Raising Agency Concerns

Raising Agency Concerns

August 27th 2010

Local Member of Parliament Nick Wakeling and Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Drug Abuse and Community Services Mary Wooldridge visited Interchange Outer East on Tuesday 24 August 2010.

Interchange Outer East used the opportunity to discuss some key issues that involve the agency with the Members of Parliament.

Executive Officer Fred Brumhead said, “We had four key issues that we raised and they were concerns around individualised funding, peer based supports, support for young volunteers and Human Rights.

“Individualised funding whilst it has many benefits also may compromise the opportunities and advantages of group based activities such as camps and holiday programs. It is important to ensure that friendships and community connections are not overlooked in the single minded focus on individualised funding models. We all need to spend time with and share experiences with our peer group and the development of ISP’s may have the unintended consequence of reducing these opportunities.

“Peer based support particularly for families including siblings, mums and dads are inadequately supported. The value and benefits of these programs to the future for an individual with a disability cannot be underestimated. Families provide most of the care and support for an individual throughout their life. Family camp costs the agency over $30,000 each year and is one of the most effective support groups we have. Family members have the opportunity to meet each other in a relaxed and supportive environment which is the perfect condition for families to build natural community supports, feel supported and share their experiences, yet the camp remains unsupported by funding bodies.

“The key to making our communities more inclusive, resilient and able to support each other is the education, training and development for young people in our community. Interchange has a unique environment that actively supports young people to share their energy and enthusiasm as a volunteer on our programs. To have over 180 young people aged 14 – 19 actively involved in supporting children and teenagers with a disability provides great benefit for the community now and into the future. Unfortunately, the volunteer support structures in disability services are under resourced and focused on adults. The area of teenage volunteering is not recognised and yet provides such great benefits for young people and our communities.

“The last issue raised was that of the focus on Human Rights developed by the State Government over the past few years. The importance of this approach is significant as it has clearly provided a framework for service provision and has promoted greater understanding and awareness of the needs of people with disabilities in our community. I would urge that the area be strengthened and further consolidated under any future government.” Said Mr Brumhead.

Both Member of Parliament used the opportunity to visit a variety of agencies and groups to understand the needs of the community.

Along with Interchange Outer East the MP’s visited other local disability organisations, environmental groups and the Ferntree Fully Youth Council which comprises representatives from local high schools.

by Rebecca Gallaher