Kate and Mandy chat with Amanda, Pea mum of two daughters, a carer for her dad, a teacher of one day and a wonderful carer. Amanda introduces us to her family and youngest daughter Bella who has autism and an intellectual disability. Bella is also our own Molly's BFF. Amanda shares with us about the early years with Bella, her mainstream beginning in school and her move to specialist schooling after the school encouraged the move. Bella has thrived in these schools and is in a core friendship group of 4 friends who have done some amazing and fun things together.

Amanda is a woman who loves to study, and was doing her thesis during Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 with her family at home. Experiencing overwhelm, Amanda called Carer Gateway which is Australian federal and state government-funded program that provides emotional and practical services and support for carers.

Amanda received practical help from Carer Gateway, and so did her eldest daughter who was also studying her VCE. Amanda now works for them as the Victorian Partnerships Lead and her job is to talk to organisations to build partnerships with Carer Gateway. Amanda absolutely loves this work and sees it as a great privilege to use her lived experience as well as her skills to improve the lives of carers.

Thank you Amanda for chatting with us.

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• Melbourne forecast for Friday May 10  - Showers easing, 18 degrees

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