Parent-Child Mother Goose (PCMG) groups in Bendigo are delivered by Baptcare.

Each week (during school terms) three groups run in different locations across Bendigo particularly for families with children aged 0-3, although children up to age 5 are also welcome. PCMG strengthens bonding, attachment and positive interaction between parents/carers and their young children by introducing them to the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together.

PCMG groups are free to attend.

Baptcare
Parent-Child Mother Goose Australia
Background

C4C Bendigo has operated since 2015.

As part of strategic planning for 2022-2026, in 2021 the C4C Steering Committee made a strategic decision to focus on 0-3 year olds, prioritising the delivery of playgroups, as they are a key intervention that will make a difference to families in Bendigo.

Currently C4C Bendigo is funding two evidence based early intervention models:

What is PCMG?

PCMG is an evidence-based program that strengthens attachment and interaction between parents / carers and their young children by introducing them to the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together.

Through the program, parents/carers gain skills and confidence that help them create positive family patterns during their children’s crucial early years. At the same time, children benefit from enjoyable, healthy early experiences with language and communication.

PCMG is particularly suitable for parents / carers who need extra support because of their own personal or social circumstances, or because their children have special needs, developmental delays or concerns.[i]

[i] https://www.parentchildmothergooseaustralia.org.au/

Where do the groups operate?

Three groups operate every week during school terms across Bendigo:

  • Gravel Hill (Tuesday)
  • CBD (Thursday)
  • Hybrid (Thursday). The group is held at a CBD venue and families can attend in person or online
What happens at PCMG?

Families meet as a group with two trained facilitators once a week, learning to use songs, rhymes and stories with their children. There is emphasis on nurturing the positive interaction between parent and child using touching, stroking and cuddling.

Over time parents / carers learn a wide range of material which they are encouraged to use in their daily lives, such as rhymes, songs and lullabies to settle and soothe babies, rhymes to support daily routines of bathing, feeding, dressing and nappy change and others simply for the pleasure they bring.

The program is enjoyable and fun. Anyone can join and participants don’t need to be musical. [i]

[i] https://www.parentchildmothergooseaustralia.org.au/

What did we do during COVID lockdowns?

During COVID lockdowns, all our sessions moved online, and our Group Facilitators created short YouTube videos so families could access a song or story at any time. Enjoy watching these short videos.

Who is eligible?

Our groups provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all families.

Our groups target children aged 0-3, but children up to the age of 5 are also welcome.

We particularly welcome referrals from families who may need our playgroups the most, such as:

  • Families with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families
  • Young parent families
  • Families with low incomes
  • Jobless families
  • Sole-parent families
  • Families with a parent (or child) who has a disability
  • Families experiencing problems with housing, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health or child protection
  • Families with children at risk of abuse or neglect
Do you have a brochure?

Yes, our flyer can be accessed here.

How do I make a referral?

Anyone can make a referral. Families can self-refer, or professionals can refer families they are working with.

There are two ways to make a referral:

For more information

Jess Bennett
Program Facilitator
p: 0434 817 233
jbennett@baptcare.org.au

Angie Hayden
Program Facilitator
p: 0418 519 730
ahayden@baptcare.org.au

References:

Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS). 2023. “Communities for Children Facilitating Partners Evidence-based programme profiles: Parent-Child Mother Goose (P-CMG)” https://apps.aifs.gov.au/cfca/guidebook/programs/parent-child-mother-goose-p-cmg

Parent-Child Mother Goose Australia. https://www.parentchildmothergooseaustralia.org.au/