Vulnerable Blue Mountains children will be able to access improved facilities and equipment for therapy sessions after Gateway Family Services in Katoomba received $10,000 in federal funding.
The Stronger Communities grant will fund a playroom fit out and new equipment. The service is currently preparing to open back up for term three in mid-July after operating via Zoom during the pandemic.
Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman visited the facility recently to see the improvements that are now ready and waiting for local families.
"Gateway Family Services supports many vulnerable families living in the Blue Mountains and Penrith Local Government Areas (LGAs), and children who attend have often experienced significant adversity in their short lives, including family violence and breakdown, poverty, abuse and trauma," said Ms Templeman.
"This funding forms part of the service's Play-Heal-Grow project, which addresses the needs of the children through qualified therapists running play and art therapy at its Katoomba centre.
"The therapy rooms are safe spaces where children can freely express their feelings, worries, fears and hopes.
"Play therapy uses a wide range of specific toys and equipment designed to accommodate each child's needs for freedom, creative expression and safety.
"The money has been used to purchase a range of items, including culturally-specific toys like a memory game featuring Indigenous symbols and felted father and baby emu toys.
"Other toys like hand puppets are used in sessions with children that have backgrounds in trauma, or those who have underlying developmental concerns.
"Children come into the therapy room and express in play what's going on with them.
"Often children don't have the language to talk about things, and this kind of therapy really helps them."
Ms Templeman said "without this kind of early intervention, children can be isolated from their families, peers and the wider community'.
"I am delighted to be able to help facilities like Gateway Family Services continue their vital work in our local community."
