Counselling support for Disability Royal Commission is now available in St George and Sutherland Shire.
People with disability living in St George and Sutherland Shire who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation can now access the free, independent and confidential counselling service.
Around 4.4 million Australians have disability, and research shows they are more likely to experience violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation than people without disability.
Interrelate is one of 18 services funded by the Australian Government to provide counselling support for people with disability, as well as their families, carers and support workers, to support them with the Disability Royal Commission.
Head of Operations at Interrelate, Suella Wright said, "We provide a safe and confidential counselling service for people with disability, as well as families, carers and support workers, who may need emotional support.
"Our counsellors can support people to talk about their feelings and emotions in a safe space".
Interrelate counsellors were able to help parents Robert and Jodie by support while they relived the incidents they reported to the Royal Commission.
"The team of counsellors supported us through these difficult times with their encouragement and understanding of what we were experiencing," Robert and Jodie said.
" The wealth of knowledge and understanding have been a godsend for our family".
Interrelate can also refer people to advocacy, legal, financial and other supports.
For counselling support, contact Interrelate on 1300 473 528, 9am to 6pm (AEST) on weekdays.
People who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact Interrelate through the National Relay Service on 133 677.
Interrelate can arrange free translations and interpreting for people who need help in another language.
Visit Interrelate's website for more information.
Visit the Department of Social Services' website for captioned videos, Easy Read and Auslan resources, and a full list of organisations providing counselling, advocacy, legal and financial supports for the Disability Royal Commission.
If anyone is currently experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or are concerned for their own or
someone else's safety, call 000 immediately.
The Disability Royal Commission is holding public hearings in Brisbane in the week commencing 15 February, on the topic of Justice, and in Sydney week commencing 19 April on the topic of NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and service provision.
