Our activities include:
Weekly Parent Support Group
We offer a weekly Parent Peer Support Group that aims to enhance the emotional and social wellbeing of Vietnamese parents of children with a disability, reduce isolation and strengthen parenting capacity. Families receive guidance, advice and education about caring for a child with a disability and information on how to access the disability service system. The Group also provides regular carer well-being sessions and facilitated opportunities for parents to experience and learn how to manage stress, eat well, exercise and relax.
When: Thursdays during school term, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Mackillop Centre 118 Commercial Rd Footscray.
Child minding: Yes
Language: Vietnamese and English
Youth Peer Support Groups
We offer peer support opportunities for Vietnamese children and youth with disabilities in collaboration with Extended Families Australia. Opportunities include meet up groups for youth with Autism and media based peer support programs.
When: Various
Child minding: All groups are led by experienced facilitators
Cost: Covered by Individual NDIS Plans
Language: Vietnamese and English
Annual Family Camp
We hold an annual three-day weekend camp for families. The Camp provides parents and children with an opportunity to meet socially in a supported environment for fun, relaxation, social and emotional peer support.
When: January each year (postponed for 14/15/16 January 2022 due to COVID-19 Coronavirus)
Child minding: Please note that parent supervision of their children is required at camp
Cost: Covered by Individual NDIS plans
Language: Vietnamese and English
Community Events and Celebrations
The VFSN hosts important Vietnamese cultural celebrations and supports members to participate in wider community participation events. Key celebrations include Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Moon Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Carer’s Day Celebration, Mother’s and Father’s Day Celebrations.
When: Various
Child minding: Please note that parent supervision of their children is required Language: Vietnamese and English
Information and Referral
The VFSN provides information exchange and advice to Vietnamese families who have a child with a disability living in Melbourne and across Australia.
Language: Vietnamese and English
