For Crookwell local, Yvonne, the opening of Anglicare’s Disability Day Centre earlier this year meant the end of regular trips to Goulburn to access disability support for her 40 year old son, Mark who has Down Syndrome.
“It’s a relief to have a disability service like Anglicare’s based here for the young people in this community,” says Yvonne who lives with her husband on a property outside Crookwell. “My husband and I are in our 80s and we only go to Goulburn when we absolutely have to. It’s not as easy a drive any more. There’s more traffic. Without Anglicare, we’d have to find a way for Mark to go to the nearest service in Goulburn, which isn’t easy.”
COVID-19 restrictions have also had an impact on Mark and his family this year. “He has been at home for long stretches because of the lockdowns and it’s not good for him all the time. Mark enjoys the activities and the socializing he can do at the centre. And the Anglicare staff members really care for him,” says Yvonne. “Now that activities are running again, Mark is picked up by the Anglicare team and Mark gets to catch up with his friends. He’s pretty easy going. He likes to do word puzzles – he’s pretty good at that – and dancing and music. He like music really loud.”
For Yvonne and her husband, having a local centre with staff they know gives them peace of mind that Mark is cared for. The centre hours also give Yvonne, who is Mark’s primary carer, the ability during her day to shop and do other activities for herself.
Mark began his involvement with Anglicare when he was just 10 years old when he began taking part in weekend social activities, which also gave Yvonne and her husband some respite. “Over the years with Anglicare, I can’t fault anyone in the team,” says Yvonne. “They are cooperate, good people who have been so good to Mark over the years. They look after him as an individual even though he’s in a group. You don’t have to think twice about getting involved with Anglicare.”
For more information about Anglicare’s Disability Day Centres in Goulburn or Crookwell, call 4823 4000 or visit anglicare.com.au.
Pictured below: Mark with his parents at Anglicare’s Disability Day Centre in Crookwell.
