Learning Links has been working with children who face difficulties with their learning, and their families, across Sydney for over 50 years. Last financial year, we supported almost 7,000 children, over 3,000 families, and partnered with 135 schools across NSW and beyond. While the majority of children and families supported by the organisation are currently in greater Sydney, the team has been increasing program delivery in key hubs such as the Central Coast of NSW over the last few years, thanks to generous funding from government and community partners.
Learning Links is proud to be a Community Partner in Wyong for the Communities for Children government funded program, where our passionate team of psychologists are delivering a range of programs in schools to improve children’s mental health, wellbeing and potential to learn. We have also been partnering with valued club partners on the Central Coast to further expand fully-funded services in schools and support children whose families would not otherwise be able to access the vital programs they need to thrive.
Through the incredible funding received this year as part of the ClubGRANTS scheme, we are thrilled to be able to support even more children, families and schools on the Central Coast. The support is possible due to club partners The Doylo, Mingara Recreation Club, Club Wyong, Wyong Leagues Group, Club Munmorah and Ourimbah RSL Club who have given over $100,000 to run a diverse range of Learning Links programs for children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
The follow programs will support over 120 local children with their literacy, numeracy, speech and communication, and mental health and wellbeing and work in partnership with schools to build the capacity of parents and teachers, to achieve the best possible outcomes for future learning.
Links at School – Psychology
Learning Links psychologists will work with students at risk of poor mental health using evidence-based therapies and approaches to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, poor social skills, ADHD and transitioning to high school. They support children individually and in small groups to build core social emotional skills and positive wellbeing outcomes.
The Resilient Kids Program
This program enables our psychologists to work with children who may have experienced disadvantaged or traumatic events, while building the capacity of their teachers and parents. The team use trauma-informed, evidence-based therapies to help children build strategies and resilience to better cope with adverse situations, and run professional development webinars for teachers in the local community to enhance their understanding of trauma and mental health. Parents and carers are also provided with information and practical tools, so they can provide the best possible support for their children’s learning, development and wellbeing at home.
Reading for Life®
This evidence-based and results-focused literacy program targets students in Years 2-4 who are at risk of falling behind with their literacy at a vital stage of their development. The program also has a huge impact on the children’s self-esteem, confidence and ongoing participation in the classroom.
Counting for Life®
Our Counting for Life program targets children in Years 3-5 and provides one-on-one support to children who are struggling with numeracy at a vital stage of their academic development. Once children develop numeracy skills, it affects the outcomes of so many of their subjects at school, particularly when they reach high school and a good level of numeracy is necessary to achieve academic success. Just as importantly, there is an increase in the confidence and enjoyment of learning in children participating, which influences their self-esteem and motivation to learn.
Assessments
Assessments are an essential first step in identifying and supporting children’s strengths and any difficulties they are facing with their learning and development. Offering funded assessment clinics in schools provides a service that many families do not have the means to access and provides an opportunities for them to put the right supports in place for their child at school and at home.
These programs will make an incredible impact on the Central Coast – catering to children’s individual needs to changing the trajectory of their lives. We are so grateful for the support of our community partners – The Doylo, Mingara Recreation Club, Club Wyong, Wyong Leagues Group, Club Munmorah and Ourimbah RSL Club – in enabling Learning Links to expand support for more local school children, their families and communities. On behalf of the children, parents and carers, teachers and schools who have and will continue to benefit from these programs, we take this opportunity to thank you for helping us support children to thrive and lead happy and fulfilling lives.