Ability Links is a support service for people aged between nine and 64 years with a disability, or carers and family of people with a disability, who are not accessing the traditional disability service system.
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The program aims to help people set goals, build confidence, develop networks and increase opportunities.
Ros Sampson will be the local ‘linker’ and joins a team of six throughout the wider region working under the Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre banner.
Ms Sampson said the Aboriginal community tended to “look after their own” so were not always engaging with community services.
Her job is to work with community members to identify residents who may need support, approach them and offer assistance to link with the appropriate people or organisations.
“A lot of the times parents will raise a child with a disability but that child outlives the parents so has never engaged with services before,” she said.
Having lived in Moree previously Ms Sampson hopes said she knew the area and the people well.
“I think they will be more accepting of me approaching them rather than someone they are unfamiliar with,” she said.
Ms Sampson said this was not a one-off service and residents could come back as many times as they liked.
The Ability Links program is free and residents do not need a referral to use the service.
To speak with your local linker you can contact Ros on 0437 886 305 for the Moree or Narrabri region or call 6764 30999 for other North West/New England areas.