In August, 1,137 families across Western Australia filled in our Impact Survey. Thank you for taking the time. Here is what you told us.
97% of you feel welcome at your playgroup. 83% say someone at playgroup has helped you out when you needed it. 79% have seen families at your playgroup support each other through a difficult time.
That is something you have built together.
86% of you joined so your children could play with other children. 60% joined to build social connections for yourselves, and 55% joined to do something outside the home.
It worked. 78% of you have made friendships with other parents that carry on away from playgroup.
Most of you feel the benefit early. 93% said playgroup has made a positive difference to your child’s wellbeing, and that holds true for families in their first few months.
What changes with time is how big that difference feels. Among families who have been coming for a year or more, 67% say playgroup has made a big difference to their child’s wellbeing, compared with 54% of families in their first year.
For your own wellbeing it is 61% compared with 49%. Friendships follow the same pattern: 40% of longer-standing families say their friendships with other parents have grown a lot, compared with 24% of newer families.
If you have just started, the good things are already happening, and they tend to grow.
42% of you found a community service through playgroup. Toy libraries, parenting support and local schools came up most. If you are looking for something, ask at your playgroup. Someone there will probably know.
Nearly half of you, 46%, did not know there are free play ideas on the Playgroup WA website. Of the people who have used them, 99% found them useful. You can find them here: Play Ideas For Babies, Toddlers & Kids | Playgroup WA
70% of you are already doing at least one play activity more often at home since joining playgroup. Drawing and painting, physical play and messy play came up most often.
Among the parents and caregivers on committees or leading a group, 90% report stronger connections with other parents, 89% a stronger sense of belonging in their community, and 79% more opportunity to use their own skills.
If you have been thinking about putting your hand up, that is what people who did it told us. Talk to your playgroup’s committee, or call us on (08) 9228 8088 to find out more.
1,137 responses is the clearest picture we have ever had of what playgroup does for WA families. Thank you for giving us your time, and for everything you bring to your playgroup each week.
If you know a family who might enjoy playgroup, we’d love for you to share it with them. They can find a playgroup near them here: Find a Playgroup Near You | Playgroup WA
Playgroup WA has been supporting, servicing and establishing playgroups throughout Western Australia since 1972.
