Our House opens door to more support
Two community groups have joined forces in the Brisbane Valley to expand the availability of social support services to seniors and people with a disability.
Darren, from Toogoolawah, can now access support through Carinity Communities – Our House following the new partnership with Lutheran Community Care (LCC).
He is enjoying time away from home and the social connections he has made through the group sessions, which are tailored for the under 65s with a disability.
Darren acquired a brain injury several years ago and with wife Sue has been searching for more support.
Our House Client Services Coordinator Maggie Poole said there were many Toogoolawah families who could now access support as a result of this partnership.
“In rural areas, we have to work with other service providers to ensure that clients are served in whatever way possible,” Maggie said.
“The LCC funding has meant we could offer two days each week for our group of local people with disabilities.”
LCC CEO Jacqueline Kelly said this is an opportunity to meet local demands for local families.
“We are excited with this new partnership and the potential to provide to more localised support,’’ she said.
The group of 10 clients currently attend Our House every Wednesday and Friday from 9am till 3pm. Some of the activities they have undertaken to date involve CPR and personal safety training, presentations by the Rural Fire Service, and cultural days with local Thai speakers. The group is also learning through craft and art, and contributing to a group mural project.
“Our House is part of this community and we invite people to come in and share their stories, their skills and knowledge with our clients,” Maggie said.
“We will survey locals soon to find out what the over 65’s would like to see in a special program just for them, which we can tailor specifically,” Maggie said.
The Commonwealth-funded Home and Community Care (HACC) program will fund the Our House support group through until the end of 2016.
For more information about services in Toogoolawah contact Carinity Communities – Our House on 07 5423 0401 and for Somerset contact Somerset Community Service on 5427 0548.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Emma Sugget, Communications Officer, Carinity
Ph: (07) 3550 3769 / 0409 865 930
Email: emma.sugget@carinity.org.au
