Community support for children with disability in Tamworth

Aruma’s Tamworth Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) has relocated to 134 Marius Street, Tamworth, and the service is now back and better than ever.

Operating out of the Tamworth Uniting Church’s Rainbow Cottage, which was a long day care centre for 35 years, the team have given the site a makeover and a new purpose.

“It’s a great fit for Aruma ECI to be operating at Rainbow Cottage as it’s a beautiful space that has a special history in the community. We have honoured this history with lots of beautiful colours and bright designs that we know our families will love,” said Helen Dalgleish, Aruma’s Area Manager for Lismore and Tamworth.

She continued, “We wanted the space to feel inviting, cheerful, sensory and fun-loving. We even installed a fairy garden which we know the little ones will love. It was a massive effort from our team, and the local adult Aruma participants and their support workers who came down to bring the vision to life.”

Reverend Geoffrey Flynn said, “The Uniting Church remains committed to Early Childhood Education through its Stepping Stone Playgroups which operate on a Tuesday and Thursday Morning.”

“As a Church we are delighted that Rainbow Cottage will continue to be a resource to support vulnerable children and their parents in Tamworth,” said Rev. Flynn.

A bigger premises also means more support for locals, and the team hope that they can start to welcome many more new families to their services. ECI is aimed at not only children with disability, but also children who are showing signs of developmental delay.

“We offer a transdisciplinary approach and use a Lead Practitioner model to make sure children have access to a team of tailored allied health services, including speech therapy. We’re also offering the MyTime Playgroup sessions, which families can access through Playgroup NSW and don’t need NDIS funding for, said Helen.

The team at Tamworth currently have capacity to take on new children and families. Contact the team today on 1300 538 746 or enquiries@aruma.com.au to see how they can help.

A version of this story appeared in the New England Times.

NBN News also came out to visit the site.