Researcher receives crucial funding for caregiver support initiative
The Kids Research Institute Australia is deeply grateful to The Yellow Umbrella Foundation for their generous gift of $38,453 to help fund a new mental health initiative for parents and caregivers of children living with intellectual disability.
The Kids Research Institute Australia is deeply grateful to The Yellow Umbrella Foundation for their generous gift of $38,453 to help fund a new mental health initiative for parents and caregivers of children living with intellectual disability.
Early career researcher Dr Jacinta Saldaris, a Senior Research Officer in The Kids’ Child Disability Team, is leading the Caregiver Speaks project – a unique, evidence-based online intervention designed to offer caregivers a safe and supportive space to connect, share experiences and learn from one another.
Initially developed for caregivers of people with dementia, Caregiver Speaks will now be modified for parents of children with intellectual disability, who often face significant challenges, including high levels of stress, anxiety, and social isolation.
The intervention is based on a cognitive framework that suggests social support can help individuals cope with adversity and improve their mental health. Over 10 weeks, participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings in a private Facebook group with a trained moderator facilitating discussions and various activities.
Dharshan Elikewela, Director at The Yellow Umbrella Foundation, said they were thrilled to support the initiative.
“It goes without saying that the mental health of parents and caregivers directly influences their ability to provide emotional support to their children and create a nurturing environment,” Mr Elikewela said.
“Caregivers in a positive mental state are better equipped to make informed decisions regarding their child's care, education, and therapy. We firmly believe that Caregiver Speaks has the potential to significantly impact the mental health of parents and caregivers, ultimately leading to better outcomes for their children.”
Dr Saldaris said she was grateful to The Yellow Umbrella Foundation for their generous support.
“This funding will enable me to build my critical research program which seeks to enhance mental wellbeing, resilience and identity in caregivers of children with intellectual disability,” Dr Saldaris said.
“It will allow me to co-design a novel online intervention with caregivers, ensuring it meets their unique needs and circumstances. The intervention will include flexible, social, creative, and evidence-based core features to support mental health outcomes and empower caregivers.
“The potential benefits for this intervention are vast, and will expand support to families who feel isolated, ensuring mental health support is available to those who need it, regardless of location or socio-economic status.”
Thanks to this generous funding, Dr Saldaris will conduct a comprehensive review of current research and consult with caregivers to gather their insights and experiences. This information will be used to inform the development of the Caregiver Speaks program through a collaborative co-design process.
The Yellow Umbrella Foundation is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting children's mental health services in Australia. The Foundation's generous support is instrumental in making this project a reality.
As the project progresses, we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of countless caregivers and their families.
This Press Release was orginally published by The Kids Research Institute on 26th November 2024 and is republished here with permission.