Alex is an IOE mum with two boys on the autism spectrum, who describes the autism journey as ‘very close to her heart’. She and her family have been a part of the IOE community for a number of years and have been attending the Different Journeys  ASD teen social events since the program’s inception.

‘I walked on behalf of Different Journeys as part of of the April ‘Walk for Autism’ campaign to raise money for Autism Spectrum Australia. The basic requirement was to walk 10,000 steps a day (roughly 6kms) for 8 days. I knew that would not be difficult for me so I upped that target to 15-20kms a day. I happily achieved that target by walking 193kms over the 8 days and raising just over $800 on behalf of Different Journeys – well over my original expectations. My son Thomas and I finished our walk on Sunday by walking from our house in Wantirna to Club Kilsyth (the venue for our monthly meeting) where we had dinner with the Different Journeys ASD support group. A fitting finish to our fundraising efforts.

My boys love going to Different Journeys social group each month and my husband I love going and interacting with the other parents and carers for a relaxed evening. We have been going since the very beginning when there probably were only about 10 teenagers. It has been an overwhelming success and the group now has roughly 100 people attend each month. It is a busy night, but everyone loves it and the night is so much fun for everyone.’   Alex E

If you would like to add to Alex’s fundraising total and support Autism Australia , she is still accepting donations via her fundraising page:  https://walk-for-autism-2018.everydayhero.com/au/different-journeys-walk-for-autism/wizard/share

Your Mind Matters, IOE’s contribution to Victorian Youth Week (13-22 April 2018), offered an insight into mental health issues experienced by youth.

Around 50 young people came along to the event to hear the stories of a number of young people from diverse situations who are dealing with their own mental health issues including depression, anxiety and extreme stress.

Individual stories and a meditation session were followed by a ‘truth and acceptance’ game run by Sarah Ward founder of the youth Misfit Project. The game aimed to get people to honestly own certain issues, therefore bringing them into the open and validating them and providing acceptance and recognition by the group.

Participants then took part in some sensory and mindfulness activities putting them in touch with different sensations and relaxation techniques.

The final session of the day consisted of a Q and A with a panel of six young people who gave intelligent and insightful answers which were informed by their own experiences of dealing with personal mental health issues. Questions revolved around such things as: starting the mental health conversation, advice for parents, how to support friends, taking care of yourself, recognising triggers and generally putting coping strategies in place.

The overwhelming message of the day was that, if you are experiencing mental health issues, you are not alone. Support keywords from the day were: listen, be there and validate. And for those experiencing issues: seek support, care for yourself, develop strategies and most importantly, remember mental health issues are not something to be ashamed of, don’t be afraid to bring them into the open!

A great event to raise awareness and provide support which was made possible through funding from the Victorian Government. .

IOE’s Yarraburn site is continuing to make life that little bit better for many Yarra Valley families.

One program that is really making a difference is the service Yarraburn provides for the area’s young adults with disabilities. With very few opportunities available for those who were no longer at school, IOE answered the need and started up a program, running three days of the week, which would provide opportunities for activity, skills development, independence and general wellbeing.

Each Monday during term, the focus is on health and fitness. The program is designed to challenge the physical limits of the group and push their comfort zone with activities such as caving, kayacking and climbing. Bit by bit fitness levels are improving to the extent that the group recently took part in a 10km community run to raise funds for the local CFA and SES. Testament to their improved fitness, they all completed the event! Parents too have remarked on the fact that their young adults are looking and feeling fitter, healthier and happier as a result of their intensive once a week fitness program.

The other two days of the service are taken up with running a small enterprise program and supporting participants to reach individual goals. The group learn skills to become job ready, make connections in their community and build their confidence and independence. One of the skills they have been learning is plant propagation and they have had the satisfaction of being able to successfully sell their plants at local markets. They are all buzzing with excitement at having a plant stand at the Yarra Valley’s upcoming Ectopia Festival which celebrates cultural diversity and sustainability.

Next thing on the list for Yarraburn to tackle is adult recreation – also sadly lacking in the Valley. Plans are in place for a once a month Saturday activity where a small group heads off to enjoy some of Melbourne and the Valleys many activities and events. And weekend camps are just over the horizon!

Currently there are still vacancies for Yarraburn’s adult services. Give them a call on 5967 2029 or email yarraburn@ioe.org.au and see what they have to offer.