Media Release 1 April 2003

New Group for Women with Disabilities in Outer West

Women's Health West has established a free Social Support Group for women with disabilities living in Melbourne's Outer West, meeting every second Friday in Werribee.

Women's Health West has provided support, information, friendship and fun to hundreds of women with disabilities since 1991 through a Social Support Group based in Maribyrnong. The group has now shifted to the Outer West, in response to requests from women and a higher level of need.

"Isolation is often an issue for women with disabilities," says Project Worker Lindy Corbett. "This is even more the case in the Outer West, where public transport is limited and there are fewer disability support services."

The group's main aim is to provide women with information and opportunities they would not otherwise have because of barriers including transport and low incomes. The women themselves decide on what they want the group to do. Past activities have included ten pin bowling and a zoo visit, self defence classes and information on what to do if you are experiencing violence. Future activities include beauty therapy, a trip to the movies and a women's health day.

"We give women information that allows them to take more control over their lives," says Ms Corbett. "For example, we had a very positive response from women and their care workers to the session on violence. Women with disabilities experience twice the level of violence as those without disabilities.

It is a huge issue, and one that is only now beginning to be discussed. We talked with women about their rights - for example what to do if they suffer violence - and that violence is not just physical, but can include psychological, sexual, emotional and even financial abuse."

The group is the only one just for women with disabilities in the West, and perhaps Australia-wide. "It's important to have a group for women only," Ms Corbett says. "Women need the space to discuss issues of interest to them, from self defence to osteoporosis to beauty therapy. A range of women come along - women with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and some with psychiatric disabilities. They come from day care centres, from institutions and from the general community. Everyone is welcome."

The Women's Health West Social Support Group for Women with Disabilities meets every second Friday from 10.30 to 1.30pm at disability service Mambourin Enterprises, 11-19 Walls Rd Werribee. Lunch is provided. Women's Health West can assist with transport to and from group activities. For more information about getting involved, contact Lindy Corbett at Women's Health West (Fridays only) on 9689 9588 or info@whwest.org.au.

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MEDIA CONTACT

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact our Chief Executive Officer Melissa Afentoulis or our Communications Officer on 9689 9588 or via email.