september 2015 - Carer Wellness Centre

A
delaide Hills &
Alexandrina Areas
JEFF HOFFMANS SPEECH AT THE
SEPTEMBER 2015
Woodside Office
39 Onkaparinga Valley
Road
Woodside 5244
TEL: 8389 7383
FAX: 8389 7437
Email:
info@carerslinkah.org
www.carerwellness.org
Strathalbyn Office
Open: Tues, Wed, Thu.
7 Catherine Street
Strathalbyn 5255
TEL: 8549 1299
Carer Wellness Centre
OP Shop has its own
Facebook page.
Anyone can view this
page, you don't need a FB
account to see what’s
happening at
The Centre!
FREE BBQ
For registered Carers
Second Friday
every Month
12-2pm
In our Courtyard
20TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
FROM LITTLE THINGS BIG THINGS GROW
LITTLE THINGS:
In the early 1990s three women
in the Barossa were working in 3
organisations, CHAP, Tanunda
Lutheran Homes and Disability
SA (was Options Coordination).
These ladies Karen Tyler, Kathryn
Fuller and Henriette Norde were
employed to provide services to
people who were aged or
disabled. They all noticed that
their Carers too need support,
and so each of them established
their own support groups for
Carers. In actual fact they were
not employed to do so, however
they knew Carers needed it and
‘went out of their way’ to
provide the support, this was just
‘a little thing’.
It was a round this time an
organization in Adelaide called
“Carer Support” had been
government funded to support
Carers in the city. This prompted
Karen and Kathryn, with the
support of other service providers to apply for funds for Carer
Support services in the Barossa.
Country Home Advocacy Project
(CHAP) managed by Karen was
the auspice. The application was
successful for an ongoing grant
of $130,000 per year. After this,
Karen was appointed as the first
Coordinator (Manager) and
established a Carer Advisory
Committee to guide the new
organization, Carers’ Link.
Our first day of operation was on
the 4th September 1995.
The Advisory Committee, made
up of mainly Carers eventually
became the Carers’ Link Board
that directed Karen Fuller to stay
focused on providing services
that “Carers want”.
Under Kathryn’s guidance the
Objectives of Carers’ Link were
documented in the Constitution.
Following that, the local Carer
Support Model was developed
that embraced Carer needs, and
spawned more Carer Support
Groups, Carer Days out, Carer
Respite and Retreats, Carer
Education and community information sessions all flowing from
the Carer Centre established at
Schild House on the St Petri
Lutheran Church’s premises in
Nuriootpa.
Continued page 2….
Continued from front page……
Carers’ Link worked closely with other services to
ensure the ‘cared for’ also had services and in late
1998 won Respite Services for Carers of people
with Dementia and soon after Respite for
Employed Carers. A few years later services to
people with disabilities began and more
Independent Contractors were engaged to deliver
these services. Many of those Contractors are still
engaged today to care for “our people”.
NOW FOR THE BIG THINGS:
Since then we have developed Carer Support
services on the Yorke Peninsula in Kadina and
Yorketown in 1999, and in 2010 in Woodside and
Strathalbyn.
Our income for 2014/15 is now over $4 million
dollars, a significant increase over 20 years! We
have 41 staff who really understand the value of
“listening to Carers” and following through on
what Carers want or request.
We now own our own Carer Centre in Nuriootpa
that provides facilities for Carers to meet and
receive counselling, education and information.
Some need assistance with understanding Aged
Care Packages, or for younger families,
information on the new National Disability
Scheme. Young Carers too have activities and
education times provided.
Throughout the last 20 years our values remain
the same, “putting Carers and their families first”.
Our ‘motto’ from 20 years ago still rings true:
We now have over 1,700 Carers registered with us
across 3 rural regions, run over 40 Carer Support
Groups, 3 Op Shops, and are assisted by hundreds
of Volunteers. Each week we provide over 600
hours of Carer Support and over 1,000 hours of in
home support, personal care and respite for
people who are frail aged or have a disability.
These services could not happen without the help
of over 120 Independent Contractors who work in
people’s homes and in the community.
“The role of Carers’ Link is to support Carers
individually and collectively to balance their
caring role equally between their own needs and
those of the person they care for”
I would like to thank all past Board Members
whose names are listed in the 20th Birthday
Celebration Booklet, the hundreds of Volunteers
who have served tirelessly over the years. Carers
and their families who have supported us and the
staff who have served Carers with compassion
and understanding.
Jeffrey Hoffman Chairperson
THANK YOU!
The 5C’s raise money by collecting
Recyclable 10c containers!
This Community Group has not only
raised funds for the Centre, but is
continually helping to really raise the
profile of Carers in the Community.
FORGET ME KNOTS GROUP AT MONARTO ZOO
Thank you SO much 5Cs!
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Carer Pamper Day
Woodside Memorial Hall
Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside
11am—4pm
Wednesday 14th October 2015
Nurture yourself with good food,
good company and good experiences
There will be many therapies to choose from
see enclosed booking sheet
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL.
PROGRAM AND PERSONAL BOOKING FORM
INLCUDED WITH THIS NEWSLETTER
The Hut Carer Support Group
Join us at the Hut for an afternoon of fun activities while enjoying the company of other Carers and
volunteers.
The Hut Carer Support group is run in partnership with the Carer Wellness Centre and is a great
place to relax, laugh, eat delicious food and chat with others.
Date: 4th Wednesday of every month Time: 1.30 -3.30pm
Address: 1 Euston Road, Aldgate, 5154
For more information contact Fiona on 8389 7383 or The Hut on 8339 4400
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Carer’s Mystery
Indulgence Day
Monday 12th October 2015
RSVP by Monday 21st September
via signed form and payment
Mount Barker District Council in association with the Carer
Wellness Centre Adelaide Hills, Strathalbyn and Districts,
is pleased to invite you to our annual Carer’s Week
Celebration. Destination unknown, come along and enjoy
the day and the company of other Carers. Relax and enjoy
the Spring weather.
Depart:
9.00am
From Mount Barker Home Maker Centre, 6 Dutton Road
Bus leaves from car park adjacent BCF (Unlimited parking in centre
rows of car park)
Returning:
3.30pm approx.
1 person per registration form. Available from Carer Wellness Centre Woodside and
Mount Barker Council
Cost of $20.00 payable by 21st September 2015
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Reclink Fishing Day!
For any Carers who may be interested in a day out fishing!
Reclink have a day trip planned for Tuesday 1st December.
Cost is $5.00 for transport, lunch is included.
Destination will be decided closer to the date depending on weather forecast etc. Bookings are essential. Call Andy on 0408 808 533
Join us on the next LIGHTNING GROUP OUTING Wednesday 16th September for a browse around
the lovely gardens of Carrick Hill and morning tea in the café. We will tour the house and then
lunch at the Torrens Arms Hotel in Mitcham.
Come and enjoy the company of other Carers and Carees.
Contact the office on 8389 7383 to book.
Our Mission
The Carer Wellness Centre, is auspiced by
Carers’ Link, Barossa and Districts Incorporated.
The Mission Statement for Carers’ Link is:
Scrappin’ Good Company
in partnership with
Carer Wellness Centre invites you to
“Tomorrow’s Treasures” - Woodside
Scrapbooking workshop
Second Tuesday of the month
10am—1pm
Tue 13th Oct and Tue 10th Nov
OR
Third Monday of the month
12 noon—3pm.
Mon 19th Oct and Mon 16th Nov
$10 for 3 hours just bring along your
album and your photos.
The role of Carers’ Link is to support
Carers individually and collectively, to
balance their caring role equally
between their own needs and those of
the person they care for.
‘Carers’
Link Barossa and
districts Inc. has successfully
achieved accreditation at
Certificate Level of the
Service Excellence Program’
To book call 8389 7383
Address supplied on booking
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MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP
THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER
Lutheran Church Hall
THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER
Guided tour of Carrick Hill House & Garden followed by
lunch at Burnside Library and a look around
Burnside Shopping Centre. Cost $5 Departing Woodside at
10.00am.
Please phone Lynda to book on 8389 7383.
THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER
Lutheran Church Hall- Afternoon tea and photos from Meggs and
Peter’s trip overseas.
THURSDAY 17TH DECEMBER
Christmas lunch – Charleston Hotel
It is so nice to see the blossoms on the trees bursting open. Spring is upon us and I am sure we all
cannot wait until we feel the warmth of the sun.
Winter seems to have been long and very cold and has taken its toll on people’s mental health and
wellbeing. Hopefully we can dust off those cob webs and get into some activities.
The mental health support group has been down on numbers and we have missed many of you who
have not been able to attend. It has not been particularly inviting to come out in the cold.
The Wallis cinema day with lunch was nice and a great time to be inside in the warmth. We enjoyed a
lovely lunch at Auchendarroch House followed by a very light hearted, somewhat teenage movie, and
then coffee and cake to follow.
A few Carers tried their hand at some art therapy and discovered some hidden talents and shared parts
of their caring journey story. These stories were extremely moving and portrayed many of the
difficulties and adversity faced by Carers of people with mental illness.
At the last group get together Judy Hardy from the Private Mental Health Consumer Carer Network
Australia, came to consult with our carers to gain insight into carers experiences of services, to assist in
the development of a new resource” A practical Guide for Working with Carers of People with a Mental
Illness. Our Carers had many experiences to share and hopefully we will see these reflected in the
resource in the future.
Together with Uniting Communities we are looking to develop a mental health carer support group in
Mount Barker. If you would be interested in this please phone and let us know.
We are pleased to announce that Neami Partners in Recovery staff will be providing in-reach services at
our Woodside office on alternate Wednesdays from 1.00 to 5.00 and also on our barbecue days which is
the 2nd Friday of each month. If you would like to come and talk about services that may be helpful to
the person you care for please feel free to drop in. Staff will also be available at other times to be
announced. Please phone Lynda on 8389 7383 for details.
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KALEIDOSCOPE GROUP—AUG
We had Jill and Lia join us in August with Sand Play / therapy. Sand Play is a therapy to reflect on past
experiences as well as present emotions and behaviour. Understanding the past often allows us to move
forward and plan for the future. It was a relaxing morning and we enjoyed lunch afterwards at Our Place
Café In Mount Barker.
KALEIDOSCOPE GROUP
SEPTEMBER: A very relaxing morning where we enjoyed some Foot Reflexology with Anne and massage
with Nayda. Thanks to Anne and Nayda for this session. Everyone left feeling extremely relaxed and
pampered! We had a delicious lunch afterwards at Our Place Cafe.
OCTOBER: No formal group meeting due to our Carer Pamper Day on Wednesday 14th October
NOVEMBER 3rd : Melbourne Cup morning tea/Lunch—more details later.
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1-11 September 2015
Best kept secret in the Hills!
10am-4pm Monday-Friday
(Espresso Coffee Thurs & Fri’s)
39 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside
The Courtyard was once again transformed into a winter wonderland
for the whole family at Christmas in July. There was a great line up
of hits performed by the legendary Barry Hall, with Janelle Robinson,
Dave Verral and India Gautier, along with fabulous prizes, bargains,
face painting, and scrumptious goodies for all. New this year; the
Rotary Club of Mt Barker, was a huge crowd pleaser, with hot donuts.
A HUGE THANKYOU to all the volunteers who helped make the day
another success for Carers.
www.facebook.com/communitycourtyard
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CARING & SHARING—2ND SEPTEMBER COMEDY CAPERS
Fun and laughter was the order of the day for Carers at September Caring and Sharing group.
Everybody had fun watching classic comedy acts like Mr Bean, The Two Ronnies, Dave Allen, Dara O’Brien
and Adam Hills. There were also some fun games which gave much amusement at Jacqui and Jenny’s expense! We also had a couple of team activities which involved members showing off their dressing and
modelling skills. As you can see from the photo these skills are pretty good.
COMING EVENTS:
GADABOUTS
OCTOBER—No outing this
month due to Carer Pamper
Day Wednesday 14th October.
NOVEMBER—Tour of Sacred
Gardens, St Paul’s Monastery
and visit to Carrick Hill Garden
(not the house).
Successful Ageing Seminar
Unisa City West Campus
Friday 25th September 2-4pm Final seminar for the year
Topic: Indigenous Medicines from traditional Medicinal Plants and Complimentary medicine.
Includes discussion on Anti Cancer medicines from plants.
Please join us and enjoy the company of other Carers, while gaining knowledge about the First Australians.
Contact the office to book your place on 8389 7383
This is a free event, afternoon tea included.
Bus leaves the Woodside office at 12.30pm
Let justice prevail!!
A group of Carers and volunteers
having fun in the Old Willunga
Courthouse after morning tea at
Bracegirdles in McLaren Vale and a
delicious lunch at the Old Bush Inn .
Go Day Trippers!
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MOUNT BARKER LIONS COMMUNITY ASSIST GROUP
Our group is an independent group backed by the Lions Club of Mount Barker and was started in
2013. For the past 2 years we have made Carolyn’s Chemo Caps for the Royal Adelaide, Calvary
and Flinders Private Hospitals oncology wards.
Our aim at present is helping children in crisis. We knit or crochet trauma teddies and make
quillows (looks like a pillow but unfolds to be used as a rug). The trauma teddies and quillows are
donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, Families SA and Anglicare Star Bear group (who
assist children between the ages of 5-12 who are grieving the death of a parent, sibling or other
significant person).
We have people attending our group who are interested in sewing, knitting or crocheting or just
willing to help pack the finished articles. Most IMPORTANTLY we have FUN and enjoy a good
chat and morning tea while we work for people in crisis.
We meet on the 4th Thursday of every month 9am—11.30am in the meeting room of the Nairne
Railway Station and welcome anyone who would like to help. If you would like to assist but are unable to attend our monthly workshop we can organise someone to pick up what you have made.
We can supply wool, pattern etc.
If you would like to know more about the group contact:
Colleen on 8391 2325 or 0428 604 274
Yvonne on 8391 3808
Pattern also available from Carer Wellness
Woodside
Centre
FORGET ME KNOTS
MONARTO ZOO—AUGUST
I must say the weather was pretty good to us this
day. It rained on the way there and on the way back,
but it didn’t rain while at the zoo (must have been
Eileen’s sun dance that did the trick before we left!).
Monarto Zoo is a fantastic place to visit, comfortable
buses with knowledgeable tour guides, wild animals
in their natural setting, lunch amongst friends—what
more could you want for a day out?
Merv’s new best friend!
Upcoming Events for “Forget Me Knots” - September/October/November
September 24th—We are having a tour of the beautiful St. Peter’s Cathedral in Adelaide, followed by lunch at the
Cathedral hotel and a quick visit to the Cathedral Op Shop!
October 22nd—We are lucky enough to have a private tour of the open garden scheme “Pine Park” in Mount
Torrens which includes morning tea and lunch in Birdwood afterwards.
November 26th—Ever wanted to go on a mystery shopping trip? Well now is your chance. This trip is on a few
Carers wish list and will entail numerous stops across the hills to find those this knick-knacks and gifts for Christmas or something just for yourself.
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