Hunter Connects offering support to families of children with special needs Port Stephens LGA Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae, Tomago by News Of The Area - Modern Media - April 5, 2017 Corey Allen, graduating from the ‘Secret Agent Social Skills Program’ as a qualified secret agent, having accomplished the understanding of the secret world of social skills and emotional regulation. HUNTER Connect is a not for profit group supporting children with Autism, ADD, ADHD, ODD, Fragile X and developmental delays, and are open to anyone attending their support groups and events from Newcastle, Port Stephens, Upper Hunter and Central Coast. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Hunter Connect Families relies on donations and grants to hold events and run their impressive list of programs, such as Yoga classes planned specifically for children with special needs and their annual ‘Surfers with Autism’ event. The group also runs the internationally acclaimed “Secret Agent Social Skills Program”. This program is a Computer Game Pack and Small Group Program designed to help children eight to 12 years of age crack the code of emotions and friendships, and develop the skills to feel happier, calmer and braver while making new friends and keeping them. Hunter Connect also run the Siblinks program which is a six-week program for siblings to come along and share their experiences and feelings of what living with a sibling with additional needs means for them. The group has always been about supporting, connecting and advocating for the entire family. Hunter Connect CEO, Rachael Corrigan, told News Of The Area, “It is the belief of Hunter Connect Families that if the whole family including siblings are not supported, then the family unit cannot possible remain in unison to support the child/ren with additional needs.” This year, the group will reinstate their group sessions and support groups for families. They will be run on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm, and held at the St Brigid’s Parish Hall on William Street in Raymond Terrace. The groups are open to parents, carers, siblings and anyone who would like to come along, share a cuppa and connect with people who are on similar journeys. Rachael said, “Raising a child with an additional need can be an isolating experience, we’re asking families to please take that step and connect with us at one of our groups.” “Whilst our website is currently undergoing maintenance, families can check out our Facebook page Hunter Connect and our Hunter Connect Families & Surfers For Autism NSW, Australia.” If anyone would like more information, or to help support Hunter Connect Families, please contact Hunter Connect CEO Rachael Corrigan at rachael@hunterconnect.org.au. By Rachael VAUGHAN
