By Brendan Rees
A new respite centre has opened in Cranbourne to give much needed support to families and carers.
Blairlogie Living and Learning Inc has leased a brand new, nine unit facility which has started providing a home for people with a disability and respite for their full time carers.
Blairlogie chief executive Carolyn Carr said for too long people with a disability had very little choice when it came to accommodation.
She said the centre would provide affordable housing with access to appropriate supports to enable people with a disability to live as independently as possible.
“People are often forced to live in group homes, with people they do not know. This project offers people an alternative model of accommodation,” Ms Carr said.
Natalie, who asked not to reveal her surname, she was excited to move out of home for the first time and use the new facility.
She is waiting for her National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan to be finalised before moving into her unit.
“I am 47-years-old, I don’t want to live with mum and dad. This is a dream come true for me,” Natalie said.
Property owner of the accommodation site Colin Butler said he was delighted to be involved in a project that was benefiting people who were often marginalised.
“When the business and community sectors come together really exciting things can happen. We hope to do future projects with Blairlogie,” he said.
Blairlogie Living and Learning has been supporting people with a disability since 1987. For further information on their services and supports go to www.blairlogie.org.
