Life Without Barriers in Tasmania was awarded a three-year funding agreement through the National Partnership Agreement on improving health services to deliver individualised community-based support for young people aged between 12-18 years of age with, or at risk of developing, severe mental illness. Called #iConnect, the service will assist clients of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and/or Forensic Health Services and their families to implement recommended therapeutic interventions, develop and sustain positive relationships with family and peers and re-engage in appropriate education and training options.
We were the charity partner for Agfest, an annual event attracting over 65,000 people. Life Without Barreiers was chosen because of its work across a number of sectors supporting the Tasmanian community, including disability services, mental health programs, foster care and refugee and asylum seeker support. The funds donated were used towards a professional treatment table for the Rocherlea Centre’s Disability Program and refit of the personal care room.
In August 2013, Life Without Barriers extended its Support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers program into Tasmania to take on the care and support for 56 unaccompanied minors. Being a national organisation enabled this LWB service to be established quickly to meet government expectations.
Six men made the most of a valuable opportunity to gain new skills, increase their social interaction and contribute to the community through a healthy food delivery program – the Veggie Box. The men sourced the produce from local farms, and delivered them to people unable to get to the grocery store themselves. Through the program they established ongoing relationships with community members, developed new friendships and contributed to the capacity of the community to source fresh, healthy food.
Staff recognition awards 2014
| Breakthrough Award: Libby Richardson, Tasmania, for establishing Tasmania’s School and Family Disability Liaison and Meditation Service in 2010 |