I was delighted that three businesses in the region have secured over $2.8 million in grant funding from the NSW Government’s Disability Sector Scale-Up program last week. Royal Far West, MacKillop Rural Community and the Centre for Disability Services received the funding to help them make the most of the NDIS rollout.
SENIORS BACK IN THE GAME
More local seniors will be set to hit the courts and sporting fields in the coming months, as a further three sporting codes offer modified rules for players over 65 years of age.
The NSW Government is investing an additional $100,000 to get Basketball, Softball and Table Tennis NSW on board with a modified program, whilst also expanding the successful pilot with Football NSW.
Sport has the power to create community spirit and it is important that all members of our community can join in, regardless of their age.
I encourage all seniors in our community to participate in a modified sport so they can enjoy the benefits of physical activity and social interaction.
Since May 2017, the NSW Government has provided $200,000 to six sporting codes to implement modified sporting programs for NSW seniors.
For more information or to register, please contact the sporting associations below or visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/modifiedsport.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Adolescents, adults and their families and friends in the region will have better access to mental health support for personality disorders, as staff in the Western NSW Local Health District are set to receive more training about the condition.
The extra training is part of the NSW Government’s further investment of $5.5 million in the Project Air Strategy.
This is great news for people in the region who live with a personality disorder and it is great news for those close to them who are often impacted and need support too.
There are young people in our community who need this specialised treatment and I’m very pleased that project Air will continue to help people with more booster training for our staff and the opportunity for them to join the newly established ‘Air Academy’.
The Project Air Strategy ensures earlier diagnoses of a personality disorder while also reducing the time spent in hospital due to access to more tailored treatments. Today’s announcement will help the strategy expand to all health districts in NSW.
The NSW Government’s overall investment in the Project Air Strategy will now be more than $11 million since 2011.
There are several types of personality disorders including borderline, antisocial, narcissistic and obsessive-compulsive, with treatment often involving evidence-based psychological therapy to help the person understand their feelings and improve their relationships.
People experiencing a personality disorder represent about 25 per cent of mental health presentations to emergency departments and admissions to the State mental health inpatient units.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support phone Lifeline 13 11 14. For more information about Project Air Strategy and for resources about personality disorders visit www.projectairstrategy.org.
Until next week
Troy