RISA has recently been in contact with all of its members, offering to put them in touch with other members in their local area (“local” can be a bit of a stretch in some parts of the country). These are intended to be short catch up groups at someone’s home, local cafe or playground to meet other parents who are going through, or have been through, the same thing. Lots of our parents say they find it hard to attend “normal” parents groups; either because their kids are just to sick or because they feel judged or misunderstood by parents who’ve not experienced a reflux baby or child.
Quite a few local groups kicked off recently or are just about to.
Perth has already met and will again on 30 November at 11am at a private home
Sydney South met for the first time 1 December at the Camellia Gardens, Caringbah
Sydney East & Inner West (Central) will meet for the first time Sat 18 January at 10am at Centennial Park – as the group in the centre of Sydney, if others want to attend this one, just let us know.
South Western Sydney is firming for a Thursday afternoon meeting time – details TBC
Brisbane South will meet for the first time on 8 December at 10.30am at a private home
Brisbane North ladies are all currently swamped so have started a Facebook group to keep in touch for the moment
Ipswich, Hobart and Geelong are small groups (only two each at the moment) but they’re meeting up privately and would love others to join.
Adelaide are in the process of organising dates and times TBC
Any anyone wishing to meet in Hills District of Sydney, we have a new volunteer looking for possible group members.
PLUS
We’re organising a “virtual” local group for all those RISA members living in regional areas where it’s difficult to be in contact with others. It’s looking to become an email or Facebook group – or restricted group on our forums with members currently deciding which format they’d prefer to run with. More details next newsletter.
Email risa@reflux.org.au to be put in contact with the co-ordinator of any of these groups if you’d like to attend or be involved and need further details.