Family Support & Respite
Giving Parents A Time to Breathe Again
Caring for a loved one is an incredible journey, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. That’s where family support and respite step in.
These services aren’t just about helping your child or young adult - they’re about supporting you, too.
Everyone deserves moments to rest, reconnect, and recharge, and our goal is to make that possible for families.
Taking Care of Your Family, Together
Every family is different. Some parents need a few hours to run errands, while others are looking for a full day to spend time with their partner.
We want to give parents the choice to have date days, where they can go out and enjoy some normality in their lives. It’s about giving families the flexibility to create the balance they need.
Respite isn’t just about stepping in to help - it’s about creating an environment where you feel confident your child or young adult is in caring hands.
For many families, knowing their son or daughter is happy, safe, and supported makes those moments of rest feel possible.
More Than Just Care
Building Connections with Your Child
Support and respite services aren’t just about filling time. They’re about creating opportunities for your son or daughter to connect, grow, and enjoy their day.
Whether it’s exploring local parks, enjoying sensory activities, or simply spending time with a carer who understands their needs, every experience is meaningful.
At Stuart Park in Wollongong, for example, your child can enjoy wheelchair-accessible play equipment, a sensory garden filled with plants to touch and smell, and flat pathways that make exploration easy and fun.
For a young adult who loves nature, this type of outing can be the highlight of their week, filled with laughter and discovery.
Giving Families Real Support… The Way It Should Be
It’s not just about the moments you step away - it’s about what happens when you return.
Families often share how much they value having trusted carers who create a sense of continuity and understanding.
Knowing your son or daughter is in the hands of someone who knows their routines and preferences makes all the difference.
Respite can give you the confidence to enjoy an evening out for the first time in years.
Your child will be happy to stay with their carer because they will have built a bond over outings and activities.
This trust allows parents to reconnect and return feeling recharged.
Flexible Support to Fit What Your Family Needs
Life is unpredictable, and that’s why flexibility is so important.
Whether you need a regular schedule or occasional help, the focus is always on making sure your family gets the support you need.
This could mean arranging short sessions during the week so you can handle work commitments.
Or it can involve planning longer respite days so you can visit relatives in another city.
Whatever your situation, the goal is to make support feel natural and easy.
Creating Moments of Joy for Your Family
Respite isn’t just about care; it’s about creating moments of joy for you and your family.
Our young people often look forward to these experiences, whether it’s visiting Macarthur Square for some shopping or taking a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly.
The public ferries offer wide boarding ramps, accessible seating, and friendly staff who prioritise wheelchairs, making the journey smooth and enjoyable.
One carer shared how a participant’s first trip on the ferry was met with nerves that quickly turned into smiles as they felt the sea breeze and saw the water glisten.
These experiences create memories that children treasure and share with their families.
Supporting Families Through the Little and Big Things
It’s often the small things that make the biggest difference.
Having someone who understands how to braid your child’s hair just the way they like it, or knowing which music helps them feel calm, adds a layer of care that is personal and comforting.
These details help families feel at ease, knowing their young one is truly understood.
Make Time for Yourself
Every parent deserves moments to step away and recharge.
Whether it’s enjoying a quiet coffee, spending time with friends, or going on a date day, these breaks are essential for your well-being.
Families often share how these moments help them return feeling re-energised and ready to tackle life’s challenges.
Respite isn’t about stepping away from your responsibilities - it’s about giving yourself the space to be your best self.
Let Giuliana Help You Plan The Break You Need
Family support and respite aren’t just services - they’re lifelines for families who give so much every day.
Chat with Giuliana about planning your next respite, she is more than happy to help you.