Local community support organisation Carinity is expanding its range of services available in the Scenic Rim district.
Their counselling centre, Illoura, which has supported the mental health of locals for over 30 years, will now meet the growing demand for programs designed specifically for people with disability.
Carinity Therapist Samantha Caves said the revamped community service would allow people covered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to access therapeutic supports with no out of pocket expenses.
“We understand the challenges faced by individuals living with disability and believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life,” Ms Caves said.
“Our caring team are passionate about providing strategies that empower people to achieve their goals.
“These could relate to emotional regulation, social relationships, cognitive difficulties, social inclusion or adjustment of a new disability.”
Illoura’s expanded services will include counselling for children and adults, family therapy, early childhood supports, art therapy, play therapy and expressive therapies.
Ms Caves said there was strong evidence for the benefits of these types of therapies, including for people with physical, psychosocial, sensory, cognitive, neurological and intellectual disabilities.
“We offer an inclusive approach to supporting your mental wellbeing and helping you to achieve positive and lasting changes,” she said.
“We can also help develop skills for parents and carers to understand neurodiversity with children and adolescents.”
As NDIS counselling and therapies are new services to Illoura, there are currently no wait times, with appointments available now in person or via telehealth.
Carinity also plans to open the doors to their Beaudesert premises at Duckett Street for group activities like cooking and gardening for people with disability, along with programs for the wider community like education and vocational learning courses.
To find out more visit carinity.org.au/illoura or call 5541 1955.
