A Bushcare group for new parents, including free babysitting
Care for the bush and your wellbeing! Many new parents experience social isolation and feelings of overwhelmingness. Getting out in the fresh air and connecting with others on similar journeys can really help to combat this. Hornsby Shire Council and TAFE NSW have created a "New-Bub Bushcare" group to help parents do both, all while helping our native bushland thrive.
Details:
- How it works: The two-hour meetup includes one hour for new parents to immerse themselves in nature and care for the bush while their baby or young child is babysat nearby. The second hour is dedicated to a social catch-up for the parents and their children.
- Free childcare: Babies and small children will be babysat for one hour, by TAFE students enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program. These students have received training in child safety through TAFE Childcare centres. All childminders will hold a certified Working with Children Check and be supervised by a trained, Child Safety Officer form Hornsby Shire Council.
- When: Every third Monday of the month, 10 AM – 12 PM.
- Where: Mount Colah Community Hall.
- Bushcare location: Bushcare activities take place in the bushland directly surrounding the Mount Colah Community Hall, where the babies and small children will be cared for.
- Nappy changing: Parents will need to handle any necessary nappy changes.
- Experience: No prior Bushcare experience is necessary; a trained Bushcare leader will guide the group.
- Refreshments: Light morning tea will be provided. With babysitting on hand, you may even get to drink a cup of tea or coffee while it is still warm!
- Bushcare = Selfcare: Gardening can make you feel better. Certain bacteria in soil have been scientifically found to boost mood and increase happiness. Coupled with a huge sense of accomplishment that comes from helping our bushland survive and thrive, New-Bub Bushcare offers additional wellbeing benefits beyond social interaction (with actual adults!), “still-warm-beverage drinking”, fresh air, much-needed “me time” plus “baby-bonding time” without a looming pile of housework in peripheral vision. And as a bonus, you will also learn about our native plants and wildlife, something you can pass down to your children as they grow and explore their world.
- Launch date: Monday November 18, 2024. Expressions of interest open now.
View more information about bushcare.
