Play & Chat: a safe space for mums and kids

At Pop In, our goal – first and foremost – is to help women to achieve safety and to feel secure. We also have some long-term goals, one of which is to work towards reducing childhood trauma and, consequently, intergenerational domestic violence and abuse.

That’s why we’re pleased and proud to now be offering our Play and Chat program, at our cottage at 2 Mona Rd. Well, to be more precise, it’s partly in the gorgeous new playhouse we’ve built in the backyard – fully kitted out as an imaginative play space, designed to help children feel safe and secure.

Play and Chat is about getting together children to engage in fun activities with their mum or caregiver, to promote healthy relationships and happy children. The program also offers the grown-ups the opportunity to have some time out over morning tea.

Ultimately, Play and Chat is designed to strengthen the relationship between the mother or caregiver and her children, in a space that is open and welcoming, with kind people who are without judgement. As Sue Campbell, Pop In’s Deputy Chair, says: “It’s a house that feels like home, where women and their children can feel safe and comfortable – as though we’re wrapping our arms around them – and where they can get professional help for as long as it takes to get them back on their feet.”

We’re up and running

Play and Chat began in December 2021, and since then we’ve been running sessions on Mondays and Fridays. We’ve seen eight women and 11 children, including repeat visitors. 

Trained counsellor, childhood educator and Pop In staff member Lauren Barnes coordinates the sessions, with help from five rostered volunteers (all of whom have been through Pop In’s formal training and induction program). Lauren says participants see Play and Chat as an essential and enjoyable support system for themselves and their children, and an integral part of their weekly routines.

“Over the last four months, we’ve watched children play happily, laugh, sing and dance – developing their imaginations, dexterity skills, coordination, social skills, and verbal skills,” Lauren said.

“As babies and young children of the Covid era, they have all had very limited opportunity – until they came to Play and Chat – to interact with other children and socialise. We have observed these children strengthen their attachments with their mums and we have observed the mums relax over time and enjoy their children.”

Real-life stories

Pop In’s manager, Michele Lanigan, told us about one initially reluctant participant. When Denise* first visited, she held back and said she didn’t want to take part.

However, over time, and with the help of her community support worker, as well as Lauren and our Pop In’s volunteers, Denise ended up easing into the program. Now, she’s one of Play and Chat’s greatest advocates. She tells other new participants all about what Play and Chat does, and how it has helped her. 

Lauren said Play and Chat is particularly important for mums who have suffered complex intergenerational traumas. “They benefit greatly from the connection counselling, respite and support Play and Chat offers them,” she said.

“Together, we talk, laugh, and interact with their children, modelling attachment play while looking for opportunities to strengthen bonds and build strong foundations between the child and their mother. Play and Chat also allows us to check in on the children – their health, wellbeing, and developmental progress. 

“For the mums, we offer a safe place to vent and feel heard; a consistent program; caring, wonderful volunteers; the opportunity to access other services and programs; and unconditional, non-judgmental support for whatever they may need.”

A chance to access Pop In’s services

The practical help that Pop In offers cannot be discounted, either. Mums and caregivers find it easy to put on a load of washing while they’re at the cottage, access the wardrobe if they have a special event coming up, or even just treat themselves to a simple pleasure like an uninterrupted shower. 

“Personally, I’m very proud of the program we have established. The play hut is gorgeous – inviting, safe and engaging,” Lauren said. “The five volunteers I work with ooze with love, care, and energy. The group is small, enabling intimacy, trusting relationships, and counselling.

“We all really enjoy our sessions – the play, the children, the mums, the morning tea, the chat and knowing we are providing a safe, enjoyable, and supportive program that is having a positive impact on both mums and children in our community.”

We’re grateful

Pop In would like to extend a very warm thank you to Lauren and Michele, all the volunteers involved in Play and Chat – and of course the participants themselves, who not only trust us every week but put a smile on our faces by bringing along their gorgeous little ones!

Thank you also to the Bowral District Children’s Foundation, who granted Pop In the funds to build our beautiful playhouse, and the Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong who helped get the backyard ready for its construction.

Learn more about Play and Chat

Would you like to learn more about Pop In’s Play and Chat program? We’d love to hear from you.

Email lauren@popin.org.au, call 02 4872 1229 or fill in the online form on our contact page.

* Name changed to protect privacy.