By Callum Ludwig
A new NDIS support work service based in the Yarra Ranges is sharing a passion for outdoor recreation in its care.
One of VentureTogether’s exciting opportunities is for a school holiday program on Thursday 20 April for an animal encounter.
Owner of VentureTogether Josh Chesterman said he wanted to provide programs for those who might not be able to get out and do these activities without the care and support of a service provider that understands their needs.
“I spent the last 15 years running school programmes and camps at a busy campsite in Mount Evelyn and I’ve decided to branch out on my own, providing support to disability and mental health participants on the NDIS program,” he said.
“Our dream and one of the reasons we’re doing the school holiday program is to fund the growth of a team of staff who can eventually help me to put together eco therapy and wilderness adventure therapy programmes.”
Children in the NDIS program from Grade 4 and up are welcome to join the VentureTogether team at the Wild about Wellbeing Farm in Wandin at 10am on Thursday 20 April to start the day of fun.
Mr Chesterman said they have made some great connections with Wild About Wellbeing.
“The farm has got chickens, goats, donkeys and a whole range of animals we’re going to go see as well as playing some games to get to know each other, and from there we’ll be doing a tractor ride around the farm taking stops to see the different animals, to feed the ducks and to learn a little bit about sustainable and organic farming,” he said.
“The crew out at Wild about Wellbeing as the name suggests, they’re very passionate about their sustainable and organic farming methods and it’s just an opportunity as well to connect kids with what ends up on their plate and with nature.”
Pony rides and a chef-made lunch will follow before an up close and optionally hands-on reptile experience with zoology expert Talia Van Bockel.
Mr Chestermann said in the disability sector, there haven’t previously been a lot of outdoor wellbeing and support programs in the Yarra Valley.
“Studies have shown that outdoor adventure therapy has strong therapeutic benefits on both mental and physical wellbeing, it’s just the intrinsic nature of being out enjoying the bush,” he said.
“For some people, the healthiest place is with a friend at home, but there are definitely a large number of participants for whom getting safe and well-supported access to the outdoors, to community unity and to social groups gives them the freedom, the independence, the choice, the control and opportunity that wouldn’t always be available otherwise.”
The school holiday program will be fully staffed by qualified NDIS support staff but attendees are welcome to bring their own support worker or carer if they would like to have a familiar face with them.
To book a place, Mr Chestermann can be contacted at josh@venturetogether.com.au or 0433 061 206.
