The Midwest Early Years Network will be celebrating National Families Week with a free Family Fun Day on Saturday 19th May at the Beachlands Primary school oval from 10am to 1pm. There will be engaging activities for children such as sensory play, bubbles, play dough and face painting from a variety of local organisations.

Desert Blue Connect will be attending and providing an activity stall, where children aged 0-5 years can paint their hands. Their hand artwork will be then added onto a community network hand tree that promotes the theme of “we all have the right to feel safe at all times”.

Desert Blue Connect uses a whole of community approach to provide strategies that aim to prevent child abuse and children’s exposure to family violence. One approach is to work with parents and carers to educate them on ways they can support their children to learn how to keep safe. Education is provided on protective behaviour strategies that they can teach their children, which promotes safety and wellbeing, enhances resilience, and encourages positive sense of self. Desert Blue Connect community educators will be available at the event to talk to and prevention resources will be available.

“The first step is to simply talk to your child and develop that open and trusting relationship”, says Meg Deluca, Community Educator at Desert Blue Connect. “Your child has the right to be safe so reassure them that they won’t be punished if they say they feel unsafe or threatened by anyone, no matter who it is.”

“‘We all have the right to feel safe at all times’ is a key message we use to educate parents and children” said Ms. Deluca. “We will be using our community network hand tree as an artistic tool so children can communicate this theme.”

National Families week (15th May to 21st May) is held every year with people getting involved in hundreds of community events to celebrate the vital role families play in our community. It is a time to celebrate the meaning of family and work together for stronger families and communities.

If you would like any further information about the 2018 family fun day, contact Ngala Child and Parent Centre, Rangeway at rangeway@ngala.com.au or by phoning 99216814.

Desert Blue Connect offers specialist education in sexuality and relationship, respectful relationship and child abuse protection and prevention. This is offered throughout the community customised to meet specific needs and working to implement and embed within local organisations. Please contact Desert Blue Connect for further information on 9964 2742 or email info@desertblueconnect.org.au

Desert Blue Connect provide a range of free or low cost services that include women’s health, rural support services, family violence response, primary prevention and crisis accommodation for women and children.

For an appointment at Desert Blue Connect, call 9964 2742 or drop into the office at 25 Chapman Road in Geraldton.