A shoulder to lean on

Telethon Speech & Hearing
Caring. Compassionate. Empathetic.

Michelle Jamieson has a personal understanding of what parents may go through when their child is diagnosed with hearing loss or a speech and language delay.

She experienced this journey with her own daughter's diagnosis more than 15 years ago.Michelle and her family received much-needed support from Telethon Speech & Hearing (TSH), a non-profit that offers essential early intervention and school support services, including audiology, speech pathology, psychology, occupational therapy and specialised language support.Inspired by her own experience, Michelle wanted to give back and started volunteering with TSH. She is now the Family Liaison Officer, and guides parents of newly diagnosed children while offering them a shoulder to cry on.

She helps advocate for NDIS funding for each child and facilitates education sessions and a supportive parent networking opportunities to encourage connections with other like-minded families."The beginning of this journey is the hardest and darkest times in their lives.

No one can tell them why their child is delayed, and they face being judged for their child's behaviour," Michelle says.

"I listen and make this a safe and comfortable environment."

Michelle has gone above and beyond for more than 2000 families over the past 13 years.

She is extremely passionate about seeking funding for scholarships to support the numerous requests from families, including single parents who are experiencing financial hardship and are in need of the vital early intervention services at TSH.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Up to eight families experiencing financial hardship will be able to attend Telethon Speech & Hearing's early intervention program.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here