Bellarine Community Health’s (BCH) Child Health and Development (CHAD) team received a huge boost to its children’s play therapy equipment, thanks to a grant from Variety Victoria in collaboration with Energy Australia.
The grant has allowed BCH to purchase a range of play therapy toys, play materials and other resources to assist with play therapy.
BCH mental health clinician Meg Hanlon is thrilled the play therapy room is now a wonderland of toys and materials that allow children a multitude of ways to express and communicate their experiences.
“The toys in the playroom now include sensory materials, art and craft materials, dolls and shops, scary and aggressive toys – toys that become words in the child’s language of play,” she said.
“Being able to create an environment that is warm and inviting makes a significant difference to a child’s experience.”
Play therapy is an evidence based, developmentally appropriate model of counselling that allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through their natural language of play.
With the support of a therapist children can feel understood and empowered to integrate their experiences and build new ways of being in relationship with themselves, others, and the world.
“Play therapy meets kids where they’re at and communicates with them in a way that makes sense to them,” Ms Hanlon said.
“It’s wonderful that Bellarine Community Health is able to offer this service to the local community and for this type of support to be more accessible.”
BCH offers mental health services including play therapy to children up to the age of 12. More information at bch.org.au or 1800 007 224.
