Attachment Program – Through Art & Play
For: Children and young people Families
Available in: Perth Metro
Helping Families Connect Through Play and Creativity
The Holyoake Attachment Program is a free early intervention program designed to help strengthen family bonds and nurture secure attachment between caregivers and their children. The program supports families impacted by alcohol and drug dependence, providing a safe space for healing, connection, and emotional growth.
Parents play a crucial role in the program, engaging actively to foster a supportive environment for their children’s development.
Using play and sensory activities, our attachment program helps children aged 1.5 to 12 years old feel safe, valued, and understood. The program also helps develop important communication skills in children. Each family member is involved in the program, contributing to a holistic approach to family therapy. Through creative and playful interactions, caregivers and their children build trust, develop deeper emotional connections, and create positive shared experiences.
How the Attachment Program Works
Over the course of 10 free sessions, led by highly trained and experienced facilitators, our program uses evidence-based approaches to:
- Encourage secure attachment between caregivers and children
- Provide non-verbal ways for children to express emotions and feel loved
- Promote positive family interactions through play and creative activities
- Support caregivers in understanding their child’s emotional and psychological needs
- Offer a safe space for families to reconnect and strengthen relationships
The program incorporates gentle, sensory-based activities such as:
- Safe touch, physical closeness, and eye contact
- Smiling and using a warm tone of voice
- Spending quality time together
- Expressing emotions in a safe, supportive environment
By fostering these interactions, families can rebuild trust, improve communication, and create a more secure relationship foundation.
Supporting Parents and Caregivers
At Holyoake, we recognise that relationships can be repaired and strengthened over time. The Attachment Program provides caregivers with the tools to:
- Recognise and tune into their child’s emotional needs
- Promote self-care and reduce stress
- Improve parenting confidence and self-esteem
- Create a safe, supportive home environment
- Develop empathy and better communication with their child
To further support caregivers, individual counselling is available as part of the program. This allows caregivers to explore personal challenges, address the impact of alcohol and drug use, and develop healthier family dynamics.
Understanding Family Connections
Family connections refer to the emotional bonds and relationships between family members. These connections are the foundation of a supportive and nurturing family environment. Strong family connections are essential for good mental health and well-being, as they provide a sense of security and belonging.
Research has shown that positive family relationships can significantly reduce the likelihood of mental health issues and problem behaviours in children and teens. When family members engage in meaningful conversations, share activities, and spend quality time together, they strengthen their emotional bonds and create a supportive network.
Family connections have a profound impact on children’s social and emotional development. When children feel connected to their families, they are more likely to develop healthy relationships outside the home and exhibit positive behaviours. By fostering strong family connections, families can create a nurturing environment that promotes good mental health and overall well-being.
Building Stronger Family Bonds
Strengthening family bonds takes effort and commitment from everyone. Engaging in activities that foster communication and connection helps create a more cohesive and supportive family unit.
For families facing challenges due to alcohol or drug dependence, Holyoake’s Attachment Program offers a structured approach to rebuilding trust and strengthening relationships. Through play-based activities, caregivers and children can reconnect in a safe, supportive environment, fostering emotional growth and secure attachment.
By prioritising bonding activities and open communication, families can build a nurturing environment where all members feel supported and connected. Holyoake’s Attachment Program is here to help families create stronger, more secure relationships that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holyoake’s Attachment Program
The Attachment Program is designed for caregivers and their children aged 1.5 to 12 years old who have been affected by alcohol or drug dependence. It supports families looking to strengthen family bonds, rebuild trust, and create secure relationships through play-based activities.
Holyoake’s Attachment Program focuses on playful and creative interactions to help caregivers and children build trust, communicate emotions, and develop a secure attachment. By engaging in sensory activities, children and caregivers form deeper emotional connections that extend beyond the sessions.
Yes, Holyoake’s Attachment Program is a free service available to families in the Perth Metro area.
The program runs for 10 sessions, providing a structured yet flexible approach to strengthening family connections through play and emotional support.
If you’re unsure whether this program is right for you and your child, our team can discuss your concerns and provide guidance. You can contact us for more information.
Yes, the Attachment Program can complement other support services you may be receiving. Our team works collaboratively to ensure families get the best possible support.
To join the program, simply contact our team or refer a client, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Every child has the right to feel safe, valued, and protected. Holyoake is committed to maintaining child-safe environments and adheres to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations 2019 developed by the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Western Australia.
Please read our Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Young People
If you would like to join Holyoake’s Attachment Program, please call our Victoria Park reception at (08) 9416 4444 or contact our friendly team online.
Similar support services: Behaviour Exchange Systems Therapy, RISE Program (Family & Domestic Violence AOD Intervention Program), and the Very Young People’s Program are also running and offer excellent support for those impacted by alcohol and other drugs.