New era for disability services
THE ongoing development and establishment of Interchange Gippsland’s Wonthaggi office has continued throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
Interchange Gippsland provide support and respite services for children and young adults right across Gippsland.
Debbie Knight, CEO Interchange Gippsland said the establishment of the Wonthaggi office was the first stage of the expansion of services for the Wonthaggi and Bass Coast communities.
“Interchange Gippsland staff moved in at the end of November and have been working hard to create and expand disability services within both regions,” she said.
“The final stage of this exciting project will be the introduction of a full established program called Young Adult Services.”
In the lead up to the new year, Interchange Gippsland ran a number of ‘have a go’ activities and held the IGnite event in conjunction with a number of community groups and local businesses as part of Bass Coast Shire’s Social Inclusion Week activities.
“While we have always had a presence and offered services in both regions, Interchange Gippsland is particularly excited about the establishment of our new office and the introduction of new services in the region which will provide the community with choice and flexibility,” Ms Knight said.
“Our programs are based on creating meaningful life experiences and innovative programs which connects with the local community.
“We are particularly thrilled with the initial support our activities have received locally. South Gippsland and Bass Coast businesses and community groups should be commended as they have a very supportive and inclusive community for people of all abilities.”
Specifically Interchange Gippsland would like to thank the following organisations:
• the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club who provided use of the Kirrak room for IGnite, a successful open mic evening;
• GippsTafe and presenter Lisa Kuhne ran an iPad introduction session which will lead into the Young Adult Services Numeracy and Literacy sessions utilising iPads in 2014;
• the YMCA and community development officer Jenny Merrick who ran a Work It Out session as an introduction to Wonthaggi YMCA facilities; and
• the Wonthaggi Bowls Club hosted a Bare Foot Bowling session for the newly established Friendship Group. Friendship Group is a newly started social group for young adults with a disability living in Bass Coast and South Gippsland regions which started in October 2013.
“Interchange Gippsland is really looking forward to the commencement of Young Adult Services early in 2014. Young Adult Services will provide flexible, individualised, community based support for young adults and their families through planned groups and individual activities,” Ms Knight said.
The new Interchange Gippsland office is located at 70 Watt Street, Wonthaggi. Further information on Interchange Gippsland and the respite and support services provided for young adults and children with disabilities offered in Bass Coast and South Gippsland regions can be found by visiting their website on www.icg.asn.au or by telephoning their office on 1300 736 765 during business hours.
Sounding fine: William and Gabby belt out a tune at IGnite open mic night at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club.
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Posted by Sarah Vella on Jan 21 2014. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
