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Carers update March 2022 Edition 47
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Things happening in March
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Bring your picnic and rug to Queens Park, Moonee Ponds on Sunday 27 March, 12 - 4pm to celebrate Neighbour Day.
Bring your neighbours who are Carers along to meet with Valley Carers, Carers Victoria and MVCC's Support for Carers Officer (Kelly) will be there on the day in a tent especially for Carers - there will be massage available!
Neighbour Day is Australia's annual celebration of community and connection with those living in your neighbourhood.
2022 is the 20th anniversary of Neighbour Day - this year's theme is - build the community you want to live in. Come celebrate with your neighbours!
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Do you know someone who hasn’t had their COVID-19 Vaccine?
Moonee Valley now has a Targeted Vaccination Program.
If you or someone you know has not been able to access the vaccine, Moonee Valley City Council are here to help.
A free personalised and confidential service is being offered until Sunday, 15 May 2022.
Optional features include:
- Access to specialist counselling support
- Transport to and from a vaccination appointment
- In-home vaccination
- Presence of a therapy dog to help ease anxiety during vaccination
For more information or to make a booking, please contact Nerida Fearnley-Gill (Targeted Vaccination Program Project Co-ordinator) on 0439 561 363 or nfearnley-gill@mvcc.vic.gov.au
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Association for Children with a Disability is an organisation run by families of children with disability in Victoria. ACD runs over 100 FREE workshops across Victoria each year.
Please view the event website to view current events or view resources including About Me Student Profile, Education Support planner and I am going back to school story to share. Contact via email at mail@acd.org.au or phone 9880 7000.
Understanding how to access NDIS, early intervention, specialists, therapists and other services can feel confusing. This workshop will give your information and confidence to better support your child.
Various dates available in March. Make a Booking
For more information see ACD website or refer to ACD flyer
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Library on the Move at Strathmore
Moonee Valley Libraries has a brand-new location, and it’s on wheels.
We’ll be popping up on Woodland Street in Strathmore every Tuesday morning to showcase all our library offerings. There will be a borrowing collection, Seed Swap, tech help drop-ins and more!
Strathmore Neighbourhood, Woodland Street, South Side
Weekly on Tuesdays, 9am–12pm
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Royal Commission ‘deeply concerned’ about impact of Omicron
The Royal Commission is deeply concerned about the impact of the Omicron wave of COVID-19 on the safety and wellbeing of people with disability. And we’d like to hear directly from people with disability about their experiences.
In a statement of ongoing concern released last week, Chair of the Royal Commission the Hon Ronald Sackville AO QC said ‘the pandemic continues to expose the underlying inequities, discrimination and exclusion that people with disability experience in the delivery of fundamental services and supports’.
Advocacy groups and key organisations have also expressed acute fears for people with disability in relation to health care, disability support and the vaccine rollout.
We will release an issues paper on the topic in March highlighting a range of key concerns including:
- the de-prioritisation of people with disability and lack of regard for their health and wellbeing during the pandemic
- access to vaccinations and boosters for people with disability and disability support workers
- lack of equipment (rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, PPE) and support for effective infection prevention and control, including lack of accessible testing tools and public health information
- severe disruptions to disability services and essential supports due to furloughing of staff.
We encourage people with disability, their families and support workers who have been impacted by the Omicron wave to contact us to share their experiences.
People can make a submission or apply for a private session. And once released, we will invite responses to the issues paper. Stay tuned for more details.
Visit our website for more information on our Statement of ongoing concern.
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NDIS Self Management Survey
Self Management provides much flexibility provides much flexibility! The NDIS invites all participants and their nominees to complete a short survey. Survey closes 5pm on Monday 14th March, 2022. Complete Survey here.
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Valley Carers - Together, we care.
Do you provide unpaid support to a family member or friend with a disability, psychosocial or medical condition, complex needs or ageing? The role of the Carer can be stressful and lonely. it's important for the Carer to be cared for as well.
We are Valley Carers - a friendly support group with lived expereince of the caring role, understanding how difficult it can be. in partnership with Moonee Valley Council, we share information and resources, and offer wellbeing activities to enable you to connect with other people who understand the complexities of our lives. we aim to create a sense of community amongst Carers, so you don't feel alone. Together, we care.
To join our mailing list, please send us an email: valleycarers@gmail.com
Like our FaceBook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/valleycarers
Call Lisa for more information: 0409 949 948
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New Carers Group
Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre
The Group will involve social outings, morning teas, information about Carer support and Group discussions.
When: Thursdays 10am - 12 noon, during school terms only
Where: 28 Farnham Street, Flemington 3031
For more information contact Cathy Connop, Centre Manager on tel. 9376 9088 and e. cathy@fsnlc.net
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Community Grants - Moonee Valley City Council
The MVCC Biannual Grants are open until Tuesday, 15 March at 5pm. These grants will be for projects starting from July 2022. You can read more about eligible Biannual Grants projects in our Grants Guidelines.
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Ongoing Carers Program Activities
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Moonee Valley Caring for Carers with Carers Victoria bring you
Active Pathways Monthly Walking Group
Keep active and up to date with information by joining our monthly walk by the Maribyrnong River.
The next session is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 12 April 2022, @9.15 for a 9.30am start.
We are now in person with our walk and brunch at The Boathouse. There will be two groups walking - one that walks 2kms return at a slower pace, and one that does a 4km loop across two bridges.
Please RSVP via Eventbrite
For any queries please email us or phone 9243 8781.
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The Lab
The Lab Program is a technology and social skills club for young people aged 10 to 25 years on the autism spectrum. The Lab offers mentoring in programming, 3D digital design and gaming, as well as the chance to meet others with similar interests.
Term 1 sessions are on Tuesday (Niddrie), Wednesday (Avondale Heights) and Saturday (Moonee Ponds) 2022, ending Saturday 9 April, 2022.
The Lab continues to run on weekends adjacent to public holidays including this coming Saturday 12 March - see you in the Library!
For more information please contact Kelly on tel. 9243 8781 or email: Carers@mvcc.vic.gov.au
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Caring for Carers
Health & Well-being Exercise Classes
Practice self care and join our FREE exercise classes.
Chair Yoga & Meditation 9:30am Wednesdays via Zoom (Recording also distributed). Classes have now recommenced and will remain on-line due to popular request.
Relax-ercising Thursdays 6-7pm in person. Classes have now resumed at the Kellaway Avenue Neighbourhood Centre, Moonee Ponds. The focus for classes throughout March is on Pilates.
To register please email us or phone 9243 8781.
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Moonee Valley Caring for Carers Social Club
Valley Carers hosted last month's Carer Social Club - the group meet on the last Friday of each month and engage in a variety of activities and events.
The first Carers Social Club dinner for 2022 was a great success! We enjoyed a meal at Green Bamboo restaurant in Niddrie, and enjoyed the company and conversation even more!
Pictured are: Henry, Helen, Dora, Carol, John and Andrew.
The Carers Social Club enables time out from our busy, demanding routines in the company of people with similar experiences. We understand the challenges of daily life and share information and ideas. And there’s nothing wrong with good food and good company to put smiles on faces - as you can tell by the photo!
The next event is scheduled:
Time: 12 noon - 4pm
When: Sunday 27 March 2022
Location: Moonee Valley Neighbours' Day Picnic! Queens Park, Moonee Ponds
BYO: Picnic blanket, food, sun cream, hat, etc.
To RSVP and for more information on the Carers Social Club and upcoming events please contact Kelly on tel. 9243 8781 or email: Carers@mvcc.vic.gov.au
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Would you like to join the Disability Advisory Committee?
The Moonee Valley Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) provides Council with a forum to consult with community members and seek specialist advice around disability.
The DAC is comprised of a selection of people with disabilities, their family or Carers, who represent a cross section of the local community and reside in different geographic locations across Moonee Valley.
The purpose of the DAC is to:
- Provide advice to Council on issues relating to disability access, inclusion, communication, participation and advocacy.
- Identify issues affecting people with a disability, and advocate, and promote an awareness and understanding of these within Council and the community.
- Support and advise Council on the development and implementation of the Moonee Valley City Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2014-2023.
- Provide staff with support and advice around the operational aspects of disability service delivery, future initiatives and overarching actions plans that relate to people with disability and our MV2040 strategy.
Community members are encourage to contact the DAC directly should they have any issues relating to access or inclusion, or suggestions around how to make Moonee Valley a more inclusive space for all community members.
To find out more about joining the DAC including the Terms of Reference, or to contact the DAC with a local issue, email at mooneevalleyDAC@gmail.com or tel. Metro Access Officer on 9243 1405.
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The A List
This is the place where young autistic people can search for autism friendly activities and connect with like-minded people with similar interests. Try a new hobby or explore your interests further. Connect with a peer mentor. Find your passion. Get social. For more information see website or call 1300 288 898
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Changing the Landscape
Changing the landscape is Our Watch and Women with Disabilities Victoria’s national, evidence-based resource to guide the prevention of violence against women and girls with disabilities.
This resource names ableism and gender inequality as the two consistent, intersecting drivers of violence against women and girls with disabilities. It sets out the actions that must be taken to address these drivers and stop this violence before it starts. It points to the many stakeholders that need to take action – from individuals to communities, schools and workplaces, to disability and health services, and governments. It makes clear that we all have a role to play in preventing this violence.
To learn more and to download resources visit Our Watch.
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What is a Carer Statement?
This is a one-page statement about your daily life and the informal support you provide to your child with disability.
It should describe your role ‘above and beyond’ parenting a similar aged child without disability.
It can form part of the Emergency Care Plan you have in place for those times when you may not be able to support your young person.
To learn more visit Association for Children with Disability
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The Raise our Voices program aims to develop self-advocacy skills for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with lived experienced of disability.
Run by Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria, Raise Our Voices:
• Raises awareness about what self-advocacy means.
• Delivers Self-advocacy awareness training in CALD communities
• supports CALD peer-led groups activities to support and empower people with disability, their carers and their families
ECCV is delivering the Raise Our Voices program across metropolitan Melbourne, Shepparton and Gippsland, collaborating with Migrant Resource Centre North West, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton & District and Gippsland Multicultural Services.
What is self-advocacy?
• making sure you feel heard
• explaining your feelings, thoughts and asking for what you want
• being able to ask for help when you need it
Contact us today to get your voice heard.
This is a free service.
For further information or visit our website or contact ECCV project officer Youssif Assafiri on 0466 448 315 or email yassafiri@eccv.org.au.
Raise our Voices is funded by the Australian Department of Social Services.
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Using AI to remove accessibility barriers
Universal Design Australia have published a collection of articles to better understand how Artificial Intelligence can assist with removing accessibility barriers. One example shows the team from Global AI discussing how using AI to remove accessibility barriers can help people with cognitive impairments understand content better.
Discover more about accessibility in the ICT and Universal Design section of the Universal Design Australia website.
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Accessible websites need accessible content
Creating accessible websites is the first step. But accessible websites need accessible content too. If your Word or PDF documents end up on a website, will they be accessible? Read more at Universal Design Australia .
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Making Online spaces accessible
Online meetings have benefits and drawbacks and not everyone needs the same features. For example, having video on helps people to lip read and see facial expressions. But some people with neurodiverse conditions find video distracting.
Find out more at Universal Design Australia
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Downsizing? But where to?
The biggest barrier to downsizing is finding a suitable home in the right location. Many empty nesters just want a smaller home and yard.
In the future, people living in Victoria, ACT, Queensland, NT and Tasmania will have the benefit of universal design features in new homes. However, the NSW, WA and SA governments have decided that this important change to the building code isn’t necessary. To keep up to date on the latest, follow the ANUHD website and join their network of supporters. The 2022 edition of the National Construction code will have the updated design features.
To read more visit Universal Design Australia.
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Are you a Pensioner Concession Card and Health Care Card holder?
If you answered yes, you may be able to access a FREE Home Energy Audits. Council is offering free Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessments. At the end of the Scorecard assessment you will receive a list of recommendations to make your home more energy efficient. You may also be able to receive a $200 Financial Supplement to implement one or more of the recommendations provided from the Scorecard assessment.
For more information and to apply visit Council's Free Energy Audit
or call Brendan McDonagh (Principal Sustainability Officer) on tel.
9243 1073 for assistance.
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Would you like to be a Sustainability Champion?
The Sustainability Champions program is a capacity building program for Moonee Valley residents who are keen to work with their community to help create a more sustainable city.
The program aims to:
- empower people who live, work or study in Moonee Valley with the confidence and skills to advocate for change and develop and implement local community projects.
- connect local people together who are passionate about the environment and their community
The expectations and requirements of participants are to:
- Undertake 10 training sessions (total of 20 hours on Thursday evenings), designed to develop community project management skills
- Develop a community project proposal
- Adhere to the programs confidentiality and disclosure agreement as well as treating information with sensitivity
The program starts with an optional meet and greet on 22 April 2022. Training sessions commence 5 May 2022.
To submit an Expression of Interest by COB Friday 11 March 2022.
For further information contact Laura Geoghegan, Senior Sustainability Officer on tel. 9243 8888 or e. environment@mvcc.vic.gov.au
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Helpful COVID-19 Vaccination Resources
Staff in the Moonee Valley Libraries are available to assist people with Vax Status Certificates. There are also resources below:
Video tutorial: https://youtu.be/Gp5R6H48uSY
Step by step guide: https://libraries.mvcc.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/FLYER-Tech-Quick-Guide.pdf
Medical exemption help: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaxproof
Vaccination at Home for those who have circumstances that make it challenging to leave the home. Your Disability Liaison Officer can also assist with this service (see next item).
Information for People with Disability COVID-19
COVID-19 Easy Read fact sheets
COVID-19 Social scripts Amaze, in partnership with National Disability Services, have developed social scripts that outlines the process of getting a COVID-19 vaccination to autistic people. Autistic people may find the process of getting the vaccination stressful. These social scripts provide autistic people with an opportunity to prepare themselves for their vaccination and reduce anxiety. View:
Going to the GP to get my Covid-19 vaccine
Going to a vaccination Centre to get my Covid-19 vaccine
COVID-19 Information in AUSLAN
Valid can help you get vaccinated! People with intellectual disabilities are more likely to contract, get very sick and die from COVID-19. You can get support to get vaccinated in whatever way works best for you. Contact Sarah at Valid on email sarah@valid.org.au or phone 0407 008 859 NEW!
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Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub
This cohealth program aims to provide wellbeing support with an understanding of how difficult the COVID situation is for many people in our community, from all walks of life. Our support is short term. We come from a space of “how can we help you today?” and support you to get there.
cohealth’s specialist team of Mental Health Wellbeing Coaches and Peer Mental Health Wellbeing Coaches will be available through face to face, outreach, via phone or Telehealth, whatever suits the person best.
People don’t need a Medicare card to be able to access the services, it is free and accessible to everyone (0+).
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Team are based at:
Kensington (12 Gower St Kensington ) Monday-Friday 9-5pm
"Walk In" times:
Monday – 10am – 4pm
Tuesday – 10am – 4pm
Melton (195-209 Barries Road Melton) Monday & Tuesday 9-5pm
"Walk In" times:
Monday – 10am – 4pm
Tuesday – 10am – 1pm
Sunshine (Suite 9 No 2 Devonshire Road Sunshine)Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9-5pm
"Walk In" times:
Wednesday – 10am – 4pm
Thursday – 10am – 4pm
For more information contact Partners in Wellbeing on 1300 375 330
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Disability Liaison Officer - Assistance to access Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Disability Liaison Officers support people with a disability, their families and carers to utilise hospital services and access the support, care and treatment they need.
The service has a strong focus on making sure people with a disability can access screening and treatment for COVID-19 and can also help with access to non-COVID-19 services directly or indirectly impacted by the health emergency.
The DLO can:
- help book a COVID-19 vaccination
- help organise group bookings for service providers or groups of people with disability
- provide advice to vaccine and testing sites on how to improve access for people with a disability
- help you get a vaccination if you’re not able to attend a vaccination centre.
Western Health Service
Disability Liaison Officer Service operates 7 days a week.
Tel: Amanda 0434 954 083 or Daniela 0435 208 209 and email: disabilityliaison@wh.org.au
The DLO Service at these sites operates Monday - Friday, excluding Public Holidays.
Royal Melbourne Hospital:
Tel. 0468 567 553 and email: disabilityliaison@mh.org.au
Royal Children's Hospital:
Tel. 0466 248 397 and email: disability.liaison@rch.org.au
Royal Women's Hospital:
Tel. 0466 248 397 and email: disability.liaison@thewomens.org.au
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre:
Tel: 0466 248 397 and email: disabilityliaison@petermac.org
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Carers Gateway
Are you a new carer? Or need to access information and resources? Carers Gateway is a valuable platform to get you started. Visit the website now. |
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Carers Victoria
Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for family Carers, representing and providing support to Carers in Victoria. Find out more about their services by visiting their website or Tel. 1800 514 845 |
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