MyTime

MyTime members come from different backgrounds and their children have different abilities and needs. Through talking about their experiences, carers share their varied ways of reacting to and coping with their challenges. Members support each other and build relationships, which can lead to an increased sense of belonging and wellbeing.

Why My Time

MyTime is free

MyTime groups are free to join, and being a part of MyTime does not affect your NDIS funding.

It’s support for you

Meet other parents and family carers of children with disabilities. MyTime is a place to socialise, to discuss, to get information, and to support and be supported by other carers.

Professional guidance

All MyTime groups have a trained facilitator, who helps group members get to know each other and learn more about local resources and support services.

You can bring your children

You can bring your preschool-age children to MyTime. While you unwind, children are kept engaged nearby by MyTime play helpers.

MyTime groups are not restricted to parents of children with particular additional needs – there are not specific MyTime groups for autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy, for example. All groups are open to all parents and carers. In some circumstances, you may be eligible to attend MyTime even if your child doesn't have a diagnosis.

Find your local group

MyTime groups are a supportive space for parents to feel understood and share ideas about managing a range of situations. A MyTime group is more than a playgroup, it's a place where parents can meet others in similar situations. MyTime members also have access to information and resources though the group facilitator. Members get to plan the group sessions around their specific needs as carers.

What happens in a MyTime session?

Chat over coffee

In some MyTime sessions, members just relax over a coffee, talk about their week and share advice and information.

Learn something new

In some sessions the facilitator or a guest speaker might lead discussion on a topic of interest.

Take care of yourself

Sometimes, the group might just have fun with an activity aimed at helping members relax and look after their wellbeing.

Find your local group

Each group has between four and twelve members. These parents and carers share similar experiences. Groups usually meet once a week for two hours during school term. You do not need to attend each session, you can go when you have time.

Our team

MyTime facilitators have experience in disability, parenting or family support. They make sure group discussion is open and inclusive, help members choose what they would like to discuss in their groups, and can also provide reliable resources and help organise speakers and activities.

Play helpers keep members’ preschool-age children engaged with activities such as singing, drawing, and playing with toys and blocks. Although some play helpers may be qualified child care workers, parents remain responsible for their own children at MyTime.

“MyTime has been an amazing support to me. It allows me to talk to people who really understand.”