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AUTISM HELP

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The Interchange Program
The Interchange Program matches a person with a disability with a volunteer, who include them in their family activities on a regular basis.

What is the Interchange Program?

The Interchange Program matches a person with a disability with a volunteer host / host family who include them in their family activities on a regular basis.

Volunteer hosts receive orientation, training and ongoing support from qualified Interchange Program Workers.

Who benefits from the Interchange Program?

Children Benefit - with new friendships! Having friends gives everyone a real boost and opens up a whole new range of experiences.

“I love going to my host family… I get to do lots of different things” - 16 year old Interchange Participant

Parents Benefit  - With a regular break! The child’s family can plan special weekends for recreation, renewal and uninterrupted time with their other children.

“Mary’s Interchange Hosts are very special for us because they are people who choose to be her friends (rather than paid carers).” - Interchange Parent

Hosts Benefit  - A rewarding experience! Caring for someone with a disability is a stimulating and enriching experience for all involved.

“Our children have gained so much from their friendship with Jane.” - Interchange Host

Who can be an Interchange volunteer?

Interchange volunteers are everyday people with no special qualifications. Volunteers can be a couple, with or without children, single people, young adults or grandparents.

What do Interchange volunteers do?

Interchange volunteers provide regular respite care for their Interchange child/young person and involve them in family activities, providing new experiences.

How do I find out more?

For more information please contact Gateways Interchange workers via Contact Us or by phoning 5221 2984.    

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HAPI faces at awards launch

HAPI faces at awards launch

There were plenty of HAPI faces at the recent launch of the Gateways HAPI (Helping Achieve Positive Inclusion) Awards at Kardinia Kids Early Learning & Care in Bell Post Hill.

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OUR PROGRAMS

Geelong School Holiday Program

The Geelong School Holiday Program gives children and young people with disabilities/additional needs the chance to take part in leisure activities and meet with their friends during the school holidays.
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Respite for Carers of People who are Frail Aged

Flexicare is a flexible respite program that provides in-home and community-based respite for families, who are the primary caregivers of a person who is frail aged.
> Read More.

The Interchange Program

The Interchange Program matches a person with a disability with a volunteer, who include them in their family activities on a regular basis.
> Read More.

Boost 4 Kids respite

Out-of-home respite for children and young people with complex medical health needs.
> Read More.

The Get Up & Go Club

The Get Up and Go Club supports young adults with disabilities/additional needs by giving them an opportunity to maintain frienships by providing a range of social and leisure activities.
> Read More.

Prime Movers

Prime Movers is part of the Flexicare program - a flexible respite program that provides in-home and community-based respite for families, who are the primary caregivers of a family member with dementia.
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Flexicare Children's Respite

Flexicare is a flexible respite program that provides in-home and community-based respite for families in the Greater Geelong area, who are the primary caregivers of a child with a disability, who has high support needs.
> Read More.

Flexicare Adult's Respite

Flexicare is a flexible respite program that provides in-home and community-based respite for families, who are the primary caregivers of an adult with a disability, and have high support needs.
> Read More.

Respite for Carers of People with Dementia

Flexicare is a flexible respite program that provides in-home and community-based respite for families, who are the primary caregivers of a family member with dementia.
> Read More.

Parent to Parent Support

Families of children with a disability/additional needs often say that their most effective source of information is other families in the same situation.
> Read More.