Staff matters October 27, 2017 - Issue 126 Week 16
The Afford Lifestyle - Moving Home!
In This Issue 1 The Afford Lifestyle – Moving Home!
2 Staff Profile UFC Gym Fantastics Archer Combat Sports On Target
3 Afford Reminder – Be a Safe Driver
Staff With Skills Reaping the Rewards
4 Afford Leading the Way It was an exciting time for eight residents of Cherrywood who finally moved into their new purpose-built, modern Afford Group Homes in Penrith last week.
Selfie Of the Week Have a Laugh
Jodie, John, Susie, Kim, Paul, Daniel, Carmen and Donna moved onto their new home in Penrith last week and are the second last group of residents from Cherrywood to move, with only six residents remaining. It was one of the biggest moves of clients from Cherrywood to the new group homes. Everything went smoothly with all homes already furnished with furniture that the clients had chosen. The ladies settled in well, cooking pancakes for breakfast on the weekend and relaxing after the big move. Donna was able to plan and cook a pork roast for the first evening meals to celebrate the group’s move. Over the past few months, Donna has been committed to losing weight and has already lost 10 kilos. We are sure with the focus of healthy eating and lifestyles at their new home, Donna, as well as other residents, will enjoy active and healthy lifestyles now and into the future. We look forward to hearing about the new independent lifestyles of residents in the months to come!
Let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au
Reminder Don’t forget to send your/clients’ achievements, good news stories and photos to CELEBRATE@afford.com.au
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October 27, 2017 - Issue 126
Staff Profile
UFC Gym Fantastics Every Thursday, Lurnea Lifestyle Centre goes to the UFC Gym at Wetherill Park to enjoy sessions that promote healthy activity and fun. There are a lot of things to do at the gym, such as using the bikes, rowing machines, weights, running, ropes and loads more. The main part of the gym program is the workout sessions for clients with a personal coach.
Pauline Harwood Lifestyle Style Assistant Afford Accommodation
Favourite Song: Don’t Stop Believing - Journey Favourite Movie: Norbit Favourite Hobbies: Crocheting and gardening. Favourite Foods: Chocolate If you could be an animal what would you be: One of my dogs, because they are spoilt. What is your dream holiday destination: Bora Bora If you had the power what would you change about the world: Poverty and violence in the world. What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: My husband sent me to Hawaii for a holiday. If you had to teach something what would you teach: How to be positive. Something no one knows about me: My real hair colour.
The coach teaches clients how to be safe while working out. He encourages everyone to push to the limits in a fun and supportive way, which is always valued and well received by everyone who takes part. Clients enjoy activities such as running and dragging tyre weights and compete against each other, with many likening it to a fitness boot camp. Participants encourage each other to push as hard as possible to reach their full potential. Everyone has lots of fun and bond with each other to make new friendships and help each other whenever needed.
Archer Combat Sports On Target Every Monday, Jamy Yates from Afford Lunea Lifestyle Centre attends archery sessions with friends and staff from the Centre at Archer Combat Sports in Leumeah.
To start the session, everyone has to warm up their muscles for a sport that requires strength and patience. Everyone has to follow all the rules and wear helmets and eye protection and Afford clients take safety very seriously. They understand that if they are not doing the right thing, they could be asked to leave and may have to pay a fine. Once everyone has warmed up, some go into the archery range and get to shoot at targets. Everyone takes turns using the bows and arrows with the ultimate goal to hit the floating balls from the targets. For a bit of fun, participants also get to use foam arrows to target each other. The arrows have foam tips so they are soft when they hit you. Jamy loves doing the archery! He says: “Archery is lots of fun and I am improving every week.”
let your abilities soar
www.afford.com.au
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October 27, 2017 - Issue 126
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Afford Reminder – Be a Safe Driver
Afford has provided regular training for staff members in the Drive to Survive Training program, to teach awareness and valuable lifesaving skills while on the road.
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Afford have invested in safe, comfortable and branded vans for clients and staff to enjoy. In return Afford staff are responsible for maintaining vehicles which includes keeping them clean and vans should be washed at least once a week. It is particularly important to remember that if you drive for work in a branded vehicle to keep safety in mind at all times. Keep the following tips in mind to protect yourself, as well as others. Stay Focused & Alert Anytime you’re behind the wheel, it’s important to keep your attention focused on the road. A lapse in attention, whether to adjust the radio or eat a snack, can cause an accident and injure you and other people on the road. Obey Road Rules & Limits Make sure you keep to the speed limit and obey all road laws. If you think you could benefit from more driver training, as an Employer of Choice Afford supports regular driver safety training courses. Stay Off Your Mobile Phone It’s tempting to multi-task when you’re behind the wheel, but mobile phones can cause accidents. Remember to use a Bluetooth hands free device if you want to stay connected in the car. Remember Road Etiquette – You represent Afford when driving a company car The way that you drive says everything about you and your company. Make a positive statement by following basic road etiquette and avoiding aggressive driving: • Keep your cool in traffic! • Be patient and courteous to other drivers. • Do not take other drivers’ actions personally • Reduce your stress by planning your route ahead of time (bring the maps and directions), allowing plenty of travel time, and avoiding crowded roadways and busy driving times. For more information and the full range of driver awareness programs provided at Eastern Creek Raceway visit http://www.drivetosurvive.com.
Staff With Skills Reaping the Rewards Afford attracts the best staff in the disability sector and as an Employer of Choice, Afford offer incentives for staff to push themselves further to provide clients with exceptional person-centred supports. Afford staff have the opportunity to earn an extra higher duties allowance per hour on top of their salary, to run exceptional programs for our clients. Albert Shelmon, NDIS Internal Support Co-Ordinator at Afford, has showcased his hidden talents and recently offered his photographic expertise to take photos at the Annual Afford Gala Ball. If you have qualifications in a particular field which may benefit Afford client, such as personal training, cooking or swimming, please contact Afford’s HR Team to find out if you qualify for the incentives program.
let your abilities soar
www.afford.com.au
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October 27, 2017 - Issue 126
Afford Leading the Way Over the past 12 months, Afford has continued to grow and expand into a leading disability service organisation that is renowned for providing person-centred supports with a wholeof-life approach.
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At Afford, we value the efforts of each and every staff member because we know we have the best staff in the sector. Our strong and supportive culture is what drives Afford’s success. We have strong camaraderie and a supportive work environment that encourages personal and professional development to make sure that we are up-to-date with the latest industry information, standards and procedures. We are all aware and recognise the risks and challenges we face, but by not letting them rule us we are able to find safe and creative means of achieving goals that benefit our clients and the organisation as a whole. We must be diligent. As the changes to the NDIS place more focus on individual supports and choice for clients, we must continue to lead the pack and be at the forefront of providing exceptional services to attract more clients. To be successful we need growth, change and profit. Afford staff are the heart beat of the organisation and through honest and transparent practices we know we can continue to be the best disability organisation servicing people living with disability across Sydney and beyond. Lead by example and continue to showcase exactly why Afford is the best in the industry!
fl iweeek
Have a laugh
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In the Selfie Above: This is a digital artwork that TTW client, Taylor Murray, has done for Halloween. Great talent!
Please send in your selfies
let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au