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“I grew up using hard drugs and was violent, and was scared about being a parent. But with help, I’m writing the book for my son of the life I never had…if my son has a happy life, then it makes me happy. So it’s also sort of re-writing part of my life.” Chris, Perth, Western Australia |
Ngatti House has provided residential services for young people with mental health issues since 2010. For the past two years the Ngatti team has worked with the young people in a recovery framework. In the past 12 months, many of the young people have moved into independent living, completed university degrees and gained employment; and one has returned to Ngatti House to complete on-the-job work experience.
We established a community garden during the year that incorporates many life skills associated with a kitchen garden as well as metal work, carpentry, cooking and, most importantly, socialisation skills. The Edith Cowan University Community Garden provided opportunities around cultivation and care of plants but clients were also encouraged to make furniture and artworks to feature in and around the garden area. Clients and support staff also worked together to collect food from the garden, and prepare and share a meal together. The program has fostered a sense of belonging, and encouraged social interaction and safe relationships.
Life Without Barriers and the Disability Services Commission partnered to provide services and assistance to 21 individuals through the Halls Creek Remote Area Strategy. The strategy supported people in remote areas where there are no permanent support agencies or representatives.
Our Reconciliation activities centred on developing community partnerships with Aboriginal Elders and partners to ensure all Life Without Barriers programs integrated with the local communities to ensure positive outcomes for all clients. During the year these included:
- formation of a monthly Reconciliation Action Plan meeting with South Perth Local Council with client membership.
- workforce development opportunities on client re-unification case studies. Our Kalgoorlie team shared a successful case study involved mentoring a father in parenting skills while providing care and support for the children.
- attendance at Aboriginal cultural events, including NAIDOC Week activities, to promote the opportunity for Aboriginal Carers.
- the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Thalngarr Ngarriny Aboriginal Corporation in Halls Creek to use a block on Aboriginal Land to provide an extension of services within the Remote Area Strategy Program.
In 2013, our team in the Kimberley region coordinated an Aboriginal Driver Training and Education Program for people in Broome, Kalgoorlie and the Dampier Peninsula. The program was established with the Department of the Attorney General to provide driving training to clients leaving the criminal justice system to aid in skills development and community education. The goal is to reduce involvement in the criminal justice system for driver related issues including driving without licence and management of fines. This program was developed to add to our services to improve and enhance the lives of the people we support. Obtaining a driver’s licence goes a long way towards improving people’s ability to participate in the workforce and engage in their local community.
