Birthday celebrations for Southern Tasmania’s newest disability respite service have kicked off to the tune of $10,000.
While celebrating the first birthday of the Seven Mile Beach Retreat, Possability welcomed a $10,000 grant from the Commonwealth Bank Community Grants program to make the facility wheelchair accessible.
Possability CEO Glenn Campbell said the not-for-profit organisation purchased the respite facility in 2014, after it recognised the need for more respite support services in the Hobart area.
“Seven Mile Beach Retreat provides respite services and accommodation for clients transitioning to independence and we would like to thank the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) for their support with this,” Mr Campbell said.
“Contributions from businesses like the CBA, combined with money raised from fundraising initiatives, as well as investing our own funds, mean we will now be able work towards opening support up to another 60 Tasmanian families.
“As the sector moves into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), community grants and fundraising play an important role in allowing us to create innovative and supportive environments for clients.”
Mr Campbell said the $10,000 grant will go towards developing a wheelchair accessible bathroom, including the installation of an adjustable bath, non-slip flooring and a wet area shower, as well as fitting tracking and hoists for clients.
“Tasmania’s NDIS trial cohort is 15-24 year olds, so this is currently a youth respite service, and with no youth respite services currently available in Southern Tasmania, this is a first,” Mr Campbell said.
“The Australian Bureau of Statistic stated in 2010, that nationally 42,000 primary carers require more assistance with respite, so Possability has been aiming to lead the way on providing quality innovative support services in Tasmania.
“The development of this service is about providing support to clients, families and support workers to ensure clients are on a positive path to achieving their goals.”