local parent/carer groups & activities

For more information about the Pinarc Parent Support Program, Peer Support Groups, Individual Support for families or to register for a group, contact Rebecca Paton rpaton@pinarc.org.au  or phone 0493 765 542

Ballarat Parent Carers Connect
This group is open to all parent/guardian carers of children and young adults with disabilities.  We meet for activities, information sessions and social coffees or meals.  The next event is Rethinking Respite – Information Session 7 pm – 8.30 pm Monday 13th May, Pinarc Disability Support Boardroom,  1828 Sturt Street, Alfredton

Ararat Carers Group is looking for new members. Contact rpaton@pinarc.org.au  for more information.

Ballarat Autism Early Years Connect is a parent-led group supported by the Pinarc Parent Support Program. This group is for parents/carers supporting young children (0 – 7 yrs) with autism.
This group usually meets 10am on the first Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is 10am Tuesday 7th May at the Robin Hood Hotel and discussion will be focused on transition to primary school.   

Ballarat Autism Parent Connection meets for coffee at the Robin Hood Hotel (Urban Bar) for social connection and information sharing. The next meeting for the Ballarat Autism Parent Connection Group is 10am Monday 20nd May.

Bacchus Marsh Disability Parent Connection meet for social dinners and information sessions monthly on Monday evenings during school terms. Contact  rpaton@pinarc.org.au  to register.

Ballarat Down Syndrome Parent Connection group meets regularly for social connection and information sharing. The next meeting is morning tea will be on Monday 6th May from 10:30am at the Yacht Club where we will be joined by Sonia Bonadio, Family Support Manager with Down Syndrome Victoria.  RSVP by Friday 3rd May: Wendy  Email: Charingal.park@bigpond.com or Mob: 0429 109692

Daylesford Autism Parent Connection Group new group starting in 2024. The first meeting will be 10am Thursday 16th May at The Mill Cafe & Larder in the Amazing Mill Markets, Daylesford. Please contact rpaton@pinarc.org.au to register your interest.

SCODA – (Supporting Carers of Disabled Adults) – A Ballarat-based group who meet for lunch first Monday of each month. Contact Rose on 0459 216 992

Would you like to start a new group? Our parent support coordinator can help. Please contact Rebecca Paton, on 53291361 or at rpaton@pinarc.org.au.

carer events

Pinarc Parent Support Rethinking Respite – Information Session

7 pm – 8.30 pm Monday 13th May, Pinarc Disability Support Boardroom,  1828 Sturt Street, Alfredton
An information session for parent carers of children and young adults with disabilities.  We will explore the wide range of options for activities and services available to provide positive experiences for participants and downtime for parent carers. Registration essential as places are limited: contact Rebecca Paton, on 0493765542 or at rpaton@pinarc.org.au.

 

Pinarc Support for Carers Social Lunch

For parent/guardian carers of children and young adults with disabilities.
Red Lion 12 pm – 1.30 pm

Wednesday 12th June, Red Lion Hotel,  217-229 Main Road, Ballarat
Lunch funded up to $20 pp.
Registration essential as places are limited: contact Rebecca Paton, on 0493765542 or at rpaton@pinarc.org.au. 

CPSN Cuppa Chats for Parents

Join their monthly online forum for parents of people with cerebral palsy.
https://www.cpsn.org.au/events/cuppa-chats-for-parents-2024-04-17-13-00
or CPSN more events visit  https://www.cpsn.org.au/event

Villa Maria Support for Carers Events

Dinner and Flamenco (Ballarat)
Join other carers for a delicious European/Spanish dinner at Meigas restaurant in Ballarat with live Flamenco musician and dancer. Main meal, dessert and non-alcoholic drink provided.
When: Wednesday 19 June, 6–9pm
Where: Meiga’s: 33 Armstrong St North, Ballarat
EOIs close: Sunday 19 May, 4pm
To register call intake on 1300 698 624 or email:  hello@vmch.com.a

Pamper Session (Torquay)
Enjoy some pampering at the Saltair Day Spa in Torquay, where you can indulge in a 60-minute Relaxation Massage, accompanied by a locally sourced Grazing Platter, as you take in the spectacular scenery. When: Friday 28 June, 10am–3pm (1 hour massages will be scheduled throughout this timeframe) Where: Saltair Day Spa: 50 Ashmore Rd, Torquay EOIs close: Tuesday 28 May, 4pm
To register call intake on 1300 698 624 or email:  hello@vmch.com.au

Ballarat Libraries Album Club (like a book club, but for music)

Each month, at Ballarat Library, we get together to discuss what we’ve been listening to and to talk about our chosen album of the month. Join us to discover new music and share recommendations. If you enjoy talking about the music that means the most to you – now there is a club for you!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1835342223593755/1835342226927088/

Chatty Wednesdays – Ballarat East Neighbourhood House

Chatty Wednesdays is a lovely opportunity to come along and meet people in a relaxed, casual environment held in or close to the cafe at Barkly Square, Ballarat East.
Who: All welcome.
When: 10.30 am – 11.30 am Wednesdays (during school term).
If you would like to register your interest in Chatty Wednesdays or find out more, please contact us or you can register now online here: https://nhs.clevero.co/ballarat-east/view/course/2635358
Where: We meet at the large indoor community table inside Barkly Square, inside or close to the cafe, Barkly Square, 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat East.  Look out for the bright yellow signs!

activities for children and young people with disabilities

Satellite Foundation SUPERHERO Crafternoon

The Satellite Foundation connects and empowers young people who have a family member living with mental health challenges. We understand this may also include young people in families experiencing challenges with substance use, family conflict or violence, complex trauma, or other adverse life circumstances.
Crafternoon and Sausage Sizzle
Saturday, May 4 · 11am – 2pm
Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, 18 Nandiriog Drive Delacombe, VIC 3356
Come dressed as your favorite superhero or create your own identity! Unleash your creative power and join us at our superhero carfternoon. Free sausage sizzle & family crafts to bring out the superhero in you.  Please register for catering purposes:  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/superhero-crafternoon-tickets-885364146997 
For further information contact Bruce Guest at bruce.guest@mindaustralia.org.au or phone the Grampians Mental Health and Connect Centre on 1800 962 008

Try Before You Ride Day

These events help people of all abilities feel more confident when using the public transport system. This includes people with accessibility requirements, parents with children and seniors.
Southern Cross Station Event
9 May 2024   – Join us any time from 10.30am. The event concludes at 2.00pm.
Registrations: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/try-before-you-ride-event-tickets-826077739757

  • Practice getting on and off trains, trams, buses, and accessible taxis.
  • Learn about and familiarise yourself with accessibility features.
  • Speak with public transport staff and organisations about various programs
  • Site familiarisation tours of Southern Cross Station

Accessibility services will be provided by Travellers Aid on the day including Mobility assistance, Personal care, Quiet space, Translation services (upon request)

On the Day The registration desk will be located at Southern Cross Station between the two yellow pods and near the Network Bar opposite platform 2A.  Keep a look out for event signage and staff in white vests to help you navigate the event. More information here: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/travelling-on-the-network/accessibility/try-before-you-ride/

 Power2Pedal Program

Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club’s Power2Pedal program is back for 2024!
The 5-week bike riding program has been specifically designed to get children and teens with autism riding their bikes in a safe and supportive environment.
This program will run from April 15th at Victoria Park, and is suitable for 5-12 year olds. Two session times are available for this program, each weekly session runs for 45 minutes.  To Register https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1181514

Pinarc Cooking Group

This group is for teens in High school this year, that would like to begin to understand money and learn some basic skills regarding shopping and cooking. They will learn basic skills such as orientation around a supermarket and cooking their simple favourite meal. They will need follow up from their OT regarding the continue ongoing development of these skills.
Group details.

  • 4 participants (limited spots available)
  • Parent/guardian or support worker must remain onsite during sessions (This will support with ongoing practice and location will change from week to week).
  • Run during school terms, starting Thursday 30th of May.
  • Maximum cost $2,200 (Likely less with more clients to split cost)
  • Thursday afternoon 3.30-4.30
  • At Pinarc Golden Point.

To register: Call Amy Brockman on 0493 792 499 or Administration on 5329 1300.

Beyond Disability Weekend Respite Events

MAY 2024
03rd – 05th Animal / Art Therapy Weekend
10th – 12th Pamper / City Escape Weekend
17th – 19th Athletics Weekend
24th – 26th Camping Experience
JUNE 2024
07th – 09th Animal / Art Therapy Weekend
14th – 16th Pamper / City Escape Weekend
21st – 23rd Kids Play Therapy Weekend
28th – 30th Athletics Weekend
For Bookings / Enquiries: Ph: 0491 086 009 www.beyonddisabilityservices.com.au https://www.facebook.com/Beyond.Disability.Services
No out-of-pocket expenses
1:1 support,  Restaurant and home cooked meals, Your own private facility

 

Coco Sounds at Parker Place

Wednesday at 10:00 am (School Terms).

Come and join Lauren from CoCo Sounds for stories, and songs from around the world. An interactive  30-minute session to encourage  children to move, sing, dance andlearn about musical instruments.
Parker Place 702 Pleasant StreetSouth, Redan
Email Alison alison.ford@salvationarmy.org.au

Movie Making and Guitar lessons Unbeatable Abilities

Unbeatable Abilities are offering Movie Making sessions on Mondays 9am – 3pm.  These include script writing, acting scenes, video and sound editing, teamwork and Presentation Night at the end of the year.
They are also offering Guitar and music lessons 4-6pm on Mondays.  For more information contact https://www.unbeatableabilities.com.au/

All Abilities Gymnastics

Ballarat Gympsports has expanded it’s offerings and introduced a pathway for all participants through their inclusive programs.
The Star Bound program aims to build strength and inner confidence to foster happy, empowered participants regardless of physical or mental restrictions. The program runs from 11.30am – 12pm on Saturdays.
The Fuzzy Gym program is tailored for participants with a vision impairment and allows participants with low vision to no vision at all,  the thrill of experiencing tumbling, bouncing, swinging and so much more. The program runs from 11.30am – 12.15pm on Saturdays.  More Information https://www.ballaratgymsports.com/classes/inclusion/

Special Olympics Ballarat

Special Olympics Ballarat is one of the many Special Olympics programs around Australia transforming the lives of people with an intellectual disability through regular sport, competition and personal development.
Special Olympics Ballarat has aquatics, basketball, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, and tenpin bowling programs that run throughout each school term.  Find Out More https://www.specialolympics.com.au/ballarat
Special Olympics Basketball Come and try 2 training sessions FREE
SUNDAYS 10.30am -12.00pm, Pheonix College, Entrance via Tuppen Drive
CONTACT: Nicole Strickland  PH: 0431421241 Email: ballarat.basketball@specialolympics.com.au

 Basketball Ballarat  All Abilities Hoops

Learn to play Basketball, make new friends and get active through All Abilities Hoops.
An inclusive introductory basketball program for children and teens living with a disability run by Ballarat Basketball. The term 2 program begins on May 9th, and is held at Ballarat Minerdome and will run for 7 weeks from 4pm – 4.45pm.  Discover More https://www.ballaratbasketball.com/all-abilities-hoops/

Ballarat Netball Association   All Abilities Netball

All-abilities netball is an inclusive program for people aged 16+ with an intellectual disability. This is the perfect opportunity to get active, meet new people, learn new skills and have fun, in a safe and inclusive netball environment.  The program begins on Wednesday the 24th of April, and runs from 4 – 4.50pm at Ballarat Netball Association in Golden Point.  More Information https://ballaratnetball.weebly.com/contact.html

AAA Play Website

Sports Central promote inclusive sport and recreation programs within the Central Highlands region through the AAA Play website https://www.aaaplay.org.au/
AAA Play connects people with disabilities to sport and recreation activities in Victoria.
If you need support regarding inclusive sport and recreation or you wish to share information through this platform please contact Sports Central on info@sportscentral.org.au or 5331 6966.

Sports Central – Opportunities for the whole family to get active

Social Badminton: Ladies Social Tuesdays 6.30pm, Social Doubles Wednesdays 7.30pm Wendy on 0458372906, or visit https://www.ballaratbadminton.com/index.php/about/social-nights  for more information.
Social Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Social pickleball takes place at the following times:
Mondays 7.15pm: Doubles Social
Wednesdays 10.30am: Come and Try/Social
Wednesdays 7.15pm: Double Social
Thursdays 10.30am: Come and Try/Social Thursdays 7pm: Come and Try/Social
For more information, https://www.ballaratbadminton.com/index.php/pickleball or call 0353394601.
Bushwalking https://www.bboc.com.au/ 
Social Cycling https://www.cyclingballarat.com.au/group-rides.html 
BMX:  https://www.cyclingballarat.com.au/bmx.html   Alternatively you can check out their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/ballaratsebastopolbmxclub
Tennis: https://play.tennis.com.au/mtprospecttennis Or contact James on 0422 607 224
Disc Golf: https://www.ballarataquaticcentre.com/visit/disc-golf/
Walking Groups: https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/

 

 

information sessions, courses and webinars

Pinarc Parent Support Rethinking Respite – Information Session

7 pm – 8.30 pm Monday 13th May,
Pinarc Disability Support Boardroom,  1828 Sturt Street, Alfredton
An information session for parent carers of children and young adults with disabilities.  We will explore the wide range of options for activities and services available to provide positive experiences for participants, and downtime for parent carers.
Register by contacting Rebecca Paton, on 0493765542 or at rpaton@pinarc.org.au.

Fussy Eating Workshop FREE!

Factors such as senses, experiences, and even medical needs, impact how children eat. At Learn to Eat, Love to Eat, we take a holistic approach, supporting parents and carers to have a deeper understanding of what might be going on for their child, while teaching a framework that supports more positive mealtimes and encourages new food learning and fosters a healthy relationship with food.
Group Day : 7th of May
Group Time : 10.30AM – 12PM
Location: 515 Chisholm Street, Ballarat
25 Tickets availible now! Future sessions also available!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-fussy-eating-workshop-presented-by-learn-to-eat-love-to-eat-tickets-866911865727

ACD Online Workshop – Teens and Beyond

This workshop looks at: Financial support, Getting the right NDIS support for your teen, School and post-school options, Wellbeing: friendships, communication, behaviour support and good mental health.
Each workshop consists of three consecutive sessions over three weeks:
Mondays May 13, 20, 27 at 10:00 am
Mondays May 13, 20, 27 at 7:00 pm
Tuesdays May 14, 21, 28 at 10:00 am
Wednesday May 15, 22, 29 at 7:00 pm
One registration covers all three sessions in the series.  Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/association-for-children-with-a-disability-7575063849
For more information Email: educate@acd.org.au  Call: 03 9880 7000 or 1800 654 013 (regional callers)

Baby and Child FIRST AID FREE!

Presented by CAFS Early Help Group Programs,  this Program is for parents/carers of babies and children. We are offering places for any parent/guardian free of charge.  The group explores First Aid techniques delivered by professionals. PAEDS vision is to empower all individuals with the knowledge to confidently manage illness and accidents! Issues we will explore include burns, head injury rash, choking, breaks, CPR and more!    Group Day – 4th of June 2024
Group Time – 10.30AM – 2PM
Location: 515 Chisholm Street, Ballarat
Tickets available now! Future sessions also available!  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/child-infant-first-aid-free-presented-by-paeds-education-tickets-863335558897

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Families

Healthy Mothers Healthy Families is the longest standing, most effective program for mothers internationally.  Consider registering for the final workshops of 2024 presented by the excellent HMHF-facilitators at Kindred.
Workshops are FREE, but places are limited.
Group 33 – https://events.humanitix.com/hmhfgroup33
Session 1: Monday 13 May 2024; 7.30pm – 9.30pm (AEST)
Session 2: Monday 3 June 2024; 7.30pm – 9.30pm (AEST)
Session 3: Monday 24 June 2024; 7.30pm – 9.30pm (AEST)
Group 34 – https://events.humanitix.com/hmhfgroup34
Session 1: Wednesday 15 May 2024; 10am-12pm (AEST)
Session 2: Wednesday 5 June 2024; 10am-12pm (AEST)
Session 3: Wednesday 26 June 2024; 10am-12pm (AEST)

Villa Maria Carer information Sessions

To register call (03) 8595 2405 or email:  carersevents@vmch.com.au
Writing Group (Online)
Tuesdays (weekly): 4th June–25th June, 2–3pm
Come together to pursue the craft of writing with others online. We will have prompts, time for writing, and optional sharing/discussion. Online platform: Zoom
EOIs close: Tuesday 14 May, 4pm
Resilience Journal Writing
Sundays (weekly): 2nd / 9th / 16th June, 10–11:30am
We will be working on The Resilience Project’s 21 Day Wellbeing Journal. Each week we will meet online  to discuss the week’s journal prompts and share any personal insights. Online platform: Zoom
EOIs close: Thursday 16 May, 4pm

Free online Planet Puberty workshops

Planet Puberty is running free online workshops to help families raising children with intellectual disability and autism. Topics include masturbation, periods, and personal hygiene. You’ll receive tips, resources, and strategies to prepare your child for the journey ahead.  https://www.planetpuberty.org.au/workshops/

Neurokindred –  Autistic Women & Non-Binary Peer Support Group

Led by an Autistic group facilitator, our groups provide a safe haven for exploring and embracing Autistic identity, offering post-identification support, and fostering a recovery-focused approach that celebrates the strengths of being Autistic. We understand that the journey to self-acceptance and community building is unique for each individual, and our groups are tailored to nurture this process. Join or find out more here: http://neurokindred.com/services/peer/

2024 Yellow Ladybugs Conference – Online and in person 

This year, we’re focusing on nurturing and empowering autistic girls and gender-diverse students. Our lineup is awesome – mainly autistic and neurodivergent speakers sharing their experiences and expertise. We’ll be revealing speakers over the next few weeks, so keep an eye out!
The conference is on June 18-20, 2024. Join us from anywhere – stream live or watch on-demand for 90 days. So grab your ticket now!   https://ylbconference2024.vfairs.com/en/#ticket
Ticket options:
Online only access: Watch online from anywhere in the world live, or OnDemand within 90 days.
Hybrid access: Watch day 1 & 2 online or OnDemand, and attend the final day (day 3) in-person at our catered sit down event in Melbourne, Australia)
Group booking: Your entire organisation can watch online from anywhere in the world live, or OnDemand within 90 days.

CAFS (Child & Family Services, Ballarat) FREE parenting groups

CAFS run a range of parenting programs to empower parents and carers by providing an opportunity to learn more about children’s brain development and understanding the behaviour of babies, children and teenagers.
Term 2 programs:
Growing together – 9-week group for caregivers with an intellectual disability, learning difficulty or mental health issues with children aged 0 – 12 years
Tuning into Teens  – 6-week group for caregivers with children aged 12-18 years
Circle of Security – 8-week group for caregivers with children aged 0-12 years
Solihull ‘Post-Natal Plus’ –  8-week group for caregivers with children aged 0-18 months
Solihull ‘Understanding your Child’  – 9-week group for caregivers with children aged 1.5 – 18 years
Create Respect – 4-week school-based program for children aged 11-13 years
To enquire about any of Cafs Early Help Programs please contact:
Taite McNamara taite.mcnamara@cafs.org.au 0407 860 125

Salvos Family Connections Parenting Programs

Salvos Family Connections run several programs for parents and children.
For more information contact Alison at alison.ford@salvationarmy.org.au or 0437 028 256

 

new services for families

Grampians Health Early Parenting Centre

Providing support to families of children aged 0 -4 years, this centre was officially opened on April 16th. They are now in the process of beginning service provision, offering day stays and group activities during the first few months. Overnight stays will commence in the coming months when the centre is fully operational.   More information here: https://www.bhs.org.au/services-and-clinics/community-services/grampians-early-parenting-centre/

 

NDIS updates for families

New NDIS Enquiries, Feedback and Complaints policy

The new Enquiries, Feedback and Complaints policy lets you know what to expect when you submit an enquiry, feedback or complaint. We want you to feel safe and supported to share your issues with us and know that they will be handled appropriately.
How to enquire, provide feedback or make a complaint about the NDIS:

NDIS new computer system and Participant Journey

In preparation for the national expansion of our new computer system and improved ways of working, we have built a dedicated website improvements.ndis.gov.au/ that sits next to www.ndis.gov.au 
The way you interact with the NDIS is also changing.
Read about it here: The Participant Journey

NDIS Review

www.acd.org.au/ndis-review-what-does-it-mean-for-families/

research and feedback opportunities

Food and Lived Experience of Intellectual Disability in Australia

Monica Wellington from Victoria University is undertaking her PhD project asking people with lived experience about what food means to them.  Participants for this project are adults (older than 18 years) with intellectual disability interested in sharing about food in their life. We will use what you tell us to help make healthy eating approaches more inclusive.  In this project, you will be asked to take photos about food and talk about what food means to you.  Interested? Contact Monica on:  monica.wellington@live.vu.edu.au  or 0431 941 169

ACD Have your say: Building Better Support for Children

The recent NDIS Review highlighted that children with disability aren’t always getting the support they need in everyday settings. It recommended changes to increase support available outside of the NDIS. These will be called Foundational Supports. The government will soon develop a framework and policies to set up the Foundational Supports. While this is still in development, ACD wants families to have their say.
We’re holding two online consultation sessions to hear from families about what’s currently working, what’s missing, and what’s needed to better support children with disability.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on how allied health therapies could be delivered in partnership with early learning and school, what good peer support looks like for families raising children with disability, and how to help families gain the skills to best support their child.  Deidentified information from the consultation sessions will be used as part of ACD’s advocacy to government to provide better support for children with disability.
Sessions:
Tue, 7 May 2024 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM AEST
Wed, 8 May 2024 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM AEST
More information
– Participation is only for families of children with disability
– Registration is essential
– Facilitated by Association for Children with a Disability (ACD) acd.org.au
– Facilitators are parents of children with disability who have personal experience with NDIS
– Participants must attend the whole session to receive a $50 voucher and have an Australian postal address
Questions?  Email ACD: educate@acd.org.au
Call ACD’s office during business hours on 03 9880 7000 or 1800 654 013 (regional callers)
Register here:  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/association-for-children-with-a-disability-7575063849

Feedback required: The NDIS Experience Outside the Cities

NDIS participants living in rural, regional and remote Australia often have a different experience of the NDIS to people in urban areas. The federal Government recognises this and has asked the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme to inquire into the experiences of NDIS participants in rural, regional and remote Australia. The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is seeking your feedback to help them prepare a submission to the Joint Standing Committee.
You can contribute your thoughts via the survey here: ADFO Feedback Survey

“AutInsight” University of Queensland

Are you a parent of an autistic child ages 10 years or under? Are you interested in developing your relationship with your child? University of Queensland are working hard to improve the support we can offer to parents of autistic children. As part of this important work, we have developed an innovative new parent support program – “AutInsight” – designed to support strong parent-child relationships and improve outcomes for parents, children, and families.
The AutInsight parent support program is a 5-week online group program (one 2-hour Zoom session per week) aimed at supporting parents of autistic children to:

  • develop greater insight and understanding of autism from the inside out, drawing on the perspectives of autistic adults,
  • strengthen their relationship with their child, and
  • develop practical strategies for parents’ self-care.

For further information visit: qcprrc.centre.uq.edu.au/project/parentingautisticchildren

 

new resources for families of children with disabilities

Apraxia Kids Australia

https://www.facebook.com/groups/apraxiakidsaustralia
The Apraxia Kids Australia group is for parents, family members, professionals, and friends impacted by childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). This group is moderated and curated by the staff at Apraxia Kids, as well as volunteer members of the community.  Apraxia Kids is the leading national public charity (501c3) dedicated exclusively to children with apraxia of speech and their families. You can learn more about Apraxia Kids at www.apraxia-kids.org

Starting Blocks-Your First Step into Early Childhood Education and Care 

StartingBlocks.gov.au is a great resource for anyone looking for information relating to Childcare. Whether you are beginning to look at childcare options or want some other childcare related information Starting Blocks is the perfect place to start. Listed on their website are all approved services under the National Quality Framework including long day care centres, family day care providers, kindergarten and outside school hours care services. The website also covers information on costing (CCS Calculator available), ratings of services and their inclusions. Parent factsheets are available on various childcare related topics such as the different types of services, programs, nutrition, illness, sun protection, hygiene, learning and development just to name a few.
Starting Blocks also shares very useful information that can offer support for home life too, including information on ideas for activities to do at home, sleeping, toileting, developing routines and safety information including safe cot information and sun protection. Head to the website www.startingblocks.gov.au/

Autism Friendship free guide

Free guide for parents. See how to help your child know how to make friends, and keep friends. You’ll see steps for helping your child make sense of friendships and all-things-social. Download your free guide here: www.amazingskills.com.au/building-friendship-skills-guide

 

supports for families of children with disabilities

Carer Gateway 

Caring for a friend or relative can be complicated. Carer Gateway can provide a range of supports to unpaid carers (including siblings as young carers). Call to register: 1800 422 737 8am to 6pm weekdays www.carergateway.gov.au/

Victorian Government Carer Card

The card provides discounts and benefits to carers in acknowledgement of this contribution. It’s easy and free to apply for the Carer Card. Applications can be made online. Alternatively, forms can be downloaded from this site, or you can request that one be posted to you by telephoning the Carer Card team on 1800 901 958 (toll free). Applications may take four to six weeks to process. www.carercard.vic.gov.au/

EACH Statewide Carer Support Services

EACH can fund counselling for carers and other family members (not just the primary carer, including siblings and grandparents) They can also fund ongoing counselling sessions if Carer Gateway funding runs out. www.each.com.au

Association for Children with a Disability

Resources: www.acd.org.au/information-and-resources/
Free telephone information and support:
Call 03 9880 7000 or 1800 654 013 (regional)
Or email acdsupport@acd.org.au
Or text 0475 577 997

young carers supports

Satellite Foundation SUPERHERO Crafternoon

The Satellite Foundation connects and empowers young people who have a family member living with mental health challenges. We understand this may also include young people in families experiencing challenges with substance use, family conflict or violence, complex trauma, or other adverse life circumstances

Crafternoon and Sausage Sizzle

Saturday, May 4 · 11am – 2pm

Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, 18 Nandiriog Drive Delacombe, VIC 3356

Come dressed as your favorite superhero or create your own identity! Unleash your creative power and join us at our superhero carfternoon. Free sausage sizzle & family crafts to bring out the superhero in you. Hosted in partnership with Satellite Foundation and Grampians Wellbeing Connect. Please register for catering purposes:  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/superhero-crafternoon-tickets-885364146997

For further information contact Bruce Guest at bruce.guest@mindaustralia.org.au or phone the Grampians Mental Health and Connect Centre on 1800 962 008

Little Dreamers Young Carers Job Readiness Project

Open to Young Carers in Ballarat between the ages of 15 and 25.
Applications are now open and will remain so throughout the duration of the program. Young Carers will have the flexibility to choose which parts of the program they wish to participate in.
This dynamic and skills-focused program will consist of 3-4 one on one coaching sessions and group sessions led by industry experts. With the aim to expand Young Carers’ skillset, build new connections, and unleash their potential.
For more details, please contact Monika at monika@littledreamers.org.au  or call 7068 7782.

Siblings Australia – Advocacy for school-aged siblings

So that we can better advocate for young siblings, Siblings Australia would like to hear from school-aged children about their experience of being a sibling of a person with disability, chronic illness, or mental health condition. If you’ve got kids in school, it would be great if you could encourage them to answer some questions for us. We are not collecting any identifiable data about children through this process.
We think it’s really important to be able to tell teachers and educators about how this experience might impact on schooling. So we’ve created a survey to find out more from families who are engaged in our services, you can access the survey HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6KG3L8S .
Completing the survey should only take a few minutes, and will really help us to understand what is needed when developing our supports.

Little Dreamers – Sibling supports

Young Carer organisation, working with young people who provide unpaid care for a family member with a disability, illness or addiction across a range of direct support programs, these programs can be found here: www.littledreamers.org.au/programs/ A link for the application for support can be found at www.dreamershub.com.au

Carer Gateway Young Carer Supports

Carer Gateway can provide a range of supports to unpaid carers (including siblings as young carers). Call to register: 1800 422 737 8am to 6pm weekdays www.carergateway.gov.au

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