Moree community's generosity helps kids with special needs

7 August 2009

Paediatric occupational therapy equipment funded by the Moree community throughout 2008 is now helping children with special needs develop and reach their full potential.

The new service, with equipment financed by community fundraising, has been operating for nearly eight months and has significantly improved the lives of local children.  

Occupational Therapist Anna Ballardie for Moree District Health Service uses the equipment to provide specialist treatment for children in need.  

“The Moree community displayed immense generosity last year raising more than $5,000 which was used to purchase a variety of important equipment,” Ms Ballardie said.

Fundraising events, including a Trash and Treasure market, were run by Community Health staff and supported by small and large Moree businesses and community members who donated items to be raffled. 

Equipment bought with the funds raised included: hand writing skill development tools, textbooks and fine and gross motor equipment which assists in fostering children’s development. 

An adjustable height therapy table which is able to be modified to suit the physical needs of each child was also purchased.

“Using this equipment in occupational therapy sessions will assist and support the child to develop functional independence,” she said.

“The commencement of this service has had a large impact on the children, and their families, who need a paediatric occupational therapy service.  

“It means that the majority of children and their parents no longer have to travel to Tamworth, or across the border to as far as Brisbane to access Paediatric Occupational Therapy services. Instead they have the option of a locally provided service,” Ms Ballardie said.

The Moree District Health Service would like to take the opportunity to thank all members of the community who supported the fundraising efforts last year.

“Without them this service would not be possible,” Ms Ballardie said.

Occupational Therapy encourages a person’s independence in life skills, whatever their age.  Occupational Therapist’s can provide therapy for physical, mental, emotional and social disabilities such as autism, ADHD, developmental delay, gross motor and fine motor difficulties.

The skills fostered by occupational therapy are critical to the development of healthy children.  Paediatric Occupational Therapy is now offered up to two days a week at Moree Community Health, where a number of children have already benefitted from this new service.

For more information about the service call Anna Ballardie on (02) 6757 0242.

Contact: Shannon Ramadge

Phone: 6767 7136