Peer-led disability support group proposed

Brianna Matthews, from Gippsland Disability Advocacy met recently with a number of community members to discuss establishing a Peer Led Support Group for people with disability across Gippsland, including one on Phillip Island.

The aim of such groups is to increase the capacity, rights, confidence, sharing of information by people with disability; and to support members to become confident to voice their concerns.

“We really want the groups to be meaningful to the participants,” she said.

An initial meeting will be held on September 6 at 10am at the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL).

Morning tea will be provided, and transport can be arranged if needed. It’s a cost-free event for anyone over 18 years old who is living in the Phillip Island community and surrounds with disability.

Brianna is currently seeking expressions of interest from anyone who would like to join the peer support group or would like more information.

“We would really love to hear from you,” she said. 

Brianna can be contacted on 0447 033 967. Please RSVP for the meeting by August 30.

At the recent meeting with the representative community members in Cowes, major challenges and inequities in the delivery of health and mental health services for people living with disability on Phillip Island were discussed.

Community members identified the lack of representation from disability providers, services and government funding on Phillip Island as of major concern. 

“How do we get support to the island, to get support for people on NDIS, and those who have been rejected by NDIS,” was a question posed by PIMHAG president Peter Paul.

“They need access to an advocate.

“The government says people have a right to be treated locally, but this not happening,” he commented.

“We don’t have anything in this entire area.”