“Play is just the beginning”
CALL US: (03) 9376 0589
Programs & HOURS
Programs
The Venny’s programs encourage children to develop life skills, interpersonal capabilities, and emotional resilience. We provide opportunities for unstructured play, safe risk-taking activities, creativity and connectedness to occur.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Play is a great leveller.
Play crosses cultural and language barriers, creating bonds and leading to greater understanding and growth.
Our play-based programs are underpinned by relational attachment building. The focus is on fostering social and emotional growth.
We take an early intervention and prevention approach towards at-risk children and young people, thereby safeguarding young people from future disengagement or marginalisation.
OUR MODEL
HANDS OF SUPPORT
We support children and families. We help fill gaps in systems when they appear.
We connect with community, schools, support agencies, families to provide a wrap-around support network.
This can include practical assistance such as food, education supplies, uniforms, clothes and support to access cultural experiences like music, dance and sport.
HEART OF PLAY WORK
Play work is at the heart of what we do.
We have been providing risk-taking play opportunities to children and young people for over 40 years.
Our practice is based on Playwork principles and has been developed over the past 40 years.
Our staff are play workers and we use play is our daily practice.
HOME FOR CHILDREN
We are the backyard of public housing. We provide the rhythms and rituals of a home.
We are a place to gather and witness each other’s lives.
We are a green space with animals and provide children with the opportunity to play, connect and learn.
Our playground has been built with and by the community. Play sessions in Kensington are free through the support from The City of Melbourne and all are welcome.
OUR PROGRAMS
DROP-IN PLAY SESSIONS
Play, hang out, socialise, and join in on numerous creative activities such as cooking, painting and building things. Check-in with staff for support on issues arising in life, get help with homework, and have one-on-one catch ups with staff who are always happy to listen.
ARTS & SPORTS REFERRAL PROGRAM
We work closely with the Artists for Kids Culture Trust, the Kensington Flemington Junior Sports Club, NetGOALS, The Huddle, Living Learning Music and other organisations to ensure children and young people can access sports and music opportunities. We connect families with agencies who assist with tuition fees, equipment, uniforms, transport, and the administration process required to access lessons.
Permaculture
Garden
Based on permaculture principles, our garden educates children on sustainable food systems whilst also providing fresh produce for healthy meals during after school and evening programs. Excess produce is distributed to families experiencing food insecurities. Worm farms, compost bins and animals provide a close loop waste system which models sustainability and care for the environment.
'Venny to YoU' POP-UP PLAYGROUNDS
This outreach program encourages physical activity and friendship building through weekly, supervised pop-up play sessions. We currently service children and young people living in North Melbourne and Flemington housing estates. It is free to join in, and you can come and go as you please. We have a van full of bikes and interesting loose parts which provide endless play experiences. Children under 5 must be with an adult.
BIKE PROGRAM
Bike riding provides independent mobility, exercise, and a sense of freedom. We teach children how to ride, and offer bikes for use. Children in need are gifted a refurbished bike through our partnerships with Inner West Community Bike Hub, Victoria Police and community volunteers, who recycle and repair unwanted or unclaimed bikes.
Boys Group
Socio-emotional support and positive role models for boys. This activity-based program encourages cooperation and inclusion, and fosters the development of self-regulation and positive ways to express strong emotions. Staff can assist children and young people to get home safely if they live in the Kensington Public Housing Estate.
ANIMALS
Chickens, ducks and guinea pigs live on-site! Children are offered the opportunity to hold, cuddle and feed animals. This fosters empathy, compassion and responsibility. Research shows that exposure to animals makes kids feel good by calming their nervous systems and slowing them down.
Girls Group
This activity-based program provides a caring, therapeutic environment where girls can find friendship, share ideas, learn new skills and find social and emotional support. A particular focus is the support of girls in situations described as ‘parents by-proxy’, and girls living in difficult circumstances. For cultural reasons, some girls cannot socialise with men - this program accommodates this need. Staff can assist children and young people to get home safely if they live in Kensington Public Housing Estate.
DINNER NIGHT
Dinner Night provides a safe space where young people aged 12-15 can prepare and share a healthy dinner together and then take part in play and structured activities. The program focuses on healthy eating, cooking, and the development of life skills and social skills. Staff can assist children and young people to get home safely if they live in the Kensington Public Housing Estate.
FOOD SECURITY
Each week, we help children go to school with a healthy lunch, and provide food parcels to households in need.
We also provide around 400 nutritious meals and snacks each week to children and families.
THE 'BUILD' PROGRAM
Over the next 12 months we will be building cubby houses with children and young people and adding fun play elements to the outdoor space. Building activities happen in Friday and Saturday sessions.
