Deputy Lord Mayor Linda Scott Officially Opens New Learning Links Centre in Alexandria

On 11th April, Linda Scott, Deputy Lord Mayor and City of Sydney Councillor, officially opened Learning Links’ newest centre in Alexandria – its first in the inner city of Sydney.

The Learning Centre features four modern therapy rooms to accommodate the growing demand for support services for children with learning difficulties and disabilities and their families. From the site, Learning Links professionals will provide a range of supports including speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational support for literacy and numeracy, assessments and psychological intervention to help children to reach their full learning potential.

“There are enormous pressures that parents and families face when they have a child with disability or learning difficulty. These families need support and care and they need it provided in a way that is evidence-based and accessible. I think the work that Learning Links is doing is really wonderful and just so important in preventing students from falling through the gaps in our education system,” said Linda Scott, Deputy Lord Mayor.

Learning Links has over 45 years’ experience in supporting children with learning difficulties and disabilities including ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, fine and gross motor delays, and speech and language delays. Children struggling with these conditions are often anxious, have trouble communicating and interacting with others, and many have behavioural issues. Early intervention for young children who experience developmental delays is critical to mitigate the risk of poor educational outcomes later in life.

“Learning Links is passionate about working with the community and we are excited to bring our expertise to Alexandria and a new area of Sydney. With up to 15% of all children in Australia having learning difficulties, there is a real need for additional support. We still have a very high proportion of students who are left behind at school. The gap between those children and their peers continues to widen over time and we know there’s a strong correlation between those difficulties and a whole host of mental health issues, disengagement issues and ultimately social issues,” said Birgitte Maibom, Learning Links CEO.

“Our focus is to work closely with families and schools to empower children to thrive and succeed no matter their ability. This means providing children with that extra bit of help, so they can reach their full potential. Our vision is to support a community where learning difficulties are no longer a barrier to a fulfilling life.”

Learning Links is a not-for-profit charitable organisation established in 1972 by parents concerned about the lack of appropriate education and support services for children with learning difficulties. Learning Links works with these children, their families and schools offering tailored programs and services to improve the children’s learning, wellbeing and participation helping them reach their full potential.

Learning Links Alexandria is located in Suite 3, Level 1, 140 Bourke Road (not too far from The Grounds). There is free parking available in surrounding streets and low-cost parking on site at the business centre.

Families interested in accessing support services in Alexandria can call (02) 8525 8250 or enquire here.