New Children's Room Opened!

It has been long awaited, deeply desired and desperately needed for a long time and it is finally a reality.

On Thursday 19th September, with much excitement WRISC launched the new Children's Therapy room. It's no mean feat to convert what once was a storage shed into a warm, friendly and inviting space for children. However, WRISC very proudly showed off the new room at a launch event on Thursday afternoon.

Attended by staff, several sponsors & corporate friends, some clients, and lots of enthusiastic children, the launch was an opportunity to thank those who have helped make the new room a reality and share what it means to have this space available for the Children's Counselling Program.

Executive Officer, Jacinta Wainwright, thanked the generous funders and supporters of the Children's Room Project (called "Space & Time") for their contributions (see list below). Jacinta also took the opportunity to share some information and statistics about the increase in demand for WRISC's Children's Counselling services - growing from seeing 83 clients in 2011/12 to 186 clients in 2012/13. This increase in demand has seen WRISC employ a second Children's Counsellor in March 2013.

Children's Counsellor Ruth shared with those present at the launch how excited she was that the room was now available. Ruth said 
Having a dedicated Children's Therapy space has always been my dream, and I'm so excited to finally have it available. It opens up so many more opportunities for the program, for the kids.

The children enjoyed lots of creative activities during the launch, including painting decorations for the outside of the new building, painting pots and cubbies, creating calico dolls, and having a go at 'Drumbeat' with the brand new African Drums.

WRISC will commence using the new room at the start of Term 4.

     

 
WRISC would like to thank the following individuals and organisations for their help and support of this project:

• Department of Human Services (represented by Tony Lynch) - primary funder of the shed to room conversion

• City of Ballarat (Communtiy Impact Grant program) - funds to furnish the new space

• Rob Stewart from Rob Stewart Construction - for his many hours of work, his "nothing is too much trouble" attitude and for going absolutely above and beyond.

• Andrew Plews from Andrew Plews Plumbing - for a great, friendly, helpful and accommodating service  

• The Carpet Gallery (Chris and team) - for always being prompt, reliable and supportive

• Haymes Paint - for great service and advice and helping with the cost of paint for the launch activities