What does the service offer?
Pastoral Care is a specialised support service offered freely by Disability Connect on a triage basis for families of disabled people who may benefit from short‑term, guided assistance. It is delivered by a qualified counsellor with extensive lived experience and provides up to ten hours of support over six to twelve weeks, either in person, by phone, or online.
Access to this service is based on team recommendation, and as demand grows, additional qualified professionals may be contracted to ensure a good fit for each family.
Professional counselling and emotional support
Families can receive support from a qualified counsellor who has extensive lived experience of parenting disabled children and young people. The service aims to help families reconnect with their strengths, capabilities, and resilience through a person-centred counselling approach.
Reducing isolation and strengthening wellbeing
The service helps families who may be experiencing stress, burnout, loneliness, or social isolation. Support focuses on increasing wellbeing, confidence, social connection, and a sense of belonging.
Supporting employment and education goals
Many families reduce their work hours or leave employment to care for a disabled family member. The pastoral care service helps families build confidence, solve problems, and remain connected to employment, education, and community life. Positive outcomes from previous families include parents returning to work, retaining employment, and enrolling in education or training.