About MyTime

MyTime groups provide support for mothers, fathers, grandparents and anyone caring for a child with a disability or chronic medical condition.

Each MyTime group is supported by two workers – a facilitator and a play helper.

How MyTime Works

MyTime groups provide a place to socialise, to discuss, to get information, and to support and be supported by other carers.

Facilitators work with group members, helping them get to know each other and learn more about the services and supports in their area. Members choose what they would like to discuss in their groups, with help from the facilitator. Depending on what the group wants to do, the facilitator might guide group activities or provide resources.

Facilitators are workers from local organisations. They have qualifications and experience in disability, parenting or family support and bring to the MyTime group a good understanding of local resources and support services.

Play helpers keep children, including under school aged siblings, busy and active in activities such as singing, drawing, playing with toys, blocks or sand so members can spend time catching up with one another.  Play helpers have skills in leading children’s play activities. However, they may not be qualified child care workers.

Each MyTime peer support group has a maximum of twelve families, and meets regularly. The timing of group sessions is decided by families in discussion with the facilitator.

The Right Time booklet

Read more about MyTime in our booklet The Right Time with stories from families and carers from across Australia, and case studies from a provider, play helper and facilitator.

Joining MyTime

Mothers, fathers and other family carers of children who are eligible to receive the Carer Allowance (Child) can join MyTime. For more information about eligibility for the Carer Allowance, visit http://www.centrelink.gov.au/

To find out about a MyTime peer support group in your local area, visit the MyTime Current Groups page. Filter by your state and find a group close to you. Contact the Coalition Coordinator listed to discuss group details.

To register your interest in a group:

• phone 1800 889 997
• email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it).

Who provides MyTime?

The MyTime Program is coordinated nationally by the Parenting Research Centre. MyTime is a national initiative funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).

MyTime peer support groups are set up in the community by local coalition lead agencies which deliver services in parenting, disability, family support and raising children with additional needs. View our list of coalition lead agencies.

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