Community News
Community Programs
RIAC’s Tips for Carers/Parents of neurodiverse and/or Autistic children
Reducing the stress of taking neurodiverse and/or autistic children to the hairdresser
Haircuts can be overwhelming for neurodiverse and/or autistic children. They may be anxious about what will happen during the process or experience sensory overload with the noisy clippers, strange smells and strangers touching their hair.
Try these tips to help prepare your child before they go to the hairdresser -
- Role play hair cuts at home and/or make a social story about haircuts so your child knows what to expect.
- Introduce the salon slowly. Take your child along to visit the salon and watch someone they know have a haircut.
- Book an appointment outside peak times.
- Speak to the hairdresser before the appointment and share suggestions on what will help your child feel comfortable.
- Mark the appointment on a visual calendar so your child is prepared.
- Talk positively about the upcoming appointment.
Come along to our Carer Support groups to learn more tips and enjoy a cuppa and a chat with other parents who have faced similar struggles.
Bendigo Walking Group | Bendigo Carer Self-Care Hub |
When: 9.30am – 11am Every Thursday during school term
Where: Meet at Peppergreen Farm carpark 40 Thunder Street North Bendigo
| When: 10am – 12 noon 1st Thursday each month
Where: Peppergreen Farm 40 Thunder Street North Bendigo |
For more information – EMAIL: carers@riac.org.au
PHONE: Carolyn – 0488 605 363
CatholicCare Term 3 - Parenting Programs and Workshops
Scheduled Multi-Session Programs
Circle of Security
For parents with kids aged 0 - 10
When: Tuesdays, 29 July - 2 Sept
Sessions: 6
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: FREE
Where: CatholicCare Victoria176-178 McCrae St, Bendigo
Tuning in to Kids
For parents with teens aged 2 - 10
When: Thursdays, 31 July - 4 Sept
Sessions: 6
Time: 10am - 12pm
Cost: FREE
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Special Event - Film Screening
A must-see parenting documentary
Wednesday, 23rd July
Time: 7pm
Cost: $10
Where: Star Cinema, Eaglehawk
Single-Session Workshops
Kids and Worry
For parents with kids aged up to 12
When: Thursday, 24 July
Time: 12.30pm - 2:00pm
Cost: FREE
Where: Kangaroo Flat Library
Knowing Your Teen
For parents with teens aged 10+
When: Monday, 18 August
Time: 9:15am - 10:45am
Cost: FREE
Where: Bendigo Library
Building Resilience in Kids
For parents with kids aged up to 12
When: Monday, 8 September
Time: 10.00am - 11:30am
Cost: FREE
Where: Kangaroo Flat Library
Special Event
Creating Cooperation and Connection with Lael Stone
A unique opportunity to hear from a well known Australian parenting expert
When: Tuesday 28th October
Time: 7:00pm - 8.30pm
Cost: $10
Where: The Capital Theatre, Bendigo
Post Separation Multi-Session Program
Our Kids (online)
Post-separation program
When: Tuesdays, 29 July - 2 Sept
Sessions: 6
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Cost: $150 ($75 Concession)
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
Our Kids (in-person)
Post-separation program
When: Thursdays, 31 July - 4 Sept
Sessions: 6
Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Cost: $150 ($75 Concession)
Where: CatholicCare Victoriab176-178 McCrae St, Bendigo
Free Parent Consultations
Single-session parent consultations are available on weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Consultations are offered via phone, online via Zoom, or face-to-face.
To book a single-session parent consultation, call our Bendigo office reception on (03) 5438 1300.
Everyday Independence
Everyday Independence specialises in providing early childhood intervention supports to children and their families supported by the NDIS.
With support from a child and family team, a Key Worker and their therapists meet children and their families where life happens, at home, childcare, kinder, school and in the community.
By delivering therapy in children’s everyday environments, we help them learn and practise skills in the places they feel most comfortable and confident. This practical, personalised approach supports meaningful outcomes and helps children participate more in life.
Key Workers Leading the Way
Our key worker plan and oversee each child’s services. As the main therapist and day-to-day contact, they:
- Deliver most of a child’s therapy
- Coordinate services from speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, behaviour support practitioners and habit coaches
- Link parents/carers/families with community services to support a child’s development.
To see how we deliver supports, please click on this link below:
Early Childhood Intervention Services | Everyday Independence
Our Bendigo team have current availability. Check out our website 1300 179 131 | 0490 841 506 | everydayind.com.au
Lightning Reef Primary Outside School Hours Care
