Respite
The ‘focus’ respite program has been established to provide respite for families of people with a disability, within the age range of 5-65 years, who are eligible for service though the Intellectually Disabled Persons’ Services (IDPS) Act 1986 or the Disability Services Act 1991.

“Respite provides short term and time limited breaks for families on a planned or emergency basis, to support and maintain the primary carer relationship while providing a positive experience for the person with a disability”.

Respite means providing parents or carers with a break from their usual caring role and it can take many different forms depending on the needs of individuals and the funding available.

Respite services currently offered by ‘focus’ are:

Art/Drama – Saturdays 10am – 3pm in our purpose built facility in Dromana, with the opportunity to exhibit in our annual Art Show.

Weekend Camps – In partnership with the YMCA, camps are held every 3 months.
Through these camps, we seek to give participants a fun filled and exciting weekend away, by providing stimulating activities within a safe environment. The camps commence on Friday evening and conclude on Sunday afternoon.

Holiday Respite – Support can be provided to families to enable them to have a holiday on the Mornington Peninsula. This support can be provided within the holiday venue itself, which may be either our own fully equipped ‘cottage’ in Dromana, or a venue of your choosing. Alternatively, the support can be provided through planned activities for the person, which are away from the venue.
Either way, we can provide support to allow the family to participate in activities independently from the person with a disability, or enable the person with a disability to have some time for activities away from the family. The choice will be up to you.

The ‘focus’ holiday cottage is situated in a ‘leafy’ and quiet part of Dromana, less than a 10 minute walk to the beautiful Dromana Beach, and only 15 minutes walk to the shopping complex. It is within easy reach of the wineries, restaurants, bushwalks and other attractions along the Mornington Peninsula.

In summary, we can assist with a variety of planned and flexible, age appropriate activities for individuals or small to medium sized groups, depending on the wishes of the person.


Art Program

An art program for adults with a disability, providing respite for their families.

Eligibility:

  • Be over 18 years old
  • Have an intellectual, physical/sensory disability living at home with family/carer
Outcomes:

  • Creating the individual artist
  • Opportunity to succeed
  • Exposure to different techniques
  • Meet new friends
  • Express yourself at your own pace
  • Builds self esteem, inspiring
  • Opportunity to exhibit work in the annual art show
  • Sell to the general population
  • Person centered philosophy challenging and encouraging independence
  • Creative and fun activities for all participants
  • Individually designed to allow each person to participate
  • Opportunity to establish social interactions within the local community
  • Providing positive experiences and enhancing individual development
Staff trained and experienced in:

  • Individualising supports
  • Building on peoples strengths
  • Expression through art
  • Exposure to different techniques and mediums
  • Creating a relaxed, learning atmosphere
  • Utilising peoples interests as a creative base
  • Building self confidence

When and where:

With the close proximity to the beach and other tourist attractions along the Mornington Peninsula, we have the capacity to change the activities to suit the needs of the participants on a given day.

$5 per session.

Address: 7 Beach St, Dromana
Saturdays 10am - 3pm

Phone our Outreach Co-ordinator on 59870988 for more information

Limited to 8 participants

Click here to view the Art Program brochure in PDF format


Holiday Support Program

Do you have a family member with a disability?

Would you like support on a family holiday?



Providing quality care so you can get the most out of your holiday.

Caring, well trained staff available.

We will provide a positive experience for the whole family while you holiday on the Mornington Peninsula.

Phone our Outreach Co-ordniator on 5976 0904 for more information.

Funded through the generous support of guests at the Lee Freedman Late Mail Luncheon.

focus individualised support services can provide support so the whole family can enjoy a holiday on the Mornington Peninsula.

Our aim is to enhance the opportunities for people with a disability to enjoy a holiday with their family on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

Eligibility:
People with an intellectual, physical/sensory disability and their families.

Aged between 15 and 65 years holidaying on the Mornington Peninsula.

Support available throughout the year.

Personal Care:
Planned supported activities for the person with a disability.

Support within the holiday venue to allow the family to participate in activities independantly from the person with a disability.

Click here to view the Holiday Support brochure in PDF format