Supporting Families With a Facilitated Playgroup Designed in Discussion With the Community

This study responds to barriers to access to early intervention for health, welfare and education faced by families who experience sociodemographic disadvantage. Following a needs assessment to inform policy and practice for a community early years hub, a facilitated playgroup was commenced using a model identified by families. The aim was to provide a safe place for families of young children to gather and find support in an environment of relational and professional care and empowerment.

Evaluation of demographic data and thematic analysis of focus group discussions allows a qualitative exploration of family and provider experience in the supported playgroup.

In its first year, the playgroup was attended by 61 families. Through shared relationships and structured health promotion action, families were empowered with an understanding of child development; six families received assistance with referral to a developmental specialist. Qualitative analysis identified three themes of learning from parents and grandparents, allied health providers, early childhood educators and volunteers, identifying a playgroup model to: 'reduce experience of social isolation among families', 'support families in understanding child development' and 'support families through physical space and provision'. Relationality, safety and empowerment were interwoven among themes.

A policy of shared vision is central to empowering families and reducing barriers to access to support for children's developmental health concerns. Through co-design, families were empowered within the layered influences of learning. SO WHAT?: Evaluation represents a first step to inform policy change and practice for health promotion action towards a co-designed community hub.