The McGowan Government, through Lotterywest, has provided $321,170 to Rebound WA for the Reconnect and Get Active program to enhance health outcomes and build social inclusion opportunities for people with disability affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant was presented by Mirrabooka MLA Meredith Hammat at the Rebound WA ‘Reconnect and Get Active’ basketball game held at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre in Mirrabooka last night.
Rebound WA works with individuals to develop social, recreational, and sporting aspirations, building inclusions and connection with local clubs and associations.
Rebound has long-standing partnerships with Perth Children’s Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital. In many cases, Rebound’s first contact with new clients occurs while the person is in hospital receiving treatment or rehabilitation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and disability service providers were often unable to accommodate Rebound WA’s services. For many people connected to Rebound WA, these restrictions had a significant impact on their physical, mental and social well-being.
The Reconnect and Get Active program will also expand Rebound WA’s reach to more metropolitan hospital wards, further establish partnerships with disability service providers and professional associations as well as therapists’ and clinicians’ offices.
The project will employ two project officers over an 18-month period to manage the main aspects of the project alongside the development of educational resources and awareness raising strategies.
Since 1989, the State Government, through Lotterywest, has approved 21 grants to Rebound WA totalling $1,445,920. Lotterywest, which supports community projects to build a better WA, has reprioritised its grants funding to focus on those experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The past year has proven to be an extremely challenging year for people with disability – many people with disability were greatly affected by the lockdowns and avenues through which they socialised and connected to the community were put on hold.” said Disability Services Minister Don Punch.
“The Reconnect and Get Active program aims to reach out and connect with individuals in the community who Rebound WA could not connect with over the past year, and who were severely impacted by the pandemic.”
“A main objective of the project is to develop preventative and early intervention initiatives that will build strength in the community sector to better support people with physical disability coming through hospitals, therapists and clinics.”
