We support both families with children and young people who have a disability. We believe friendship and support are important cornerstones of a meaningful and fulfilling life. Our programs focus on building meaningful companionship and social experiences in the community through sport, arts, recreation and general participation in all life’s experiences.
Each young person or child and family have different goals. Our experienced Coordinators will work with you to help achieve those goals and have a fulfilling life.
Supporting someone you love with a disability can have its tough days. It can feel really isolating. It can be hard to find time for yourself and you might feel as though you’re the only person in the world who can’t seem to find the time to join in a club or activity or just catch up with a friend.
At Extended Families our services aren’t just about being there for your loved one, we’re about being there for you too. With programs of support, choosing Extended Families is choosing the life you and your family deserve.
Perhaps it’s a simple as you and your partner having the opportunity to go and see a movie together or for you to have lunch with a friend. All the while knowing your loved one is building friendships and connections, enjoying their own independent time with a skilled volunteer or carer.
Our programs and services that are available for children and young people with a disability and their families. Generally, we work participants up to 17 years of age and those with an NDIS plan or individual support package for young adults up to 30 years of age. We also have specific programs that particularly focus on supporting carers and parents too.
Check out our programs and services to see how we can help.
Our Individual volunteers provide genuine friendship, practical assistance and mentoring support to a child or young person, helping them develop important life skills. They also help them take part in social activities such as a variety of sport, recreation and leisure events that are of interest to the child. Some volunteer matches also provide direct support for the family.
Whether you need skills training to enable participation, support to overcome barriers to access mainstream services or assistance to access the community, LinC can provide it all.
Outings for children with a disability to explore new places and activities in the community, spend time together to develop friendships, experience new things and gain new skills. Outings are supported by a mix of paid workers and volunteers.
A one-off activity or program series that provides an opportunity for school aged children and young adults to try a variety of recreation activities in a group setting with support from staff, volunteers and facilitators. Activities cover a range of recreational interests including art, dance and sport. They aim to be a fun activity that also provides opportunity to develop friendship, social skills, communication and more.
We currently offer My Time peer support groups in Springvale and Deer Park and a play group program for pre-school children with autism which supports developmental play experiences. These groups are facilitated by a Vietnamese speaking worker.
Small to medium sized groups of children or young people with disabilities meet regularly, in a community venue and/or to access the community.
A weekend away for families held at a camp facility to enable positive connections, mutual support and fun experiences - a family holiday in a supported way.
Weekend or school holiday camps - facilitated opportunities for children and young people with disabilities to spend time at a camp location to develop connections, friendships, life-skills and confidence.
Extended Families provides independent support coordination to help you manage your plan.
Living with a disability can be difficult. We support people aged 0-30 and their families in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula to build friendships and connect with their community.
Read MoreSuite 1, 95 Bell Street
P.O.Box 275
Coburg Victoria 3058
