Forum for separated parents
A forum for separated parents with young children is being held at the Beachside Family Centre in Umina on Wednesday, September 30.
The forum will be led by guest speaker Ms Lisa Antiss from the Interrelate Family Centre.
The free session will be held from 7pm to 9pm to allow working parents the opportunity to attend.
"Are you a parent of children aged up to eight years old experiencing a separation or recently separated," centre facilitator Ms Debbie Notara said.
"Separation leaves many parents feeling lost, isolated and dealing with difficult parenting issues.
"Parents can often feel like they have failed when a relationship breaks down.
"Coming to the forum can help validate and support your position as a parent.
"The Separated Parents Forum is about giving parents information and support to ensure that their children cope with the change."
Ms Notara said this would be the second Separated Parents Forum held at the centre this year following the success of the first session.
She said the forum would also be an opportunity for separated parents on the Peninsula to express their needs so that future events can be planned at Beachside Family Centre.
Local resident Ms Debbie Golding-Tutt, a participant of the first forum, encouraged other separated parents to attend the evening session.
"When a family unit breaks down, it takes a little while to get back to being a parent, not just somebody who's been through a big crisis," Ms Golding-Tutt said.
"You feel like you get off track and lose your direction as a parent.
"Talking about it helps you realise that you still know how to parent.
"Being aware of responses to expect from kids was really helpful."
The Separated Parents Forum will be held at Beachside Family Centre within the grounds of Umina Public School, Sydney Ave, Umina.
Participants will receive tea, coffee, supper and a Separation Resource Pack.
Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 4343 1929.
Press release, 9 Sep 2009
Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre