Address: 100 Queen Street, Bendigo VIC 3550

Phone: (03)54412666 email: admin@amicus.org.au web: www.amicus.org

August 2015

Hello Everyone – Welcome to the August edition of Amicus’ newsletter! The past month has another busy one with a bumper school holiday program and lots of work getting new services in place for children and teenagers as a result of some non-recurrent funding made available by DHHS. Most of these new supports commenced in the first week of July and the initial feedback from families is that the support is making a big difference already!

We held a Christmas in July event on 24 July to assist us to raise funding to purchase Ipads and what a fantastic night it was! A beautiful dinner from the team at the Newmarket Hotel paired with some outstanding McGuigan's wines and a sensational silent auction which raised $1600! Many thanks to our generous sponsors for offering such a great selection of items for sale. And a very big thanks to Mick from Long Gully IGA, Ross from McGuigan's and our very own Bec for making this night such a wonderful success!

Amicus will be holding an information session on Housing and the NDIS for Amicus participants and families on Thursday 27 August – see notice in the newsletter for further information. This session is a must not just for people who are thinking about housing now or in the next few years but for all people to start to think about how they want their needs met into the future. Please make sure that you RSVP for this event as we may need to change

venue from Amicus if we get a huge demand and will contact people who have rsvp’d to advise any changes. This session is for people who are already receiving support from Amicus with an open information session currently being planned for the broader community in September (date currently being finalised). As a follow up to both of these sessions we are putting together a series of speakers to come to Bendigo to speak about a range of innovative housing and support options that people with a disability have created locally and internationally. We will be receiving a visit from Michael Kendrick towards the end of August and he will spend some time with all of our direct support staff and the management team to build on our Person Directed approaches and support our preparation for the NDIS. We will also have 5 staff attending the Belonging Matters conference towards the end of the month. I am hopeful that by the next newsletter I may also have some news about how and when the NDIS implementation will happen in Bendigo and surrounding areas. An implementation plan is due to be released late August so hopefully they meet this timeline as we are all keen to know when it will happen! Looking forward to my next update! Cheers! Ann-Maree

From the EO

Ann-Maree Davis

Amicus will hold a forum on Housing and the NDIS for participants and families on:

Thursday 27 August at 4:30pm At Amicus, 100 Queen St, Bendigo

We will cover What’s Happening In The NDIS Housing Space? What’s Happening At Amicus? Housing Options Support Options Bringing It All Together

This forum is a must not just for people who are think about housing now or in the next few years, but for all participants and families so they can plan for the future.

The session will run for approx. 1 ½ hours and light refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP and advise of any dietary requirements by Thursday 20 August to Anne or Linda on 5441 2666

Please note that a venue change may be required if the event is heavily subscribed and you will be contacted.

A further forum is being planned for September that will be open to the broader community – details to follow!

Inside this issue

From the EO ................................ 1 Key Dates ................................... 1

Amicus News and Events ............. 2 Amicus Silent Auction & Sponsors 2 Housing & the NDIS Forum .......... 2 Coordinators Report ................... 3 Access and Support ..................... 3 Coordinators Report ................... 4 Tasmanian Trip ........................... 5 HACC News ................................. 5 Sarah’s Shopping Trip ................. 5 Quality Matters........................... 6 Community Inclusion ................. 7 Teen Works—Info for Students ... 8

Amicus News and Events

Amicus Christmas in July Fundraiser

Thankyou to our Sponsors for their generous donations

Bendigo Braves

Custom Shade Solutions

Epsom Lotto

Fitzpatricks Hardware

Hendersons Camping & Fishing

John Cross Plumbing

Long Gully IGA

Newmarket Hotel

Prattys Patch

Sangria

Disability Services G’Day Everyone,

Farewell and good luck is extended to Lois Billing who is embarking on sea change with her family and moving out of the Bendigo area.

Lois has been a part of the Amicus family for 6 years and has supported many individuals and their families / carers during that time, both as a support worker and also as a Team Leader.

Lois will be missed by many and we would like to thank Lois for her contributions during her time with Amicus.

To ensure ongoing coordination, Janet Gregory will be increasing her Team Leader hours to 5 days per week. Dean will also be providing Team Leader Support as always, to plug any gaps and ensure staff and participants are well supported throughout the week.

Congratulations are also in order for two individuals who have undertaken some work roles in the community this month:

One young man with aspirations to work in hospitality, has commenced working at the Eaglehawk Secondary College Canteen. This will provide invaluable experience in food handling.

Another individual has commenced a position at Bolton’s Office National to assist with shredding and paper waste management.

Staff recently attended a second Complex Communication Training Session on how to utilise Ipads as communication aides. If any participants or families / carers are interested in learning more about Ipads for communication please have a chat with support workers or give Diane Ryan- Complex Communication Coordinator- or call at the Amicus office. Shayne Scott

Disability Service Co -ordinator

Coordinators Reports

Access and Support Greetings all, June/July have been busy months for Access and Support. Not only was it NAIDOC week but there was a significant number of referrals to the Program resulting in new clients with high needs. NAIDOC week, which was from 2nd through to 12th July, offered many a morning tea and lunch opportuni-ties and I had the pleasure of attending lots of fun activities. One of the highlights of the week for me was the NAIDOC Children’s Day. This was hosted by Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative and held at the Exhibition Centre. Approximately 450 people attended and the bulk of them were children. There were a host of fun activities for the kids and a great lunch was served. Ann-Maree and I attended the flag raising ceremony on Monday 6th July, which was the actual launch of the Bendigo NAIDOC week program. Ann-Maree (on behalf of amicus), along with many other local or-ganisations was presented with an Aboriginal flag which we now display in the entrance of the office at all times. The Knuldoorong – NAIDOC Art Exhibition was supported by amicus and was well attended, with the pos-sum skin cloak workshop being a real draw card each day. This very significant week provided many opportunities for people to meet with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to celebrate culture and community with them. The work of the Access and Support Program continues to grow as more people learn about the service. Links and partnerships with other providers has also grown and we have very strong relationships with many local organisations. This is crucial to the success of the work we do.

Until next time.

Di Parker Access and Support

HACC and Children’s Services

Active Service Model

Amicus has been asked to participate in the Client/Carer Outcomes Project, which is an initiative funded through the Home and Com-

munity Care (HACC) program by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

The project is being run by La Trobe University, state wide. Bendigo has 3 organisations participating in the project, Amicus, Bendigo

Community Health and the CoGB. Amicus will be participating in the project as part of our Access & Support Program. The project

aims to develop a framework and tools for measuring the impacts of the ASM approach on HACC. The tools aims for agencies to

capture the outcomes for clients and carers who use its services. At the end of the project, it is hoped a sweep of resources will be

developed to ensure an Active Support Model approach is being delivered by all services.

Di Parker will be asking Access and Support participants if they would like to be part of the project. For those volunteers, it will take approximately 30 minutes to compete a questionnaire. Please ask Di if wanting further information on the project.

Diversity

It is time again for Amicus to review our Diversity Plan. Amicus has achieved some great outcomes as a result of our plan over the last 12 months, including training for staff and development of resources. Di Parker and I will be attending a workshop this week at the DHHS. From there, we will complete a review of our plan and develop the 2015-16 plan. We will provide a full report on in our next newsletter. In the meantime, anyone who is interested in providing feedback or being involved in the development of the Ami-cus Diversity Plan, please contact Caralyn or Di on 5441 2666.

Planned Activity Groups

Elaine has been very busy working with participants of our Planned Activities in Supported Residential Service to review and com-

plete Care Plans. Plans have now been completed for most residents of SRS. If you have any queries in regards to your plans, please

talk to Elaine, Glenda or Lisa.

We now have 3 Planned Activity Groups for teenagers running through the school term:

Planned Activities for Teenagers with High Support

Planned Activities for Active Teens

Planned Activities in Heathcote

The Planned Activity Groups have been funded through our Home and Community Care Program and Non-Recurrent Community

Based Respite from July 2015 – June 2016.

The PAG’s run on Saturday afternoons from 12-3.00 pm and enable the teenagers to participate in social and recreational activities in

their community. The teens have some fantastic activities planned in the coming months.

Respite and HACC for Teens and Children

Amicus received funding from the DHHS for Community Based Respite in the 2015-16 year. The funding in non-recurrent funding is

being used to offer Respite opportunities to Teenagers and Children who do not have an ISP. Approximately 16 children/teens are so

far receiving some Respite support through this program. All Respites have now started for these participants.

Tracey and I have met with all participants of the Respite program and All About Me Support Plans have been completed. The par-

ticipants are receiving their Respite in a variety of ways with some exciting opportunities for Teens to participate in

community activities as do their peers and children to have some much needed Respite in the home. We look forward

to sharing some great news stories for these Respites.

Tracey, Peter, Shayne and I are busy developing resources and a plan for the commencement of our Teen Work Project in the coming months. This project is being funded as part of our Non-Recurrent Community Based Respite. Please see the attached flyer that will provide fur-ther information on this program.

Vacation Care It was an extremely busy Holiday program over July. The program was very successful, with the kids all really enjoying them-selves. The children had a great time in activities both on site and at various public venues. There were trips to the Parkys Wonder-land, the bowling alley, the cinemas and the swimming pool. There were lots of in house activities, the most popular being Mud Day which saw the students diving into a huge pit of mud outside. They had lots of sand pit toys to play with in the mud. Despite it being absolutely freezing, most kids absolutely loved getting covered from head to toe in the mud. There was a lovely wading pool full of warm water which the girls seemed to gravitate towards. We had 2 new students join us these holidays, with both families being in need of some respite and the children wanting to have kids to play with over the holiday break. We had a couple of new Amicus staff supporting children on the program. The feedback from both families and the YMCA for these staff has been amazing, they are doing a fantastic job. These staff have now starting supporting students in the After School Program as well.

Coordinators Reports

Caralyn Collins Service Coordinator

Tracey Christmas OHSC & Vacation Care Coordinator

Kangaroos were a highlight of our Program Activity

Groups (PAGs) in June. New resident Matt from Ka-

rinya, Lancefield was very excited to see a kangaroo

while out on a drive.

Princes Park Lodge residents from Maryborough saw lots of kangaroos and

rosellas when they went to Stuart Mill for a BBQ followed by a drive to near-

by Teddington Reservoir. Stuart Mill is about 23 km south of St Arnaud.

Homebush residents came across a disoriented kangaroo after a walk at Pink

Cliffs outside Heathcote. We suspect that the kangaroo had been hit by a car

as it eventually crossed the road in front of us and took a couple of tumbles

before hopping away into the bush. A big mob of kangaroos were sunning

themselves in a paddock on the other side of the road.

Highlights from July included an

impromptu photo shoot for

Homebush residents at Bendigo

Pottery with ex Geelong football-

er, Cameron Ling.

Princes Park residents Joyce and Roberta made some beautiful cards during

a craft session. Roberta has very recently moved to a Nursing Home in Mel-

bourne. She has been an active participant in our PAGs at Prince Park Lodge

and will be missed. Another activity residents from the Lodge en-

joyed was a BBQ at Dunolly.

That’s all for this month Elaine Crowle HACC Support Worker

Tasmanian Trip

"A small group of Amicus participants who attend Twelve Shed Arts had an amazing opportunity to fly to Hobart recently and visit the world famous Mona Gallery. With funds from the CoGB, fund raising and a contribution from participants, the group - including Amicus Support Worker Mellissa Currie, another Twelve Shed art tutor Mark Polsen and a parent - also had opportunity to enjoy the Salamanca Markets and visit a zoo to observe Tasmanian Devils at close quarters. Melissa Currie

Support Worker

HACC News

Sarah had a lovely day at Lansell Plaza shopping, catching up with Cindy and meeting a super hero. I had some photos printed and laminated for Sarah which she was pleased with.

Sarah’s Shopping Trip

Glenda Duffy

Support Worker

QUALITY MATTERS

The quality area of Amicus has been involved in the development of audit tools to measure our level of achievement in a num-ber of key areas. The quality committee has developed an internal audit schedule which records the audits that are to be con-ducted each month. The audits are based on the Amicus policies and procedures, Disability Services and HACC standards and ISO Quality Management standards.

POLICY and PROCEDURE UPDATES The second key activity that has been underway across the past month has been the revision of policies and proce-dures. The policies being revised include:

The current case note policy will become a generic participant documentation policy,

The current motor vehicle use policy will be split into two policies. One policy for use of an Amicus vehicle and the second for use of a staff members or participants or a carer’s vehicle.

FEEDBACK: Amicus also measures it success from feedback received from participants, families, carers and staff. Recently, we conducted the Staff Feedback survey, with the results to be tabled at the next quality committee meeting. Feed-back surveys for Access and Support Services and Supported Residential Services are to be conducted in August and Septem-ber. The staff training day held on the 5th of June was evaluated by staff using the electronic survey monkey program.

STAFF TRAINING DAY EVALUATION: Overall satisfaction with the information provided and the quality of the presentations was very high. The results indicate that staff left the training day more informed about the NDIS, how to undertake a risk assess-

ment, in postive beahvour support and in restrictive interventions pro. There were some comments that I think as a team we need to take on-board. There were a number of people who had difficul-ty hearing the speakers due to people talking in the back rows. In raising this it’s a good opportunity for us to reflect on the impact of staff talking whilst presentations are occurring on the ability of others to learn. There are other comments made around the level of comfort in the room, which indicates that we need to get up and move a little more too.

STAFF SURVEY PRELIMINARY RESULTS: A big thank-you to the staff who took the time to provide feedback to us about their views on what areas are working well at Amicus and where we need to improve across the next twelve months. Your opinions are highly valued and will be used to shape how services are provided.

The survey provided great information that highlighted the areas that staff were very satisfied with and areas that staff have indicated that further improvement is needed. The areas that staff were delighted in relate to:

80% + satisfaction -Their role requirements, sense of personal accomplishment, management of difficult behaviours, knowledge of activities, personal skills and knowledge

86% + satisfaction –Amicus services meets the values of self direction, individuality, active participation and capacity building

90% + satisfaction with the provision of a workplace free from bullying, sexual harrassment, a team that celebrates diversity and is respectful of the rights and dignity of participants

86%+ satisfaction with Senior Managers - modeling the code of conduct, actively encouraging behaviours that are con-sistent with the code of conduct, providing useful direction when requested

J80%+ satisfaction with training provided,

75% +satisfaction on average with being confident when using MERP

updates to the partic ipant handbook:

The participant handbook was updated in June, 2015, as a result of an accreditation audit and from feedback from the After-School and Vacation Care program feedback survey. Please take the time you re-familiarize yourself with this on GEMBA. The next phase is to develop specialized booklets for each of the services we provide. I.e. Accommodation Services, Supported Residential Services, After-School and Vacation Care Program, Access and Support, Adult Disability. There has been plenty of quality work occurring in the background. The quality system influences and shapes

how we provide services to participants and supports staff. This is achieved through listening to what people

have to say, keeping in touch with new standards and then putting these improvements in place.

What is working well: Increased good reputation within Bendigo Great staff training The focus on paticipant goals and the review of support plans The progression of the organisation

Improvements requested in: Communication Listening skills of team, i.e. not interrupting Specialised training for staff in areas such as autism, schizophrenia More information about participant’s medical conditions

Things that staff are most proud of-

Better quality services,

Participants having more input into their programs,

Client development and goal achievement

How Amicus accepts diversity in every person

Message in the bottle to the Executive Officer: Continue to employ more passionate staff, so Amicus can continue to grow Strengthen feedback systems to staff Continue to build stronger relationships in the team by having a few informal morning teas etc. Great to see the social club start! Further development of staff skills in developing and following support plans

Judy Bish - Quality Officer

Hello there, I am positive that many of people who choose Amicus, do so because of our demonstrated commitment to providing tailored and individualised supports that empower people to achieve awesome things in their own lives and within the communities they are part of. I’d like to acknowledge two such people for their bravery and willingness to put themselves out there and tell you a little of the results they have achieved.

Sally Lanchester and Simon Woolley, have both recently completed amazing work placements, as diverse in nature as the unique and talented individuals they truly are. Sally has been working studiously, within the local Regional Development Vic-toria Office, in the capacity as an office administration assistant. Sally helped out with a variety of jobs and showed herself to be a reliable, friendly and hard worker. Here are some of the jobs that Sally was responsible for during her 12 week placement. Making sure the photocopier had paper in the tray; Re-stocking the staff kitchen and helping with catering; Setting up the meeting rooms ready for meetings; De-binding and recycling the old project files; Sorting and emptying the recycled paper bins.

Thanks so much to Clare, Debbie, Machala and all the office staff for your team spirit and on the job mentoring. We admire and appreciate your values and commitment to empowering people with disability to gain real work experience in a real work place.

When I asked Sally what she had enjoyed most about her time at RDV, she said “I feel happy and proud to be doing useful jobs… I feel like it has helped me move closer to my longer term goals and given me more confidence with my admin skills.” Go Sally, go!

Simon, on the other hand has been further developing his skills as a gardener and nursery assistant all the way out in Junortoun at the Rodilesa Nursery. To get to his work place, he decided to learn two new bus routes, and by the end of his 12 week placement he was travelling independently all the way. Great work Simon! A beautiful example of where going outside of your comfort zone can really pay off. Simon was a great help to the Rodilesa team, demonstrating a wide range of abilities that made a big difference to their day and saved them precious time. Whether it’s moving valuable plant stock, collecting and stacking trays or planting out bare-root trees, Simon is always an eager learner and a great team player, making friends and connections wherever he goes. Thanks so much to Donna, Jamie, Simon and all the team at Rodilesa for your commitment to this placement. At the best of times, running a small busi-ness is demanding, challenging and a tricky juggling act. By showing your commitment to hosting and mentoring a work experience participant, you real-ly do set yourself apart as a progressive organisation with socially inclusive com-munity values, you can be proud of.

Exploring Film. On a very different note, I’d just like to mention our new group program, facilitated by the fabulous Jade Ferguson that we are lucky enough to be able to offer this term. The “Exploring Film” Group are meeting weekly to look at the weird and wonderful world of film-making. From acting classes to hands-on animation techniques, and Black and white silent movies to CGI Hollywood blockbusters; these guys are in for a real treat as they work alongside Industry experts and TAFE digital media students to produce and star in a short-educational film that will help Community House staff train their volunteers. This program has been made possible with the assistance of a COGB, community develop-ment grant and the combined efforts of Long Gully Neighbourhood Community Centre and Amicus. More updates about this project to come. Peter Fountain.

Community Inclusion Facilitator

Thanks Rodilesa and well done Simon.

News from the Community Inclusion Facilitator

Would you like to try out different kinds of work so you can choose

the right job for YOU?

Not sure where to start but would like to get things happening?

The Amicus Teen Works program could be just what you’re looking for.

It is free and open to young people with a disability aged 15-17

years old who don’t have an Individual Support Package and live in

or near Bendigo.

Call the Amicus office number – 5441 2666.

Ask to speak to Shayne Scott or Caralyn Collins about the Teen Works

program

We will: 1. Listen to your ideas about work and find out what you enjoy doing. 2. Help you to choose what kinds of work might be best for you. 3. Contact businesses and find a place for you to work. 4. Visit the workplace with you so you can check it out for yourself. 5. Help you get organized and prepare for work. 6. Work out the best way for you get to and from work. 7. Talk with you and your boss about your job and what you will be doing. 8. Come with you to work to help you learn what to do and how to do it. 9. Stay in touch with you and your boss to help things run smoothly.

YES ?

Teen Works – Information for students