Our Programs

Interchange Services & Programs

Interchange programs provide a wide range of services to support families with a child or young person with a disability. Two of the key services provided are the Host and the Recreation programs. Please visit your local Agency to see what programs they offer.

Host Programs

The Host program matches a child or young person with a host volunteer who has care of the child on a regular basis; usually once a month and arrangements can be flexible. Host volunteers can be couples or single with or without children and of any age over 18. To provide a consistently high quality of serivce to families, the suitablility of prospective host volunteers is assessed by Interchange staff. Host volunteers can quickly learn what is involved, even if they have had no previous experience with young people who have a disability.

"Over the 18 years we have been hosting Rhys, our families have cared for and supported each other which has made a real difference for all of us. I know he calls me his 'host mom' but I no longer see it as hosting. Rhys and his family are now an intergral part of our lives and we thoroughly enjoy the time he spends with us." Jan and Family, Interchange Hosts

Recreation Programs

Interchange organises a wide variety of volunteer assisted recreational and social programs for children and young people with a disability and their families. The range of programs include; school holiday programs, youth/young adult groups, children's and/or family camps, sibling activities, parent support groups and family activities. The programs provide opportunities for friendships and recreational experiences, as well as giving families a break or much needed support. The exact nature and range of such programs vary according to each local Interchange Agency. Volunteering is a great way to have fun and have rewarding experiences. It also provides an opportunity to meet like minded people while supporting children and young people with a disability and their families.

" Interchange has given me so many opportunities to meet many amazing people, learn new skills and most of all, to have fun times with our fantastic participants." Sarah, Volunteer

Family Support

Interchange enhances the quality of life and well being of families who have a child or young person with a disability. Life of these families can be difficult and all too often there is no one to support them cope with the fulltime role of caring for their child. The programs Interchange offer assist in giving them some time off. All children and young children need friends and a broad range of social experiences. When a child has a disability, opportunitites for new friendships and social experiences can be limited. Interchange creates opportunities for a child or young person to gain a network of friends within their local community.Volunteers also benefit with rewarding and fun experiences.

"To me, Interchange is so much more than a support service, it is a way of life! Amazing volunteers, wonderful friends, many fantastic experiences and fun times plus the opportunity to have a regular break - that's what Interchange has meant to both me and my daughter over the years." Sandra, Parent

To Inquire about any Interchange programs, please fill in the inquiry form below

Family Inquiry Form

YOUR NAME:

STREET NUMBER:

STREET NAME:

POSTCODE:

STATE:

PHONE NUMBER:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

DATE OF BIRTH:

CLOSEST INTERCHANGE IN YOUR AREA:

INTERESTED IN GETTING ENROLLED IN:

Host Recreation Other

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT INTERCHANGE:

COMMENTS: