Brainwave

Updates for our Brainwave Families Regarding the Coronavirus (COVID – 19)

Updated 7/4/2020

We know that getting fresh, good quality fruit and vegetables for your family right now may be hard, and that leaving home can be difficult. For Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane families, our supporters at Fruit Box have developed a special home delivery pack of fruit, vegetables, and other pantry essentials.

Visit www.thefruitboxgroup.com.au/at-home to order and pay from $70 for a box of fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, bread, and juice delivered to your door - or place a larger order to suit your needs and budget.

We hope this initiative helps you at this busy time and our thanks go to The Fruit Box Group for supporting Brainwave families.

Updated 1/4/2020

Coping during the Coronavirus Crisis

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, many of us will experience pressures and anxiety that are new, and we may struggle to manage these feelings while still supporting those around us. If you feel the need for mental health support, we suggest contacting:

Association for Children with a Disability Support line: a free service for parents and families of children with any type of disability in Victoria.
https://www.acd.org.au/support-line/

Carers Australia CarerGateway: The Carer Gateway Counselling Service is a free service for carers.
https://counselling.carergateway.gov.au/s/

Lifeline – visit www.lifeline.org.au or call 13 11 14

Beyond Blue – visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ or call 1300 22 4636

Parentline - 13 22 89

We are all struggling right now. No doubt about it. If you feel the need for mental health support, please reach out.

Updated 23/3/2020

To keep people connected and strengthen our community during this challenging time, we are   launching the Brainwave Parents Connect Facebook Group. This private group offers a friendly and supportive online space for parents of children registered with Brainwave to come together to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. We can’t wait to get some great discussions going, and we’d love for you to join in!

Updated 16/03/2020

Much has been written in recent days and weeks regarding the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) and the situation is quickly evolving. During these uncertain times, we strongly suggest that all our families and carers stay up-to-date via official government sources including health.gov.au, and by following the Australian Department of Health on social media, along with other credible news sources. Brainwave will also provide updates most relevant to our families as available.

For specific concerns regarding COVID-19 we recommend that all Brainwave families either: seek advice from their own doctors;  call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080; or speak with a registered nurse from the healthdirect hotline open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 022 222.

If you or a member of your family becomes unwell and you think these are symptoms of COVID-19 please seek medical attention.

The safety of our Brainwave children, families, staff and volunteers is our top priority, which is why we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and are postponing all family and fundraising events for the time being. We know how important these events are to our community and are therefore making all efforts to ensure they return later in the year. We will continue to deliver other key services that support our Brainwave children and families in their everyday life which is our mission and is as important to us as ever.