Peer support for families and caregivers and advocating for better services for their loved ones are the main focuses of the Family Advocacy Network of Manitoba.
Also known as FAN, the organization began just over 5 years ago to provide a united voice for Manitobans with developmental, physical and intellectual disabilities, and autism.
As the mother of a child with cerebral palsy, Rachel Smith, the Family Networking Coordinator for FAN, identifies one shortfall in current provincial services.
“I think part of the problem with the provincial supports is that case loads are so big. Community service workers, who are the social workers that provide support to our families, they have case loads off one hundred plus individuals on them. To try and support all those families, it’s virtually impossible.”
FAN will be in Thompson on Monday to offer peer support and provide a place where caregivers can meet to share concerns and identify issues and barriers being faced in the north.
Join them at the Best Western Hotel Thompson Inn and Suites from 2 to 4 pm or 6:30 to 8:30 pm. RSVP to events@fanmb.ca.
Find out more about the Family Advocacy Network of Manitoba on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.
