HBF Workplace Projects

Friends of Autism

HBF funded Friends of Autism to run a program to assist children on the Autism spectrum by offering programs during the school holidays. Children were supported to continue their social skills training, work on personal life skills, develop friendships with other Autistic Children and participate in activities in the community that are consistent with their interests and special needs.  This was done with the assistance of experienced Autism Therapists.

There have been just over 450 places provided to children ranging in ages from 2 -16 years over a 9 week period with another 2 weeks of school holiday's in July 2011 to go to complete the program.  Many families return to the program each holiday's as it is the first time they have been able to confidently leave their child in a program, knowing the staff are equipped to manage any issues that may arise. This means that the programs are always at capacity. The children also enjoy their experience and want to return which parents report is one of the best outcomes of the program. Often their children don't enjoy mainstream programs and can become very resistant to attending.  Over 60 families have been involved and therefore have had some respite and time either to have to themselves or to spend with their other children over the school holiday period.

Case Study

Damon is three years old. He is a very gentle boy who loves the company of other children. There was a noticeable difference in Damon from the beginning of the School Holiday Program to the end. He started to energetically say 'Hello' and wave whenever he walked into the playroom, lighting it up with his big grin. He began to interact so well with the other children and was even spotted taking turns with a few special friends!

 Damon was very interested by the camera; it was very difficult to take a picture of Damon as he preferred to be behind the camera, watching all of the action unfold. The beautiful picture below is one that Damon took of his friend Alex. As you can see, he really does have an eye for photography. He is also an expert at colouring in and has no problems staying within the lines - what a truly artistic and wonderful little boy.

Huntington's WA

HBF employees helped out with a couple of programs for Huntington's' WA, Carer Retreats, retreats for people with Huntington's and the funding of wheelchairs for people with Huntington's disease.

The retreats give carers the opportunity to get away and engage with other people in the same situation as themselves. They were able to relax, to have time to sit and chat, rest, read, paint or take walks along the beach. The group gathered on occasions to talk about common issues of concern. They enjoyed playing games in the evening such as Pictionary and charades, and this was always a time of laughter and friendship.

'Being away from the day to day problems gives you a chance to recharge yourself."

For people with Huntington's, the retreats offer them a chance to share their experiences with people who understand, and to have a break from the difficulties involved with everyday living with Huntington's disease. For many this is the only holiday away they are able to take due to the physical demands of their condition.

With donations raised from HBF Huntington's WA have been able to purchase specialised seating equipment that is not standard and also very expensive. Some people have extremely uncontrolled movements and to prevent serious injury they are physically restrained in a chair. Many of these chairs are designed for individuals to meet their specific needs.

A chair was purchased for one person who kept falling out of a normal chair suffering repeated injuries. This will assist with his difficult to manage movements and care needs. It will also provide a safer eating position and allow him to sleep during the day in the chair reducing demands on his carer.

 Three wheelchairs were also purchased for when Huntington's WA organise outings.  These chairs allow people who cannot walk far to be included in the outings.