Donate and Make a Difference

As a result of the stroke, Dex now lives with an acquired brain injury. Following this unexpected occurrence, Dex’s speech problems worsened, and he was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety.

Sadly, this could lead to Dex missing out on valuable experiences to shape his world.

Dex is a bright, vivacious, and loving child, who loves interacting with other kids, and because of his disability, he is slower to retain information. As a result, Dex struggles to keep up with his peers at school and connect. He doesn’t fully understand what is going on in the world around him, and for Dex’s family, his care is 24/7. Some days are a little more tricky than others; Dex’s grandma and pop navigate times of him waking through the night, dances around taking medication, and on some days not wanting to go to school.

In 2020, a family member gifted Dex a Cahoots camp so that his family could have some respite.

Since attending Cahoots, Dex has grown in his independence, and has learned how to connect and behave with others around him. The little things we take for granted can be a challenge for Dex, such as getting up on time and washing his hair but through Cahoots experiences, Dex has learned valuable life skills to help his grandma in daily activities.

You Can Help Us, Help Others

One of the most meaningful moments we see across our programs is a young person confidently sitting down to share a meal. For many families, this simple act represents progress they once thought impossible. Dex is one of those young people and like many others in our community, he has faced challenges with eating, routine, and social connection. At Cahoots camps, he learns to make his own choices about food and to enjoy meals alongside peers in a safe, supportive environment. These small steps build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

Another powerful outcome we see across our participant community is the development of self‑regulation skills. Many young people who join us experience anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or difficulty managing emotions. Through gentle guidance and consistent routines, they learn how to calm themselves during challenging moments, a skill that transforms life at home, at school, and in the community. 

For participants who need more time to settle, practise, and grow, our Kids Weeklong Camps offer the ideal environment. Dex thrives in this setting, and he’s not alone, many young people benefit from the extended structure, repetition, and supportive environment that weeklong camps provide. These programs allow participants to build independence at their own pace and bring new skills home to their families.

Cahoots services have become a lifeline for many families across WA. While every child’s story is unique, the challenges they face and the hopes their families hold are shared by hundreds of young people in our community. We are proud to walk alongside them, creating opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate through joy.

But the need is growing, and many families are still waiting for support.

By giving $50 a month, you’re opening the door for young people like Dex and hundreds of others across Western Australia to access the support, connection, and life‑changing experiences they cannot get anywhere else.

As NDIS funding continues to tighten, more and more young people and families are turning to Cahoots for the support they can no longer access elsewhere. Your generosity ensures we can continue to say “yes” when families have nowhere else to turn. I’m asking you to stand with us. Your support today helps keep our programs running, protects vulnerable young people from falling through the cracks, and strengthens our entire community. On behalf of our Cahoots families and our team – we thank you. Your support means the world to us.

With Warm wishes

David Armstrong CEO, Cahoots

Our Social Impact

What we achieved in 2025/2026