Providing fun, therapy and connection

Skillz4me
Selfless. Leader. Committed.

Jason Stanton is a fierce advocate for children with a disability.

Many of these children are excluded from social and sporting activities, so he and his wife, Sarah, set up a program for children of all abilities to connect and learn together.

Skillz4me combines fun with therapy, with volunteers and qualified therapists running the programs. Jason and Sarah personally fund the non-profit and work hard to ensure it remains free of charge.

Over the past four years, the number of children attending has grown to over 80 children per week. "We don't exclude anyone. Our programs reduce isolation, develop children and positively impact families" Jason says.

As parents of two children with autism, one needing constant care, Jason and Sarah understand how tough and isolating it can be to look after children with disabilities.

Skillz4me has established sessions for parents also, where they can connect and speak about common issues, challenges and support each other.

"A growing number of families have a member with a disability," Jason says. "We need more initiatives like Skillz4me to bring our community together."

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. Skillz4me will use its grant to help keep the program free for families.

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