Under a new agreement announced today, Uniting Vic.Tas will transfer its supported independent living services for people with disabilities in the eastern and southern suburbs of Melbourne to specialist disability providers, Scope and Yooralla.
Uniting’s Supported Independent Living (SIL) houses provide 24/7 support for people with disabilities so they can live as independently as possible.
The announcement includes Uniting’s Neurological Support Services which supports people with progressive degenerative disabilities such as Huntington’s Disease.
As part of the agreement, 20 SIL houses are transferring to Scope and the 4 neurological support houses are transferring to Yooralla.
Uniting CEO Bronwyn Pike said a review of Uniting’s residential disability services showed larger disability providers are better placed to deliver SIL services in the southern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
“Uniting is large, but our disability residential service is small compared to other providers operating in these areas. Both Scope and Yooralla are better placed to deliver these residential services, as experienced providers across the spectrum of support needs for people with disability,” she said.
“The decision is about finding the best solution for the people that we support. We are working with these specialist disability providers and the National Disability Insurance Agency to ensure a safe and smooth transition for everyone who lives and works in the homes.”
Transfer of these services to Scope and Yooralla is due to be completed by the end of November 2021.
Uniting Vic.Tas will continue to operate SIL houses in other parts of Victoria as well as employment, social support and nursing and allied health services for people with disability.
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Quotes from Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM, Chief Executive Officer, Scope Aust.
“As one of the largest supported accommodation disability services providers nationally, we welcome the opportunity to work with Uniting to support customers to live the life they choose, in their homes supported by the staff they know.
We have extensive experience supporting people with intellectual, physical and multiple disabilities, and exceptional knowledge and experience in the NDIS.
We’re driven by our mission and are excited to support even more people to live as empowered and equal citizens.”
Quotes from Terry Symonds, Chief Executive Officer, Yooralla
“We recognise that these services are people’s homes, so our immediate priority is to undertake close consultation with the residents, their families and staff.
“Yooralla has longstanding expertise in supporting people with disability who have complex health and medical needs to live the life they choose, and it would be an absolute privilege to welcome the Uniting Neurological Support Services residents, families and staff into the Yooralla community.”
