4 minute read
Juniors in the Community: The Shepherd Centre
Pictured: The Shepherd Centre Regional Manager Ana Sawant, The Juniors EA to CEO Kayla Kirk, The Shepherd Centre Community Engagement Coordinator Nicola Lloyd.
The Juniors Group of Clubs are proud to be involved in the Club Grants state-wide initiative whereby we contribute grants to front-line projects, programs and services that assist disadvantaged groups and residents in the City of Randwick. One organisation that the Juniors has proudly supported over the last few years is The Shepherd Centre.
The Shepherd Centre is a world-leading, child-safe NDIS service provider and specialist in helping children with hearing loss learn to listen and speak. In the most recent Club Grant, The Juniors provided funding for their ‘Kidscape' program. A life-changing program developing the communication and social skills of children with hearing loss in Randwick. Funding also supported initial program coordination, session planning, facilitation of and materials for the children’s group sessions.
Kidscape is a play, art, and music therapy program for children with hearing loss, supporting emotional wellbeing and self-expression. It develops listening, speaking, and social skills through fun, creative activities in a supportive group environment, with each activity designed to foster a specific life-changing skill. It consists of fun activities to develop specific communication skills and emotional
wellbeing, including Storytelling, to develop the child’s listening skills and vocabulary; Arts and Crafts, to develop a child’s ability to follow instructions, and cooperate with others; and Music Therapy (including singing and dancing), to help children listen and engage with the sounds around them, interact positively with others, and express their emotions to maximise their wellbeing. Kidscape is equally important for parents of participating children. The activities are complemented by concurrent parent group sessions, clinical support and counselling, empowering them with knowledge and strategies to develop their child’s skills and resilience at home. Further, Kidscape groups offer the opportunity for both children and parents to connect with other families experiencing similar challenges, forming a positive sense of community and overcoming the social isolation that often comes with hearing loss. Kidscape provides children the firm foundation of skills they need to thrive; setting them up for lives of success in education, community participation, careers, and relationships. The flow on effect of equipping these children and families with confidence and life skills is that the whole community benefits from their increased participation and the exposure to diversity this brings.
DID YOU KNOW
• Hearing loss is the most common disability diagnosed at birth
• 1 in 300 children have hearing loss by 5 years old
• 50% of these children receive no specialised support and are in danger of being left behind
• 90% of deaf children are born to parents with no history of hearing loss
Recently our EA and Marketing Special Projects Manager, Kayla Kirk along with our Marketing Coordinator Joanne Fenton, had the opportunity to visit the Early Intervention Centre to see firsthand the great work that the Shepherd Centre do. Kayla and Joanne met with Nicola Lloyd, Community Engagement Coordinator who took them on a tour of the centre and talked about the different programs and services that they offer.
Nicola explained what a positive impact the Club Grants has on their organisation. Nicola stated “the funding is flexible and agile; the simplicity of the administrative processes ensures funding is accessible to smaller charities and community organisations and enables funding to be directed to very local needs. The Club Grants system is uniquely positioned to meet local needs in an economical, direct and community-led way”. Nicola thanked The Juniors for their funding and dedication to The Shepherd Centre and the community as a whole, and appreciated all the support.
