Fun school holiday initiative helps foster independence

INVOLVED: Teen Club participant Amelia Dalgilesh getting creative and making a unique tie dye shirt with Cara support worker Tara Leatch and team leader Bianca Howley.

ACTIVITIES: Teen Club participant Amelia Dalgilesh and Cara team leader Bianca Howley enjoy making a creative tie dye shirt. Pictures: AMELIA PEPE

TEENAGERS with disabilities in the region are benefiting from a fun and interactive new program during the school holidays.

Teen Club provides teenagers aged 13 to 17 with the opportunity to grow and develop their independence, while fostering friendships with their peers.

Teen Club, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the July school holidays and monthly on a Saturday, provides teens with the opportunity to meet their goals under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The launch of Teen Club follows the introduction of the Kids Club program in Mount Gambier in October last year and the first South East Camps for Kids in April.

Teen Club provides a personalised setting for up to six teenagers while Kids Club is available for children aged four to 12 and can support up to 12 participants.

Mount Gambier-based Cara manager Kylie Withers said Teen Club grew out of a need to provide age-appropriate activities for teenagers, while encouraging them to become more independent.

“Many of our customers met and bonded at our first South East Camp for Kids and we wanted to provide a welcoming environment for those friendships to grow,” Ms Withers said.

“Teen Club offers centre-based activities, as well as age-appropriate outings such as bowling, nature walks or enjoying a meal at a local cafe or restaurant.

“It is a wonderful program and we are really pleased to be able to provide this support to local teenagers and families in the area.”

INVOLVED: Teen Club participant Amelia Dalgilesh getting creative and making a unique tie dye shirt with Cara support worker Tara Leatch and team leader Bianca Howley.