Interchange Illawarra Spring Newsletter

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Spring Edition Newsletter ~ 2016

General Manager's Blog!

by Glenda Pearce

Hi to all,

Welcome to the third edition of the newsletter for 2016. I can't believe its September already and to all new families who have chosen Interchange as their respite service provider, your Support Coordinator and all of us at Interchange look forward to supporting you and your family.

End of Year Annual Paperwork

Its that time of year again for those families who access Interchange block funding and don't have a flexible respite package and/or other individual funding for eg. Commuity Participation. Over the next few weeks you will be receiving your annual paperwork to complete and return as quickly as possible. This year in preparation for NDIS you will also be asked to complete an Interchange Illawarra Statement of Support survey. It is very important you complete this survey to ensure we have the correct type of support and hours you access from Interchange and/or the correct type of support and hours you access using your Family Managed Allocation. This information will assist your claim for hours when completing your NDIS planning process.

Interchange Illawarra NDIS Statement of Support Survey
In preparation for the NDIS planning process Interchange Illawarra will provide you with a statement of support you currently receive from this organisation.
It is very important you complete this survey to ensure we have:

the correct type of direct Interchange support and the number of hours you access e.g. Peer Support, Saturplay, in home support etc
and/or the correct type of support and the number of hours you arrange using your Family Managed Allocation
and the number of hours of Support Coordination and funds management we assist you with

If you need support and assistance in completing this please talk to your Support Coordinator

This information will assist your claim for support when completing your NDIS planning process.

Individual Packages
Just a quick reminder for school leavers and older people with an individually funded Community Participation, Life Choices or Active Ageing Package that Interchange is now an accredited provider. If you would like to find out more contact Jake Pearson or myself.

Emergency Contacts.

As you are aware Interchange requires up to date, relevant information about your loved one with a disability who is registered with us. All paperwork needs to be completed especially sections relating to the nominated Emergency Contact listed on any Interchange form as they will be the person/s we contact when you, the carer, is unable to be reached or there is some type of emergency.

Please be aware the person you nominate as the Emergency Contact should be able to provide information or agree to actions we are proposing (in the carer’s absence) that are in the immediate best interest of your loved one. The Emergency Contact person does not have to provide direct support (but may choose to) just agree to support other arrangements being made.

We have discussed the matter of Emergency Contact with funding bodies and we are legally obliged to have Emergency Contacts. They have informed us that no support or services should be provided without Emergency Contacts being provided.

Medication/Webster Packs

Just a quick reminder regarding medication that needs to be administered when your loved one is being supported by Interchange volunteer or worker. Where possible all medication should be packed into Webster Packs with all the relevant details. When this is not possible only medication that is in the original packaging with the name of the person and all other relevant details it will then be administered. If you need any assistance or more information with this matter please speak to your Interchange Coordinator.

Office Closure
As the end of year draws near it is important for us to let you know that this office will be closed from 1pm Friday 23rd and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2017. Please remember that if you require support over this period to speak to your Coordinator well in advance. Don’t forget information for Emergency Care and additional/one off support is available on the back of this newsletter and in your support agreement.

VOLUNTEER / SUPPORT WORKER NEWS

by Sue Crawford

Hi all,

Another year is drawing to a close (nearly). I say it every year…hasn’t it gone fast…we must be having so much fun! Thank you again for your contribution. We wouldn’t be here without your great effort and support.

Just a couple of messages to go over. I know everyone is very busy but we do need replies to our emails, text messages and phone calls. This is mainly the way we communicate as many of you are either working, at school or uni. So if you can check your phones every now and then and reply everyone would really appreciate it.

If you are rostered on for a shift could you please ensure you can commit to this as chasing up a replacement can be very time consuming and jeopardise the running of our programs. I know things come up at unexpected times but continually cancelling is becoming a problem. If you have any issues please do not hesitate to call and we can arrange some time off or support you in other ways.

Don’t forget to put your placement forms in on time! Especially at the end of the month as this is very, very important to those people who have budgets to balance. Also please state AM or PM or use 24 hour time. Start practicing now, as when NDIS rolls in it will be very critical.

Also if any of your details change or such things as your driver’s licence, first aid etc have been updated please make sure you send a copy to the office.

One last thing. If you have not as yet sent me a photo so that I may prepare your id card could you please do so ASAP. Your response would be greatly appreciated.

On a lighter note don’t forget our end of year party is coming….at the end of the year…(see notice in this newsletter). Those who have been, know what a great night it is. So book in early so you don’t miss out. Love to see you all there!

PEER SUPPORT NEWS!

by Michael Corby

It’s been a chilly few months at Peer Support over winter with our groups enjoying a range of mostly indoor activities to keep out of the cold. Laser Tag, trampolining, the bead shack, movies and musicals at the Arcadians theatre to name a few. Unfortunately the Adult Peer Support Footy group got rained out at a couple of the Dragon’s home games this year but we have the Hawks season tipping off soon so get your supporter gear ready people!

Some of our Peer Support participants went on a cruise to the Sunshine Coast stopping off at beautiful Mooloolaba. They had a great trip and there are some great photos for us all to enjoy. Speaking of Cruises, the proposed Peer Support Carers/Family Cruise to Tasmania has received enough interest to go ahead which is very exciting. For those people who have booked in we will keep you updated with any new developments.

Our Friday night group will be taking a new direction and name. The group will now be called TGIF and will be open to both Youth Group and Peer Support. It will be held twice a month and include a range of popular activities on Friday nights over each program including Dinner Club, Movie Club, Bowling Club, etc.

As always if you have any activity recommendations or suggestions for the Peer Support Program please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kemira Respite House

by Tracey Greatz

Interchange Illawarra are involved in a joint venture with Greenacres in running the respite accommodation at Kemira, on the site of William Beach Gardens (IRT) in Kanahooka.

If you haven’t already heard, Kemira House is part of a purpose-built residential community for people with disabilities and their carers, who are ageing. It is a brand new building with an ensuite and air-conditioning in every room, accessible facilities and is in close proximity to Lake Illawarra.

We have welcomed our very first overnight visitor at the end of August and in the last month have also had a Kemira girl’s and boy's weekend. If you would like to find out more about accessing respite at Kemira, I would love to hear from you and we can discuss your situation.

There are also 2 x 2 bedroom units remaining in the residential part of the community. If you are an ageing carer and would like to enquire about the possibility of moving into one of these units now or in the future, you can contact Carrie Dickinson from IRT at cdickinson@irt.org.au or call the office and speak to myself and I will pass your information onto Carrie.

Supporting people with disabilities and their families
in the Illawarra for 35 years

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
by Glenda Pearce

By now you probably have heard about changes to disability funding and programs nation-wide. As families accessing support through Interchange, these changes affect you. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is this new way of providing support to people living with disability. It’s a whole of life approach – a major reform of disability services in Australia, designed to provide the right reasonable and necessary support according to each person’s needs, goals and aspirations. This reform acknowledges that everyone is different and that everyone should have choice and control over the services and supports they receive.

It’s vitally important that you start preparing for your NDIS journey as soon as possible. Those who are better prepared are more likely to get the right support through the NDIS. The first step is to understand the reform and how it affects you. Regardless of what you receive, if you haven’t attended at least one NDIS workshop you should arrange to do this ASAP. There are many workshops offered by Interchange (keep an eye on the newsletters and call up or email to book in) and just about all other local providers as well as a number of advocacy organisations. Keep an eye on emails from us and the internet to stay informed of what’s happening locally.

The second step is to keep records of the formal disability supports and informal/personal network supports that you receive now to live your life. In a previous Interchange community newsletter, Kylie reminded those who receive Community Participation, Supported Living, Life Choices, Transition to Work or Active Ageing funding or will do when they leave school to start properly preparing for NDIS NOW! If you are one of these families, book into an NDIS workshop if you haven’t done so already and start keeping notes/diary entries/documents (whatever works for you) of the supports you receive.

INTERCHANGE ILLLAWARRA
NDIS WORKSHOPS
BOOK NOW!
Wednesday 12th October

Day Session: 9.30am - 1.30pm
Evening Session: 5.30 - 8.30pm

Is your loved one
with a disability leaving
school next year?

Or
Already left school and
currently has a funded
package of support for eg.
Community Participation,
Transition to Work,
Life Choices,
Active Ageing?

If you fit into any of the above, it's really important you attend an info session on NDIS to have access for support in the very near future!

GUEST SPEAKERS FROM HUNTER VALLEY ON NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

Guest Speakers will talk about their personal experience in setting their adult children in independent living and planning and working with NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency)
There will be plenty of opportunity for Carers to ask the panel questions.

When: Friday 28th October

Time: 9.30am (start) ~ 2pm

Where: Quality Suites Pioneer Sands
19 Carters Lane, Towradgi

Refreshments provided - BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!!!

Phone the office on 4227 1079 or email Info@interchangeillawarra.org to book.

Parent/Carer Health & Wellbeing

by Kylie Ramstadius

PARENT / CARER BUS TRIP

MT ANNAN Botanical Gardens

Celebrating and Valuing our Interchange Illawarra Parent / Carers for Carers Week 2016

Come and enjoy a relaxing day out to Mt Annan Botancial Gardens.

Checking out some of the special themed gardens as a group or if you would prefer some time to enjoy a peaceful walk and enjoy the silence on your own that is ok too!

Then dining at Melaluca Cafe/Restaurant at the Gardens for a 2 course luncheon.

Thursday 20th Oct

9.15am - 2.45pm
FREE -
Bookings Essential - phone the office to book in!
(Meet at Interchange 81 Kenny Street, Wollongong)

INTERCHANGE ILLAWARRA

END OF YEAR PARTY 2016!
Carers / Participants / Volunteers / Management Committee & Staff

Where
The Bert Lillye Lounge
Kembla Grange

When
Friday 25th November

Time
5pm - 10pm

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL LIMITED SEATS!
* Due to being a popular event, this year only immediate family members living in the home can book in.

* We will have a waiting list for additional family members and will notify if any seats are available after RSVP end date (Cost: $45 per head)

Parent/Carer Health & Wellbeing

by Kylie Ramstadius

As the Parent / Carer Health and Wellbeing Coordinator we are looking at organising a regular monthly coffee morning at Interchange Illawarra in Kenny Street.

The monthly coffee morning could provide:

connection with Chairperson and CEO of Interchange Illawarra
regular connection with other Carers
information and resources
sharing information
guest speakers
relaxation sessions

If you are interested or you may have other ideas? If this is something you would attend please phone the office to put your name down as an expression of interest, with preferred days of the month. I will be in touch in regards to your response. You can always email me kylie@interchangeillawarra.org

EMERGENCY CARE
These services are provided to support you in your caring role
24hr Emergency Care:
The Disability Trust Emergency Care
Ph: 4225 8000

Illawarra Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre
Emergency or One Off Funding
Ph: 1800 052 222

During business hours you can contact Interchange Illawarra for assistance

1999 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 312D
Automatic Turbo Diesel
fitted with Wheelchair/Scooter Lifter
Seats 12
Mechanically A1 condition

Registered until 01/03/17
158,692 kms
$14,000 ono
Includes:
Normal C class license required to drive
Selling as no longer required
Contact Janet on:
0422 354 274

My Time Wollongong
Parent Support / Playgroup
This program runs at TAFE North Wollongong on Thursdays in TAFE Terms
For more info phone Kylie: 4227 1079

http://www.facebook.com/Interchangeillawarra/

Interchange Illawarra Website is up and running have a look at:
http://interchangeillawarra.org/