Heath Black is a well known sporting identity around Australia.  Heath played AFL football for 12 years at the Fremantle Dockers and St Kilda.  Heath retired from professional football in 2oo8 and really only then discovered his life’s work.

Towards the end of his football career he had a series of public misdemeanours which marred the solid reputation he had built over his career.  Spiralling out of control, Heath realised the full extent of his mental issues in 2009 following the failure of his marriage, lost job opportunities, several arrests and a growing dependence on alcohol.  He was finally diagnosed with Bipolar II and ADHD type 6.

Heath has spent the last 18 months getting his life back on track, but rather than sit back he has decided to use his profile and experience to try and help other men who may suffer from Bipolar, ADHD or other related mental conditions such as depression, anxiety, isolation and alcoholism.  These conditions are more common than most people would expect and often kept behind closed doors; which is one of the reasons Heath has decided to tell his story.

WA Charity Direct is working with Heath by providing funding and business guidance on his quest to raise the issue of mental wellness.  Using AFL as the springboard, Heath is currently conducting his wellness workshops to sporting clubs within regional WA.

Jake Howe was referred to WA Charity Direct through Better Life Foundation WA.  At the age of 22 in an unfortunate accident, Jake suffered a C5 spinal fracture and permanent damage to his spinal cord.

Jake’s injury has had a massive impact on all daily activities and was in need of a height adjustable bed.  The adjustable bed will allow Jake to sit up comfortable and safely, as well as assist with the transferring in and out of bed.

In conjunction with Better Life Foundation WA, WA Charity Direct part funded the purchase of the recommended bed.

Tyler Warren has been diagnosed with Neuronal Migration Disorder and possible Cerebral Palsy.  As a result of this Tyler has severe Global Developmental Delay, visual impairment & low muscle tone. Tyler, who is nearly 3 years old is a gorgeous little boy who relies completely on his devoted Mum for all his needs and personal care.

Sleeping is a very challenging time for Tyler and his mother.  Tyler often suffers nocturnal seizures, thus making his sleep very interrupted, which leads to fatigue for both mother and son.

On recommendation from the Sleep Clinic at The Centre for Cerebral Palsy, WA Charity Direct purchased the Medifab Safe Surround Genie Bed for Tyler.  The  specialised bed will keep Tyler safe and support a good sleep routine, which will help towards progress in engagement of daily functional tasks.

Abbey Hrabar is a six year old girl with physical & intellectual disabilities.  Abbey is a gorgeous girl who is cared for by her devoted family and now attends school.

As Abbey has mobility issues and frequent vomiting and respiratory episodes, her typical single bed was no longer suitable.  Abbey now required a more suitable long term bed option which can allow her to safely transfer from the bed independently, as well as providing convenience for her parents when medication needs to be administered.  WA Charity Direct funded the purchase of a height adjustable bed and the custom made surround frame by a local supplier for Abbey.