After-school disability service starts

An after-school care service will start in Woy Woy for teenagers with intellectual disabilities following a funding announcement.

The Teen Time program is run by Coastlink and has received more than $200,000 in State Government funding to operate a service from South Woy Woy Progress Hall.

Coastlink chief executive officer Ms Lynne Rainford said the Teen Time program provided after-school care and vacation care for people with disabilities, including people with challenging behaviours.

"Coastlink has been fortunate to receive funding from the State Government to operate a Teen Time program at Woy Woy for working parents or parents undertaking study to re-enter the workforce," Ms Rainford said.

"The after-school component will operate at Woy Woy on some days from 3pm to 6pm and will provide opportunities for people with disabilities attending high school to attend.

"They will be able to complete homework tasks, help make a nutritious afternoon tea with the friends they meet at the centre, join a fishing group, use Wii games, play e games, use the computer and all kinds of other great things.

"They will make friends in these groups that will last through school and beyond."

Minister for Disability Services Mr Paul Lynch said the NSW Government understood the wide range of challenges carers faced in supporting people with a disability.

He said Coastlink Teen Time Central Coast $216,600 to provide parents of teenagers with an intellectual disability more respite.

"Both Teen Time and the Ageing Parent Carers program are providing funding and support for carers on the Central Coast," Mr Lynch said.

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews said the Teen Time program allowed parents of teenagers with an intellectual disability more respite, allowing them to pursue jobs and study.

"Teen Time acknowledges that carers who remain in employment need flexible work practices, alternative care arrangements and financial help with the cost of caring," Ms Andrews said.

"We all know how dedicated carers are. The NSW Government is supporting their effort with funding and support."

The after-school component of the program will be held at South Woy Woy Progress Hall at 76 Woy Woy Rd, Woy Woy.

For more information, contact program coordinator Alan Miles on 4321 1022.

Press release, 12 Aug 2009 Paul Lynch, Minister for Disability Services Lynne Rainford, Coastlink