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Just Looking After Me Today
Many of our parents find it difficult to come to terms with the stresses and strains of having a child with special needs.
Mothers, in particular, feel this intensely as they are often the major caregiver and give up their career to help their child.
They stress the need to take time out on a regular basis - to re-energise and recharge their batteries so that they can develop the level of stamina needed to act as carer and advocate for their child, in many cases for life. |
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Mothers also need opportunities for informal contact with others experiencing a similar life situation to help gain and provide support for each other. Often they cannot find someone in the same situation among their families and close friends. This kind of bonding is hugely significant as a strategy for helping mothers cope with situations that can prove to be life-long battles.
Without support groups and retreat programs, the relentless strain on society, families, relationships and parents will be reflected in higher depression rates, substance abuse and marital breakdown. There will also be the need for ever-increasing amounts of respite care and alternative accommodation for children with disabilities.
Just Looking After Me Today is a one-day retreat for mothers of children with disabilities and developmental delays whose children attend Learning Links' programs. They attend a workshop designed by psychotherapists to help cope with the life-long emotional toll and stress associated with raising a child with special needs. They are shown strategies to find peace regardless of circumstance, to manage intense emotions and to replenish energy.
Conducted through the media of music and discussion, the retreat program provides a nurturing and peaceful experience for mothers and the opportunity to bond with other mothers in similar circumstances.
The program gives mothers the chance to wind down and relax completely without distractions. They feel pampered and special themselves and are in a safe environment where their emotional needs are met. Many tell us they come away from the retreat feeling more empowered to manage their emotions and replenish their energy as they care for their child with special needs and the rest of their family.
Just Looking After Me Today is run by Heartcentre psychotherapists and participants help in planning the day and setting goals. A self-evaluation feedback sheet is provided at the end of the day for parents to complete.
The mothers are transported to and from the venue and their meals are provided, all at no cost to them. If needed, childcare is also available.
Learning Links offered this retreat to mothers in since 2002 and received a great deal of positive feedback and calls for it to be repeated.
The fee of Just Looking After Me Today for 14 participants is $3,110. The fee for one participant is $222.
Donations to Learning Links are tax deductible and receipted. You can give directly to this project.
How do I give?
Please send a cheque or your credit card details to:
Learning Links
12-14 Pindari Road
Peakhurst NSW 2210
(specifying that your donation is for "Just Looking After Me Today")
Or simply fill out the online donations form.
Is there an allowance for administrative fees? No, all money goes directly to fund Just Looking After Me Today.
Contact details for further information:
Robyn Collins, General Manager, Marketing & Fundraising
Telephone: (02) 8525 8249
Fax: (02) 9584 2054
Email: rcollins@learninglinks.org.au
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