They have been had a presence in the community for 13 years and provide the Toy Shelf service, drop in respite on Tuesdays, Friday afternoon Ten Pin Bowling and school holiday respite activities.

It is estimated around ten families currently utilise the respite services and the toy shelf is located in the Southern Arcade on John Street.

Around ten volunteers assist three paid employees when it comes to the services day-to-day operations.

In July last year they joined forces with Uniting Care NSW and ACT in the hope finally attaining some long-term financial stability, and to potentially grow the service.

Director of UnitingCare Disability, Anita Le Lay, says we regularly review our services to ensure we can continue to provide quality supports for our clients and their families.

“Due to ongoing funding constraints, we have had to make the difficult decision to close UnitingCare’s Singleton Disability Respite Service by the end of the year,” Ms Le Lay says.

“We will assist every family to find an alternative service that meets their needs.”

 “We also recognise the contribution of our dedicated staff, and we do all we can to minimise the impacts this closure will have on our team.”