[canberra_netball]

Hi everyone
This is something I have been thinking about for a while but didn't really know how to go about it, just thought I would post here and see if anyone has any ideas or suggestions.
I am looking to offer some casual babysitting FREE of charge in Canberra for people who are going through a bit of a rough time - this could be anything such as illness, death in the family, divorce, relationship breakdowns etc. I am wondering if anyone on here knows of anyone who would appreciate / could use this kind of assistance? Or if people think it is not a worthwhile idea, or think that people would be unwilling to accept this from a stranger? Or is there an organisation that already offers this?
Basically I don't have children myself, I came across this forum a few years ago when i was doing some googling and looking to start a netball team. I am in my mid-twenties and have previously worked as a nanny, I now still work with children in a bit of a different field which means I have police checks, a Working With Vulnerable People general registration, first aid certificate etc. I also have a couple of referees as I still do some paid babysitting, and I have a reliable (new) car.
My initial idea was that if I could find a couple of suitable families who I could help, I could offer to look after the children for a couple of hours at a time on a casual basis to give the parent/s a bit of a break or to give them time to attend appointments or run errands etc without the children. Or in the case of illness etc I could take them to a local park or whatever so that the parents could have some rest / relaxation time at home. I guess things that family members might usually help out with but for people who don't have family in the area.
Any comments / feedback would really be appreciated. As I said this is just something I have been thinking about for a while but I'm not sure if it is a realistic idea!

[crayons]

I can't remember the name of the organisation but when I was little my intellectually disabled sister was looked after a couple of hours a month by a family so that we could have a break. It was some sort of respite service and as a kid I really appreciated the time alone with my parents. Maybe you could look at something like that.

[~4's enough ...]

You could maybe try contacting marymead. I think they do things like that, if not they may be able to point you in the right direction.

[Frau Farbissina]

I agree with PPs- perhaps volunteer through an agency like Marymead or Banardos, Smith Family etc. There is also a womens refuge called Beryl Women where a service like you are offering may be of great use (not sure really, just a thought, you could contact them).

[FuzzyMum]

Agree with others by going through an organisation. It's a great idea however you do need to just ensure that you have some form of protection should you be injured while working.

[charlottesmum04]

What bout a parent-aide program? parent aide programs try to match families going through a rough time with someone experienced who can give help/support etc.... You could also see if your local hospital outpatients has a babysitting service. i know at the RCH in brisbane they have a play area set up in outpatients with lovely ladies who help entertain the kids while they wait for appointments.

Or approach Ronald McDonald House if you have one in canberra. Offer to babysit siblings while mum either is sitting by the hospital bed or if she could have a night off. Or even again offer as a once a month thing with group craft activities for kids, trust me the mums will appreciate it.

[Delillah1]

I can't remember the name of the organisation but when I was little my intellectually disabled sister was looked after a couple of hours a month by a family so that we could have a break. It was some sort of respite service and as a kid I really appreciated the time alone with my parents. Maybe you could look at something like that.

Interchange?

[rob6712col]

Great Idea!! You could also talk to the multiple birth association (www.carmba.org.au) as they have been trying to set this type of help up for families of new twins or triplets, particulary those without any family support. Sometimes someone to look after the bubbas whilst mum has a shower or runs to the shop is an absolute godsend. Good on you for even thinking of it.

[Fairey]

I don't live in Canberra nor do I have any helpful tips on ways to go about your offer.

BUT ~ I did want to tell you this:

That's such a beautiful thing you're willing to do for people. Well done you