18/1/03
Community groups supporting Western Australia's carers will benefit from almost $250,000 in State Government grants funding.
Speaking at a Down Syndrome Society family picnic in Kings Park today, Disability Services Minister Sheila McHale said the funding would support initiatives for family carers.
The grants were being administered by the Carers Association of WA, which would also provide on-going support to the successful applicants.
"The enormous contribution carers make to our community and to the well-being of others can never been adequately acknowledged, but the State Government is committed to supporting carers and helping them to continue in their vital role," Ms McHale said.
"These grants will help to create and strengthen links to assist family carers to support each other and work together on issues that are of concern to them and the people for whom they care."
Topics to be explored with the grants include:
- training for carers;
- lifestyle and health issues including self-esteem;
- identifying gaps in services;
- workshops on advocacy skills;
- helping brothers and sisters of family members; and
- support to families with an autistic child.
Fifteen projects worth almost $128,000 will be funded in the metropolitan area. A further $118,500 will fund 19 similar projects in country regions.
The metropolitan projects are:
- Down Syndrome Association - $11,500 for a residential camp for 100 parents and children for mutual support and exchange of information;
- Northern Link - $14,400 to develop and test a financial planning model to allow families to make investments that will financially underpin support for family members with a disability;
- People With Disabilities - $20,000 for workshops to assist families to plan for the future with a focus on financial, social and legal issues;
- Resource Unit for Children with Special Needs - $20,000 for two projects to enable carers to come together to determine and address their specific concerns;
- Alibata Writers Group - $4,600 for a writing workshop to expand informal networks for carers to provide mutual support;
- City of Gosnells - $5,710 for a three-day workshop for 10 families for networking, information sharing and the opportunity to discuss respite options;
- East Metropolitan Housing Association - $10,000 to explore how people with disabilities could be supported in independent accommodation using resources already available;
- Ethic Disability Advocacy Centre - $10,285 to develop a multicultural book and website on issues and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse carers;
- Foothills Support Group - $5,000 to improve networks through mothers, fathers and family weekends;
- Hills Community Support Group - $8,244 for an extended family empowerment weekend to improve self-care and coping strategies, develop mutual self help networks and assist with long term respite planning;
- Kalparrin Centre - $7,900 for a weekend for families and individuals to gain knowledge and skills to strengthen their role as carers;
- Kwinana Home Support Services - $581 to run challenging behaviour training for 16 people;
- Lupus Group of WA - $5,000 for a one-day seminar and workshop about information, interaction and inspiration; and
- People With Disabilities - $4,600 for a guide for parents who wish to provide their family member with a disability with home of their own.
Minister's office: 9213 6900
