Friday, 8 November 2019

AUTISM CARERS SHARE AND CONNECT IN CHIRNSIDE PARK

Female carers of autistic children now have a place to come together to share, connect and learn from others who are going through similar experiences, thanks to $25,000 from the Victorian Government’s Pick My Project initiative.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP attended an Autism Carer Connect Events run by Spectrum Journeys Incorporated in Chirnside Park on Saturday, which are free for female carers of children with autism.

Carers of autistic children often face increased stress levels as they care for a child on the autism spectrum. They are often tasked with navigating new funding and therapy packages, managing complex behaviours, and attending therapy sessions to support their children.

The new Autism Carer Connect Events will provide an afternoon of relaxation, connection and opportunities to embrace self-care. They include a fully catered high-tea, a mini manicure by beauty therapists and a mini ‘blessing bag’ full of pampering products to take home.

Pick My Project is a Victorian Government first – a $30 million participatory budgeting initiative that puts decision making in the hands of Victorians.

Pick My Project has awarded funding to 237 successful project ideas state-wide, with funding allocated between the six metropolitan and nine regional partnership areas. The Autism Carers Connect Events are one of 25 successful projects from the Pick My Project initiative in the Eastern Metropolitan Partnership region.

The region received more than $2.9 million in funding through the initiative, after more than 26,000 votes were cast across the region.

To view all the successful projects, visit pickmyproject.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development, Marlene Kariouz MP

“Autism Carers Connect events give carers of autistic children a chance to come together and share their stories and challenges in a warm and caring environment, making it yet another example of the Victorian Government’s Pick My Project initiative making a real difference in Victoria’s Eastern region.”

Quotes attributable to Member for the Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP

“Spectrum Journeys has created beautiful, embracing and empowering sessions for carers where they can come together to share and connect whilst enjoying some much needed-relaxation – all thanks to the Victorian Government’s Pick my Project initiative.”