In Maitland and Cessnock, people with disability have a place to learn life skills, express themselves creatively, make friends and of course have fun; The Hub, Mai-Wel's Lifestyle & Leisure initiative is located on Vincent Street, Cessnock and High Street in Maitland.
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The Hub has been welcoming people with a disability to participate in a range of lifestyle and leisure skill building initiatives, specifically Life FUNdamentals, Leisure Links and Creative Arts. The Hub in Maitland was the first to open and as demand for the services grew, a second site was opened in Cessnock in 2017.
The Hub is positive and inspiring with participants, staff and volunteers working together to teach, learn and inspire independence, life skills and develop friendships. The Hub is truly far from a classroom-style learning environment.
When Mai-Wel participant, Alyssa, finished high school in 2018, her family were anxious about the next step in her adult life; What would she do? What would be the best provider? How would it all play out for her?
After trying services with 2 other local providers that weren't the right fit, Alyssa's mum, Nicole was reluctant to put all of her faith in just one provider. She would never have predicted 5 months later her daughter would be spending 3 full days a week attending Mai-Wel services in Maitland.
In January Alyssa commenced Step Up, Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions' School Leaver Employment Supports initiative, learning skills to bridge the gap between school and working life. Alyssa joined a small group at The Hub learning basic cooking skills.
"Alyssa has always been very happy to sit back and let me do everything for her, but now she won't let me cook for her," says Nicole, who is amazed with her daughter's skills, independence and confidence developed in such a short time.
After just one month of her weekly cooking activity Alyssa asked to cook her own sausages at home for dinner. Now, five months later, Alyssa researches her own recipes to cook, chooses the ingredients to buy and cooks each night at home.
"What honestly started as an afternoon time filler has turned into a wonderful opportunity for Alyssa to be in an environment with the most supportive staff and participants who can inspire her to do things herself."
Additionally, Alyssa now attends Mai-Wel Creative Arts' supported studio sessions at The Hub where she is exploring new skills in art and painting. Amazingly, Alyssa's art pieces will be displayed as part of a Mai-Wel Creative Arts exhibition in August. "The sky is the limit now!"
For more information please call Mai-Wel's Support Transition and Referral Team on 4057 2900 or email start@maiwel.com.au.
