What's on at Holdsworth

Woollahra Council was excited to recently host the Holdsworth community at Council Chambers. Holdsworth is a pillar of the community, providing support for seniors, people with a disability, families and young children and carers. And they have committed to doubling their impact in the next two years.

Mayor Susan Wynne greeted Holdsworth CEO Jason Malone, staff and clients, and admired one of their newly rebranded accessible minibuses.

"What we do every day is about changing lives. And that's a critical role to play, so we hold ourselves accountable and are always looking for innovative ways to create meaningful change," said Mr Malone.

"I'm so proud to be part of Holdsworth because we genuinely care. Our team cares about the impact we make on local lives, and meeting their needs as they evolve over time. Whether that's refining our look, updating our systems and process to make it easier to connect with us, or expanding our support for people and they carers, we're here for community. Always," he said.

Holdsworth hosts a variety of activities and events designed to connect people with possibility. Here is what is coming up at Holdsworth:

Holdsworth: Playgroup & Parenting Support

Date: Monday - Friday during school term | 10am – 12pm
Where: Holdsworth Community Centre

Monday - Friday | 10am – 12pm - Playgroup: Bring your little ones to access safe, fun play-based learning at playgroup, while you connect with like-minded people you can share experiences with and get to know. Pop by Monday – Friday during school term.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday | 10am - 12pm: Bub Hub: Bub Hub is here for newborns to walkers, supporting you to build on your skills, knowledge and emotional connection with your child. Visit @HoldsworthPlaygroup on Facebook to book into Bub Hub

Holdsworth is offering the first visit FREE for new families to attend Playgroup (Bub Hub and Toddler) sessions until end of 2022

Volunteer with Holdsworth Playgroup

Holdsworth Family Services are in the process of recruiting volunteers to support the delivery of our Bub Hub and Toddler Playgroups. Contribute to building a healthy, vibrant community, and make new friends while using existing skills or learning new ones.

Day/s and times – Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri - 9.30am-1pm, during school terms (one or more days per week available).

Skills Required – Experience with, and enjoy playing with children and anything creative i.e. craft and music. Must complete Volunteer Working with Children check (free to obtain).

Volunteer Duties – Supervise craft or sensory play prepared by staff. Help set up and/or pack away.

If this sounds like something you may be interested in please contact Linda Caporusso at linda.caporusso@holdsworth.org.au

The next step - Playfully supporting your child's transition to school: 25 October

Guest Speaker - Robyn Monro Miller, President, International Play Association and Board member, Play Australia.

Date - Tue 25 Oct, 10.30am – 11am

As the new school year approaches, what can you do to help ease the transition between home and school? Join this face to face session at Holdsworth Community Centre for some practical inspiration and playful strategies that will support you to gently navigate this important transition in your child’s life. We will focus on children in kindergarten.

Robyn is a huge advocate for the importance of play for children. She is a Paddington local with over 30 years of experience in education and children's services.

Robyn is working in a voluntary capacity with Holdsworth Family Services, as part of her commitment to ensuring every child has an enriched and play-filled childhood.

Join us at the Holdsworth Centre in the comfort of the Piano room to find out more.

Bookings required: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-next-step-playfully-supporting-your-childs-transition-to-school-tickets-406007317817

Holdsworth: Woollahra Dementia Alliance

Date: Bi-monthly, next meeting 21 November
Where: Woollahra Council 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay NSW 2028

The Woollahra Dementia Alliance, supported by Holdsworth and Woollahra Council, meets bi-monthly to develop community action plans that advocate, create awareness and increase knowledge about dementia to the broader community.

Are you looking to become a dementia friend or a dementia friendly organisation? Get in touch with Holdsworth to find out more

Holdsworth: Men’s Chat Group

Date: Second Thursday of each month | 2.30pm - 4.00pm

13 October - A holocaust experience: A survivor's story with guest speaker John Gruschka
10 November - Writing and the arts with guest speaker Jennifer Dickerson
8 December - Overcoming adversity and doing it with a grin with guest speaker Khoa Nam Tran

Where: Woollahra Library in Double Bay

The Men's Chat Group meets on the second Thursday of each month. Topics discussed range from local issues to world events, from the largest gadgets to trips down memory lane. Learn from guest speakers and find out what’s happening in the local area.

Bookings essential: click here to book

Holdsworth: Wellness Hub

Date: Every Wednesday
Where: Gaden Community Centre

Are you living in Woollahra LGA and over 65 years old? Holdsworth Wellness Hub offers free allied health and in-home support while you wait for more formal support through My Aged Care.
Join us every Wednesday for individual assessments, wellness and education sessions as well as support to navigate My Aged Care and ensure you receive the services you need.

Bookings essential: Contact Holdsworth to book in on 02 9302 3600

Holdsworth: Navigating My Aged Care

Date: Third Monday of each month| 10am - 11.30am

• 17 October
• 14 November
• 12 December

Where: Woollahra Library in Double Bay

If you are 65 or over, you may be eligible for government subsidised supports that can help you live at home longer.

Are you new to the process, a little unsure how to go about it or just need a bit of guidance? Our experienced Community Care Team can support you to navigate My Aged Care at your own pace, and help you to achieve your goals.

Bookings available: Visit our website or contact us to make a booking 02 9302 3600 or https://holdsworth.org.au/get-involved/events/

Holdsworth: Social Support

Date: Daily, various times
Where: Various locations across the Eastern Suburbs

Our social programs are designed to help you stay connected to people and services in your area, and to enjoy new experiences. We work with all our participants to plan the best activities for you and your group. Join us for walking tours, bus outings, discussion groups, movie screenings and so much more!
To find out about our latest programs visit: https://holdsworth.org.au/social-support-programs/

Bookings essential: Contact our Community Care team today – 02 9302 3605