Friend in Me | Community

Friend in Me

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Businesses
• Non-profit organisation
• Community

25.01.2022 "My name is Maxwell and I AM PROOF" If this does not make your determination juices flow, nothing will. Celebrate T21... https://www.youtube.com/watch

23.01.2022 Too beautiful not to share

23.01.2022 This is Doug. Doug is a 72 year old man from California and he is living with Down Syndrome. We had the absolute pleasure of stepping into Dougs world with our superhero tribe and sprinkle much virtual magic to him all the way from Australia. ... We sang the Beatles. We danced to Ring of Fire while Doug played The guitar. We laughed. We listened to stories. We were inspired. We have done over 200 virtual parties during this pandemic and my heart explodes every time but I can count on only one hand how many have made me cry. This was one of them. Thank you Doug for letting us step into your world. Thank you Bonnie for being such an amazing support worker to this young man for more than 30 years. Youre truly inspirational. Thank you Doug for showing us there is no limits on being a superhero and for showing us you can be anything in this world. Also, how awesome that our message is spreading so far across the world? Stay amazing Doug. Youve now got a friend in me.

22.01.2022 Sandhya Menon from Onwards and Upwards Psychology is a paediatric psychologist who is passionate about supporting children and families to lean in to their emotions and understand the way their brain works. She explores challenging situations and delves under the iceberg to understand the emotions and skills in the situation. For this Webinar we're going to talk all things pandemic emotions, from pandemic anxiety, grief, lockdown fatigue and re-entry anxiety, and ways to su...pport our children along the way. Register on link below https://www.friendinme.org.au//pandemic-anxiety-with-sandh

21.01.2022 Australian research suggests that approximately 1 in 6 children report experiences of social exclusion. So what happens when a child experiences this exclusion and they don't feel a sense of belonging? Research suggests that the physical, emotional and mental health of children exposed to social exclusion can be compromised. ... This includes but is certainly not limited to, lower immune function, reduced sleep quality, reduced ability to calm oneself in times of distress, reduced self esteem, feelings of anxiety, depression and aggression have all been observed in children who have been excluded from their friendship group. Now throw a global pandemic into all of this. What does that tell you? So what can we do to support these children? Friend in Me is working extremely hard to create these inclusive communities. Working hard to make sure that no child is feeling left behind in society because they have been misunderstood by so many. We want to be able to support all families in navigating a path towards empowerment and happiness so they never feel alone. We want them to be able to embrace their differences so they can go forth with life they never thought they could. What else can we do to support these families? Can we bring that statistic down during these troubled times and beyond?

21.01.2022 INCLUSION MATTERS Today was the third day of our Friend in Me Christmas Drive. We are completely overwhelmed by the donations (this is not even half of it!) More donations means we can support more families that are doing it a little tough this year. ... Our little elves have already been busy making deliveries to families and this is some feedback we got today. Thank you so much. There is so much there and something for all of the kids. I have hidden everything well from them. I love the bag, cup and tea, they are beautiful and will be treasured. The neutrimetics, essential oil burner, earnings and face masks as much as I l would love to be pampered will go to my partner. He has just come out as Transexual and we have started taking steps to help get her on the road to transitioning. She has said to me I want to do girly things with you, and desires to have female things. She will be so happy to have me help pamper her/ pamper herself which makes me so happy. I hope it will boost her mental health and sense of well-being. I’ve never seen her happier than when I bought her first dress and she loved trying on a bag of old give away clothes. I hope to see more of this pure happiness You and your team have made this Christmas amazing This is what inclusion is about. This is why Friend in Me is making a difference. This is why this drive is the beginning of something special. We have plenty more to give. Are you a family that needs a little extra support? Please message our page if we can help

20.01.2022 A diagnosis does not label you as someone that will never succeed. Shout out to all our beautiful community that have dyslexia https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=0LwCLPQzhqE

20.01.2022 One of our beautiful community partners HappinessFirst is hiring support workers. Being a support worker is extremely rewarding and creating happiness is something we want to be a part of every day.

20.01.2022 To our Victorian Community, We see you. We hear you. We feel you. ... We don't really have the words to make this situation better. We felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel and all of a sudden it has dimmed on us again. All we can say is that we are here to keep the positive light shining. We are here to keep the magic alive for our Victorian children. We have hosted over 180 successful virtual parties during this pandemic (and counting!) and believe us when we tell you that our heart explodes more than anyone else when we see the twinkle in the eye of a little boy or girl who have not been able to go to a playground for weeks and weeks yet have seen their favourite Superhero or Disney Princess on the screen with all their friends. We are still here to support you. We are still here to host virtual parties for all your children and their friends. We are still here to shine the light that feels like its darkening. If you have a celebration coming up we want to be able to bring the magic to you. Spiderman, Anna, Elsa, Cinderella, Snow White, Evie & Mal from The Descendants just to name a few are ready and waiting to party and dance with you all. Can we help you celebrate virtually and know that you are supporting an organisation that promotes inclusion and acceptance in children?

20.01.2022 Who thinks we should have a virtual Halloween party? What would you like to see?

18.01.2022 This week we have been updating our website with our resource hub. Our very own Community Playground. This is a place where we list all of our community partners that have the passion, expertise and drive to make a difference in this world for our children because we believe that we are better together. If you would like to become a partner or have an idea for a collaboration head to our website today and come and play in our playground. ... https://www.friendinme.org.au/

18.01.2022 HO, HO, HO Live and Interactive virtual calls with Santa and Mrs Clause... all for a good cause! We had such incredible success with our virtual parties this year that we have called on Santa and Mrs Clause to bring more magic to the screen for our Christmas fundraiser (seeing as we can’t have our major event!) ... All calls are personalised as St Nick knows when all little boys and girls are sleeping and when they are awake and we will throw in some jingle bells to dance too aswell. Bookings are limited so be sure to secure your spot via our website or link below. https://www.friendinme.org.au/santa Let’s keep the magic alive this Christmas and continue to support inclusion and acceptance for children in our communities. #virtualcalls #virtualparty #santacall #christmas2020 #covidchristmas #inclusion #acceptance #nochildleftbehind #atriskchildren #disadvantagedchildren

17.01.2022 A beautiful perspective from a mum who is one of our community partners from Source Kids Today I had to explain to my 14 year old daughter what it meant for her younger sister to have an intellectual disability. She thought it meant she struggled to read, write and had learning difficulties. ... Yes it’s some of those things, but it also means that as she grows older, her body will get bigger but emotionally she will be younger. For example, at 18 she may be like she’s 10, pretty much the age she is now. Oh Don’t be sad for her though. Because you see, she isn’t sad. She lives her life with purpose and joy because she doesn’t get bogged down in all the crap of life. The pettiness, the cruelty, the back stabbing, the ego. Your little sister will always be your little sister. But she’ll grow in other ways that will make us grow too. She will teach us, not the other way around. Tonight when they saw each other, it felt lighter for the first time in ages. And that is good. The ripple has begun and will continue Thank you Kelly for sharing this beautiful perspective on your little girl. The fact that she can in fact teach us is a beautiful thing.

17.01.2022 WOMEN WILL CHANGE THE WORLD This was the category I was a finalist in for the AusMumpreneur awards. This was the category that the title meant more than the award itself. I was amongst ten inspirational women in this category and I was stoked to be a finalist let alone take out third place. ... I will change the world. I will change it for my two daughters. I will change it for my daughters, daughters and sons. I will change it for all the children in our world. I will make inclusion and acceptance a priority and make sure that no child is left behind. This third place is not for me. Its for all of the Friend in Me community that has got my back to make me be the best possible change maker I can be. Congratulations to all the inspirational leaders that I was amongst today. Lou

16.01.2022 Today we had an event! (Can I have a hell yeah!) Well, not an event with all the bells and whistles with our beautiful community but it gave us the warm and fuzzies none the least. Today we hosted our Annual General Meeting which was sponsored by Quest Maribyrnong which we are so very grateful for. Unfortunately due to Covid restrictions we couldn’t have the whole team present but thankfully we all connected virtually. ... It was so nice to be together and talk about all the big plans we have for 2021. If this pandemic has taught us anything it’s taught us that we are going to make a huge dint in the world in 2021 and we are armed and ready to take it on! Thank you to Bonnie Delights for the amazing cookies, Fusion Teeshirts for our compendiums and Events by Stephanie amazing grazing table. We are so grateful for community support. Bring on the next year!

15.01.2022 I’m speechless to think that somone would take the time out of their world to publically write an article about me on a global platform. The Cool To Be Kind Project I simply adore you and our friendship. https://thriveglobal.com//the-new-era-in-virtual-friends/... Thrive Global

15.01.2022 I am positive. I look at the best of every situation Does anyone else just love affirmation cards? Now more than ever we need to be sprinkling our childrens worlds with positivity, hope and confidence. We need to show them that they can be anything that they want to be if they choose. ... We have teamed up with the wonderful Lil' Eve who are on a mission to create positive connections through these beautiful kids affirmation cards. We have a set to give away all you need to do is; comment below your favourite affirmation show some love to Lil Eve (they have so many beautiful products) Winner will be drawn Sunday, 20th September at 8pm AEST. This competition is no way endorsed by Facebook.

15.01.2022 Have you purchased your ticket for our webinar on Friday? https://www.friendinme.org.au/

15.01.2022 Well its pretty clear that masks are doing the job and keeping Victoria safe so lets keep playing out part BUT lets look and feel good whilst doing it. The Battle for Melbourne is on! Who will you choose to help you battle? Optimus Prime or Bumblebee?... The first 5 people to comment will receive free shipping on their order. Plus buy your Transformers mask through the link below now for 10% off your order with coupon code friendinme PLUS..... Free shipping code for friend in me friendinmeship https://adventurefacepainting.com.au/shop/ols/all

13.01.2022 I see you taking your kid to therapy while your friends take their kids to football or ballet. I see you sneak out of the conversation when all your friends boa...st about achievements and exam notes. I see you juggle events and meetings. I see you sitting on the computer for hours investigating what your child needs. I see you make a bad face when people complain about what looks like nonsense. I see you disappear little by little but you keep going beyond for your family. I see you pull strength from weakness with a force you didn't even dream you had. I see you showing respect for teachers, therapists and medical professionals who help your child and help you. Watching you wake up early in the morning to do it all again after another chaotic night. I see you when you're on the edge of the precipice struggling to live. I know you feel invisible, like no one notices. But I want you to know that I see you. I see you push forward always. I see you choose to do everything you can to give your child the best care at home, school, therapy and the doctors. What you do matters. It's worth the struggle. On those days when you wonder if you can make it one more minute, I want you to know I see you. I want you to know that you are beautiful. I want you to know it's worth it. I want you to know that you are not alone. I want you to know that love is the most important thing, and that you are the best at it. And in those days when you see an improvement, those moments when hard work has its reward, and you can taste success, I'll see you then too. And I'm proud of you. Whatever day today... ...you're doing it right. And I see you. Alethea Mshar John Walker / Flickr

13.01.2022 Win The Ultimate Lockdown Birthday Being a parent one of the biggest joys is seeing pure happiness through the eyes of your child. Three amazing women w...ho are parents and business owners have not let the magic of birthdays disappear and have continued to make these celebrations special. You can win the ultimate party for your special person. The party includes a character meet and greet from our friends Friend in Me who have celebrated more than 80 iso parties, ThermiKate who is giving our winner of mini cupcakes AND a mini lolly box, the tastiest birthday cupcakes around! Last of all but definitely not least Wild Confetti whom have continued to create the most stunning balloon displays and iso parties. They are giving away a celebration bunch to make the party complete. To win simply: Head over to ThermiKate, Friend In Me and Wild Confetti and like their page Tell a friend in the comments why you need to win or nominate someone Like this post Winner drawn Sunday 20th of September. Prizeses delivered in line with government regulations. Winner announced in comments.

13.01.2022 #BREAKING Victoria Police confirmed just before 5pm that the body of 14-year-old William Wall had been located. Our hearts go out to his family #williamwall #condolences #autism #missing #RIP

13.01.2022 Live with Elsa, Anna & Cinderella

12.01.2022 Baby it’s getting cold outside and this hoodie will keep your body and your heart warm. You too could look as adorable as our little model Florence in your FiM threads! Order now (available in adults and kids size) ... https://fusion-teeshirts.myshopify.com//frien/Friend-in-Me

12.01.2022 This amazing centre is being opened by two wonderfull human beings Christina Keeble Consulting and My Special Child. They are so incredible things. Go and give them a follow.

11.01.2022 This is Joshua Joshua was born with a very serious heart condition known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, which in terms easy to understand, he has half a heart, the left side never developed properly. This is the main condition as well as a couple of other heart related issues (Unbalanced AVSD & Aortic Valve Atresia)... He spent his first 4 months in hospital where he underwent 2 open heart surgeries, the first at just 17 hours old, and 4 other smaller procedures. Sadly Joshua’s condition is incurable, but manageable. Joshua is almost two and is not quite walking yet but is doing well and is well known for his giant smiles. He has been through so much, but shows and shares so much strength, courage, determination and joy. As he is getting older, his slight developmental delays are becoming more clear but that doesn’t stop the progress of this little boy with the big heart. He is making progress, but just needs some assistance. Every day that Joshua has with us family is a miracle. Today we spent some time with this little miracle. His smile lit up our lives when he saw Emma and Spider-Man on his screen. Joshua, we are so proud of you. Keep fighting the good fight you little warrior. #heartkid #nochildleftbehind #inclusion #socialinclusion #heartwarrior #virtualparty

11.01.2022 One of our beautiful community partners HappinessFirst is hiring disability support workers all across Victoria! A beautiful and rewarding role

11.01.2022 We are so honoured to be in the company of Christina Keeble Consulting who talks about her journey of having her two children diagnosed with autism and ADHD and then herself at 36 years old also diagnosed.

11.01.2022 Every year on September 21st World Gratitude Day takes place. It is the perfect opportunity to remind us to step back and think about what we are thankful for. Especially after the year that has been 2020. This year we have needed to find gratitude in every day to get us all through these very trying times. ... So we ask you, what are you grateful for today?

11.01.2022 Collabs are our jam! When businesses want to fly the FIM flag as high as we do we say a big yes to that!! The founder of TheAwaken.Label has a very big soft spot for our organisation as she navigates her own experiences with her daughter. ... We are so excited to launch these sweaters in these oh so gorgeous colours with rose gold writing (I’ll take all the colours thanks) Remember when people see our jumpers you are starting a conversation about inclusion and that’s a very big deal! Add to cart now! https://theawakenlabel.com/prod/friend-in-me-womens-sweater

10.01.2022 Have you been doing it tough this year? Are you feeling a little on edge as Christmas approaches wondering how you will support your little family? Are times j...ust a little too much and you’re feeling overwhelmed? Together with The HIIT Factory Hayeswinckle Lara Be Strong Fitness Geelong Story House Early Learning Lara are hosting a Christmas drive for you. For you, the ones that had never reached out for support. For you, that for most years your family has been ok. For you, just to make you smile. Please message our team if you want to be the recipient of some very generous gifts to ease some kind of pressure off your family this year.

10.01.2022 We are so excited to partner with Adventure Face Painting and have these Friend in Me masks with all proceeds going towards making inclusion a priorty. This mask comes in the Hooded (N95 Mask style) and feature a 3-layered design to filter out dust and airborne droplets. AFP masks are designed to ensure your comfort and are breathable! They also feature adjustable ear loops to secure your mask and prevent it slipping.... This product is 3 ply polyester and cotton blended fabrics as recommended by Department of Health and Human Services. These masks are 100% reusable, simply pop in the washer and air dry. We recommend washing after each time you use it and before you put it back on. Go on... order below! https://adventurefacepainting.com.au//pr/friend-in-me-mask

10.01.2022 Thank you Geelong Advertiser for sharing our story and for highlighting Lou in being a finalist for the AusMumpreneur national award under the category Women Will Change The World (Also a pleasure to be amongst another Geelong mumma from Sugar Images )

10.01.2022 KINDNESS GIVEAWAY We want to sprinkle some kindness today and give away this A4 Kind, Strong, Smart A4 print from our friends at Call You George to someone that needs some inspiration during these times. All you need to do is comment below your favourite positive word that has helped you get through this pandemic. ... Winner will be picked at random on Friday 21st August at 8pm AEST.

10.01.2022 1 in 6 Australian children experience social exclusion. The physical, emotional and mental effects of this can be lifelong. It can affect childrens sleep, educational achievements, behaviour and cause depression and anxiety. Children become aware of their social rejection from around the age of 8. Friend In Me aim to break the cycle of exclusion and prevent the negative effects in childhood and adulthood. By 2025 Friend In Me wants to have reached 5,000 families. By 2030 we want to make sure that no child is left behind.

09.01.2022 There are a so many things the world could benefit from having more of. Kindness is one of them. When you are a kind person, you're not only helping others, you are helping yourself, too. Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins, the brain's natural painkiller! And guess what? It doesn’t cost a thing. At Friend in Me kindness is a big part of our ethos. ... Always has been. Always will be. We will continue to spread kindness bother internally with our team and externally in our community far and wide. What did you do today to be kind? DAZE Photography_ at our amazing bushfire fundraiser where @taylorhenderson showed the epitome of kindness to one of his fans after the show. #worldkindnessday #bekind #inclusion #nochildleftbehind #supportnetwork

08.01.2022 We are so excited to be chatting with the amazing and inspirational Sian Williams Founder of Kidzucate Take-A-Stand Against Bullying & Violence. At such a young age she achieved so much and is taking a complete stand against bullying and joins us in the movement of making inclusion a priority

08.01.2022 Proud to be amongst these other amazing women who are changing the world

07.01.2022 PANDEMIC ANXIETY It is a thing... and we want to be equipped with the right tools to manage it for our children under the guidance of the amazing Sandhya from Onwards and Upwards Psychology. Register on Link below; ... https://www.friendinme.org.au//pandemic-anxiety-with-sandh

06.01.2022 THIS IS ISLA In 2019, little Isla from Tassie was diagnosed with epilepsy. A year was spent trying many different anti-seizure medications as Isla's seizures were uncontrollable. After many MRI's, EEG's, a pet scan and lumbar puncture, Isla was diagnosed with Rasmussens Encephalitis in April 2020 at 4 and a half years old. This disease is inflammation on the brain that progressively eats away at the brain cells on one hemisphere of the brain. There is no cure for thi...s disease. It is SO rare that the only definitive treatment is a hemispherectomy (which is a disconnection of the right hand side of her brain). This surgery comes with irreversible consequences. Today this little warrior turned 5 and we were lucky enough to make sure she celebrated in style and our FiM princesses along with some of Islas special family hosted a virtual call. Isla, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your day. We think youre the most toughest, courageous and amazing princess and today you made us smile from ear to ear. We do what we do for little girls like you. We do what we do to make sure that no child is left behind. That no child misses out on celebrating their special day. Sleep tight tonight darling girl @operation_princess_isla

06.01.2022 To the dads, stepdads, granddads, father figures, mums who play the role of dad and the dads who are with us no more. We hope you found a reason to smile today @natalierompotis ... #fathersday2020 #fatherhood #events #eventplanning #inclusion #sensoryfriendly #acceptance #disabilityawareness

06.01.2022 How are you feeling today?

05.01.2022 HAPPY EDUCATORS DAY Early Childhood Educators' Day recognises and celebrates the work of Australia's educators in early learning services for their wonderful contribution to the wellbeing and healthy development of the young children in their care. Times have been so tough lately and our little ones worlds have been turned upside down and around and around again yet our educators continue to give the upmost care to our little human beings with a big smile on their fa...ce. A hero is a genuinely good person. A hero protects. A hero is brave. A hero is admired for their courage. Thank you to our early childhood educators for being the heroes to our children. Thank you especially to Story House for the wonderful support you give to my little Florence that dressed up as supergirl in your honour today. For those of you that had kids in care today do you celebrate in a special way? Story House Early Learning Lara

04.01.2022 Christmas is the most magical time of the year. For some families though it is challenging, heartbreaking and scary to think that you cannot provide gifts for your loved ones. Especially after the year that is 2020. The year we have lived through a pandemic. ... The year where hearts have been broken. The year of the unknown. Friend in Me is proud to be supporting the West Assured Mums Christmas Drive and giving to at risk and disadvantaged families this year at Christmas time. We have some amazing community support and businesses on board and we would like to work closely with other organisations that support these families. The door will be open to come and select a gift or two for the ones you love in a safe and welcoming environment. Are you able to give to those in need this year? See the below event for more details; https://fb.me/e/1xWl2LdJe

01.01.2022 Ok, over the last few months our inbox has been inundated with heartbreaking stories about what children are going through during this pandemic. Im talking 9 year olds being on suicide watch. 8 year olds developing eating disorders. Kids not wanting to leave their homes. ... Kids not wanting to go outside. Kids shutting down. Kids turning away from the world and parents feeling nothing but helpless. So when I reached out to the amazing Sandhya from Onwards and Upwards Psychology to do a webinar about this topic and she agreed I was stoked. I was so happy that families could have access to her knowledge and wisdom through these very trying times. It is $5 to register for the webinar but for me its not about making a dollar for Friend in Me its about getting the word out and support for families. So Friend In Me would like to personally sponsor 10 spots for this webinar. So if you want to join this webinar this Friday at 8pm please comment below and I will send you the link. Lets fill our toolbox with as much knowledge and power as we can for our children. We owe it to them

01.01.2022 Gillian is a seven-year-old girl who cannot sit in school. She continually gets up, gets distracted, flies with thoughts, and doesn't follow lessons. Her teach...ers worry about her, punish her, scold her, reward the few times that she is attentive, but nothing. Gillian does not know how to sit and cannot be attentive. When she comes home, her mother punishes her too. So not only does she Gillian have bad grades and punishment at school, but she also suffers from them at home. One day, Gillian's mother is called to school. The lady, sad as someone waiting for bad news, takes her hand and goes to the interview room. The teachers speak of illness, of an obvious disorder. Maybe it's hyperactivity or maybe she needs a medication. During the interview an old teacher arrives who knows the little girl. He asks all the adults, mother and colleagues, to follow him into an adjoining room from where she can still be seen. As he leaves, he tells Gillian that they will be back soon and turns on an old radio with music. As the girl is alone in the room, she immediately gets up and begins to move up and down chasing the music in the air with her feet and her heart. The teacher smiles as the colleagues and the mother look at him between confusion and compassion, as is often done with the old. So he says: "See? Gillian is not sick, Gillian is a dancer!" He recommends that her mother take her to a dance class and that her colleagues make her dance from time to time. She attends her first lesson and when she gets home she tells her mother: "Everyone is like me, no one can sit there!" In 1981, after a career as a dancer, opening her own dance academy and receiving international recognition for her art, Gillian Lynne became the choreographer of the musical "Cats." Hopefully all different children find adults capable of welcoming them for who they are and not for what they lack. Long live the differences, the little black sheep and the misunderstood. They are the ones who create beauty in this world.

01.01.2022 SIX THOUSAND Six thousand amazing followers in our community. Six thousand amazing followers being a part of the movement of making sure that we create a world full of inclusion and acceptance for our children.... Six thousand amazing followers ensuring that there is no child left behind. Thank you to all of you that are following our journey sns supporting our vision. Are you ready to create some change with us?

01.01.2022 Always embrace what you are blessed with

01.01.2022 Well done Melbourne Vixens (and also to the model Jayden who is one of our FIM kids!)