Te Puna Playcentre is hosting an open day on Tuesday, August 1, to show the community where it’s based and to welcome more whanau -  families - to get involved.

“We often hear people say: ‘Oh we didn’t even know you were here,’” says Te Puna Playcentre parent Elyse Ward.

The Playcentre, at 225 Te Puna Rd, has six whanau with nine children enrolled, ranging from age one to four-and-a-half – but Elyse wants to welcome more.

“We open every Tuesday in school term time from 9.15am-1pm. As such, the open day is a chance for parents in our community to come along for a visit and see what we are about.

“I always say we’re a small centre with a big heart. We’re all about supporting and helping each other out. And because we’re such a small centre, you get to know everyone so well and make some true friendships.

“You often hear of new parents looking for their ‘village’ – Playcentre is such a great way to do that.”

As a first-time mum, Elyse didn’t realise that parenting could be isolating.

“While you take your children to activities to enrich their lives, until I got into Playcentre and started making friends I didn’t really understand how important having that ‘village’ was.”

Elyse says Playcentre is a parent-led charity where whanau with children under-five can come together with other mums, dads, family members to play and learn with their children – and make lasting memories.

“We parents decide what activities we set up and plan around our child’s interests. It also means opening and closing, cleaning and some admin is involved – but watching the fun, it’s all worth it.”

Elyse says Playcentre offers children and their whanau friendship, comradery, some laughs “and if you’re really lucky, a hot cuppa each week”.

“Playcentre Aotearoa also offers free education to enrolled parents and having done some of the classes myself, I found that super helpful.

“Many people are put off Playcentre, thinking there’s too much work or admin – but you get back what you put in, I think. We also offer first aid courses to enrolled parents.”

Elyse welcomes everyone to visit Te Puna Playcentre’s Open Day next Tuesday, August 1, from 9.30am-12.30pm at 225 Te Puna Rd.

“Come, have a cuppa and a play and see what we are about! We offer three free sessions before you decide if it’s your jam – so you’ve got nothing to lose!”