OT students leave lasting mark through playgroup
Three CQUniversity occupational therapy students are hoping to leave a lasting mark on Bundaberg before launching their careers.
Fourth-year students Sophie, Hayley and Chelsea have partnered with IMPACT Community Services to design and deliver a free 10-week occupational therapy playgroup for children aged up to five years and their families.
Held on Thursdays from 1.30pm-2.30pm at Boreham Park, the nature-based program uses play to support children's development and gives parents practical strategies they can use at home.
“This is our capstone graduate project that we want to leave a mark on the community before we set off on our own path,” Sophie said.
The project came about after IMPACT approached CQUniversity seeking support to create an inclusive playgroup focused on children's fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing and emotional regulation.
Drawing on their occupational therapy training, the students developed activities that encourage children and parents to learn together, while also creating take-home resources families can continue using long after the weekly sessions end.
“Play is the most important occupation for a child,” Sophie said.
“If you were to see an allied health professional or go to a playgroup once a week, it will help, but it will be even better if the parent can implement that 24/7 across the week and put it into their routine.”
Keeping activities affordable and accessible was another key priority.
“A lot of people assume therapy is costly or that they need to buy all sorts of specialised tools for their child. In reality, everyday household items can be just as effective, often even more so, because you’re using them at home where your child already feels safe and comfortable,” Sophie said.
For Hayley, the project reflects what drew her to occupational therapy in the first place.
“I want to be able to make that impact for people and help them to continue doing things that are important to them in life,” she said.
As they prepare to graduate, Sophie, Hayley and Chelsea are building connections in the Bundaberg community while leaving families with simple, practical tools they can keep using well beyond the final playgroup session.
Families are welcome to join at any stage of the program, which runs until 15 October. RSVP via email to [email protected] and join the fun!
