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A new program being developed by The University of Western Australia and Brightwater Care Group will support children and adolescents who have a parent or family member diagnosed with an acquired brain injury or early onset dementia.

Supported by a Lotterywest grant of almost $225,000, The University of Western Australia and Brightwater Care Group will work together with affected families to develop a program, which will combine research with the lived experiences of clients and families to create a truly unique support program.

UWA researcher Dr Jeneva Ohan from the School of Psychological Science said young people who had a family member with an acquired brain injury or early onset dementia currently had unmet needs.

“Support is often provided on an ad-hoc basis, and families with vulnerable children and adolescents are known to seek non-specific care, such as mental health services,” Dr Ohan said.

“We are looking forward to developing this new support program and complementary materials that will help make significant progress to the wellbeing of children and their families and can be used well into the future, long after the project is completed,” she said.

Dr Angelita Martini from the Brightwater Research Centre said by adopting a co-design process with clients, their families and staff, they could ensure that any intervention was useful, relevant and authentic.

“The support intervention will be readily integrated into routine care for our clients and importantly enable long-lasting change,” Dr Martini said.

Media references

Jess Reid (UWA Media and PR Advisor) 08 6488 6876
Leeanna Wilshire (Brightwater Care Group Communications Advisor) 08 9202 2825