Recently the European Respiratory Society held their annual conference in Vienna. For the very first time there was a dedicated segment on the program to discuss preterm associated lung disease. Several researchers and clinicians presented the findings of their recent research in this area. Our Co-founder Amber set the scene providing a Lived Experience perspective to open the session which was well received.
Father’s Day 2024
Wishing all Dad’s and Father figures a marvellous Father’s Day. To support those who find themselves in a Neonatal Unit in Western Australia on this special occasion we have provided hundreds of gifts to bring a little cheer to what is a challenging time.
Term 3 Developmental Playgroup
Since the start of the year we have received quite a few contacts from families who are desperately seeking assistance for their NICU graduate who has just started Kindy. Sadly they have not received any early intervention services in the toddler years and the Kindy teachers have now flagged that there is an issue requiring diagnosis and assistance in the classroom. This is really confronting news, especially since we have a strong follow up program in WA but also because Developmental Paediatricians are so challenging to get in to see right now!
Whilst our program is no a substitute for 1-1 therapy, nor is it a diagnostic service it can give you valuable information to assist you to navigate the system and advocate for your child in the toddler years. So much growth and development occurs in the early years, it’s important to maximise every opportunity to help prevent issues in the longer term.
Enrolments for Term 3 of Developmental Playgroup are now open. With places available at both Coolbinia and Canning Vale. Playgroup is open to any child in WA aged 6m actual age to 3 years of age who was admitted to a Neonatal Unit after birth. Neonatal Unit admission can be for any reason including but not limited to premature birth, sick full term, or surgical requirements. The cost of this program is heavily subsidised by grant funding, our fundraising efforts and generous donors. You can enrol for Term 3 via our webstore here:
https://www.tinysparkswa.org.au/shop
Term 4 Developmental Playgroup (Copy)
Developmental Playgroup seeks to provide early support from suitably qualified allied health experts in the fields of physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, to provide advice and guidance to families in a play based setting.
Playgroup is open to any child in WA aged 6m actual age to 3 years of age who was admitted to a Neonatal Unit after birth. Neonatal Unit admission can be for any reason including but not limited to premature birth, sick full term, or surgical requirements. The cost of this program is heavily subsidised by our fundraising efforts and generous donors. You can enrol in Term 4 here:
https://www.tinysparkswa.org.au/shop/new-enrolment-developmental-playgroup-term-3-2021-9y8c2
October Coffee Morning
Find your tribe. Our coffee mornings are a great way to connect with others in the community walking a similar path, or who've travelled that path already. Discussing all things pregnancy, birth and beyond. Everyone is welcome 💜
Our next Coffee Morning will be held on Monday 11/10 at Stickybeaks Cafe, Kings Park from 10am. We hope to see you there.
