Spark understands it can be intimidating for parents and carers to introduce themselves to different groups of people, but said the community always excitedly welcomes new faces.<\/p>\n
\u201cTegan and I have both been in that situation, so we know what it\u2019s like and how nerve-wracking it can be. We\u2019re both really aware of that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re quite open to even having pregnant mums with their first child.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe try to be aware of how we set things up, sit together, talk together. We set up a corner so the babies have a bit of space away from the older children and mums with little ones can keep an eye on them.\u201d<\/p>\n
If older siblings ever have time away from school, they are also welcome.<\/p>\n
The playgroup is now in its second year of operation and Mrs Spark said even she has gained so much as a facilitator.<\/p>\n
\u201cTegan and I work really well together. It\u2019s just been the best thing. We\u2019ve gotten along so well and it\u2019s fantastic to have someone else there to bounce ideas off.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlaygroups Victoria has also been of tremendous help to us and we are very excited to be working with Maree Ryan to develop a new support network for local community Playgroups,\u201d Mrs Spark said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will be a wonderful opportunity to meet regularly with other facilitators and exchange ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Lucas Playgroup meets every Monday morning during the school term from 9.30am to 11.30am. Parents of babies up to pre-schoolers are invited. Find the playgroup in the Lucas Community Hub at the west end of Coltman Plaza, Lucas.<\/p>\n