Talk Time - Building blocks for language development

We are pleased to announce our March 2015 workshop will be presented by Bronwyn Birch, a teacher of the deaf and an auditory verbal therapist who has over 30 years experience working here in Perth and overseas.

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Research has shown that the most critical time for a child's development is birth to age four. Having worked with families in early intervention at Telethon Speech & Hearing Centre for the past fifteen years, Bronwyn has developed a program called 'Talk Time'. This program focuses on providing parents, through demonstration and coaching, the confidence to interact with their child knowing they are developing their child's language skills, readiness for school and ultimately academic success.

In our workshop, Bronwyn will provide an introduction to this program designed to teach and coach parents about the building blocks for language development.

The workshop will be held in Subiaco at the Tom Dadour Centre on Tuesday the 10th of March 2015 at 7pm.  It is open to all families affected by high-risk pregnancy, premature birth or having a sick newborn.  To register for this workshop please visit the registration page.

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Bed-Rest Care Packages

We are excited to announce that Tiny Sparks WA will be launching Bed-Rest Care Packages in addition to our NICU Care Packages.

We have worked closely with King Edward Memorial Hospital to ensure the contents are suitable and practical for mums who unexpectedly find themselves in hospital on bed-rest in the second trimester/early third trimester period of their pregnancy, due to complications or risk factors associated with their pregnancy. They often find themselves in such situations unexpectedly and without time to make any preparations for themselves. The bed-rest care package includes:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Deodorant
• Moisturiser
• Lip Balm
• Face wipes
• Tote Bag
• Pen
• Ear plugs
• Eye mask
• An information booklet

Would you like to help in a personal way? Would you like to make a difference to someone's pregnancy journey? You can 'gift' an entire Bed-Rest care package here.

You have the option for your name and a personal message of hope to be displayed under the 'proudly donated by' line on the care package. The hospital staff will present to the family on your behalf.

The RRP of this care package is $45 and thanks to our volunteers sourcing donations and purchasing in bulk, the cost is currently reduced to $30.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

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Online Community for High-Risk Pregnancies

Today we launched an online Facebook Group 'Tiny Sparks WA High Risk Pregnancy Support Group'. The aim of the group is to provide a network of parents who have been or are currently facing a high-risk pregnancy. Families can share information, ask questions, be a listening post, and provide general peer support in what is a very lonely, scary time.

We hope you will join our community if you have been or are currently facing a high-risk pregnancy. Note that membership of this group is subject to approval by one of the Administrators, a Tiny Sparks WA volunteer. If you are not added by an existing member, you will receive a private message requesting you to provide background as to why you wish to join. Please check your 'Other Messages' folder and respond as soon as is practicable.

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Workshop - Bridging the Gap for Premature Children

Introducing our first workshop for 2015, 'Bridging the Gap for Premature Children'.

Dr Francesca of Synaptic Health will provide an overview of Neuroplasticity or ‘the brain’s ability to change’. She will also explain how we can use this to help our premature babies bridge the development gap.

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Dr. Francesca graduated from Murdoch University in 2011 as ‘Dux’ of her class. She completed a three year postgraduate program in functional neurology through the Carrick Institute of Functional Neurology (US), and is a Diplomat of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (DACNB). She is currently completing a Masters degree in Clinical Neuroscience. Francesca is a Fellow and an Executive Board member of the Australasian Academy of Functional Neurology. Further demonstrating her dedication to the field of neuroplasticity, which involves the brain's ability to change, she has also been a contributing author to a text book in the field of functional neurology and won the COCA undergraduate research award in 2011, together with her research team. Francesca has a special interest in treating infants and children using gentle, safe and effective techniques which may help restore the normal function of their body and help them to operate at their optimum potential.

The workshop will be held in Subiaco at the Tom Dadour Centre on Tuesday the 10th of February 2015 at 7pm.  It is open to all families affected by high-risk pregnancy, premature birth or having a sick newborn.  To register for this workshop please visit the registration page.

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Inaugural Quiz Night

We are proud to announce our Inaugural quiz night will be held on the 21st March 2015 at the South Perth Community Hall.

Tickets are $25 per person with all profits going towards Tiny Sparks WA support programmes.

Get together a table of eight (including that friend who knows all that seemingly useless information!) and come along for a night of trivia, games, fun and prizes!

Tickets can be purchased using the 'Add to Cart' on this page or head to the Shop to add other merchandise and/or donations.

Location - South Perth Community Hall
Cnr South Terrace and Sandgate Street
South Perth