New phase for MyTime program as delivery partners announced
6 May, 2022
Parents of children with disabilities are set to benefit from a simplified and strengthened approach to the delivery of the MyTime program, with seven partner agencies confirmed as MyTime delivery partners.
The tenders were awarded in March 2022 to a mix of existing and new partners following a public Request for Tender process that began earlier this year.
MyTime is a free parent support program for parents and carers of children with disabilities, and is coordinated by the Parenting Research Centre (PRC) and funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
To simplify the delivery approach, and as part of the new service agreements, the MyTime program will move to a region-based delivery structure. This change aims to achieve a greater consistency in the geographic spread of services and provide clarity around service delivery boundaries.
From July 1, 2022, the MyTime program will be delivered across Victoria by Down Syndrome Victoria; across NSW and the ACT by Playgroup NSW; Ngala will continue to service Western Australia; the Women’s and Children’s Health Network will continue to service South Australia; Tasmania will be serviced by The Association for Children with Disability (Tas); and Queensland will be serviced by Play Matters and Down Syndrome Queensland.
PRC CEO Warren Cann said: “With a fantastic line up of delivery partners and program funding security until 2026, the MyTime program has never been stronger.
“We look forward to delivering the MyTime program in partnership with these high-quality delivery agencies, building strong relationships to ensure parents are being offered valuable social and emotional support, and the opportunity to share their unique experiences with peers in a safe and supportive setting.”
MyTime Acting Project Manager Vince Lagioia said: “PRC will continue to engage with partner agencies as the MyTime program moves into the implementation phase of the service improvements over the coming months.
“We thank all applicants for the time and effort spent in submitting for tender, and acknowledge the collaborative approach and outstanding commitment all past and present partners have undertaken in supporting MyTime’s members.”
More than 12,000 parents have attended MyTime since it was established in 2007. Parent feedback is positive with members reporting:
- 90% highly satisfied with how their groups are run
- 80% agreeing resources provided in groups are useful
- 79% felt that groups help them feel supported in their caring role
- 77% developed relationships with other parents and carers of children with disability or chronic medical conditions as a result of MyTime.