The ToyBox Australia sponsorship, which will be in place for an initial three-year period, will provide vital scholarships for children in TSH’s Talkabout 2 program. Talkabout 2 caters for two-year-olds who are at risk of developing a speech or language delay or disorder. Classes are limited to eight children at a time and sessions are planned and run by a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist, supported by an education assistant.  

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Talkabout 2 aims to help children improve their communication, use of language, social skills, fine and gross motor skills and independence.

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The Talkabout 2 classroom will be renamed the ToyBox Australia Therapy Playgroup as part of the partnership.

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Telethon Speech & Hearing CEO Mark Fitzpatrick was delighted to welcome ToyBox Australia as a partner. “TSH is proud to have the support of Toybox Australia.,” he said. “Their passion in supporting children getting access to the best possible supports aligns very closely with everything we stand for.

“So many families will benefit from Toybox’s generosity and we look forward to providing them with the best possible supports as part of our Talkabout 2 program.”

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ToyBox Australia founding member Sophia Barbagallo was on hand to officially open the ToyBox Australia Therapy Playgroup room. “ToyBox has been proudly supporting TSH since 2011,” she said. “We love the above-and-beyond opportunities the centre gives to children with speech and language difficulties and their families – the results being truly lifechanging. ToyBox is excited to enable more families, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to, access to the incredible Talkabout 2 playgroup.”

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ToyBox Australia is a charity dedicated to supporting Australia’s sick and disadvantaged children. They work alongside reputable children’s charities nationally to identify specific grants that need filling and then fund these grants.