Over the next couple of weeks we will showcase how inextricably intertwined siblings can be in supporting people with a disability. Siblings will be around a lot longer than parents, but often have little knowledge of the disability sector. Also, unlike parents, they are unlikely to have had contact with other siblings. The benefits of connecting siblings, to share experiences and support one another, is fairly clear.

So why then does it not happen more frequently? 

Would you know how or where to connect with other siblings or would you know how to suggest to a brother or a sister how they get connected with other siblings of people with disability? AND under the NDIS will one be able to include support of this nature in a plan?

Siblings Australia, as part of a Sector Development Fund project, has developed peer support groups for adult siblings in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. These groups allow adult siblings to share experiences, support and knowledge about the disability system. Their video below shows some of the preparation for the groups.

Over the next couple of weeks Kate Strohm, Director of Siblings Australia Inc & author of ‘Siblings - Brothers and sisters of children with disability’ will be presenting workshops for parents on supporting siblings, in Castlemaine and Bendigo. For event details follow this link: http://siblingsaustralia.org.au/events.php

The workshop will assist parents to:

• Understand the concerns of siblings
• Identify behaviours that might indicate stress
• Explore factors affecting the adjustment of siblings
• Identify parent’s role in supporting siblings
• Identify other sources of support for siblings
• Meet other parents with similar experiences

Siblings Australia is a registered NDIS provider in South Australia, NSW and the ACT and is able to provide one-on-one information sessions for parents, which can be reimbursed via the NDIS. Email kate@siblingsaustralia.org.au for more details.

Siblings Australia has a wealth of resources and support on their website. They are also carrying out a 'mapping project' of sibling services around Australia. If you have any information about sibling programs in any form please email kate@siblingsaustralia.org.au

To find out more on where to get support for siblings, simply type in ''siblings'' at https://mycarespace.com.au/ browser for a list of organisations who may be able to help.