MyTime is your time
Posted 19 February 2012
When you care for a child with disability, developmental delay or chronic medical illness, it can be difficult to have any ‘me time'-time to yourself. MyTime offers a unique opportunity as it brings parents and family carers together while a trained play helper engages children in playgroup activities. So, there is no need to organise child care to join in.
What is MyTime?
MyTime is a free peer support group, which means that people in similar family situations come together to share experiences and learnings, have fun, develop skills and get to know each other. A trained facilitator sets up the group and may guide discussion or activities if necessary; however, parents decide what they will do or discuss at each get togethers. One week the group may visit an art exhibition; another week everyone discusses toilet training or a guest speaker shares their insights into parenting strategies-it is completely up to the group.
A real break
You can sit back and relax when you are at MyTime as a trained MyTime play helper is there to care for the children. Many groups meet at their local school or community centre, so children can play and engage in activities in an adjoining room.
Group size
The number of people that attend MyTime varies from week to week and ranges from 1 to 12 parents or family carers in each session.
Frequency of sessions
Each MyTime group is funded to run sessions for 64 hours per year. Many MyTime groups choose to meet for 3 hours per fortnight during school term, but it is up to the group to decide how often they meet and for how long.
Who can join?
You can join a local MyTime group if you are:
- eligible to receive the Carer Allowance (Child)
- caring for a child up to the age of 16 that has a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition.
How do I join?
Visit the MyTime website to find a group near you or to register your interest in starting a group.
More information
Contact Anne Gooley, State Coordinator for MyTime, on 1800 171 882 or by email.
