RIVERLAND, Australia - AussieJournal -- Support & Connect has launched S&C Allied Health, a new specialised occupational therapy service addressing the severe shortage of therapeutic support in the Riverland region. The service, which reached full capacity within weeks of opening, will provide local access to occupational therapy, counselling, and functional capacity assessments for people with disabilities.

Director Dylan Blackley identified occupational therapy as a critical gap affecting young people across the region, with many families waiting years for local services or relying on remote providers from Adelaide.

"OT is like liquid gold down here in the Riverland," said Dylan Blackley, Director at Support & Connect. "Seeing families who have been on waiting lists for years finally get the connection with a local OT who can implement strategies and communicate with other stakeholders face-to-face – that's what I'm in it for."

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The new service operates under the S&C Allied Health umbrella, complementing Support & Connect's existing mentoring and disability support programs. Occupational therapist Emma brings several years of experience to the role and will soon begin initial consultations with clients.

S&C Allied Health offers comprehensive occupational therapy services including sensory integration therapy, in-home and in-school consultations, functional capacity assessments, and daily living skills development. The allied health expansion also includes counselling services, with plans to add two additional counsellors in 2026.

"We've got to take into consideration what the client wants," Blackley explained. "Really focusing on what they need and want is hugely important."

The occupational therapy service works alongside Support & Connect's existing mentoring programs, allowing mentors to implement therapeutic strategies in everyday activities and community settings. Allied health assistants will support service delivery, making therapy more accessible for clients with limited funding.

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Support & Connect plans further allied health expansion, including physiotherapy services in Adelaide and developmental education programs in the Riverland.

Families interested in accessing occupational therapy services can complete a referral form through Support & Connect's website.

About Support & Connect: Support & Connect provides personalised disability support and mentoring services in the Riverland. Visit https://supportandconnect.com.au to learn more.