BUSHkids Annual Report | 2023-24

Annual Report • 2023–24

Community connectedness a valuable two-way street … view at ► https://t.ly/2pA9t FoBk Emerald group Chair Charlie Wilson reflects on just some of the many benefits arising from a deep, strong connection with our local communities: digital readers may click to watch the video; print edition readers can type the short link into a browser or scan the QR code to see BUSHkids 2024 videos.

CASE STUDY Kevin’s mum helps him get off to a good start at prep

Welcoming parents for coffee and a chat

Kevin, a kindergarten-aged boy living on a Southern Downs property 45 minutes from our Warwick Centre, was referred to BUSHkids in March 2023. His parents noticed him stuttering prominently, affecting his every conversation, making it difficult for him to be understood. As a social and talkative child who loved to interact with others, Kevin was increasingly upset and frustrated. Speech Pathologist Hannah began working with Kevin using the Lidcombe program, an intensive behavioural therapy intervention for children who stutter under the age of six. It required Kevin’s mum to complete a daily severity rating of his stuttering, alongside a home activity program to promote smooth talking. Kevin and his mum worked on this daily program while meeting with Hannah every fortnight.

This was both face-to-face and via telepractice sessions: an important element of Kevin’s treatment that reduced the otherwise onerous travel to town and back. During the program, his mother was equipped and upskilled with strategies to help Kevin’s speech, and took on the role of main therapy provider. Over time, she grew in the confidence and strength needed to support her son’s communication. By the end of the therapy block Kevin had been completely fluent for several months, conversing freely, telling stories, and engaging in long conversations without stuttering. In 2024, he successfully started prep and is doing well. Kevin’s mum was thrilled with the amazing progress of her son, saying, “it was fantastic to be able to access a free service like BUSHkids”.

The BUSHkids team hosts a fortnightly ‘Coffee and Chat’ drop in session at our Warwick Centre. At each gathering the team shares evidence-based strategies for a particular parenting challenge. And parents and carers share their own experiences and insights for reflection. This informal approach fosters an open dialogue about parenting, creating a supportive network among families. The sessions also provide a soft entry point for families needing additional support from BUSHkids. For example, our Occupational Therapist was able to drop in and provide valuable assistance to a mother and child navigating challenges, without any potential anxiety ahead of a formal appointment.

88.11