PARENTING (AND OTHER) COURSE CALENDAR 2023
Please check this link for a fabulous and comprehensive list of parenting courses in Canberra in term 2, courtesy of Healthy Schools Network ACT: Parent & Carer Support Courses Term 2, 2024 – Healthy Schools Network ACT (healthyschoolsact.com.au)
1. Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.), Parent Skills (https://www.parentskills.com.au/)
The emphasis in P.E.T. is to improve relationships, and help children develop self-discipline where there is no use of reward or punishment. In contrast, behavioural courses rely on reward and punishment to control child behaviour (a form of external discipline).
For details, cost and enrolment please contact
Parent Skills: info@parentskills.com.au
https://www.parentskills.com.au/
2. Parent Effectiveness Training, Communikeys (www.communikeys.com.au)
Location: Holder.
Instructor – Ros Lockley, ros@communikeys.com.au; 0448 242 101.
3. Marymead CatholicCare run the Cool Kids Program – which is an anxiety management program designed to help kids develop the skills to manage anxious thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The program also provides information and strategies for parents who may be trying to work out how to support anxious children.
The aim is to run two programs in Term 2 for kids aged 7-9 and 9-12.
These programs will be run on a Wednesday and Thursday afternoon from 3:30pm to 5:00pm at Favier House in Braddon.
The program is free – any families interested in participating in the program need only give intake a call on 6162 6111 to book an appointment.
4. At Capital Region Community Services, we run the Cool Kids Anxiety Program, a structured 10-session program that teaches children aged seven to 12 years old and their parents/carers how to better manage a child’s anxiety. These weekly sessions are led by our Cool Kids Accredited Providers, including Dechen Choden and Molly Havyatt.
The Cool Kids Anxiety Program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), involves the participation of children and parents/carers, and focuses on teaching practical skills. Topics covered include:
- learning about anxiety
- learning to think realistically
- parenting an anxious child
- fighting fear using ‘stepladders’
- learning coping skills such as assertiveness and problem-solving.
Most young people who complete the program show significant improvement in social and academic engagement, as well as decreases in worry, shyness, fear and family distress.
Cool Kids was developed by Macquarie University and has been running since 1993. The program has undergone continual scientific evaluation and development to include the latest understanding of anxiety and its treatment.
Our next group sessions of the Cool Kids Anxiety Program for children aged 7 to 12 years will begin at the start of term 2, 2024. It’s free (except for purchasing a workbook), so find out more and express your interest today at https://crcs.com.au/programs-services/wellbeings/cool-kids-anxiety-program/cool-kids-anxiety-program-details/
5. Circle of Security – Uniting Care Kippax
Presented by: Parenting Engagement Program Team
Location: UnitingCare Kippax, Corner of Luke St and Hardwick Cr HOLT ACT 2615
Dates: 7th May 2024 to 18th June 2024 (Every Tuesday)
Times: 10:00am -12:00pm
Cost: Free of cost to participants.
(sponsored by Integrated Family Support Services Program)
To register text 0451 314 195.
6. Bringing Up Great Kids, Parenting After Domestic Violence by Australian Childhood Foundation
A mindful, reflective and respectful parenting program with a focus on building loving and nurturing relationships between parents/carers and their children post Family Violence.
Daytime sessions:
1:00 – 2:30 pm, 7 weeks starting on Tuesday 14th of May
Venue: Civic
Evening sessions:
6:00 – 7:30 pm, 7 weeks starting on Tuesday 14th of May
Venue: Bruce
Contact: 0438 415 650
referralsact@childhood.org.au
7. The Australian Childhood Foundation’s (ACF) Heartfelt group program
for children aged 5-12 years old who have experienced domestic and family violence. It is an 8 -week program running after school beginning in week 2 of the term.
The Heartfelt group is a therapeutic experience for children, based on the Foundation’s Big Tree Dolls, their stories and the themes within them. For children 5yrs -8yrs olds, we offer the original Heartfelt Program and for those 9-12yrs old we offer the Heartfelt Story crafters program. Both programs support the children in their recovery journey through a group program in a supported and nurturing environment that validates their experiences. This gentle therapeutic intervention offers children opportunities for growth, imagination, fun, expression and healing.
In Term 2 we will run a Northside group on Monday afternoons from 4-5pm, beginning on May 6th. A Southside or central location group will be available if there are enough participants.
If you would like to find out more, talk through a potential referral or request a referral form, please send us an email at referralsact@childhood.org.au.
8. Women: Choice and Change – Relationships Australia
Women: Choice and Change is a 7-session group for women who have experienced intimate partner abuse/violence. The aim of the course is to provide you with the skills and understanding necessary to help you move forward in your life. During the group, you will have a chance to connect with others who have had similar experiences, talk through issues and to consider your choices and strategies for now and in your future.
The program is designed to help you:
- Recognise what equality in relationships looks like
- Understand the impact of family violence
- Find support with feelings of grief and loss
- Develop communication and boundary setting skills
- Manage stress through self-care
- Regain confidence and self-esteem
- Plan to stay safe
WHERE: Relationships Australia office – 15 Napier Close, Deakin.
No childcare available.
TIME: 11.30am to 2.00pm Wednesdays
DATES: 8th May to 19th June (Registrations close 26th April)
FEES: This course is free of charge.
CONTACT: groups@racr.org.au or call 6122 7100
9. Kippax Uniting Church
During term time:
Sing and Play Together – a group on Monday mornings, 9.30-11 at Kippax Uniting Church, for young children and their carers to play and engage through music. $2 per session.
In holidays:
Kippax Kids Holiday Happenings – craft and games days for Primary school children, 10am -2pm on the Thursdays of school holidays. $5 per child, max $10 per family. Bookings advised, through the KUC office 62541733.
10. Are you a woman looking for work, or do you know someone who is?
The ACT Office for Women’s Return to Work Program are holding a series of workshops for women in Canberra who are looking to return to the workforce after a long period of absence.
The free four day community workshops aim to support women in attendance by providing skills and knowledge on the following:
- Skill recognition and growth mindset
- Creating professional resumes and cover letters
- Interpreting job ads and applying for jobs
- Online and government job applications
- Job interview preparation and practice
The workshops run for four days, across a four-week period, from 10am – 2pm at the Nara Centre in the Canberra City (you will need to attend all 4 days)
- Wednesday 1 May 2024
- Wednesday 8 May 2024
- Wednesday 15 May 2024
- Wednesday 22 May 2024
Lunch and tea and coffee provided.
Register now by emailing csdrtw@act.gov.au places are limited!
11. Strong and Resilient Communities
Join us for our fifth workshop in our new Women’s Safety Program Workshop Series:
‘Online Safety’
Foundation online skills such as safe passwords, privacy settings on apps, and avoiding scams.
12.30-2.30pm, Wednesday 1st May 2024.
This free ‘lunch & learn’ session is for women over the age of 18.
BYO lunch, water bottle, notebook and your curiosity. Please note there is no microwave for reheating your lunch. Some refreshments are available (tea/coffee, water, biscuits, fruit).
Secure your place by booking your ticket from Eventbrite as places are limited.
Visit Eyes for Life Canberra’s Women’s Safety Program page here for more information: https://eflc.org.au/womens-safety-program/
12. Capital Region Community Services (CRCS), Belconnen
Family Education:
Family Education provides a range of group programs including, but not limited to, parenting education including Circle of Security, Tuning Into Kids, and Bringing Up Great Kids, therapeutic supported family play programs including but not limited to, Creative Arts, Early Links to Learning, GET UP – Young Parents group, Koori Playgroup and supported community groups including but not limited to Seasons for Growth, Yurwang-Gulwan Koori Girls Group, Yurwang-Bullarn Strong Women’s group. The programs operate both face to face across the ACT and online. Referrals are made through CRCS Connect by emailing Connect@crcs.com.au or calling 6264 0200 and asking for a member of the Connect team. Please note, some programs in Family Education are partnerships run with other services, so referral pathways may be different.
Early Autism Education (EAE):
Young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), related conditions and general learning delays can often use a bit of extra support along their learning journey.
Capital Region Community Services’ Early Autism Education (EAE) is an early developmental program that builds on each child’s strengths and interests to develop skills for life.
Our in-home or clinic-based sessions use teaching strategies tailored to suit your child’s own style of processing information. We focus on speech, communication, cognitive, play and social skills to enable children to engage in everyday life activities, education and social settings.
This program may be covered under an NDIS plan.
Find out more at https://crcs.com.au/programs-services/wellbeings/early-autism-education/, email eae@crcs.com.au or call 02 6264 0200.
13. Marymead CatholicCare – Family Skills Groups:
- Parenting after Separation
- Working with Strong Emotions
- Navigating Parenting
- Resilient Mums/Dads/Carers
- Seasons for Growth (uses imagery of the seasons to help a young person understand that change and loss are part of life, and grief is a normal response to these losses).
Contact: enquiries@mccg.org.au ph. 02 61626100
14. CIRCLE OF SECURITY INTENSIVE (COS-I)
Are you the caregiver of a baby or young child? Are you worried about how they are feeling or behaving? Are you feeling anxious, worried or overwhelmed?
Being a parent or caregiver can be really tough but you don’t have to do it on your own, we are here to support you. Marymead is a recognised leader in the delivery of the Circle of Security Intensive (COS-I) program, a 20-week program for parents/caregivers of children 0-8 years old who are needing support.
Using filmed interactions between the caregiver and the child, the caregiver is encouraged to increase their sensitivity and responsiveness to their children’s signals for closeness and comfort, as well as reflect on their own thoughts, feelings and behaviours and how their own experiences could be impacting their care giving patterns.
If this program sounds like it could benefit you and your family, please reach out to us today. We currently have availability for families with children 1-4 years old, in both an individual or group setting, with the next group starting at the beginning of Semester Two. A small fee per session may apply depending on individual circumstances.
To find out more, please contact Marymead on 1800 427 920 or email intake@marymead.org.au
15. Sanctuary Aus
Sanctuary Aus is a Canberra-based community organisation based in Holder. We support families facing difficult times due to such problems as relationship difficulties, sickness, disability, developmental trauma, money problems, addiction or isolation.
The services include:
- Disability Support Services – NDIS or private. We work in a range of settings to best meet the young person’s needs, including the family home, school or community settings. We work with individuals, the parents and the whole family.
- Women’s Carer Support Group – Thursdays 12 to 1.30pm
- Circles of Security Parenting Program
- Cool Kids ASD – teaching your child to successfully manage their anxiety. Ages 7 to 11.
- Club Mojo – helping young people to build their self-esteem, recognise and deal with their emotions in a safe and healthy way. Ages 7 to 11.
- Parents and Sibling Counselling – to support families with members who have a disability and/or challenging behaviours.
To find out more about the services, call 0431 449 822, email us at info@sanctuaryaus.org.au or visit us at Floor 2A, 27 Mulley Street, Holder.
16. Child and Family Centres in Tuggeranong, West Belconnen and Gungahlin
Child and Family Centres provide a range of free group programs including, but not limited to, Circle of Security, Bringing Up Great Kids, Managing Anxiety With Cool Kids and Tuning Into Kids.
For more information contact
- Gungahlin Child and Family Centre 02 6207 0120
- Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre 02 6207 8228
- West Belconnen Child and Family Centre 02 6207 2904.
17. MacKillop Family Services
MacKillop runs a range of parenting courses throughout the year, designed to support families to build strong and positive relationships. Some of these courses are delivered through online parenting groups: https://www.mackillop.org.au/programs/parenting-workshops
18. Penthos, Responding to Grief and Loss in couples and families, A Free Mental Health Resource for Parents experiencing Unresolved Grief
Penthos is an established mental health organization offering a specialised 16-week therapy program for couples whose grief is not resolving, and who are experiencing relationship difficulties, at least three months after the death of their child or loss of a pregnancy.
Couples who have lost a child including adult children are also eligible for our program.
The program provides a private and comfortable space to explore and work through the painful feelings involved in losing a child or a pregnancy.
Couples attend a confidential 50-minute session once a week for 16 weeks, at a time agreed between the couple and the therapist.
The sessions are provided by specially trained and experienced mental health professionals (psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers and couple therapists) in their own consulting rooms or via video call for those who cannot easily attend in-room sessions. If using a video call, the couple must be together, using the same video device and be in a quiet, private room.
There is no charge for therapy as the Penthos Program is fully funded by private donors who understand the impact of grief on couples and families.
How to contact Penthos:
1 . Ring the Penthos Program Coordinator, Carla Farah 0416 341005, between 9- 6pm.
If the coordinator is not available, please leave a message and she will return your call as soon as possible.
2. Email admin@penthos.org.au
3. Visit the website www.penthos.org.au
19. PERKS Parenting Seminars
i) Is your teenager or pre-teen showing symptoms of depression or anxiety or using self harm to cope with the pressures of life? Come to the PERKS Parenting Seminars for information and coping strategies – four seminars over four weeks. Topics covered are adolescent development, anxiety, depression, self harm, family conflict, school refusal, coping strategies and safety planning. Parents will be provided with information and practical tips and tricks on all topics.
ii) Parenting adolescents and pre-teens with mental health concerns – four seminars over four weeks. Topics covered are adolescent development, anxiety, depression, self harm, family conflict, school refusal, safety planning. Parents will be provided with information, practical tips and tricks on all topics.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/perks-parenting-seminars-tickets-641700221637
iii) Is there conflict at home? Between you and a young one or among siblings? Let’s come together for a chat and come up with some things to try over food. Join us to learn some practical things you can do when there is conflict in the home. There will be sausages and pizza as well! Adjunct care is provided – please email Penny at penny.stott@wcs.org.au to register your children. Details are:
Date: 29 May 2024
Time: 5.30 – 7.00 pm
Venue: Richardson Primary School, 21 May Gibbs Close, Richardson
Cost: Free
Register here
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/conflict-and-kids-perks-parenting-workshop-tickets-877747605717
20. Imagine More
This is a self-directed online workshop for families wanting an inclusive education for their children with disability.
When children with disability are included in a mainstream class in their local school, everyone benefits in the short and long term. But it can be difficult for our children with disability to be effectively included in the same school as their siblings, friends and neighbours.
Many families have found that it’s helpful to have a working knowledge of educational inclusion and to know what the school needs to provide to make inclusion possible. It’s also critical to know how to ask for these in a manner that strengthens the relationship between the school and the family.
This workshop was developed for families of children with disability who are
- Entering school for the first time
- Moving into the next grade level
- Changing schools
- Not thriving in their current classroom.
Start planning early for your child’s transition into the 2024 school year.
Once enrolled, you’ll be able to explore some essential elements of truly inclusive education:
- What is inclusive education? Many people find it is not exactly what they understand it to be
- What 40+ years of research tells us about the benefits of inclusive education
- What supports work best in promoting good outcomes for all students
- Individual Learning Plans – what are they, and what does a good one look like?
- How to build and maintain collaborative partnerships with school staff – including tips for meetings
- The importance of friendships and social connections
- Student and family stories on their inclusive education experience.
Registrations are open from now to 31 March 2024.
When you register, you’ll have 24/7 access to the workshop, making it easy to work through the material at your own pace.
This is a free workshop funded by the Department of Social Services.
For more information about this self-directed online workshop, please visit the events page (Securing the Good Life through Inclusive Education – Online workshop (imaginemore.org.au)
21. Transform Parenting, Childbirth and Parenting Education
22. Parental Stress Centre
Parental Stress Centre offers a range of webinars and self paced parenting courses: https://www.parentalstresscentre.com/
23. The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre is now accepting expressions of interest for our upcoming group therapy program starting in May.
‘Discoveries’ is a semi-structured support and psychoeducation group program for women aged 18+ who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The focus of the group is on the impacts and effects of the abuse, and ways of coping. Some of the topics discussed include trust, self-blame, and building relationships. Participation is FREE of charge.
Our next ‘Discoveries’ group is scheduled to start on 8th May. It will run on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm. The group will run for 8 consecutive weeks at our premises in Canberra.
Important notes:
- A successful pre-group interview is required prior to admission into the program.
- Registration is on a first come first served basis, and a waiting list will be established for future groups.
- If you are interested in the group program but your availability is preventing you from attending, please register your interest with us anyway. We are accepting expressions of interest for future groups as well!
For more information and to register your interest please give us a call on 02 6247 2525 or email crisis@crcc.org.au. Our phone line is available from 7am to 11pm every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays.
24. BEYOND!
Register now https://dvcs.org.au/support-groups-registration-form/
Registrations close Friday 19th April 2024.
Have you experienced or are you concerned about intimate partner or family violence?
A Gender Agenda (AGA) and the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) have opened expressions of interest for Beyond – Canberra’s first support group for trans, intersex and gender diverse community members who have experienced domestic and family violence and are ready to develop strategies and personal resources to help them move on after domestic and family violence, while learning from and supporting each other.
Beyond which will be running for 8 weeks on Tuesday evenings (venue to be advised to participants only), commencing 7th of May 2024 until 25th June 2024.