Sibling Support Services

Ovspring recognises that there is a need to increase peer support and information opportunities for siblings of children with special health and developmental needs. There is also a need to increase parents' and service providers' understanding of sibling issues. Ovspring looks to providing support for sibling issues in two ways:
a) Counselling & Training for Parents
b) Sibling Support Group (SIBSHOPS model)

Counselling & Services for Parents
Under Ovspring's Parent Support Program (PSP) framework, family support include providing counselling, planned respite care, group work for children and parents, parent/child interaction activities, advocacy and supportive networks. Special focus is given to Sibling Issues under this program. Activities are planned periodically, particularly during school holidays and weekends. More information, please email psp@ovspring.com for details.

Sibling Support Group (SIBSHOPS)
Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal, award-winning celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in between. They reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another—if they are given a chance.

The Sibshop model mixes information and discussion activities with new games (designed to be unique, off-beat, and appealing to a wide ability range), and special guests. For more information on Sibshops around the world, visit the Sibling Support Project.

We also welcome enquiries from schools and will be happy to work collaboratively on-site to serve brothers and sisters of children with special needs.

SIBSHOPS for Siblings with Kids with Special Health and Developmental Needs
for Siblings Ages 9 to 12  

Includes but not limited to: autism, ADHD, hearing impairement, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, cancer, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and heart, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal or heart disease.

The next Sibshops is planned for Nov-Dec School Holidays 2008. More details to come.

For more information or enquiries, contact Christine Tan, Parent Support Coordinator at 6466 8090 (tel) or email psp@ovspring.com