Escapades

supports families of people with disabilities by providing respite through planned recreational and leisure activities.

The people who access our activities gain friendships and a variety of social activities and life experiences. They are cared for in a relaxed and supporting manner by a group of experienced staff who are committed to providing opportunities for others.

Activities take place on weekends and on weekdays during school holidays

Eligibility

People with a disability are eligible for our program if:-
*they live with a carer
*are aged from 6 to 65
*they live in the local government areas of Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Darebin and Yarra.

Cost

Escapades is a free service. However, a small fee is charged to cover the cost of activities. This is kept as low as possible and is usually $10 or less.

To Join

Contact the Program Manager at Escapades Respite Services at the address or phone number above. After a referral form is filled out the program manager will visit you to do an assessment.

Milparinka Mission Statement

To create sustainable positive differences through supporting people with disabilities to identify and access opportunities that enhances their happiness and quality of life.

Escapades and Milparinka

Escapades Moonee Valley - Maribyrnong - Darebin - Yarra, is a service operated by Milparinka Inc. as part of the State Governments “Great Breaks” initiative.

Milparinka Inc has engaged with people with disabilities for 50 years. From our two sites in Richmond and Brunswick we offer post school options to adults

We also support people with disabilities living in the community by offering respite opportunities to carers through our recreation and respite program.

Contact the Program Manager at Escapades Respite Services at the address or phone number above. After a referral form is filled out the program manager will visit you to do an assessment.

Milparinka Escapades

Recreational Respite Programs
Milparinka provides recreational respite programs for people who live in the cities of Yarra, Darebin, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley. These programs provide planned respite through recreation and leisure activities during weekends, holidays and some evenings.

The program is aimed at giving give carers a break while providing people who have a disability with an enjoyable time. The program is available to all people who have a disability, aged between 6 and 65 years and live with their family or unpaid carer in the areas identified above. If you live in supported accommodation services, such as a community residential unit, you are not eligible for this program.

The programs provide a range of exciting options for service users. Activities are designed to be appropriate for the ages and interests of participants in each group. These have been developed in consultation with, and feedback from, service users. In the past year activities have included, amongst others, ten pin bowling, AFL football, night time nature walks, dances, gymnastic clubs, movies, the sound house, parks and gardens, sailing, fishing and bike riding. We also attempt to support the use of natural and informal respite through supporting young people to join and play sport in local clubs on a weekly basis.

The programs are usually provided in regular, small groups which supports the development of ongoing relationships between participants. The support levels provided are flexible and are developed around the needs of the participants. This ensures that the program is accessible for people with higher staff support needs.

There are no fees for the service but participants are required to cover the costs of entry to activities where these occur. This usually ranges between approximately 5 and 15 dollars per activity.

Transport is provided on the day to and from activities. Participants are picked up and dropped off at convenient pick up points in each area.


We also have a number of specific program areas. These include:

Sports Support:

Respite through supporting individuals to access community sport and recreation clubs in the hope that, over time, these relationships will become self supporting.

The Lounge Room

A family developed and managed program which allows those aged 14-18 and 16-20 to meet informally and develop friendships. The Lounge Room occurs once a month on Saturday nights. This program also offers direct respite while working in several ways to strengthen the connections between families.

Aged Carers Support Program

Flexible respite packages for families where a carer is over 65 years of age (45 for indigenous families). Supports provided have so far included in home support, taxi vouchers so children can visit their friends, weekends away, group programs and supported recreation.


How Do You Access The Respite Program

Phone the Escapades Program Manager on 9381 1380. You will be forwarded some forms to complete and we will arrange to come out and meet you to talk about the program. Please note that there is far greater demand for this service than we are able to respond to so there may be a delay before people can access the program after they apply.

You can also contact the program manager by e-mail at escapades@milparinka.org.au