Disability services and support
Individuals, families and carers can find information and support at:
NDIS: National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life.
The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community.
This includes connections to doctors, community groups, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as providing information about what support is provided by each state and territory government.
For families and carers | NDIS
Home and Community Care Program for Younger People
mecwacare are the Program provider for Monash LGA (03) 8573 4980 intake@mecwacare.org.au
The Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP) supports Victorians from birth to 65 years, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from birth to 50 years if their capacity for independent living is at risk. This may be due to chronic illness, mental health issues, disability or other conditions where they need one-off, intermittent or ongoing support to undertake the activities of daily living.
The Program supports Victorians to optimise their health and wellbeing, while maintaining or regaining their independence to live safely in their homes, and actively participate in their community.
The Program is funded and managed by the Victorian Department of Health.
Services are delivered through:
- local councils
- health services, including registered community health services
- Aboriginal community-controlled organisations
- ethno-specific and multicultural organisations
- a range of other non-government community organisations.
Visit: Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP)
Department of Social Services (DSS)
DSS provides information and links to services locally and across Australia, including services for people with a disability and those who provide care. Centres can help carers with options to take a break, through short-term and emergency respite, based on assessed need, and provide advice on and coordinate access to respite services in a carer’s local area.
Visit: www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers
Monash Pathways for Carers
The Pathways for Carers project offers carers of people 65 and under with a disability or mental illness an opportunity to share walks together and to learn more about news, services and support available to carers. We will be joined on the walk by representatives from local organisations. It is a regional initiative, carers can attend any Pathways for Carers walk regardless of where they live.
Free refreshments after each walk.
10:00 am every second Friday of the month (February-December).
Start location: T House Café, Jells Park, enter from Waverley Rd, Wheelers Hill.
Remember to wear a hat and bring sunscreen.
Are the walks suitable for everyone? The walks are suitable for all fitness levels and are approx. 3kms or 40mins in duration. They are on a mix of sealed and gravel paths, and are mostly flat. Please speak with the contact person for questions regarding specific locations, especially for accessibility. Carers may attend the catch up if they are unable to do the walk.
Further information call Access and Inclusion Partnerships Officer 9518 3637 and FAQ at Facebook.com/pathwaysforcarers
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services.
Visit: www.carergateway.gov.au
Carers Australia
Carers Australia is a national organisation that supports Australia’s carers and works to improve the health, wellbeing, resilience and financial security of carers.
Visit: www.carersaustralia.com.au
Recharge your batteries
Electric wheelchair and scooter users can recharge their batteries at power outlets at each of Monash's libraries and the Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre, please see the customer service desk at each location.
Safe Steps
Victoria's 24/7 Family Violence Response Centre providing specialist support services for anyone experiencing or afraid of family violence.
Call 1800 015 188
safesteps.org.au
safesteps.org.au/our-services/disability-support/
1800 RESPECT
The national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. It is a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Anyone who needs support can contact 1800RESPECT including people who experience violence and those who want to support someone in the situation of family violence.
Call 1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732
www.1800respect.org.au
Further information