Friday 22 November marked the grand opening of Learning Links’ newest Learning Centre at SOMA Wellness in Gledswood Hills. The centre provides a range of programs including speech therapy, educational support for literacy and numeracy, assessments and psychological intervention to help children throughout the Macarthur region who have difficulties learning.
Learning Links was grateful to have Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, at the event to cut the ribbon and share the celebration with a diverse group from the local community, including members of government, schools, early childhood centres, disability providers and healthcare services.
“In the past, children struggling with learning difficulties and learning disabilities in the local area would have had to travel to get support services. We now have a fantastic facility to assist them on their doorstep with the opening of Learning Links in Gledswood Hills. It was my pleasure to help open the centre and I look forward to seeing many local families and schools benefit,” said Cr Fedeli.
In Australia, up to 15% of children have learning difficulties and are in need of additional support to ensure they have the skills to reach their full potential at school and in the future. As the fastest growing area in NSW, the demand for specialist services in the Camden LGA and broader Macarthur region is high.
Since the Gledswood Hills centre began offering services in June of this year, Learning Links’ professionals have provided educational support, speech therapy, psychological intervention and group programs for over 160 children already. The organisation has worked in partnership with 18 schools in the region to run in-school speech and psychology programs for 188 students, Reading and Counting for Life programs for 128 students and educational workshops for over 50 parents. Professional development courses have also given 91 teachers and early childhood professionals the opportunity to gain knowledge and practical strategies to support students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Campbelltown Public School is one of the schools Learning Links has partnered with to provide support for some of its students. Rebecca Eyles, Relieving Assistant Principal, said, “Learning Links has been a fantastic resource for our students and families. The growth in student achievement and confidence is outstanding.”
Learning Links CEO, Birgitte Maibom, said, “Learning Links is thrilled to be working closely with so many families, schools and organisations in the Macarthur region already. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of this ever-changing community and we look forward to growing alongside it in the years to come.”
“In the last year, we were able to support almost 4000 children with learning difficulties and disabilities, including those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech and language delays, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Our goal is to not just empower these children with the skills to learn at school, but to also help them build confidence in themselves, no matter what their ability is. Without the right support, children who struggle to learn can face a lifetime of disadvantage. That’s why Learning Links is dedicated to expanding our reach to families, schools and communities in new areas, to prevent this from happening to as many children as possible”, said Birgitte Maibom, Learning Links CEO.
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 learning, confidence and participation. Our vision is to create a community where difficulties learning are no longer a barrier to a fulfilling life.
Learning Links Gledswood Hills is located at Suite 7 (Level 1) SOMA Wellness, 7 Gregory Hills Dr, Gledswood Hills NSW 2557.