All parents face challenges, but for many, the struggles can become overwhelming. Without a supportive community, it can feel like there’s nowhere to turn.
That’s where Plunket’s playgroups across Aotearoa can help. Run by a mix of Plunket staff and volunteers, playgroups are more than just a weekly gathering; they help parents and caregivers find the support they so greatly need. To be the best that they can be for their tamariki.
Alana, one of our playgroup coordinators in South Auckland, understands firsthand how transformative these groups can be. She started her journey with Plunket attending playgroups as a new māmā with her son, Bryan.
“I started with Plunket when my now eight-year-old son was a baby. We enjoyed the Plunket services then, like my usual Plunket nurse appointments and PlunketLine. Then I went to Mangere Bridge playgroup once and just loved it!”
Alana was looking for that level of connection and support but didn’t expect to eventually take on a role coordinating multiple playgroups every week!
“I found out that they needed a new coordinator and took that on, and then started taking on more and more play groups until I was running them five days a week because I love it! Bryan even helps out. We’ve never left playgroup because they are such a great thing for the community, and I will be happy making use of them with my new baby too.”
(Alana is expecting any day now!)
Today, Alana creates that same environment for other families. There are arts, crafts, music, imaginative and messy play for the children to develop social and sensory skills. Sometimes the Police or Fire Service come in to talk about safety, or the Plunket injury prevention team to help with car seats. There are even special guests, like dogs to help with confidence with furry friends, or cultural performances by bagpipe players or Cook Island drummers.
For tamariki, who learn through play, playgroups offer new ways to safely explore the world around them alongside other children. For caregivers, they offer a supportive space to connect, share struggles, and build friendships with others who understand.
“We have amazing conversations with families. People talk about some really serious stuff. You can see that everyone's coming in with their own context and back story, their own highs and lows, but they help each other out."
Alana sees it every day. Even a multi-generational family, where a great grandmother and great grandfather brought along the little ones in their care, and now the oldest of those children is bringing along their nieces and nephews too! “We have people from all walks of life. The children build friendships, and so do the adults. They create a village together."
“We’re a place parents can share their experiences if they’re struggling through new stages, like the stress of changing sleep schedules or toilet training. They may sound like small problems that only affect whānau for a short time, but they can be hard for parents going it alone.”
And there are tougher times, too. Some of our other Community Services Coordinators have parents opening up to them about difficult family dynamics at home, or about the harder and more tragic situations, like having multiple miscarriages.
That connection and support is vital in the early years with pēpi. Playgroups are a place where parents and caregivers find connection and support while their children learn to play and explore in a safe environment. For many whānau, playgroups are the first step in creating a village where both parents and children can thrive.
But we rely on donations to help keep the power of playgroups going.
With your help, Plunket playgroups can continue to be the village that every family deserves. And if you donate by March 31st, your gift will qualify for a tax credit.
Alana in action