Carer Resources
CARER RESOURCES
| RESOURCE | DETAILS | BENEFITS of resource |
|---|---|---|
| Preston Mosque Playgroup | Day: Every Wednesday Ages: 0- 5 years old Any enquiries and registrations to 0420 970 566. | Chance to socialise, learn through play, and have some fun! |
| Islamic Society of Victoria “Our Amanah Special Needs Program” | Every Saturday | 1pm to 3pm | 90 Cramer Street, Preston Link to online form Faith based – Islam | |
| LifeHouse church The Buddy Program Special Needs Ministry | https://lifehouse.global/special-needs/ 9-11 Western Avenue, Westmeadows, Victoria, Australia Faith based – Christianity Free | Each Sunday, children with special needs are paired with a trained buddy who will guide and support them during the service. Children with special needs worship and learn with kids in their age group. If a child becomes uncomfortable, our buddies will often provide him or her with an alternative activity or a break. Advance scheduling is necessary to assure adequate staffing to provide one-to-one care. If you have a child with special needs and would like them to be placed on our waiting list, please register your child and we will get you started. |
| The A List | https://alisthub.com.au/activities/ | Online platform to find autism friendly activities in your area including arts, music, outdoors, games, social groups plus more |
| Autism Connect- National Autism Helpline | 1300308699 https://www.amaze.org.au/autismconnect/ Autism Connect is open 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. Free interpreting available by calling TIS National Contact Centre on 131450 and ask to speak to Autism Connect on 1300308699 | Autism Connect advisors offer expert advice in many areas, including:
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| Supporting Autistic Children Guideline | https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-practice/supporting-children Scroll down to Easy Read of Guiding Principles | The Guiding Principles help us to understand what is important when we support autistic children and their families who access Early Childhood Supports |
| Carer Gateway Counselling Services | 1800 422 737 https://www.carergateway.gov.au/ 8 am to 6pm Monday to Friday Video link | Counselling supports to carers |
| Family Voices Podcast | https://www.eciavic.org.au/resources/podcast-family-voices | This podcast aims to support and build families’ knowledge, skills and confidence when navigating the early childhood intervention landscape. |
| Raising Children- Autism videos | https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/children-autism-videos | Numerous 3-to-5 minute videos on a variety of topics related to a variety of topics such as socialisation, play and self-care skills, independence |
| Supporting Autistic Children and their families- Short Course | Cost of course – $250 Takes 4 hours to complete https://autismcrc.talentlms.com/ | The Supporting autistic children and their families: Short course has been designed for practitioners, families, service providers, educators, peak bodies, and government. This short course is designed to help families understanding and application of the Guideline’s Recommendations and Practice Points. |
| Envisage Families Program | https://envisage.community/about-us/ 5 x 90 minute workshops hosted weekly, free Video link | ENVISAGE is a program co-created by Australian and Canadian researchers, clinicians, and most importantly parents of children with developmental concerns and disabilities. Our mission is to empower caregivers like you to feel confident and competent to navigate the experience of parenting a child or children with developmental concerns by embracing contemporary strengths-based ideas about health, wellbeing, and development. |
| Journey Planner For Caregivers | A booklet to support families with children between 0 to 12 years | Autism CRC has developed a National Guideline that helps practitioners deliver supports in ways that are safe, effective and desirable to children and families. This journey planner is designed to help parents and caregivers know what to expect when working with practitioners, and to feel confident in finding the right people and supports for their child and family |
| Clickability | https://clickability.com.au/ | Allows families to connect with providers that have capacity to provide supports |
| Melbourne Museum | Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton Vic 3053 Opening hours: Every day from 10am–5pm Phone number: 03 8341 7777 | Melbourne Museum is an autism-friendly museum. The museum provides social stories for children to prepare them for a visit. It also offers a map of high and low sensory spaces with plenty of quiet outdoor space and recommends visiting between 3pm and 5pm on weekdays to avoid the crowds. |
| Myuna Farm | Address: 182 Kidds Rd, Doveton Vic 3177 Opening hours: Every day from 10am-4pm Phone number: 03 9706 9944 | Research has shown significant benefits for children with autism to spend time on a farm or at a zoo. Myuna Farm in southeast Melbourne has been reviewed by parents as a safe environment and welcoming space for children with autism. On offer are pony rides, train rides and the chance to pat lambs, rabbits, guinea pigs and more. There’s also a farm café just metres from the playground. |
| Mill Park All Abilities Play Space | ||
| Sensory Garden | Royal Botanic Gardens Free | They’ve been chosen for their fragrance, colour, taste, texture and shape. Some are bold or subtle, zesty, spicy, papery, smooth, soft, prickly, rustly or crunchy. Stay awhile, meditate using your senses one by one, and you’ll see more, hear more, smell more, feel more. Created to nurture wellbeing, the Sensory Garden is our newest garden. Come here to rest and be enlightened. |
| Marvel Stadium | https://www.marvelstadium.com.au/sensory-room-accessibility https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVKOlc2dDKY&t=5s | Marvel Stadium has partnered with KultureCity to make the stadium and all of the programs and events that we host to be sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue that visit. |
| Woodland Trial Riding | https://woodlandstrailriding.com.au/learn-to-ride/ | Enquire assisted therapy under capacity building |
| Hume Council Library | https://www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au/Whats-On | Social groups |
| Broadmeadows Shopping Centre- Sensory/prayer room | https://www.vicinity.com.au/portfolio/our-properties/broadmeadows-central#/ | The centre has a ‘Quiet Room’ used as a sensory room for children and parents. |
| Anglicare Victoria Parents Program | https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/our-services/family-and-parenting-support/ | Anglicare Victoria is a provider for out-of-home care services for children and young people. The program supports families make better decisions, gain independence and take control of their lives. |
| Companion Card | https://www.companioncard.vic.gov.au | The companion card allows people with disability and a support person to attend events/ activities without paying for a second ticket. |
| Carer Payment/Allowance | https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-allowance https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-payment | The carer allowance of $159.30 fortnightly is given regardless of income or work conditions, so it is highly recommended to apply for it. Carer payment depends on your personal circumstances and how much your partner/ parents are earning. |
| Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) | https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/continence-aids-payment-scheme | The non-taxable payment is made to cover cost of products that help manage incontinence. The payment is up to $717.10 per person. |
