about us
Coastlink was started in 1985 by a group of parents and carers of young people with disabilities who wanted respite for their children.
Our first program provided host family support to local parents so they could get a break from their caring responsibilities.
Coastlink is a not-for-profit organisation managed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of members of the local community. We receive government funding to provide care for people with disabilities living in their own home or with their families on the Central Coast. Funding is provided through the State and Federal Governments through the Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare and through the Federal Government through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Since that time our service has grown substantially and now as well as respite we offer peer
support, social support, day options programs, services for children and young people and services
for the frail aged.
Coastlink only provides services to people living on the Central Coast and has three centres across
the coast at which service can be provided. Our service centres are located at Wyong,
Berkeley Vale and Woy Woy.
what do we do?
Coastlink provides services to people with disabilities, the frail aged and their carers living on the Central Coast.
- Peer support and social support to eligible people over 18
- 1:1 and group respite for people with disabilities and their families and carers
- Programs in the school holidays
- Saturday activities for eligible school aged children and young people
- Community Participation program for eligible school leavers
- Fee assistance for those attending pre-school
- Respite for the frail aged and their carers
- Support for ageing carers aged 60 plus and their older children with disabilities.
aims of Coastlink
- To strengthen the family unit rather than focus only on the service user
- To prevent or delay early or inappropriate institutionalisation
- To provide a service that supports carers in ways which demonstrate respect for their role and which are responsive to their needs as well as those of the service user
- To concentrate on building independence, self-confidence and positive self-esteem in the life of service users and their carers and families
- To provide opportunities for service users to enhance their friendships and social relationships within their local communities
- To break down the social isolation of service users and carers
- To ensure that all people have the right to make choices in their own lives and that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect
- To ensure that access to services is decided equitably in accordance with Coastlink’s priorities. Everyone applying for service will be treated strictly on a non-discriminatory basis