The Parent Support Network Eastern Region, provides support for carers, parents and families that have children with a disability. The group provides this support through providing access to support groups, advocacy support, art therapy groups, activities and a quarterly newsletter.

This evening I attended the launch of Coloured Emotions an art exhibition which was the result of an art therapy group through the Parent Support Network. The Art Therapy program allowed these carers to express their emotion through art in a supportive environment.

The artwork demonstrated the stress and challenges involved in caring for a child with a disability and the need for peer support. The raw emotion conveyed the many issues faced by the participants, including the uncertainty surrounding funding for such groups. ‘I want the funding bodies to see this and see the need for groups within the community to stop isolation’, was one of the quotes provided by an artist in the exhibition and it is clear we need a greater level of support in our community for people with disabilities and their carers.

Maroondah Council is currently reviewing its Disability Plan and will commence a workshop in mid to late March to seek community input into this plan.

For more information on the Parent Support Network please visit www.psn-emr.com.au.