Keeping families strong

• I need a break from caring for my child.
• Who can help me make others understand the needs of my child?
• Can you help me access the services I need?
• How can I meet other families just like mine? What is a Parent Support Group?
• I need someone to talk to.

I need a break from caring for my child.

The role of carer can be a relentless one. Setting aside time to look after yourself is just as important as being there for the person you care for.

Respite care has enormous benefits for both the carer, and the person being cared for. Respite gives you the chance to recharge your batteries, have time to yourself or spend time with other family members.

Gateways provides a range of respite care. Look at our respite options at Need a break?

Who can help me make others understand the needs of my child?

Each child with a disability has unique needs and sometimes it can be hard making other people in your child's life understand these needs.

Gateways programs that can help you overcome these issues include:

• The Strengthening Parent Support Program - provides families with information and support.

• Short Term Transition Case Management - helps families with a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder make the transition from Early Intervention programs to school.

• Positive Partnerships - are workshops for parents or carers of school aged children with autism, and their teachers. These workshops aim to improve the educational outcomes for children with autism by improving the partnerships between families and schools.

• Short Term Case Management - for families with a child or young person aged between nine and 18 years with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Case managers will assess your family's needs and links you to programs, activities, information and other resources that meet these needs.

Can you help me access the services I need?

Gateways Case Managers can help you find the services that will support your family in achieving its goals and living a great life.

Our Case Managers will identify programs applicable to you and will give you the information you need to contact the agencies that provide these services. Contact Gateways via Contact Us or on 5221 2984 for more details.

How can I meet other families just like mine? What is a Parent Support Group?

Families with children with a disability often say their most effective source of information is from other families in the same or similar situation.

Parent Support Groups offer you the chance to meet other families in your local area to exchange information and share experiences. Groups usually comprise parents/carers of children, who meet regularly for support, networking and information sharing.

Check out the list of Parent Support Groups to see if there is one operating in your area or contact Gateways via Contact Us or on 5221 2984.

I need someone to talk to.

Gateways' trained, professional staff do their best to help families who contact our organisation by directing them to the services they need.

Email us via Contact Us or phone 5221 2984 and we will help you find the best solution for your family.

If you are in crisis, it is outside business and you need help urgently phone:

• Lifeline on 13 11 44. Lifeline has trained volunteer counsellors ready to take calls 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

• Parentline on 13 22 89. Parentline is staffed from 8am to midnight weekends and from 10am to 10pm on weekends by trained counsellors ready to talk to you about the issues impacting upon your family.