Good News Story – Adapting services to put our clients first

The DARTS Program through Your Side provides recreational and social outings including door-to-door transport for adults in wheelchairs.

Due to suspended bus trips, our DARTS drivers are now expanding their roles as Disability Support Workers. In response to Covid-19, Your Side have reached out to our existing clients to offer one on one services to help maintain independence, fight off loneliness, and provide much needed familiar faces during this challenging time.

The feedback has been great, from not only the clients, but from DARTS family members. One of our clients, who is very isolated and unable to even go to his letterbox, sees our driver Bevan every Monday and Wednesday. We were delighted to hear from our client’s mum that after Bevan leaves, she notices an immediate uplifting difference in her son’s mindset. He tells her everything Bevan has done to help, the genuine kindness Bevan displays and that he is so happy to have a “Friend” visit him. Together, Bevan and our client play games, share music videos, and have lunch together.

Bevan also visits another client on Saturday’s. It is clear Bevan possesses a rare and unique bond with our clients and this has been a huge asset at this time for Your Side and a reflection of our “can do” culture. Thank you Bevan!

Our drivers always have our client’s best interest at heart. They keep in mind the client’s limitations, likes and dislikes. They know them so well can adapt, innovate and reinvent themselves to suit client needs. One of our drivers has even helped set up a computer and taught out client how to use it. Your Side staff and volunteers always go above and beyond – we couldn’t be prouder!

A big shout out and thank you to all of the amazing DARTS drivers for your consistent hard work and dedication: Charlie Scerri, Sonia Sattout, Bevan Rankin, Maxine Peacock- Smith, and Phil Bourke. The kindness and passion of these individuals is at the heart of our program.

For more information about the DARTS Program:

Phone: 1300 134 332 and ask to speak to the DARTS Team

Or

Email: darts@yourside.org.au