Community

Community Afford Lifestyle Centres

Each of our Lifestyle Centres help people with disability every day 10 live a fulfilling life through a range of interactive activities, socialising with others and engaging with the community. We’re here to offer you new life experiences and provide the highest standard of care to suit your needs and interests.

What we have achieved:

Lifestyle Centres have grown income by 25% - welcoming over 100 new clients

Client exits from Lifestyle Centres decreased by 45%

We have opened new Lifestyle Centres in Belmore, Oran Park, Narellan, Eschol Park, Rouse Hill and Lurnea

Lifestyle Centres were profitable at the bottom line for the first time

Here are improvements that some of our Lifestyle Centres have made to benefit clients:

Ashfield Lifestyle Centre has welcomed a new ceiling hoist for client personal care. They have also included several plants in their sensory garden as well as outdoor furniture for use during social gatherings.

Belmore: Opening of new site offers modern facilities with spacious communal areas for new programs such as bike riding, aqua aerobics and Zumba classes. Now one of Afford’s main ‘service hubs’.

Campbelltown Lifestyle Centre clients let their talents shine in the JAM-PACT (Performing Arts Community Team) end of year concert at Campbelltown Civic Centre. They have also created a new raised garden bed. The site was a finalist in the Campbelltown Local Business Awards.

Canley Vale Lifestyle Centre is one of our all-encompassing ‘service hubs’, offering a range of specialised activities, health and fitness opportunities, state-of-the-art sensory services and social connections for clients across Western Sydney.

Chipping Norton Lifestyle Centre has increased client supports with a new van hoist and a new pergola to enjoy the outdoors and garden. A Ladies Day Program has been established for female clients to develop their skills in hair, nails and make up.

Green Valley Lifestyle Centre is focussed on healthy lifestyles with new outdoor sporting equipment and a new smart TV with Wii console for multi-purpose activities. A third wheelchair hoist van allows clients in wheelchairs to access the community more regularly.

Guildford Lifestyle Centre has enhanced manual handling practices with a ceiling hoist in the main bathroom. New sporting equipment promotes active lifestyles and teamwork and a new karaoke program promotes self-confidence, singing/rhythm skills and social skills.

Kings Park Lifestyle Centre has listened to its client’s interests and developed three new programs including Hydro Therapy, a personal development program to drive independent living skills, and a woodwork program.

Lurnea Lifestyle Centre is offering greater client access with the purchase of a wheelchair hoist van. New table tennis equipment is offered to promote active lifestyles and teamwork, and a new art and craft program is helping to encourage imagination and creativity.

Mt Druitt Lifestyle Centre has transformed the backyard into a fun, inviting and relaxing environment. The veggie garden has had a makeover with new vegetables planted. The mystery path has created more opportunities for movement. A new large chalkboard has made numeracy and literacy more enticing, more engaging and more fun.

Jamy’s Journey

Charismatic and kind, you can’t go past having a good chat with Jamy from Lurnea Lifestyle Centre about what he loves about being a part of Afford.

Jamy joined Lurnea Lifestyle Centre five years ago after he had a taste of what Afford could offer during work experience when in high school. He is a friendly, fun-loving young man who is the first to jump in and raise spirits if someone is feeling down.

“I LIKE MAKING PEOPLE CHEER UP. THE BEST THING IS THE FRIENDS HERE. THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE AND WE HAVE FUN. I LIKE IT HERE BECAUSE I CAN STAY AS LONG AS I WANT.”

Joining Afford straight after leaving school, Jamy finds that aside from being close to his home where he lives with his mum, Lurnea Lifestyle Centre offers him many opportunities to develop his skills and learn.

“WE TAKE TURNS TO CUTTING FOOD AND WE’VE MADE LASAGNE, PIZZA, HOT DOGS FOR LUNCH. AFFORD STAFF MADE GARLIC BUTTER WITH ME.”

Among the many activities that Jamy takes part in, such as sailing, dancing, rock climbing at Tick Tocks, gym and cooking, Jamy is also working on his communication and money skills and taking part in travel training. He hopes that by taking part in these activities and programs that he will be more confident in his own abilities to be more independent with everyday tasks.

“I’M NOT VERY CONFIDENT DOING SOME THINGS, BUT AFFORD HAS HELPED ME TO GET BETTER AND LEARN MORE.”

Working with his Team Leaders at Lurnea Lifestyle Centre, Jamy has a personal goal of developing his literacy and numeracy abilities, so he regularly visits the local library during group outings to listen to books and engage with others in the community.

With his competitive spirit, Jamy was the ideal team member to join the Afford Lurnea soccer team. The team boasts an undefeated record and playing in the team is one of the highlights of Jamy’s time at the centre.

“I LOVE TO COMPETE AND MEET OTHER PEOPLE AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS. I MEET OLD FRIENDS TOO.”

Community Support

Just like birds fly in a ‘V’ formation to help every member of the flock during migration, we’re here to be the wind under your wings to help you soar. If you need support to get out into the community - no matter where it is across Sydney - we can work with you to make it happen.

What we have achieved:

We have launched Club Afford to get more than 120 clients involved in activities to help their health and fitness We launched ‘Afford Getaways’ with over 100 clients visiting Disneyland, Gold Coast, Darwin and enjoying a number of cruises Our vehicles have travelled more than 1.5 million kilometres to transport clients in and around the community We are supporting more clients to get out and about in the community We have helped clients run errands, visit family or friends or simply get out of the house - we’re here to help We have supported many people to enjoy safe engagement with the community

Flexible SupportDrop-in support

Choose when, where and how you want support. It’s your choice and we’re here to help.

What we have achieved:

We offer more choice about how and when to use our services We have provided NDIS pre-planning workshops for clients, families/carers We are dedicated to being your PARTNER through the NDIS We give you choice about what is right for you and we will make it work You may not always need us around, so our Lifestyle Assistants can just drop-in to give you a helping hand for shopping, during meal times or just to keep a routine.

What we have achieved:

We help many people each month retain their independence by providing drop-in support We have a focus on providing support when and where it’s needed We offer a holistic service for whole-of-life approach

Carer Support

Each of our clients is our number one priority. But we realise that to have happy clients, we need happy families and carers. We have established an engaging, supportive and fun Carer’s Program where challenges and triumphs can be shared, questions can be asked and connections can be made.

What we have achieved:

We launched our ‘Afford Carers’ Programs with numerous fun events for carers including Harbour Cruises, Paddle Steamer cruises and themed restaurant dinners

Over the past year, our Carers Program has experienced rapid growth and established a range of comprehensive and integral programs that create a safe, fun and nourishing atmosphere for carers

We employed a full-time ‘Carer Coordinator’ with over 15 years’ experience in the disability sector, in addition to being a carer herself

Established a rewarding relationship with Carers NSW: their ‘Carer Welling Therapeutic Groups’ were very successful, strategically operating in the Inner West, South West and Western Sydney

We are committed to carer-centred celebrations and events including the ‘Over the Rainbow’ Gala Ball, Afford’s ‘Carers Getaway’ the Nepean Belle cruise, and an assortment of one-off functions coordinated by the Carer’s events team

Increased communication and transparency with our carers through the: ‘Carer Connections’ Newsletter, Carer NSW Forums and Surveys Development and facilitation of over 30 internal and external support groups in conjunction with Carers NSW’s ‘Together Program’

Community connections through Commonwealth Carers Respite Centres

Providing funding for emergency respite and support for our Carers in challenging situations

Afford goes above and beyond to support our clients, taking a holistic approach to assist families and Carers maintain the best service possible for our clients - whether it’s therapeutic groups, forums, or an evening out

14 carers from Green Valley Lifestyle Centre enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant and discussed the NDIS. Carers who had been through the NDIA process shared their stories and encouraged each other to be prepared. Within the of carers group, was a NDIA planner, who shared her passion for the NDIA as an employee but more importantly as a Carer

In June, 23 Afford carers from South West Sydney participated in a joint project with Commonwealth Carers Respite Centre where they were able to go out for dinner and enjoy the rock spectacular ‘We Will Rock You!’. While the carers were enjoying their well deserved evening, their children were being accommodated by our caring team at St Marys Respite House

Transition to Retirement

Moving out of the workforce - where you have friends, a routine and activity - can be a bit daunting for some. Our Transition to Retirement (TTR) program has helped 73 participants find purpose and social connections to prepare for life after work.

What we have achieved:

Since TTR commenced, 73 people have joined the program

We recently had 8 people leave the program due to successful transition into retirement

TTR participant, Dennis Ryan, was nominated by Garden Care as their Individual Volunteer Award Recipient

TTR participant, Kenny Richards, has become successfully involved in community activities such as keeping the local museum clean and tidy, joining a fishing group, and painting wooden toys and then gifting them to children at the Nepean Hospital (children’s ward) TTR participant, Lynette Campbell-Cowie was in the Fairfield Advance for her efforts volunteering in the local community

Our Transition to Retirement Program offers a wholeof-life approach for disability services.

Our person-centred approach means that you can trust us to connect you with a community group or activity that will help you make new friends and learn new skills after leaving the workforce

From the moment you join our flock, we will spread our wings to carry you right through to retirement with our supportive Transition to Retirement program.

Laurie’s Journey

Charming and ready to help, Laurie has found activities that he loves and that offer him purpose and friendship outside of the workforce.

Laurie feels right at home among the garden beds as he carefully plants seedlings into their pots at the Hawkesbury Community Nursery in Windsor.

Laurie has worked at the Afford Minchinbury Australian Disability Enterprise for some years where he completes packing tasks. He is always one of the first to lend a hand if someone needs help on the factory floor. But as he begins transitioning into retirement, he is looking forward to keeping active and contributing to the community.

Working with his Transition to Retirement (TTR) consultant, Laurie has trialled a variety of community volunteers groups before realising that his interests lie out in the garden. Living at the Afford Group Homes in Penrith, Laurie, with his friend Graeme, catch a train and bus to get to the nursery each Wednesday.

He chats casually with the other ten or so volunteers at the nursery who have welcomed him into the group and enjoys nurturing different plant varieties.

“I DO LOTS OF PLANTS HERE. I PUT TREES IN POTS. I USED TO HELP MY FATHER IN THE GARDEN AS WELL BECAUSE I’M GOOD AT IT. IT KEEPS ME ON MY TOES AND OUT OF MISCHIEF. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE HOW FARMS DO THEIR GARDENING.”

Singing has also become one of Laurie’s passions after he was introduced to the Senior Citizens choir group through the TTR program. He has taken part in a range of performances with the choir - singing for the local preschool, At the Afford Christmas Lunch and performing at the Senior Citizen Centre as part of the choir, as well as in a Christmas play. With the choir, Laurie also attends day trips to clubs for lunch where his favourite meals are fish and chips or a healthy salad.

“THEY SAID THEY WERE LOOKING FOR ANOTHER SIGNER AND I SAID ‘I’LL GIVE IT A GO’. I LIKE SINGING LOUD - MY VOICE GOES HIGHER. I’VE MADE LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS. MY FRIENDS FROM THE CHOIR GAVE ME NEW SHEETS FOR MY NEW BED WHEN I MOVED INTO MY GROUP HOME. THEY ALSO GAVE ME ORNAMENTS.”

Laurie has developed greater confidence and independence by extending his social networks through the TTR program. Moving into retirement, he now has meaningful activities outside of his workplace that suit his interests and that he enjoys.