Funding cuts end childcare volunteering

By Lia Bichel
A CRANBOURNE resident said she might have to quit her volunteer work if the funding for the Take a Break program is not reinstated next year.
Jessica Riddiford, 26, volunteers at the Hampton Park Community House playgroup while her 16-month-old daughter Skylar attends the centre’s occasional child care program once a week.
Ms Riddiford started volunteering at the centre shortly after having her first son, Seth.
“I don’t think I will be able to keep volunteering if the funding doesn’t come through. It will just be too hard to find someone else to take care of Skylar,” she said.
“It will affect a lot of people.”
Ms Riddiford said she looked forward to volunteering each week and found it helped with her own personal well-being.
“Everything about it is great. It’s great to get out of the house, meet new people and regroup,” she said.
“It’s also nice to meet other parents who you can discuss experiences and problems with.”