Free workshops and activities to mark Child Protection Week

Child protection Week is set to be recognised across the region next week with the Moreton Bay Child Protection Week Committee hosting a number of events.

Held from September 4-10, Child Protection Week is a campaign held annually across Australia to raise awareness of child abuse preventions.

This week is designed to raise the profile of all issues connected with child protection including treatment, research, education, service provision and support for children, young people and families.

Tara Witney from Mercy Community Services Caboolture said everybody needs to play their part in ensuring children are protected at all times.

“The theme of Child Protection Week across Queensland is ‘protecting children is everyone’s business’, and we in Moreton Bay believe this is a fundamental message,” Tara said.

“It is important for all of those in our community to take responsibility for all children’s safety - we all have a role to play as a parent, community member or service provider.

“We want to empower our community to take that on, to learn about how to engage and have conversations with children about their safety and showcase what services may be able to help them if they need to reach out.”

Throughout the week, people can choose to take part in several virtual activities from the comfort of their own home.

“The online virtual event will include informative videos for parents, DIY craft activities, links to services and information regarding child protection and an art competition called Moreton Bay Colour Our Community,” Tara said.

“There will be new content every day for families to interact with.”

As part of Moreton Bay Colour Our Community, you can choose to colour your driveway or mailbox, paint or sketch a picture, or follow along with one of the online visual art activities.

There are a number of prizes to be won for the best artwork including a family bowling pass and gift cards.

To enter, upload a photo of your artwork to the event page and be sure to include #childprotectionweek

In addition, there will also be a workshop for parents at the Caboolture State School Hall on Monday, September 5 from 3pm.

“The event is open to all families in Moreton Bay,” Tara said.

“A workshop regarding Little People with Big Emotions will be held for the parents, and children will be looked after with heaps of fun activities including painting, make their own stress ball and afternoon tea.

“There will also be lucky door prizes and activity packs distributed to parents.”

About Child Protection Week

Child Protection Week in Queensland is coordinated by the Child Protection Week Committee under the auspicing body of Act for Kids.

For more information, visit the Queensland Child Protection Week website.