A Thornton-based disability support service has put its hand out to help those affected by the sudden closure of several divisions of Endeavour Group Australia.
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Maitland Independent Disability Support (MIDSupport) founder Lorraine Martin said the organisation was willing and able to take on staff, clients and supported home residents facing uncertain futures after Endeavour went into voluntary administration.
Fairfax Media reported last month that 131 Endeavour staff, 452 clients and 13 residents would be affected as several divisions of the organisation close on November 9 and residences have been put up for sale.
Ms Martin said she was “blown away” when she heard what happened to the long-standing organisation.
“I was gobsmacked,” she said. “We thought ‘what happened’? We want to know so we can be mindful as well.
“I was straight onto my guys saying how can we help these people.”
She said her organisation had approached Endeavour management after hearing the news to see if they could help, but said they were yet to hear anything back.
Ms Martin said she was “always looking to put staff on”.
“We don’t ever say no to someone,” she said.
“We’re passionate about helping all sorts of people.”
And that passion is evident in how her business has grown.
With a career as a support worker, Ms Martin decided to go out on her on in January 2016 with the start of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
By May of that year, she had 24 participants and six staff members which has now exploded to 115 participants, 62 staff and five group homes.
MIDSupport helps participants with things like accommodation, transport, appointments, personal needs and cooking but also facilitates activities such as art, craft and even laser tag.
Ms Martin said the organisation was keen to take on both participants and support workers to help with the transition from providers.
“These people need to know the people they work with,” she said.
Anyone wishing to contact MIDSupport can do so by calling 4966 5806.
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Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
