People with disability and their families and carers across Tasmania will be able to improve social connection and gain practical skills through a new initiative.
The Australian Government is providing almost $1.25 million to New Horizons Tasmania to deliver the Live Well project.
The project has three inter-connected streams to improve the lives of those with disability, their families and carers – skills development, family capacity, and leadership pathways.
It aims to give people with disability new confidence & independence, by teaching them practical skills for everyday life and tailored support for key transition points.
It also empowers people with disabilities to take up leadership and advocacy roles and helps them to build social connections and peer networks.
For families and carers, the project aims to strengthen their ability to support loved ones, improve their understanding of their rights and available services, and connect them with supportive networks to reduce isolation.
New Horizons Tasmania is one of 38 organisations to share in $50 million delivered through phase one of the government’s reformed Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Program’s Individual and Family Capacity Building stream.
A further $40 million is being delivered to 24 organisations through the reformed ILC Program’s Information, Advice and Referral stream.
This first phase of the reformed ILC Program will fund eligible organisations to deliver critical projects focused on strengthening outcomes for people with disability across Australia, while the government considers longer term reforms to the program.
The government is reforming the program to improve the consistency, quality and national coverage of projects to support people with disability, their carers and families.
More information about the ILC Program is available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
Quotes attributable to NDIS Minister, Senator Jenny McAllister:
“We want all people with disability and their families to access a broad network of supports and services on the ground in their communities.
“Organizations like New Horizons have been granted Commonwealth funding to do just that.
“Teaching people with disability about how to maintain a healthy diet is crucial to improving their quality of life and promoting independence."
Quotes Attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White:
"Living with a disability can shape every part of a person’s life and without the right support can lead to isolation.
“New Horizons Tasmania is helping people living with a disability to develop practical skills for everyday life while also creating stronger social connections with their peers and support families and carers who are part of that journey.
“This investment from the Albanese Government will help more Tasmanians living with disability access that support close to home.”
Quotes Attributable to Federal Member for Bass, Jess Teesdale:
“New Horizons Tasmania does incredible work supporting people with disability to build confidence, independence and real connection in their communities. Their programs create opportunities for people to develop practical skills, strengthen relationships and have their voices heard.
“This investment means more Tasmanians will be able to access that support, whether that’s building everyday life skills, finding peer networks, or stepping into leadership and advocacy roles within their community.
“It also recognises that strong support around a person includes their families and carers. By reducing isolation and creating better connections, this funding will help ensure carers feel supported too.”
Quotes Attributable to Helen Polley, Senator for Tasmania:
“The Albanese Labor Government believes every Tasmanian deserves to live in dignity and have every opportunity to live their best life. This crucial investment will provide people in Northern Tasmania living with a disability more support, choice and agency.
“New Horizons provides an amazing service within our community delivering independence and strengthening community ties so this funding will ensure they can continue to deliver for people with a disability.”