NEW funding will help a north-west support network provide more respite for families of children with a disability.
The Extended Families Network, which matches Brimbank, Melton and Wyndham families with respite volunteers, last week received more than $192,801 from the state government to fund programs for children with disabilities and their siblings.
Volunteer co-ordinator Leila McConnell said the organisation sought to provide families with a volunteer, who then committed a minimum of one year to the same family, offering parents respite on a regular basis either in the family’s home or a community setting.
She said the organisation focused on major growth areas in the west where there was a gap in disability services and lengthy waiting lists for families seeking support. “We train volunteers to work with the children and their families to in some way enrich their lives and offer support. Many of these families are going through hardship or are disadvantaged in some way, so this type of service could give that child access to a regular sporting activity or even be assisting parents with taking their child to medical appointments or taking part in social and recreational activities with the child.”
Ms McConnell said the children had a range of disabilities, including physical and intellectual difficulties, autism, acquired brain injuries and neurological conditions.
Melton resident Marissa Dunn, whose youngest son has a disability, took her boys to the organisation’s school holiday art and craft program at Copperfield College last week. She said it was a chance for the family to spend a day together in a comfortable environment. “It’s also an opportunity for siblings of children with disabilities to meet other siblings who are going though the same thing and to take part in a fun activity with their loved one.”
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