Support. It’s a kind word when you’re having a tough week, getting some help around the home, advice on travel planning, learning new skills, or someone to talk to when you’re not feeling your best.

Getting support doesn’t mean you’re not capable, it simply means there’s an extra set of hands or a listening ear when life is a little more challenging. You can still be independent and enjoy the life you want, with a bit of outside help.

In this issue of Possible, we celebrate the people seizing the day,
with a helping hand from their family, friends, health professionals
and Just Better Care.

The Lab, a collective term for a growing network of technology-driven sessions for young people with high functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome, is supporting people to develop social and interpersonal skills while providing a safe space to explore their interests in computers and programming.

Lab programs have led to amazing achievements. Luke, aged just 13, wanted a new computer to investigate a different type of programming that his current computer was unable to. Rather than simply buying a new computer, Luke decided to build his own. His dad, Pete shares how they made this happen.

We talk to a mum who has committed her life to bettering the life of her adult son who has Juvenile Batten disease. Upon diagnosis, Jo researched the disease, trained in disability support, and pursued every path to give her son the best life possible.

Most people have learned about or witnessed first aid. But how many people know how to perform mental health first aid? Just Better Care Townsville staff member, Jamie, is teaching his colleagues, and people in his community how to identify the signs of mental ill health, and what to do if someone needs support.

Dr Tracey Collins from Banyo, near Brisbane, shares her advice for warding off the flu this season. We also talk about the two new vaccines designed for people aged over 65.

Read the issue here. 

Do you have a story you would like to share about how you are saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities and achieving your goals? If so, we would love to hear from you. Send your story to info@justbettercare.com.