In-home senior visits keep loneliness at bay during pandemic times
As an older person, the social restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic hit Geelong resident Muriel particularly hard. She was not allowed to visit husband Ted, who lives with dementia at a nearby care facility, unable to make her regular...
New research into understanding childhood leisure activities
Congratulations to Gateways Support Services occupational therapist Emily Lugton on having her research into accurate reporting of children’s activity choices published. Occupational therapists are encouraged to use specific surveys – or scales – that allow...
A two-way street as Gateways Support Services helps a local manufacturer during COVID-19
When the initial threat of a COVID-19 outbreak hit, disability service providers across the nation were scrambling to source personal protective equipment to keep their staff and clients safe. So were many other sectors, which made finding sufficient...
An update on western Melbourne restrictions on Gateways’ services
As restrictions ease in many areas, I hope you have been able to safely enjoy a return to some of the activities and people you have missed over recent months. Here at our new North Geelong...
You asked, we listened: new programs for 16-20s
When Andrew turned 18, he was as keen as ever to participate in supported recreation groups but his interests didn’t match typical adult programs. So when he and his family heard that Gateways Support Services was starting two...
‘I’m so proud of myself’ – Robbie’s successful move into independent accommodation
For the parents of children with a disability, dreams of their son or daughter’s independence can be tenuous. So, it was no small celebration for Mandy and Tony when their son achieved his goal of moving out of home in March. Robbie, a Gateways Support Services participant of almost thirty years,...
Geelong Community Foundation grant enables sensory room for adults with autism
A dedicated sensory space will soon be created at our new North Geelong multi-purpose community site thanks to a generous donation by Geelong Community Foundation. The space will feature sensory equipment, a sound system and...
New bike track for North Geelong to boost wellbeing for children with disability
A new bike track is to be built at Gateways Support Services’ North Geelong site, thanks to the support of the Give Where You Live Foundation. The bike track will give children with disabilities the...
Flexible support ensures Jack keeps kicking goals
Lockdown measures have not stopped 17-year-old Gateway Support Services participant Jack enjoying activities and learning new skills – including the art of pancake flipping! His team of support workers have ensured Jack, who has Angelman syndrome, continues...
An update on your Gateways supports as pandemic restrictions ease
You will have seen updates to government advice around COVID-19 along with some easing of restrictions. I hope this has meant that you have been able to catch up with friends and families or at least...