Pictured: Families enjoying a Sing&Grow session with Senior Clinical Specialist Kristy in Victoria.
How Micah Projects and Play Matters Sing&Grow program work harmoniously to provide respite and connection in the lives of families who are navigating homelessness.
In a modest, unassuming function room, tucked beneath a stairwell, something remarkable is underway. Playgroup meets here, but so too do opportunities for connection, social interaction, and a small moment of peace and safety for vulnerable families who are experiencing homelessness.
Each week, families living in temporary crisis accommodation gather in this welcoming space, coordinated by Micah Projects as part of their Early Years Program outreach service. In partnership with Play Matters, the Sing&Grow program was invited to provide group music therapy as part of the playgroup sessions.
Bright playdough, animal cutters, and familiar faces like April and Caitlin from Micah Projects greet the children, some of whom grab the educators and take them to the table to begin play. One young boy, passionate about playdough, turning his hair “blue like a smurf”.
Beneath this small moment of respite and playful fun, these families are facing immense challenges. Homelessness, domestic violence, and uncertainty of not knowing what comes next.
For parents and children navigating trauma, instability and uncertainty, the playgroup and opportunity for play through music, allows children to play, and parents to connect – to their child, to further support services and with other parents sharing similar experiences.
Lisa Rouillon, Senior Clinical Specialist for Play Matters Sing&Grow program based in Brisbane, has been part of the team facilitating the music sessions and said the partnership with Micah has provided important moments for connection.
“It’s been providing a space for families to come and be present with their kids and engage in that active music-making, and to really support parents and their kids to experience those positive parent-child interactions.”
“It builds capacity in the parents to support their little ones outside playgroup, in the home environment, and in day-to-day life.”
One of the mothers at playgroup shared she had invested in some playdough and cutters after watching her daughter at playgroup to keep her engaged in between sessions. Many of the families shared how they used the Let’s Play storybook given to them with their children in their day-to-day life.
The partnership between Play Matters Sing&Grow program and Micah Projects is meeting vulnerable families where they need to be met. It’s on site, easy, free to access and a holistic and integrated approach to parent and child connection and support.
Caitlin Heenan, Child and Family Practitioner, Early Years with Micah Projects has been a warm, welcoming presence for the children and families on playgroup days and has seen firsthand the positive impacts on the children.
“It’s been fantastic and wonderful to watch the growth of the children starting from sitting back and observing, and then joining in, singing, smiling and dancing.”
“I think bringing in that joy and that positive moment where they can forget about the realities of what’s happening in their life and engage with music - that’s really huge.”
Led by Senior Clinical Specialist Lisa Rouillon, the sessions begin with gentle guitar strums and a “hello” song that names each child and parent, making everyone feel seen and acknowledged. The music is responsive and inclusive, switching from “woof” to “roar” when a child wants to be a dinosaur, and noting special songs the children mention to include in future sessions.
As the music floats up the stairs, more families trickle in, drawn by the familiar songs and musical sounds being created by the group. Slowly, the families in attendance begin to feel more at ease, sharing experiences and even planning to attend future Micah playgroups and early childhood support services together.
Carolyn Curry, Hub Coordinator at Wellspring Children and Families Hub at Hawthorne for Micah Projects said these ‘ordinary’ moments are so valuable and partnering with Sing&Grow has created a point of difference giving children the experience of playfulness, sensory exploration, and increased connection through music.
“There was a mum in one group, where it brought her to tears. She felt it was this very positive moment for her and her child something that she felt was a very normal and ordinary thing she had the opportunity to do, and be part of.”
After exploring music and play with drums, shakers, jingle bells, scarves and walking in different ways around the room, the session finishes with a goodbye song. Many of the children return to play with Magna-Tiles, books, and a highly coveted snack and drink for morning tea.
It’s an experience many families would take for granted, but one that means so much to families in survival. The partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when community organisations come together through a shared purpose and vision. Through play and music, ripples of the positive impacts on families and children can be felt long after the sessions have finished.
In partnership with Micah Projects, Play Matters Sing&Grow program provides on-site group sessions for families experiencing homelessness and living in crisis accommodation. These sessions offer a safe, joyful space where children and caregivers can bond, build resilience, and experience moments of normalcy and connection through music, play, and community support.
Play Matters Sing&Grow program continues their community partnership with Micah Projects over the coming months, delivering sessions at the Wellspring Children & Families Hub.
The Play Matters Sing&Grow program delivers evidence-based music therapy that supports parent-child connection, emotional wellbeing, and early development through shared musical experiences.
Find out more about Play Matters Sing&Grow program here.
Find out more about Micah Projects Women, Children & Families services here.