Latrobe Lifeskills Newsletter

A Note About this Newsletter

Much of the following newsletter was put together at the end of February in time for a March release. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we decided to focus on communication with current Participants, their families and carers and Lifeskills staff through internal emails, phone calls and post and never released the original newsletter. Any activities (and photos) below and above containing groups of Participants occurred before the current stage three restrictions were put in place.
We feel this is a good time to refocus on the wonderful things Participants achieve and we look forward to be able to get back on track as soon as it is safe to do so.

This newsletter is tinged with sadness, the implications of COVID-19 and a glimmer of hope and positive outlook for the future.
My original contribution to the newsletter was of 2020 being a year of growth, opportunities and challenging the Participants into new areas of personal development. while behind the scenes we were monitoring the Royal Commission, preparing for our re-accreditation audit of Quality & Safeguards and consolidating our position as a respected provider of disability supports.
How much of those aspirations quickly changed in mid-March when a student at La Trobe University was diagnosed with COVID-19 and the introduction of the stage three restrictions - we saw a 95% reduction in Participant attendance over a two week period. from there, the gut-wrenching decision to let 10 outstanding staff members go and Lifeskills future was in the balance - a very challenging time which still continues.
I do thank the many families that sent messages of support, often regretfully explaining their own circumstances of withdrawing their son or daughter until safer times. These messages helped balance out the negativity and criticism we also received.
As Lifeskills is an essential service, all efforts were made to remain open with a very dedicated and committed staff (who quite rightly at times also felt vulnerable and threatened) as there were families that relied on Lifeskills to continue offering supports - be it in a modified form. My thanks to La Trobe University for their flexibility in allocating areas of the Bundoora and Bendigo campuses for our use.
The future will not be the same as the past. There will be changes, by choice and brought about by circumstance. That is the new world we will all operate in.
No doubt technology will be utilised more - where appropriate, a minimum of one day a week Service Agreement, the insistence of activity costs being paid on a monthly basis (these fees are currently suspended until the end of September to acknowledge the financial circumstances we all face). family meetings to receive feedback, exchange ideas and keep the lines of communication open.
The Participants have experienced new activities, hot chocolate mornings, exotic breakfasts, delicious lunches from time to time, zoomed with Bendigo Participants, maintained their positivity and allowed staff to try new things.

As always, we welcome your interest and personal contact.

The Bundoora and Bendigo groups have each been hard at work, tending to their respective gardens as we farewell summer and welcome a hopefully prosperous Autumn.
The Bundoora garden is enjoying the typically varied Melbourne weather, producing pumpkins and zucchinis the size of which could take out a Guiness Book of Records award!
The Bendigo group visits their local community garden on Fridays, giving it some love as though it were their own.
Click on this link for more photos!

It was with great sadness that we learned of Lloyd's death on 23 December 2019, after being admitted

to hospital a short four weeks earlier. Lloyd joined Lifeskills in 2014 to work a LTRP, which suited his skills and experience. Lloyd was always positive and supportive and was a master at making green tomato pickles, which we were fortunate enough to sample. Lloyd was 63 years of age and leaves behind partner Carmen and three adult sons.

We attended Lloyd's funeral to farewell a colleague, friend and 'good bloke'.
RIP Lloyd.

Work Experience
Bradley has been doing a wonderful job throughout his work experience at Baker's Delight. Bradley has a great work ethic and has done a great job working as part of a team.

Practising Good Hygiene at Lifeskills

Staff at Lifeskills Bundoora and Bendigo have been using time during their activities to educate Participants about critical hygiene practices to keep everyone safe. La Trobe University has installed a number of new sanitiser dispensers and is monitoring both campuses closely to ensure all social distancing restrictions are adhered to.
We thank La Trobe University for their support to enable our essential service to continue operating.
You can head to our COVID-19 page for resources and links to government websites for up to date information. Head to www.lifeskills.vic.edu.au/covid19.

Bendigo
A trip to Melbourne was enjoyed by Bendigo Participants, who also met up with Participants from Lifeskills Bundoora. The groups went to the MCG for a tour and a look at the museum on site.
The group in Bendigo have also been working on life skills such as ironing and using washing machines - with great success!

Welcome Back Week (February 2020) - La Trobe Bundoora

For the first time ever, Lifeskills held a stall at La Trobe Uni's Welcome Back Week to meet students and staff. Participants George, Amanda, Nicole, Jackson and Lauren helped hand out information, pens and bags to the friendly crowd.

Wednesday Student Union Market

Wednesday market is back at La Trobe University Bundoora.
Lifeskills has a stall each Wednesday during semester one, offering beautifully handcrafted pet beds (made with up-cycled fabric), coasters (both wooden and woolen), reusable bags (up-cycled t-shirts donated by La Trobe University), jewellery and more! The Craft, Studio (woodwork) and Jewellery groups are dedicated to making each item to the highest quality and do a fantastic job.
We look forward to seeing you there, you can find the market next to the Eastern Lecture Theatre!
NOTE: The market is currently closed due to stage three Restrictions.