Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan today congratulated St Andrews Village on its innovative Indigenous Respite programme that has sparked interest from around the country.
Mr Hogan visited the St Andrews Village after it received a Federal Government grant of $169,000 for its Respite Programme tailored to meet the needs of the region’s indigenous people.
“As far as I am aware, there is no other Respite programme in the country that is designed to help older Aboriginals in such as culturally sensitive way,” Mr Hogan said.
St Andrews’ Indigenous in Community Respite Programme has 20 participants and is designed to encourage social interaction for Aboriginals aged 50-years and over.
Working with other service providers like Community Transport, St Andrews’ Indigenous in Community Respite Programme recently organised a five-day bus trip from Ballina to Moree – known as ‘Beach to Bush’.
Along the way the bus stopped at Indigenous communities so participants could meet, talk and share their experiences with Aboriginal Elders from other regions.
Mr Hogan said the National Respite for Carers Program is one of several initiatives designed to support and assist relatives and friends caring at home for people who are unable to care for themselves because of disability or frailty.
“If you are caring for a person who needs help with various tasks at home or in the community, it is often rewarding but can also present challenges,” he said.
“With this in mind, you may need some extra help every now and then, including a short break from your caring role. This is where the National Respite for Carers Program may be able to help.”
