Lifestyle facility offers programs, carer respite

ROUSE Hill will be home to the first Lifestyle Centre for people with a disability in northwestern Sydney.

The Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) CEO Steven Herald

ROUSE Hill will be home to the first Lifestyle Centre for people with a disability in northwestern Sydney.

The Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) is opening the service in November and has plans to purchase further properties in The Ponds and Kellyville to expand on their aim of providing greater person-centred programs and activities for people with a disability in the community.

Afford CEO Steven Herald said the Lifestyle Centre planned for Rouse Hill will be situated in a residential four- to five-bedroom home and will offer programs for adults with a disability.

“Generally parents or carers of people with a disability who are aged 17 and older are left wondering what is going to happen to them now,’’ Mr Herald said.

“The centre will run such programs as art, dance and sensory, plus offer community outings specifically tailored for each person’s needs.

“Our aim is to provide innovative and flexible high-quality support to enhance lifestyle, learning and vocational opportunities for people with a disability, their families and carers.’’

Afford also has Lifestyle Centres in Blacktown, Kings Park and Windsor.

“As this area of Sydney is expanding at such a fast rate, I think it is very important we are able to bring this service into the area,’’ Mr Herald said.

Afford doesn’t just run Lifestyle Centres, it also has a Your Employment Service Solution program available in Riverstone and Blacktown.

Plus, it offers assistance in regards to accommodation and learning life skills to become more independent, and help for people to organise leisure and travel opportunities.

For more details visit afford.com.au or email [e-mail]